Opened Boracay Island Activities that you can enjoy now!

Boracay Island is no doubt, still one of the must-visit places in the Philippines! Despite the pandemic, its beauty offers a sweet escape from those who are tired of their everyday routine and just simply wants to unwind in paradise.

Aside from the wide selection of accommodations, Boracay Island is also known for the activities that will surely not leave you bored during your vacation. You can simply soak up the sun at the White Beach or start a new hobby from the different water activities they offer! Boracay Island was even dubbed as “The Island that Never Sleeps” because of its roaring nightlife. However, since the rehabilitation of the island, the activities were reduced but that doesn’t mean that can no longer enjoy here Boracay, right?

As Boracay Island once again re-opens to tourists, the activities in the island also now resume but comes with stringent health and safety measures to ensure that tourists will have a safe trip while having a good time! Check out below activities:

 

DINING

Dining together is a good way to create a special bond with your friends and family. So, when you’re in a vacation it’s a good thing to spend lunch or dinner in a nice restaurant.

As of the moment, there are few restaurants that are now open with minimum public health standards in place in Boracay Island. Although not all are now open, there are still some that is sure to satisfy your palate. Among the restaurants you’ll find are Lemoni Cafe and Restaurant and Aloha Boracay Island Grill which offers dine-in, take-out, and deliveries.

When in Station 1, you can also check out Jony’s Beach Resort that offers fruit shakes and Mexican food and Obama Grill Boracay which is a casual dining restaurant that specializes Filipino Cuisines. In Station 2, there is Globy Bar & Restaurant that serves different local and international meals (Brazil, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia & Morocco) and Red Coconut Beach Restaurant where you can sip a tropical drink and munch on delectable meals.

 

When dining in, some restaurants may require you to log in or scan your QR code for contact tracing and get your temperature checked as part of their health and safety measures. Don’t forget to sanitize your hands with alcohol and practice social distancing as well. It is also recommended if you could use contactless payment options.

 

 

WATER SPORTS

Your Boracay Island trip will not be complete until you try various water activities! This island also a favorite destination for tourists who want to quench their thirst for adrenaline rush!

Different water sports are now allowed at reduced capacity and subject to health and safety protocols. To name a few, below are some of the water activities that you can now try:

• Parasail
• Jetski
• Banana Boat
• Helmet Diving
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling (For tourists who want to snorkel, they must bring their own snorkeling equipment.)

Watch more below: 

SWIMMING

If you’re tired of the water activities and just wants to leisurely swim by the beach, that’s okay! Tourists are now allowed to swim by the beach as long as they, of course, follow the health and safety measure.

Now, there are certain designated beach stations where you can swim. Before going to the water, you’ll need to provide your personal details and have your temperature checked. You can swim in the marked areas between red and yellow flags from 6am to 6pm.

Below are the temporary designated areas for swimming:

• White House (Station 1)
• Willy's Rock (Station 1)
• Elizalde Compound (Station 1)
• D'Mall (Station 2)
• Mandarin Hotel (Station 2)
• La Carmela (Station 2)
• Paradise Garden Resort and Convention Center (Station 3)
• Puka Beach (Barangay Yapak)

 

After months-long lockdown, who wouldn’t be excited to go out and travel, right? Although the threat of COVID-19 is still there, we, as tourists, must always follow health and safety protocols set by the government. We know you’re excited to head to Boracay Island and enjoy the time of your lives but make sure to check out first below reminders:

 

TOURIST REMINDERS

1. Don’t travel if you’re feeling under the weather

Protect your health and the well-being of others. If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, sore throat, difficulty breathing, etc.), please rebook your trip and consult a doctor.

2. Get tested only in licensed labs

Ensure that you are getting your RT-PCR Tests in accredited laboratories

3. Keep your tourist QR code with you at all times

Have a printed copy on hand or digital copy in your smartphone. The QR Code will be used in accessing services in Boracay Island

4. No face mask + No face shield = No Ride for all PUVs

Keep your safety gear on and observe proper physical distancing. Only a maximum of two (2) passengers on tricycles and a maximum of four (4) passengers on e-trikes are allowed.

5. Visitors Allowed

Tourists from all ages with no underlying health conditions or comorbidities coming from areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

 

6. Pre-travel Requirements

• Health Declaration Card available at touristboracay.com
• Negative RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours prior to their departure date
• Booking confirmation details for hotel/resort to be presented upon check-in and arrival

 

7. How to get Tourist QR Code?

1. Send an email to touristboracay@gmail.com with the subject format: OHDC-Family Name, First Name, then attach also the following documents:

• Health Declaration Card (HDC)
• RT-PCR Negative Result
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Valid ID

2. Wait for the email response. If approved, you’ll receive a copy of your HDC and Tourist QR Code.

*Multiple tourist documents can be sent in an email. Make sure to include listings of the names of the tourists.

 

8. What to bring in Boracay?

• Completed HDC and Tourists QR Code
• Negative RT – PCR result
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Proof of identification

*Travel conditions are subject to change without prior notice

Reference: https://philippines.travel/destinations/boracay

 

***

 

Did we miss something? Share us your thoughts by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63917-577-2546.

 

For other tours and travel needs, check out our website at www.islastory.com.

 

Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get updated with Philippines travels!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islastoryph/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IslaStory

Philippine Travel Update: Batangas is now open to Divers!

Calling out all diving enthusiasts! It is now time to take out your gears and dust it off as one of the premier diving destinations in the Philippines is now open!

Batangas is a province in Luzon popularly known for its great marine biodiversity. Even though the province is still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat announced the opening after signing the PCSSD Administrative Order No. 2020-001 or the Guidelines on the Operations of Dive Establishments under a Community Quarantine.

“Dive establishments in Batangas Province, insofar as the area is still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), are hereby determined to be permitted to accept guests for Recreational Diving, taking into consideration the general preparedness of the area and its impact on the tourism industry,” the tourism chief remarked.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved Resolution No. 78, which provides for the DOT to determine the destinations in GCQ areas where recreational diving may be allowed. Under IATF Resolution 78, dive establishments and resorts in specific areas under GCQ and Modified GCQ areas may accept guests from GCQ and Modified GCQ areas for recreational diving purpose. Prior to the IATF-EID Resolution, travel for the purpose of recreational diving was not allowed in between areas under GCQ and MGCQ.

 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also emphasized that the DOT remains optimistic yet cautious of the reopening of recreational diving.  

“We remain optimistic yet cautious of its reopening to recreational diving. We remind everyone to Test-Before-Travel and likewise reiterate that only those with a valid DOT and/or PCSSD Accreditation will be permitted to operate.” Puyat announced.

 

“While guests of all ages from GCQ and MGCQ areas are welcome, the activity is off-limits to those with comorbidities and currently pregnant,” she added.

Aside from your masks, fins, snorkels, regulators, and other gear, don’t forget to secure the following documents before heading to Batangas:

1. Medical Clearance
2. Negative RT-PCR result within 72 hours (3 days) before actual arrival
3. Confirmed Booking from the resort or hotel
4. Valid IDs

*Required documents are subject to change without prior notice.

 

 

DOT ACCREDITED DIVE SITES

Through its regional office for Region IV-ACALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), the DOT also provided a digital contact tracing application to the Mabini, Batangas local government unit (LGU) for a more efficient tracing measure. There are already 6 dive establishments and 2 liveaboards accredited by PCSSD in Region IV-A.

“The DOT accreditation certifies that the dive establishments are conforming to the minimum health and safety guidelines and are ready to accept guests again. We encourage the dive resorts and stakeholders to take advantage of the free and online DOT-accreditation platform at https://accreditation.tourism.gov.ph,” Puyat added.

 

GETTING TO BATANGAS

Just south of Manila and easily accessible by land and sea, Batangas has some of Luzon’s best dive sites, including Balayan Bay, Cathedral Rock, Beatrice Rock, Twin Rocks, and Mainit Muck.

 

If you have a private transfer from Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway. Travel time will is about 3-4 hours depending on the traffic. 

To lessen your worries, why not let us take you there, right? Let our friendly drivers drop you off you to Batangas with ease. Talk with us live on our website or chat us on our official Facebook page.

 

Here’s a preview of our diving escapade in Bauan, Batangas: 

Know more about Bauan, Batangas by checking out our blogs: Beneath Bauan: A Diving Experience or Bauan, Batangas: A Diver’s Haven in the South

 

Reference: Department of Tourism

 

***

 

Did we miss something? Share us your thoughts by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63917-577-2546.

 

For other tours and travel needs, check out our website at www.islastory.com.

 

Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get updated with Philippines travels!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islastoryph/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IslaStory

 

Philippine Travel Update: Ilocos Norte Re-opens to Luzon Tourists starting October 15, 2020!

Following Boracay Island, Ilocos Norte will start to re-open to local tourists on October 15, 2020!  

Paoay Church

“We’re elated with the decision of Governor Manotoc to finally welcome visitors from Luzon to Ilocos Norte, even those coming from areas that are still under general community quarantine (GCQ). The province’s success in managing the number of COVID-19 cases, not to mention an array of cultural sites, natural attractions, and fun activities make it really worth the long drive for people looking for a cure for their cabin fever," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said. 

 

All local tourists from Luzon including those from areas that are still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) will be allowed to visit Ilocos Norte as long as they provide a Negative RT-PCR Test Result within 48 hours before entry to the province. Local tourists are also reminded to wear masks, face shields, and always practice social distancing during their stay. 

Ilocos Norte Capitol

Currently, the province sets an initial target of 50 tourists per day in a bid to prevent COVID-19 spread. They also had issued a certificate of authority to 208 hotels and resorts in Ilocos Norte which are also regularly checked by the Regional Office for compliance with health and safety standards. 

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Check out below Frequently Asked Questions that will help you when planning your next vacation in Ilocos Norte:

 

1. Who are allowed to enter Ilocos Norte?

Travelers from Luzon area including those from areas that are still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

 

2. Is there an age limit when visiting Ilocos Norte?

There is no age limit however, tourists that are pregnant and has a high-risk health condition and comorbidities are not allowed to visit. Everyone are also require to take an RT-PCR test.

 

3. What are the requirements for travel?

Just like in Boracay Island, local tourists must accomplish the following requirements when visiting Ilocos Norte:

-       Tour Voucher with confirmed Accommodation Booking via accredited hotels/ resorts

-       Confirmed Tour Itinerary via accredited travel agencies / tour operators.

-       Negative RT-PCR Test / Antigen Test valid for 48 hours before travel. (You may schedule your Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival at the Pinili Visitor Center; payment for the test is shouldered by pax)

-       Medical Certificate

-       Travel Authority

-       Safe Pass QR Code

 

4. How to get Safe Pass QR Code?

First, you must pre-register your travel at ilocosnorte.ph. Then, request a SafePass entry account at request.safp.as or thru SafePass Portal via Facebook Messenger. Once done, don’t forget to save a digital or printed copy or your QR code since you will need to present this at the gateway checkpoints of the province, tourism establishments, and accessing other services while in Ilocos Norte.

Sandboarding at Paoay Sand Dunes

Once you’re all done with the requirements and now heading to Ilocos Norte, please be guided of the following guidelines upon arrival:

 

1. At Badoc Gateway, present your SafePass QR code to the personnel for scanning and travel documents and valid IDs. Then, head to Ilocos Norte Tourist Triage South at the Pinili Visitor Center which is only 8 minute drive away from the gateway.

 

2. Complete the triage by presenting again the SafePass QR Code, travel documents, and valid ID.

3. Once done and cleared, you may now proceed to your pre-booked accommodation. 

Check out below map for your reference: 

Photo source: Ilocos Norte Tourism

Once you’re in Ilocos Norte, make sure to follow your itinerary with the guidance of your travel operator or tour guide. Keep your QR Codes with you at all times and don’t forget to digitally check-in and check-out in all sites for easier contact tracing.

 

It’s not hard to see why Ilocos Norte became one of the must-visit destinations in the country. The province boasts with various attractions such as a stunning wind farm, panoramic ocean view, exciting sand dunes adventure, and architectural wonders that is sure to let you enjoy whatever your travel preference is! Now that they are slowly re-opening, many are sure to be looking forward to unwind yet we must always keep in mind to travel safely!

 

Reference:

Department of Tourism - Philippines

Ilocos Norte Tourism

 

 

***

 

Did we miss something? Share us your thoughts by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63917-577-2546.

 

For other tours and travel needs, check out our website at www.islastory.com.

 

Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get updated with Philippines travels!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islastoryph/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IslaStory