More than a beach

Copper-colored leaves in windswept circles, and scarves, gloves and hats: Shanghai's winter is here again which means this is the perfect time to escape; and to where better than the sun-drenched beaches of the Philippines.

Our tropical destination choice was Boracay, a small island which lies to the north of Panay Island in the Philippine archipelago. Boracay's beaches have been crowned as among the world's most beautiful, boasting crystal-clear waters and fine, white sands.

Whether you're an adventure-seeking backpacker traveling alone, or are looking for a family-friendly package holiday, Boracay boasts a mature tourist infrastructure that caters to all tastes and budgets. There is a wealth of leisure activities, as well as accommodation that runs from hostels to five-star hotels. Food options are plentiful, while shopping centers, bars and nightclubs ensure the fun doesn't end on the beach.　

Shaped similar to a human bone, the island is only 7 kilometers long, but it boasts a nearly 4-kilometer-long white beach.

There are no direct flights to Boracay. The two nearest airports, Caticlan and Kalibo, are on Panay Island. Catilcan is the closest, from where a boat to Boracay takes only 15 minutes. If you arrive at Kalibo, you will still need to make a 2-hour bus journey to the harbor at Caticlan from where the only boat departs.

Hotel facilities

Most of the star-rated hotels in Boracay are along the white beach, literally only a few minutes walk from the sea. Each hotel has its own beach chairs and umbrellas for house guests and there are plenty of staff offering massages on the beach. For a mere 400 php ($9.80), guests can enjoy a relaxing full-body massage.

But it would be a mistake to spend the whole vacation sunbathing. There are many activity organizers walking back and forth along the beach offering all manner of leisurely diversions.

A great way to see the whole of the island is to take a trip in a motor boat, which normally holds between 15 and 30 people. And fishing expeditions and snorkeling on nearby Crocodile Island can also be arranged this way. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are all included in the price.

A barbecue buffet lunch on board the boat is also included in the package.

Next stop on this trip is Crystal Cove, which has two caves and impressive facilities for visitors. Trekking and swimming are two of the most popular activities here. This whole island-hopping tour takes around 6 hours, before the boat brings visitors back to Boracay.

Alternatively, you can ask to be let off at Puka Shell Beach, and enjoy a leisurely walk back to your accommodation from there.

Other activities include jet-skiing, parasailing, fly-fishing and banana-shaped boat riding.

Note that in The Philippines, unlike China, the giving of tips or gratuities is commonplace so it is always a good idea to acknowledge good service in this way.　

Fresh seafood is one of the delights of Boracay. And the D'Talipapa seafood market on the island is where visitors can find inexpensive, fresh seafood such as lobster, shrimp and shells, to name but a few.

And because not all visitors speak fluent English or Tagalog, the main communication tool of local vendors is the trusty calculator. If you don't agree with a price, simply type in your counter offer and let the haggling begin.

High-end eateries

And holidaymakers can bring this seafood to restaurants in the market, where they can have it cooked for them. The Cantonese cooking style is offered in certain of the Chinese restaurants.　

From open-air seafood barbeques to fine dining in magnificent high-end eateries, every eating-out option is available on the island. The D'mall shopping center has a particularly wide array of options.　　

Local milkshakes made with milk and fresh fruits are a popular option. The biggest sellers are mango, peanut butter and banana.　

The beach can be divided into three sections, with each corresponding to areas formerly served by three, now disused, boat stations: north, central and south stations. Most of the sea-based activities are organized from the central station, whereas most of the high-end hotels are clustered around the north boat station.　

The area around the north station boasts the best white sand in the entire island, and it is also here that most of the luxury resorts are sited. It is quieter than the area around the central station, which is where the D'mall and many restaurants, bars and shops are located. Most of the cheaper hotels are centered around the south station.

Shanghai now has direct flights to Kalibo every week with a total traveling time of 7 hours.