Boracay - are the rapid changes in the span of 10 years sustainable?

~ Text & Photos by Aireen Navarro ~

Boracay......the Philippines' most famous island paradise, is known for its powdery white sand beaches and pool-like waters. Its tourism history has been a combination of ups and downs but in terms of tourism infrastructure & events development, it continues to slope upwards.

The 1970s marked the slow tourism development of the island when a foreign film crew was said to have accidentally discovered its pristine beauty.....others adamantly maintain that it's thanks to the German traveller (Jens Peters) who received fantastic reviews on his travel book that jumpstarted tourism development..... but it was still the country's best-kept secret back then. The 1980s saw backpackers, mostly Europeans, arriving in 'droves' on the island - adding it as one of their 'must-visit' islands in Southeast Asia. Then, is a span of 10 years during the 1990s - the island has been rapidly transformed into one of the world's best beaches.....this continued on to the point of degrading the island and its surroundings as a result of overcrowding......

I first set foot on this island way back in March 1999. Time flies indeed! It seems like yesterday when college was all about exams and research trips. My 'excuse' for going to Boracay was for a 'Convention Management Class.' The convention location's set on this island, that 10 years ago, was already troubled with 'acculturation' positive and negative issues and 'carrying capacity' problems. One of these problems is the poor sewage management on the island --- given all the tourists coming in, how did the island dispose of its waste? That was a huge issue......Have you heard of the island's sewage problem that for a time, scared a lot of tourists? The 'Secretary of the Philippine Department of Tourism' even went to such great lengths as to go there and swim in its waters -- a highly publicized trip to assuage fears of its dirty waters and an effort to bring back tourists. It all seemed such a long time ago.....

Comparing my photos, the island's 'skyline' and beach area (especially White Beach) have changed -- from palm-fringed wide beach areas, to a beach lined with bars, restos, beachfront cottages all crowding it....before, it used to be an island paradise.....but certain areas of the island have become 'seedy' due to overcrowding and overdevelopment....

Make no mistake though ----- the island has not lost its beauty. Sporting events/competitions are now held here annually. We're talking 'big-money' water/beach sports .....you name a water/beach sporting event, chances are, this sport is popular on the island!!! Among the prominent events are the 'Asian Windsurfing Tour,' 'Boracay International Funboard Cup,' 'Dragon Boat races,' 'Boracay Open Asian Beach Ultimate Tournament,' and the list goes on and on.....Take this, Boracay will even host the 2014 Asian Beach Games!!!

Aside from these big sporting events, the island is also a beach paradise for divers and snorkelers (yours truly included). Other adventure sports are also introduced -- you can now go parasailing, go on banana boat rides, ride the 'flyfish,' go quadbiking, take windsurfing/kiteboard surfing lessons, etc......

Of course, what's a popular island destination without a decent 'night scene'??? Boracay has become THE destination for parties, a place to see and be seen.....where concerts and product launches are held..... and infrstructure development continues on.....more resorts are scheduled to open in the next months and 'villas' are being sold as well....Hmmmm....I wonder if the island's sewage management improved as well?

Of the changes this island has undergone - it was a great move to stop all boats/bancas arrive/depart from White Beach. Have you heard of the 3 boat stations? Hey, these stations used to mark where a boat arrives/departs - dropping/picking up passengers. Now, Boat Stations 1, 2 & 3 are indicators of your resort's location.

If you want budget type accommodations --- Boat Station 3 is the place to be (of course there are a few posh resorts remaining in that area - they're among the first resorts on the island). But Boat Station 3's beach area is quite crowded and small. The quality of its 'sand' is coarser, not as fine as other parts of White Beach.

If you want to be at the 'heart of the party' - head to Boat Station 2 resorts. It can get noisy though and a bit seedy if you're the type who wants to have your privacy and some peace & quiet (your definition of vacation).

If you're this type of traveler, Boat Station 1 is the place for you! That's where most of the island's exclusive & expensive resorts are located.

Another great change on the island - the popularization of the 'paraws' - it replaced the passenger boats on the beaches of Boracay. These 'paraws' are now part of the island's 'landscape' together with 'Willy's Rock.'

Don't just spend all your time on White Beach. Explore the island's surrounding areas - go chill out on Puka Beach....

.....Hang out on Crocodile Island and Crystal Cove......

.....go around the island on a 'paraw'......

.....go snorkeling.....

.....and maybe challenge your creativity and outdo the ubiquitous sandcastles on the beach???

Tsk...Tsk....Tsk....One thing for sure - I will never get tired of going to this island whenever I have a chance!!! ..........even if the rapid changes on the island are not sustainable???.......hmmmm......