Seoul Searching: Boracay with Mum

Not everybody has the chance to experience paradise so I'm thrilled that I've been lucky enough to experience it twice. I'm talking about the magnificent island of Boracay. As part of my mum's trip over to see me we decided it would be nice to go on a little holiday together somewhere nice and hot for a break away from the dreadfully cold Korean winter. And where better than the beautiful little Filipino island of Boracay?!

I went there for the first time after my first six months in Korea, in February 2011 and I had a wonderful time. Afterwards, my mum saw the photos and suggested that we go there together on our trip. And of course, I didn't need any convincing! And I doubt anyone else would either!

It really is one of my favourite places, if not my MOST favourite place, in the world. The island is really small and can only be reached by boat. And I think that has a lot to do with the feel of the place. It makes it feel so remote. So far flung. So tropical. And the main beach, White Beach, (well it says it in the name doesn't it?!) is just out of this world. I've never been on a more beautiful beach in my life. And it's not just that's it's beautiful, it's absolutely perfect too. The pure white sand stays really cool despite the hot temperatures meaning you can walk on it freely without footwear and without looking like a completely lemon doing that runny jump type movement (you know what I mean, right? We've all been there!) down to the sea. Also the clear blue sea is just incredible with barely any waves. And my favourite thing is, something I'm particularly fussy about when it comes to beaches, the fact you can walk straight into the water without having to destroy your feet walking over loads of rocks and shells and other debris. It's just so simple and easy and perfect. One of those places you just wish you could stay forever.

Everything else about Boracay is perfect in my opinion too. The middle part of the island is so narrow that you could walk from one coast to the the other in a very short time. Maybe 15/20 minutes. Possibly less. The main road goes through the middle and this is where the vehicles stay meaning no cars or traffic anywhere near the beach, making it all the more beautiful. All the bars and restaurants are situated along the beach so it's so relaxing to stroll along at night, the sand beneath you feet, the breeze (that's another great thing! It's hot, as I like it, during the day then much cooler with a nice breeze at night! PERFECT!) in your hair while deciding on a place to eat. And there are loads of great places! A good variety too! And while Boracay is one of the priciest places in the Philippines, it's still very reasonable. On average we paid about P400-P500 per meal each night which is around £6/£7. And this was for good food in nice restaurants right on the beach. Expensive by Filipino standards but extremely cheap by Western standards.

Boracay is also great in that it really does cater for everyone. It's got quite the reputation as a party island which it definitely lives up to with all of its bars and clubs and young backpacking traveller types but it's also a great place for older people or families too (there were certainly more families there on my second visit. Don't think I saw a single child the first time! Bliss!) The two times I've been have been in very different contexts; the first a budget, backpacking type trip with friends and the second a more luxury holiday with my mum. And I've had a fantastic time both times proving it's a great island whatever your situation! It is somewhat touristy but the beach is quiet and relaxed during the day and but then comes alive in the evenings. Once again, a perfect combination.