Have to be honest, we all have mixed feelings about Boracay’s recent closure and rehabilitation – some of us ecstatic, some of us not. The Boracay we all got accustomed to is far different from the Boracay it is now. Join me as I explore the new Boracay – some side of it – with Cocoloco Boracay Beach Resort.
A small island on the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region, Boracay is well known for its white beaches, also famous for being one of the world’s top tourist destinations for quality rest and relaxation. Boracay was awarded ‘best island in the world’ in 2012 by the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure and ‘best island in the world’ in 2014 by Conde Nast Traveler. In 2016, Boracay topped the magazine’s ‘top 10 destinations to watch’.
The island is comprised of three barangays, namely: Manoc Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak in the municipality of Malay in Aklan Province. It is administered by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority in the provincial government of Aklan. In April 2018, however, the Philippine Government decreed a six-month closure for major renovation in terms of sewage system, and to address the island’s need for environmental rehabilitation. It was considered the darkest time for local business owners as all operations were stopped. On the other hand, the island reopened in October 2018 and this time, it has a new set of rules for strict compliance. It also led to the creation of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force – Executive Order No 53 dated May 2018.
Amidst all the issues, Boracay was returned to its former glory days.
Boracay is well known for its white beaches, also famous for being one of the world’s top tourist destinations for quality rest and relaxation. It was awarded as ‘best island in the world’ in 2012 by the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure and ‘best island in the world’ in 2014 by Conde Nast Traveler. In 2016, Boracay topped the magazine’s ‘top 10 destinations to watch’.
I also had a chance to explore the rehabilitated Boracay. As of date, the island is still recovering and with more construction underway. I could write more about Boracay but have to say I was enchanted by our accommodation I had to write about it. Cocoloco Boracay Beach Resort is one of the best resorts I have been to. It is an eight-minute drive from Cagban Port; approximately a two-hour drive from the Kalibo International Airport.
Cocoloco, prior to becoming a resort, started as a bar in 1979. It then expanded into a restaurant. And then into a resort. Cocoloco, as of date, is considered an ‘eco-friendly hotel’. To be labeled as such, the hotel must use less plastic, must recycle, and be, in general, environmentally responsible. Cocoloco is known for its use of ‘driftwood’ – recycling it into chairs, tables, and decorative pieces that accentuate the hotel’s island vibe.
Cocoloco offers six different room types – Standard Room (balcony garden view), Deluxe Room (balcony garden view), Superior Room (balcony garden view), Junior Suite Room (balcony garden view), Superior (balcony garden view), Superior (balcony sea view), and Superior (partial sea view). The rooms vary in floor space but all are assured of the soothing atmosphere. Room features include air conditioning, seating area, flat-screen television with satellite/cable channels, attached bathroom with a hot and cold shower, towels, toiletries, and free WiFi connection at the reception, lounge, and bar and restaurant.
The rooms vary in floor space but all are assured of the soothing atmosphere. Room features include air conditioning, seating area, flat-screen television with satellite/cable channels, attached bathroom with a hot and cold shower, towels, toiletries, and free WiFi connection at the reception, lounge, and bar and restaurant.
My favorite breakfast choice at Cocoloco Bar and Restaurant
All I can say is, I had a great time at Boracay. Cocoloco Boracay Beach Resort is located at Station 3 – Angol, Manoc Manoc, Boracay Island. For more information, visit www.cocolocoboracay.com or call (036) 272 4260 or email cocoloco@cocolocoboracay.com. Get amazing discount when you book online.
