10 Hidden Gems on Boracay Island

1 Puka Beach Puka Beach is secretly tucked away beyond the exclusive resorts of Boracay Island?s Station 1

1. Puka Beach

Puka Beach is secretly tucked away beyond the exclusive resorts of Boracay Island?s Station 1. Famous for the natural abundance of Puka shells, Puka Beach provides a perfect escape, away from all the activity on the main beach.

2. Nami Resort

Exploring Boracay can get a little tiring. It?s nice to be still for a little bit, and just?not think of anything. With an amazing butler service, Nami Resort at the end of Boracay Island?s Station 1 makes you "fall in love with the view from the top."

3. Plazoleta Shopping Plaza

The Plazoleta is a group of art shops along Boracay?s White Beach. Exploring Boracay won?t be complete without budget-shopping. Check out the Plazoleta for affordable art, free art exhibits, and free musical performances, all by local artists.

4. The group of fishermen between Nami Resort and Station 1

There?s a tiny patch of sand between Nami and Boracay Island?s Station 1. This is where a group of fishermen rest in between fishing during the afternoon. You can purchase the afternoon?s fresh catch at an affordable price and have your resort prepare great seafood dishes for you.

5. Isaw

If you?re a foreigner, ask any local where to find an isaw stand. These stands dot the shore after lunch, and they make for a great afternoon snack. If you don?t know what this is, I suggest you try it first before finding out. It tastes like barbecue, but more chewy. Not eyeballs, not testicles, not liver. Explore Boracay!

6. BomBom Bar

BomBom Bar is found near D*Mall. It is a favorite hangout of musicians, various artists, and thinkers both local and foreign. BomBom Bar is famous for unique conversation and live native drum jams.

7. Bugsay Boracay

Boracay Island is internationally famous for dragon boat races. The local team, Bugsay Boracay, consistently ranks high every season. The co-ed team is the brainchild of BomBom Bar owner, Bambi Sacapa?o. The team trains regularly and the rhythm of their oars (bugsay) is an amazing sight.

8. Boracay Beach Grotto

Your Boracay experience won?t be complete without fantastic photographs to immortalize the island paradise. The Grotto is a famous landmark. However, not everyone takes the time to climb the stairs. For those who have, they have found themselves greeted with a breathtaking view of both the sea and of Boracay Island. Amateur and professional photographers alike find the view from the top very rewarding.

9. Newcoast Beach

While most tourists still have no idea where Newcoast Beach is, the locals can give you accurate directions. Only a few resorts are on this part of Boracay Island and they perfectly understand peace and quiet. If they could, they?ll serve it to you on a nice plate. This stretch of quiet is great for an afternoon of reading, thinking, and listening to your loved one.

10. Heidiland Deli

Foreigners find a little piece of home in Heidiland Deli. While exploring Boracay includes sampling various local delicacies, the Heidiland Deli is a nice break from seafood. Fantastic cheeses, a great selection of wines, and fresh deli meats are surprisingly available every day in Boracay Island.

Christine Powell is a native of Boracay Island, Philippines. She has watched the island transform from a hidden gem into an idyllic retreat for foreigners and locals alike. Besides it''s year-round warm tropical water, the powdery white sand continues to mesmerize her. While not exploring, kitesurfing, scuba diving, or sharing her insights about Boracay with travelers, she can be found at http://www.boracaynation.com, her online Boracay home.