A Paradise Awaits You

- by Jason Probyn

Boracay Island combines crystal clear waters, sugary beaches that squeak when walked on, and lush hilly landscapes into an idyllic tourist haven, that's guaranteed to fascinate and lull visitors into tranquil harmony with its simplistic beauty. Visitors commonly refer to Boracay as a breath-taking, unbelievably magical Island. A paradise set in the unspoilt South China Seas.

The small island, only seven kilometers long and one kilometer wide at its narrowest point, is located just off the northern tip of its mother Visayan island of Panay. The northern and southern parts of the island rise into picturesque hills, with elevations of 100 meters above sea level, that face the sea with weather worn cliffs. The Island has numerous scattered villages ( 'sitio's' ) interconnected by a maze of intriguing jungle pathways.

popular dive school location with good shallow coral dives and drop-offs to depths of thirty meters being within easy reach, while the more experienced and adventurous may try a cave dive at Black Rock ( 'Buruanga' ) or Maniguin Island a distance of three hours by native outrigger, which is popular among shark enthusiasts. To record the captivating underwater scenery, underwater photography and video equipment is available.

For more leisurely pursuits, many local fishermen and holiday resorts offer all-day around the island trips by motorized bangkas, with stop-offs at the northern caves, near Yapak, home of Boracay's giant fruit bats, locally called "Flying Monsters" and the 'Kar-tir' Sea Shell Museum with Filipino craft displays in Ilig-Iligan.

For active landlubbers the Island's center extends a natural invitation to hike or mountain bike its many trails, criss- crossing its gently hilly slopes, while offering occasional glimpses of far-off sandy coves, fringed by palm trees. Your hike could extend to Puka Shell Beach, located on the Island's northern tip, facing Carabao Island. Puka Beach is the home of Boracay's famous and at one time plentiful Puka shells.

At sunset, a two hour or so walk along the length of White Beach attracts many early evening strollers, before the serenity of the ocean views are over-taken by the awakening of Boracay's night life, offering numerous economically priced restaurants, discos, movie houses and cozy bars that add an international flair to the evening. At the end of the day watch the spectacular sunsets from the Nigi Nigi beach front bar which offers over 50 expertly mixed tropical cocktails to titillate your early evening taste buds on a buy one get one free basis. Boracay offers an ideal escape from civilization, but if one needs to remain in contact with the outside world, international phone, fax and e-mail services are available. Boracay is on the brink of worldwide recognition, which within the next five years will probably convert its current tranquillity into the hub-bub of a major commercialized tourist venue.

A Paradise Awaits You

" Nigi Nigi Nu Noos 'e' Nu Nu Noos " Beach Resort, Beach Front, White Beach.

Snorkel the pristine coral reefs. Search, discover and be enthralled by the colorful bounty of marine life that thrives in the warm crystal clear waters of the South China Seas - if youre more adventurous a full array of scuba diving activities are available.

Maybe relax the afternoon away in the shaded Nigi Nigi treelined courtyard, where the unique pagoda styled cottages of Nigi Nigi offer modern comfort harmoniously set in a luxuriant tropical landscape- or lazily peruse the gardens and marvel at the intricacies of nature - or just doze awhile in the spacious bedrooms, enjoying that timeless ambiance enhanced by the cottagestraditional native materials, such as woven palm leaves, rattan grasses, coco bark, tropical hardwoods and bamboo.

As the sun's glare begins to fade, you may be tempted by a late afternoon swim, a bike ride along the many picturesque jungle trails or you might simply prefer to lose yourself in the majesty of an ocean sunset.

As the sea breeze subsides and the warm tropical evening draws to a close, treat yourself and "Taste the Magic of the Orient" - select from our full range of island cocktails, expertly prepared from freshly picked exotic fruits.

Such a splendid day is sure to develop a hearty appetite, so youre invited to try our Nigi Nigi beach front restaurant, a popular night spot, that delights diners with its nightly Nigi Nigi special, which boasts the best of oriental cuisine. Savor the seas fresh harvests.

If you wish to finish the day on the upbeat - sample Boracays vibrant nightlife, set beneath clear tropical skies ablaze with a million stars. Evening till dawn offers an array of nightspots, including cozy bars, beach parties, discos and cultural shows.

When sleep finally beckons, perhaps order your favorite nightcap before retiring - rejuvenate before the dawning of another enchanting day in Paradise