Yanninks Tattoo Studio

Tattoos are now more acceptable in the society and more people are getting their body tattooed or as the popular lingo for it, “inked.” For so many personal reasons that may be, this form of body art has become mainstream. It is a transformation into one’s own personal canvas for statement, either artistic or counter-cultural of cool. Tattoo body art has been part of Filipino culture that dates back before the Spaniards came to the Philippine Islands in 1600’s. Boracay Island is one of the places that embraced this old age and rich tradition. We are proud to have such a number of talented tattoo artists around Boracay Island and one of them is Ryan Anthony Saltiga. He is also the owner of Yanninks Tattoo in Station 3 (refer to our Guidebook Map 3, F4), a highly reputable tattoo and piercings studio in Boracay Island. Yanninks have a clean and newly renovated modern studio and is housed with other gifted artists “Bebot” and “Ryan” who both work beside Mr. Saltiga. Some of his famous clients are Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, Arnel Pineda, the lead singer the band Journey and Hollywood actor Michael Madsen.

Ryan Anthony Saltiga, 32, was originally from Pagadian City in Mindanao and has moved to Iligan City for college. He then again moved to Cebu City to continue further his Civil Engineering course. While he was in college in Cebu City, Philippines, he has supported himself financially as a sideline artist and a singer in a band. He once did a back draft painting for a show and that is how he was discovered by a tattoo group of artists who then on hired him as an in-house artist in 2002. He also has apprenticed learning the works of a tattoo gun and has become a certified tattoo artist in 2004. He had never seen himself as a tattoo artist before that and the craft has come to him instead. Tattooing has now become his main passion. He always wanted to take upon Fine Arts in College but it was something that his parents had not approved at the time. He eventually dropped out of engineering school due to its high academic demand and pursued his passion in the arts, tattooing and music simultaneously. I would think that he had made the best choice, as now he is the proud owner of Yanninks Tattoo, one of the biggest tattoo studios in Boracay Island. His greatest muses are his wife, Jessica and his daughter, Leila. His favorite form is realism tattoo art and his works are inspired by some of his favorite famous artists; Tim Hendricks of Miami Ink and Joseph O of Singapore. He also goes to Switzerland and Paris around June to be a guest tattoo artist at some friends’ shops. You can catch Ryan and his band in Bombom Bar playing live music every night, as music is still his other passion.

Come and book with us and do not forget to meet Boracay Island’s very own celebrity. Or if you want to get “inked” yourself, why not from someone who will definitely do a great and professional job on your body; it’s only a life-long permanent decision.

Boracay's Bom-Bom Bar

If this is your first time to visit Boracay Island here in the Philippines, you would be curious to know which places are best to go and hang out with the locals. It’s an endless list; however there are some that really stands out and locals customarily go. During the summer time here in the Philippines, there will be a lot of bigger events (i.e. Big Fish and Marlboro Party) that will be held in Boracay Island and will be mentioned here in our blog area once official announcements are given. More chill-out spots to choose from will be featured in the following weeks. There is nothing more exciting in your vacation than meet people who know Boracay Island the way locals do. You may not just hear pirate stories and what local rum or beer that’s best to try, but might also hear a little about the Boracay Island politics on the side; like topics about disallowing famous fast food chains to open up in this little beautiful paradise.

Doz Mestizos

Dos Mestizos (refer to our Guidebook Map 3, E3) – is Boracay’s premier Spanish restaurant, offering a wide selection of authentic Tapas and featuring the best Paella in Boracay Island. Come on Saturday nights for all you can eat tapas for PHP 650 per person and enjoy Live Jazz and Blues music; starts at 6M. On Wednesday nights, come for Rockoustic Blues Experiment, starts at 8 PM featuring Stephen Lu as lead vocalist, Lenver on lead, Ryan on bass, Julian on beatbox and Ron on sax.

Red Pirates Pub

Red Pirates Pub (refer to our Guidebook Map 4, D5) – is one of the last authentic, native style beach bars in beautiful Boracay Island. If you want to feel nostalgic, come visit and feel the rustic features of the place on how the old Boracay Island used to be. Every Friday afternoon prior to sunset, there is weekly beach BBQ and buffet with live jam session.

Pats Creek Bar

Bombom Bar and Pat’s Creek Bar (refer to our Guidebook Map 2, F4) – are the only Reggae bar in Boracay Island. Live reggae music is played every night by the beach. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming that anyone can definitely chill out at this place. Start your happy hour here by sunset and stay until the band starts playing. Dining is served at very fair prices.

Restaurant Alchemy

Restaurant Alchemy (refer to our Guidebook Map 2, E4) – is voted one of Asia’s top restaurants within 6 months of it’s opening and critically acclaimed tasting menu  in the Philippines, 6 to 8 course, using only local sustainable produce sourced within a 40 Km radius of Boracay Island. Indulge in the island’s most innovative cuisine. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Every Saturday nights, there are tasting or themed projects; reservation is required.

Shaman Soundsystem House Party in Boracay

Coming up this March 31^st and April 1^st, Shaman Soundsystem is throwing renowned parties over at a big house far from the usual crowds. Shaman Soundsystem have been bringing over deejays here in Boracay Island from around the world with the aim of providing an alternative soundtrack to island life. These two events are collaboration with Manila’s B-Side to bring Dubplate Boracay and Irie Sunday.

On the 31^st: Dubplate Boracay (Dub, Dubstep, Garage and Future Beats) catch DJ Salamangkero with DJ Red-i and DJ Soulflower tearing things up with deeper shades of dance music than one normally finds on the Island, think Berlin, London and Detroit. Party starts at 10PM.

On April 1^st: Irie Sunday – Manila’s big weekly event (a celebration of Reggae, Dub, Dancehall and all things Jamaican) catch the artists powered by Red-I Soundsystem, Big Answer Soundsystem and MC Rastaro. Party is at Conga’s in Station 3, starts at 10PM.

Email shaman.soundsystem.boracay@gmail.com for more information on the venue, invitations and guest list.

Boracay Dragon Boat Race

2012 is the year of the Water Dragon. Nothing comes to mind about this little piece of Chinese Astrological fact without thinking about the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival that is going to be held here in Boracay Island. The Chinese consider that the dragon is unpredictable, untouchable and swift that people cannot see its head and tail at the same time, and this depicts that things will be happening beyond expectations this year. The Dragon Boat racing started in China some 2500 years ago and is considered one of the most popular sports in the world. The race was first introduced in Boracay Island in the year 2001, but the annual event was first held officially in the year 2007. More teams consisting of close to a thousand rowers coming from different places around the globe and from different walks of life will be expected to attend this year for the competition.

The festival starts in April, but this month of March is the time to get members together for rigorous preparation and training. Joining teams this year, must complete the application on or before end of March. A team must have 24 members comprising of 18 paddlers, 4 reserves, 1 drummer & 1 steersman. This month of March, there will be groups of both fit men and women coming from different local teams that are training at White Beach either in the morning or in the late afternoon. It is quite a sight to see an array of colorful row boats going back and forth the long stretch of the beach. One of the beloved local team is the Boracay Dragon Boat Team. This team is ranked on the top three teams in the world.

Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival (BIDBF) is organized annually by the Boracay Island Paddlers Association (BIPA) in cooperation with the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation and the Municipality of Malay.  BIDBF is an anticipated international event that has brought together a combination of fast-paced competitive action, a beautiful natural environment, and an invigorating lifestyle. It is a gathering of a diversity of people unifying as a team. It is a significant social and sports event of the year for Boracay. There will be ceremonies and night parties during the festival. There will be a total of 6 races and they are as follows; Men’s Open Race, Women’s Race and Mixed Race for both 300-meter races and 500-meter races. Each team will consist of either; a) a boat having a maximum of 20 men/women: 18 paddlers, 1 steersman, 1 drummer, or b) a mixed team consisting of minimum number of 8 women paddlers in the 20 crew.

Book with us now and be a part of this big annual event. Remember that April is a High Season and must guarantee your booking in Boracay Island around this time, as availability could run out fast.

Sunset in Boracay

There is nothing more significant in your Boracay vacation than owning a breathtaking sunset photograph. Sunset in Boracay became a local’s daily highlight of their beach days because of how beautiful the sunsets are. Boracay sunset has been a backdrop for bikini swimsuit photo shoots, for weddings and surely a backdrop of every Boracay tourist vacation albums. It is an opportunity of seeing the most beautiful play of colors of yellow, red, orange and blue; all the best colors offered by nature at the end of each day. Beside the powdery white sand beach and its pristine turquoise water and of course, the all year round warm and perfect weather, the uninterrupted sunset in Boracay is definitely a visitor’s anticipated event of their stay on this enchanting island. It always had fascinated the world, as it is deemed one of the best sunsets in the world.

Book with us and be a part of the people who fell in love with the Boracay Sunset, an amazing moment that one must experience. The best view of the sunset is along White Beach or sign up for our ‘Booty’ Sunset Cruise or rent it out exclusively for your ultimate sunset cruise; enjoy your dinner and cocktails, and or steal that sunset kiss with your beloved while watching this beautiful sunset enfold in front of you.

Cliff Jumping at Ariel's Point

Ariel’s Point is a must see place to go if you want to transform you ordinary vacation into a fun and unforgettable one. It is a perfect daytime activity for adventure seekers out there. It has five cliff-jumping sites overlooking the spectacular turquoise blue water. Ariel’s Point is a banka boat ride away from Boracay Island to a place called Buruanga, western tip of mainland, Panay and still part of Aklan. Whether you choose to leap off a cliff, paddle in a native canoe, or snorkel to a sandy beach, and or just trek around the garden grottos overlooking mangrove forests and more rock formations, it is a guaranteed exciting activity for everyone. Enjoy your cliff diving and have a picnic of mouth-watering BBQ seafood buffet for lunch and an overflowing stock of soft drinks and beers.

Visit Ariel’s Point, you will never know to meet exciting new people that you will most likely end up hanging out back in Boracay Island for sunset and more happy hour. Please visit our Activity Section and book now. ­

Boracay Romance

What else describes romance, but Boracay Island? Boracay Island is an island so fascinating, full of adventure and spectacularly beautiful; it is like a love affair with nature. This month of February, the month of the lovers, Boracay Island promises to seduce and rekindle that spark of love affair. Starting the day with a breakfast by the sea, stroll on the powdery white sand of White Beach and stealing an occasional kiss along the way, spending time with couple’s massages, horseback riding, having a land tour around the island that ends to an excluded beach, sailing on one of the world’s most romantic and breathtaking sunset, candle lit dinner at any of the world-class restaurants around and end it cozying up in a beautiful hotel room prepared for a couple.

Breakfast by the sea

Boracay Island is also home to your regular touristy activities that you and your partner can enjoy, maybe something that a couple can experience at least just once while being carefree and in love in this enchanted island of Boracay; are taking picture for a sunset kiss, getting a matching hair braid, getting names written on the famous sand castles or sand art along White Beach or just getting a picture taken of a silly couple jump shot. So many things that this island can offer to so many love birds flocking to this little island paradise around this time. Boracay Island not only is known for its pristine blue waters, but a playground for different couples alike looking for relaxation and fun experience under the sun.

Book a hotel now and also book any of our most attractively priced Romantic Packages offered on our website under Activities.

Parasailing in Boracay

Do you ever wonder how it feels to ride on those chutes half a mile away from White Beach? Those candy colored canopies that hover over during sunset are enough to attract anyone to seek the experience of parasailing. Parasailing is such a common water activity in any tropical island vacation, but a Boracay vacation will not be the same without taking a bite on this exhilarating experience. The thrill of being in flight and be swayed by a gentle gust of wind above 5-10 stories high while overlooking the surrounding pristine blue waters is enough to inject excitement on this breathtaking sport. It is a gentle ride on air while being carried by this colorful canopy chute and be towed by a rope attached to a moving speedboat. It’s best to ride with a buddy or a special someone so if you are scared of heights, you have each other to hold on to and hopefully gradually ease off on that death grip after a few minutes of the ride.

Remember safety first and must take appropriate precautions. Operators will definitely not welcome anyone to ride if the weather is too rough. If the sky looks doubtful, play it safe and reschedule. Bring a camera to capture the moment, but must let the handlers know beforehand, as some operators slow down and dip the guests in the water. You must also double check the security of your harness yourself, better be safe than sorry.

Book with us now.

Boracay Crystal Cove

Crystal Cove is a park on Laurel Island that have walk paths leading you to different picnic areas overlooking an uninterrupted panoramic view of awe-inspiring crystal blue waters of South China Sea. It is just a short banca boat ride off the Coast of Boracay Island and the mainland port Caticlan. Crystal Cove is undoubtedly the highlight of a typical Island Hopping tour. It also has areas perfect for snorkeling and some nice relaxing trekking is set up around with abundant choices of photo op spots for that perfect panoramic postcard shot to take home. There are picnic tables for lunch and snacks that are available for a fantastic picnic and snorkeling day trip.

This 2 hectare sanctuary is privately owned and is home to two interesting caves and lots of rugged cliffs. You can swim in the pools inside the caves if water level and wave conditions allow. The first cave is found in the middle of the island which opens directly to the sea. There are stairs that lead you to some crystal formations and incredible turquoise waters created by the limestone. The second cave is a much larger cave which gradually leads to a tunnel that you have to crouch through, and leads to another cave pool. It also has a wooden viewing deck for those who just want to admire the cave from the distance. There is an entrance and maintenance fee required, so please check current amount listed on our site while booking.

Come book with us today for an Island Hopping Tour and visit Crystal Cove. It is the best experience while on your Boracay vacation. Please do not forget your sunscreen and swimwear. Banca boat ride and snorkeling gear rental is included with our regular price and additional fees required for lunch BBQ buffet with local beer and beverages and pick-up from our coordinator for day trip package.

Boracay Macro Diving

What is a tropical vacation without checking the local marine life? Boracay has gained a solid reputation for macro diving because of calm tides and the abundance of small critters such as, piperfish, gobies and nudibranchs, as well as the usual colorful reef fishes like damsels, angelfish, wrasses, squirrelfish and cardinals. Generally at 15-20 meters, there are parrotfish, emperors, triggerfish, and groupers. Some sharks, tunas, trevallies and rays are sighted at the deep water of Yapak and Camia. Coral growth is very healthy and spectacular in areas with steady current, such as Crocodile Island and Laurel. The surface temperature is 28 degrees Celsius between December to February and can go up to 38 degrees Celsius between March and June. Visibility is at an average 30-50 meters from April to June and about 15-25 meters visibility all year round. The currents along the longer parts of Boracay Island – east and west- are mild and perfect for beginners or training. For the northern and southern channels along Boracay Island, the currents could be fierce and tide time tables are consulted prior to diving. The bottom composition of Boracay dive areas at any depth is fine white sand, which reflects sunlight and makes the surrounding very bright during dives.

To summarize the dive sites in Boracay Island, for beginners best to chose Angol Point, Coral Garden, Laguna de Boracay and for deep diving training, Virgin Drop. Yapak, Laurel, Crocodile Island and Balinghai are best for sloping wall dives that goes as deep as 40-70 meters. Check out Camia for wreck diving. Camia is Boracay’s house wreck, has a 30 meter-long cargo boat sank as a Fish Attraction Device in January 2001 and since developed into a nice artificial reef. For diving on drifts, check out Channel Drift and Tulobhan Reef.

Book your hotel with MyBoracayGuide and inquire about our diving adventures.