Introduction
While renovating our home, we went to Boracay for one week in June 2024. We booked the last-minute trip with a cheap seven-night offer at Fairways Bluewater Hotel.
Travel to Boracay from Manila:
We booked an early flight from NAIA Airport to Godo Fredo P. Ramos Aiport in Caticlan. After one hour, at 10:00 AM, we arrived and took a tricycle to the Caticlan Jetty Port. We had to pay several fees such as environmental, entry, and the pump boat ticket. Around lunch, we arrived at the Boracay Jetty Port. We were offered several options to get to our hotel quickly. We took the cheapest option, a shared minivan, which dropped us next to our hotel, the Fairways & Bluewater Boracay. At the main gate, we waited a minute, and a shuttle bus, which is used to transport guests to any pool or beach within the compound, dropped us at the entrance to our accommodation. We arrived right after lunch. The hotel sponsored early check-in and room upgrades. Instead of a superior double room, we got one with a balcony on the first floor, including a decent view over the Laguna Pool. In our price also included daily complementary breakfast from 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM. For lunch, we ate once at the local restaurant, and for the rest of the day, we took time to go around with the shuttlebuses.
Activities:
Half of our eight stays on Boracay were within the Fairways compound. It has a few private beaches and pools with chairs for relaxing. We did not have to bring towels because staff members provided them at each spot. Two times, we stayed in the evening at the Kudeta swimming pool. A foam party was hosted there twice a week.
The other half of our stay we took daily a local jeepney from the main gate to any location along the main road. Once, we spotted a Seafood restaurant with unlimited seafood every Thursday evening. It was worth figuring out what kind of fish, shells, and crustaceans we like. Another day, we stayed at the public white beach east of Boracay. We had several options to organize activities like snorkeling, renting a boat, or going jetski. First, we asked in our hotel lobby what was available, but the packages were too expensive. We asked around at the beaches or town, but getting a good deal was complex. Therefore, we used the app Klook and joined group activities.
Our recommendation for budget travelers would be the following activity on Klook.
Boracay Sunset Cruise with Kayak, Paddle Board, and Mermaid Tail
The activity is shared with other travelers and will cost around $10 per person, depending on the season. We had a nice view outside of the sea, and various swimming gear, such as goggles, snorkeling sets, and kayaks, was available for guests to use.
Food:
We started with a massive breakfast in the morning to keep our food expenses low. Before that, swimming in a quiet pool or walking within the Fairways is best. Once we got hungry, we had time to eat until 10:00 AM before the buffet closed. In the afternoon or evening, right in front of the Fairway Hotel, locals sell street food, and in the City Mall, low-cost restaurants and all kinds of groceries are available. On the second day, we went to the supermarket to get snacks and cheap food for our stay.
Expenses in US Dollars:
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Return Flight from Manila to Boracay (Cabin luggage included) $140
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8 Nights at Fairways and Bluewater Hotel (Breakfast included) $525
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Cab from Home to NAIA Airport Manila $11
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Tricycle from Godofredo Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port $3
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Entry Fee Boracay and Environmental Fee $13
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Pump boat ticket to Boracay Jetty Port $2
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Shared cab from Boracay Jetty Port to our hotel $1
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Meals (Lunch or Dinner) $120
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Snacks, Sweets, Ice Cream & Coffee $10
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Swimming Goggles $2
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Groceries $24
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Public Transportation $7
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Boracay Picture at the beach $1
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Laundry $4
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Snorkeling Set $10
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Sea Food Buffet $40
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Medicine $2
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Activities $29
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Boat and fees back to Caticlan Port $11
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Cab from NAIA Airport Manila back to home $12
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Total $970
Conclusion
The hospitality of the staff members at Fairways was courteous. The area was clean, and there were no hidden fees. The pools and activities within the location are family-friendly. It is a great place to stay and bond with family or friends. Use the Klook App to book a safe and fair adventure. To have a drink and party in a club or bar, go to public beaches.
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