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Boracay Island, 350 kilometers south of Manila, and less than 400 km northwest of Cebu, is the top tourist beach destination of the Philippines. The tropical island is situated at the North-Western tip of Panay Island, which itself is part of Region VI. With its dozens of beaches and coves and the almost four kilometre long White Beach it’s a perfect place for tropical dream vacation. The island is not only stunning beaches, but also a microcosm of many people from all over the world and a microcosm of different lifestyles. Nowhere outside Manila and Cebu lives such a variety of people and cultures side by side.
The dumbbell-like shaped island of Boracay is seven kilometers long and has a land area of 1,050 hectares with a fluctuating population of 20,000. The island is divided into three barangays (villages) namely: Yapak in the hilly north, Balabag in the center and hilly Manoc-Manoc in the south. These three villages and another 14 on the mainland form the municipality of Malay, which is part of the province of Aklan.
History
Aklan is the oldest province in the Philippines, organized in 1213 by settlers from Borneo, as the Minuro it Akean to include what is now Capiz. It became an independent province when President Magsaysay signed into law on April 25, 1956, Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan from Capiz. Aklan was inaugurated as an independent province on November 8, 1956. The capital of Akean changed several times. Towards the end of the 14th century Datu Dinagandan moved the capital from the present Batan, which was captured in 1399 by Chinese adventurers under Kalantiaw, who forthwith ruled Aklan. In 1433, the son of Kalantiaw III laid down a written code of laws now known as the Code of Kalantiaw. The short-lived Kalantiaw dynasty ended when Kalantiaw III was slain in a duel with Datu Manduyog, legitimate successor to Datu Dinagandan. When Manduyog became the new ruler, he moved the capital to Bakan (ancient name of Banga) in 1437. Several datus succeeded Manduyog and when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi landed in Batan in 1565, Datu Kabanyag was ruling Aklan from what is now the town of Libacao.
Valuable Infos
Money Matters:
Three commercial banks and an Express banking center service the island of Boracay. The commercial banks have ATM machines and more ATM machines are installed at various central places throughout the island. There are also several Western Union outlets, an LBC and Air21 outlets, which offer money-transfers within the Philippines and also abroad. All major credit cards are widely accepted and the Tourist Center offers cash advance for credit cards. Banks follow the banking hours from Monday till Friday from 9 AM till 4 PM.
Internet Media:
Boracay Island has several companies offering internet access with boradband capability. There are also many WiFi Hotspots and a dozen or more internet cafés. Two providers offer Cable TV with up to 100 channels. Almost all resorts and hotels have broadband internet connections and/or WiFi and cable TV in their rooms.
Electricity:
Boracays electricity is relatively stable with sometimes blackouts (called ‘brownouts’) and sometimes low voltage in the evenings, particularly at peak season. Most establishments have back-up generators. Voltage is 220 Volt with 60 cycles. Plugs follow the US standard. Adapter plugs allowing use of European standard plugs are available in the island and in all big malls in the major cities.
Medical Services:
Basic medical services are available on the island at the Boracay Island hospital and several private clinics. At least a dozen drugstores serve the island. Treatment for more serious illnesses is recommended at the well equipped hospitals in Kalibo, Iloilo, Cebu and Manila.
Safety / Security:
As long common sense is used, there should be no problem with safety and security. For example: Don't leave your things unattended, be it at the beach or in a restaurant or bar; drink bottled water, which is available everywhere; use the safety deposit boxes of the resort for valuables and carry cash for the day only; look at the food and the restaurant, especially when eating fresh seafood or meat. Most of the safety / security problems on the island are: petty theft, drunken brawls and digestive problems.
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