Top 10

If you think there is nothing else to do in Boracay but soak up, get that tan and admire the view, think again. It wouldn’t be one of the most popular beaches in the world just for that. There’s more to Bora and here they are:

1) Diving. The underwater world of Boracay is particularly interesting because of its rich marine life which is highly visible against the pure, white sand. Diving and snorkelling gear are available at the many diving centers on the island. Or you can always bring your own.

2) Parasailing. Fly high over the island and watch the beach speed past below you as you go parasailing. Enjoy the view from the top as you are being pulled along by a speeding boat far below.

3) Wind surfing. Boracay has recently become famous as one of the world’s prime windsurfing venues. The annual Boracay International Funboard Cup is held every January or February. Boards can be hired on the island.

4) Trekking. Check out the Dead Forest located in the southern part of the island. Here you will find dead trees with their silhouettes jutting eerily into the landscape in a frighteningly, fascinating way.

5) Spelunking. If that didn’t scare you enough, head to the north east coast of Yapak to see the bat caves. This is the home of small cave bats and giant fruit bats (also known as flying foxes). But you can always wait for the sunset as hundreds of bats take their nocturnal flight passing the beach.

6) Horseback riding. There are stables located near White Beach for horseback riding. Riders are advised to stay on inland paths and not the beaches. Riding lessons are also available.

7) Visit the Kar-Tir Shell Museum and the Butterfly Garden. Located at the village of Ilig-Illigan, Kar-Tir features an interesting collection of sea shells, wood carvings and pottery. While the Butterfly Garden, located on the other side of the island, in Bulabog, features over a hundred species of butterflies.

8) Food trip. Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, German, American and Italian -- those are just the nationalities of tourists coming here. The food choices in the island are as diverse as the visiting tourists making the possibilities for food tripping, endless. There is always something for your every whim and craving.

9) Loving the nightlife. With a beer in hand, you can dance in the sand under the stars or in one of the island’s numerous bars and clubs. And if this scene seems too rowdy for you, a more peaceful and probably, a more romantic alternative, is a stroll along the beach.

10) Glorious massage. Whether it be the ‘manangs’ on the beach, the licensed blind masseuers, or the therapists in your hotel, after doing all those activities, a massage is a perfect way to end the day