Pictures of white sand beaches, strips of classy restaurant and hotels, massage offerings, etcetera fill the mind of a traveler when the word “Boracay” is mentioned. Everyone seems to have memorized the shops you see from Stations 1 to 3. I mean who doesn’t now the famous D-Mall, Willy’s Rock and Summer Place- names that yuppies seem to include in their conversations even while at office. Why not? It’s cool to be in Boracay.

Trivia: Station 1-3 are called that way because back “when the sands were sugar-white and bats ruled the sky” in Boracay (1980 up till the early 90’s) these are Boat Stations, were locals park their outriggers from a day of fishing. How I wish I was able to visit the famed island during those times.

Anyway, I would like to share some spots that can be visited in a day; unfrequented mainly because tourists are concentrated on Stations 1-3. Warning on the last spot, dude!

Puka Shell Beach. I go here after waking up late because of too much partying the night before. This could have been the nearest look of Boracay White Beach in the 80’s. My fave spot in the whole island as this is a bit far from the hotels. Eco Village takes care of this beach and no one is allowed to build a structure. I love this as I can just spread my blanket and just lay below the coconut tree not minding the time.

Take your shirts off and have some tanlines. Your sandals, carry it? A leisurely walk would might tempt you to visit the nearby Carabao Island (already a part of Romblon). Don’t worry about getting sands in your nails, as you can always have your nails made when you’re back at home. Today your feet wants the coarse sand and little shells.

If you are really bothered, you can bring some comfy shoes while having a nice beach walk.

Puka Beach untouched, (located at the northern part of the island, see topmost image)

Take get back to Station 2 by noon to have some lunch and then you go to…

Mt. Luho. I first saw this while having my training run last year at the outskirts of the island. Just about 10minutes of hike on the eastern part, near Bulabog beach where kite surfers congregate. The upper deck has 360° view payoff, a must for every visitor as this is the highest elevation in the island. You can also see a mini-zoo here, although I’m not a fan of this because I want this poor creatures to be free in the wild.

Entrance fee: Php50

Bulabog beach as seen from Mt.Luho (can be found on the eastern side, Brgy. Balabag)

Just below this hill, walk about a mile and you will see

The Dumpsite (or what they call as Municipal Recycling Facility). As a traveler, I am very wary of those who doesn’t take care of the environment and trash their garbage in any place they wanted. For those who love Boracay, you should take a look at the dumpsite at Brgy.Balabag. Here goes all the trash, plastics we bring. It’s like a mini-Payatas where scavengers abound. Not really a tourist spot, but an eye-opener.

Boracay Dumpsite, this is where all our trashes go (located at Brgy. Balabag). Photo credit: C. Tan

I just thought that this would somehow bring back conscience to the frequent visitors. Let’s not wait until all of the island looks like this.

Go back to the white beach and maybe try skimboarding, this is a fusion of surfing & skateboarding. Just for a few bucks and get some dose of adrenaline when you get to learn riding it.

Must be hungry for dinner already, have some carbs and don’t end the day within chillin’ at Bombom Bar (Reggae and Acoustic Music) or if you are into partying, go to Summer Place or Club Paraw (party starts at 12mn).

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Besides what other Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ shared for this 5^th edition of Blog Carnival on the “Best One Day Itineraries,” I offer you my untouristy itinerary in the renowned white sands of Boracay.

Special thanks to Travel Photographer Karlo de Leon of4AM Chronicles, http://www.karlodl.com. You can also click the blog carnival logo to view the past editions, I tell you all are must-read.