::Travel Journal:: Boracay, Philippines - The Prep

I first heard about Boracay, this beach island from a Filipina ex-colleague.  So after hitting the keywords into Google, I have marked this beautiful beach my next beach destination to go (following will be Hua Hin!).

Leveraging on the promo prices from Jetstar, we quickly booked the tickets to Manila, Philippines to depart in 1 month's time.

After some massive deliberation with our couple friends within the short 2-3 days, we decided to depart for Boracay via Kalibo (instead of Caticlan, which is nearer to Boracay).  *The tricky part is that to save $costs$ on domestic flight, we would have to spend more time on travelling - to take additional bus ride.  Hence the conclusion was to, save some $$ on flight and allocate more $$ on accommodation.  My rough, yet safe estimation would be a 12-hr journey (could be shorter) to get to Boracay from Singapore, with sufficient time allocated for transfer in b/w international & domestic flight terminal.  As such, with the travelling time wastage, we planned for a 5D4N trip to Boracay, so we could have at least 3-full days on the island.

Here are a list of my Top 10 things/items that you must bring for a beach getaway:
1.  Sunblock, with at least SPF 50++ --> You will need more than SPF 100++ if going out to the sea, or playing water sports.  A non-oily and non-sticky one is highly recommended.

2.  Bikini / Swim Wear - for the men, you can simply bring 1 or 2 pairs of swimming trunks, unless you don't mind wearing the same wet pair of trunks the following day.
For the ladies, you have to prepare enough sets of bikinis (est. 1 set for each day).  Cos' the weather is so hot, every gal on the island wears a bikini & walk around.  So don't get caught in any fashion disaster --> Floral prints are out, & plain luminous + frills bikinis are in!
3.  Sunglass / Visor / Shades
4.  Straw Hat - this could be your fashion statement, but if you don't have it, fret not!  For it can be bought easily along the beach, at a real cheap price (less than SGD10)!
5.  Moisturising Mask - especially when going to such tropical regions, or after being out under the sun a whole day.

6.  Beach Wear - travel light with beach wear that are light in weight, as well as dry fast materials.
7.  Slippers - So much easier to walk on the sand with slippers, you won't need any shoes at all (unless you are going for trekking, which I doubt so..). 
8.  Camera - a good & easy-to-use camera is essential! You don't want to miss out those beautiful scenery after taking all the trouble getting there! ;)
9.  Aloe Vera Gel - carry a small bottle (56g) will be enough, in case you get burnt under the sun.
10. Dry Bag - for wet clothes, or prevent water & sand from getting into your belongings (esp. handy if you are on a boat to do any water activities).

Can't wait to see the highly-rated White Beach and look forward to the blue skies, sunshine, white sand & hot bikini babes/hunks!