Magic Island and Puka Beach

 

Third day we went island hopping, but instead of renting the regular pump boats we used the traditional Paraw boat. It is different from the regular pump boats because it doesn't have any engine and it has a net attached from the canoe to the outrigger where guests can sit. This was supposed to be on our second day but there was a misunderstang with the person in charge so we looked for another one. Luckily my gorge friends @iambarbieanne and @lhenalbania found a local who bargained the island tour and paraw sailing for just 1,800 (Magic Island, Puka Beach and snorkelling near Diniwid Beach). It was a good deal already because we started the tour at around 2pm and we went back almost in time for sunset. That price was usually offered in the morning and during off peak. Good job skirts! 

 

This is what a Paraw Boat looks like. This actual boat won the Paraw Sailing competition in Iloilo last year and thats the same sail used for the competition. Clapclap!

About to board our boat. Photo grabbed from @iambarbieanne 

Secured the spot near the outrigger. 

@marvylicious and Bob

@ategabe

It was my second time to Paraw Sail but this one is borderline scary. Mainly because of the waves and the strong winds. You really need  to hold on tight or else you'll be washed away by the waves. It almost felt like drowning at some points. LOL! Now thats borderline exaggeration. Its a safe ride, you each have your own life vest if in case you get thrown away. Hehe. 

Entrance fee to Magic Island is P150

View of the island from the 10M jump off point. 

Unlimited cliff dive. 

Highest jump off point, about 10M high.

There's your life guard over there and you can also see Crystal Cove Island from this view point. 

@iambarbieanne

@butchwong1986

@marvylicious @iambarbieanne @butchwong1986 @lhenalbania and Bob were the only ones who braved the cliff dive.  Jealous! I can't find the courage to dive to a deep ocean water. Not to mention the waves were strong that time. Hopefully on my next trip I'd be able to do that. Fingers crossed.

This is the only store in Magic Island so it is best to bring your own food if you are on a tight budget.

Theres no extra fee to stay at any of their cottages.

Billiards and tables for guests. 

Love the idea of having a swing suspended in a big tree at the beach side. 

Selfie Swing

Our Paraw was drawn away to the shore because of the strong waves around. It took a while before they were able to get it back to the shore.

On our way to Puka Beach

The waves were even bigger as we sail to Puka Beach. Head strong sailor! This is what almost drowning looks like. Hehe.

They called this Puka Beach because of the Puka shells found in the beach.  

 

No traces of the green algaes or seeaweeds in the beach but the waves are big, especially in the afternoon. Its best to go here in the morning. This side of the island has no entrance fee and there are options for restaurants and souvenir shops around. You can actually hire a tricycle to get to this side of the island. The fare is around 100 pesos and travel time is 15-20mins.

This one of the photos that i took for @marvylicious and Bob. Prenup-ish. 

Before we head back to the white beach we stopped near Diniwid Beach to snorkel but we were too tired to get down to the water so instead we did a little photoshoot. 

Photoshoot with @ategabe

I couldn't see what my camera was capturing because the suns light was directly at me but luckily this came out good. 

These guys have been balancing the boat the entire afternoon. They kept us safe. Thank you!

Keepin it cool under the Boracay Sun👌

Honestly, im not a big fan of the island hopping in Boracay because the islands aren't really that amazing. It lacks that postcard status photo but they're good enough. You will still enjoy what the islands has to offer. I guess, ever since visiting El Nido last year my standard for island hopping has raised a notch. However, I would highly recommend that you try Paraw Sailing. Just a quality time in a boat, out in the ocean, and under the sun with your friends and family. Takes lots of photos and let the tan lines leave its mark. This will complete your Boracay experience, plus of course the Island Night Shindigs that i've been talking about. LOL.