Authored by Diane Wuthrich (Contributor) 

Boracay is the Philippines’ number one tourist destination.

This island paradise has garnered international recognition for its beauty and has been named part of Travel and Leisure’s “world’s best islands” lists for two years.

I was lucky enough to grow up in the Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands. My childhood summers were always at the beach, and this upbringing instilled in me an intense yearning for tropical life even well into my adulthood. I’ll never forget my first trip to Boracay – my first year of college, and my best friend and I took a journey to the island to celebrate our first summer off university.

I remember being captivated by the blinding white sand, the most beautiful crystal clear turquoise waters I’ve ever seen. It was nothing like any other beach I’ve been to in the country.

I was in love.

I loved Boracay for its beach and the experience it offered me as a visitor. There are great restaurants, shopping, vibrant nightlife right by the sea, and calm waters that refresh you no matter how hot Philippine summers get.

Once I graduated from college, I received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: my first job would take me to Boracay island, but this time as a resident, not a traveller. I landed a sweet gig as a sales and marketing assistant for a travel company based out of Boracay and stayed for a year. Even if island fever occasionally got me down, nothing on this earth could compare to living on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I made lifelong friends, and I was living a dream!

After that stint, I committed to visiting Boracay as often as possible, making the pilgrimage almost every year. It felt like a necessary tradition that I had to do. Pay homage to the beautiful island that feels like home.

Unfortunately, over the years, I’ve witnessed Boracay succumb to over-development. At one point, during peak season, I even experienced TRAFFIC on Boracay. Yes – traffic during rush hour. Bumper-to-bumper tricycles are on the only main road that runs on the island. I started to notice that there was significantly less free land. Accommodations of all kinds were popping up in every space imaginable.

And finally, I saw the sewage problem for myself. Pipes are leaking out onto Bulabog Beach and Station 2 of Boracay.

It was disheartening.

That never deterred me from visiting time and again. I had faith the locals would fix it up despite the bureaucracy we are subject to in the Philippines.

But now, we are faced with the worst solution possible to the environmental crises of Boracay. Too much, too late.

 

 

Closure of Boracay

Effective April 26, 2018, the closure of Boracay will commence for a rehabilitation period of 6 months as per the order of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

This announcement was made just a few weeks ago, giving Boracay locals less than six months to decide where they will work, live, and how they will earn a living. This is unsurprising, considering our president’s infamous iron fist and abrupt decision-making style. Last February 9, he called Boracay a “cesspool”, which followed a handful of closed-door meetings with a complete lack of transparency, which the locals needed.

President Duterte’s decision was met with a lot of emotion from both the public and private sectors: a handful of business owners are enraged that their businesses will be shut down without warning and even demolished despite not violating any laws; many tourists have to deal with cancelled flights and hotel bookings; but the worst affected are the stakeholders directly involved with Boracay’s tourism industry – employees of all levels who will no longer have any job yet the government has no backup plan of any sort. Durterte says he will turn Boracay into agricultural land – crazy as that sounds, we never know what his next move will be.

I can’t help but feel affected by these changes. Boracay, as we know it, will never be the same again. I feel for the 36,000 people who will lose their jobs. Still, the local government units need to be more accountable for the PhP 56 billion in tourist revenues – where has it been going, the environmental fees and taxes that we pay every time we go to the island?

What will happen after the six-month closure of Boracay? Nobody knows. We can only hope and pray for the best.

 

 

 

Lessons Learn in Boracay Tourism

The Philippines is blessed with many world-class tourist destinations, including stunning islands that attract visitors from all over the globe. While these islands possess undeniable charm, the local tourism industry must continually strive for improvement. Take, for instance, the painful lessons learned from Boracay, which serve as a noteworthy cautionary tale for other destinations.

In exploring the topic further, it becomes evident that there are numerous valuable insights the Philippines could glean from Thailand. Despite sharing similar natural attractions and pristine beaches, the Thais appear to understand better what it truly takes to safeguard and preserve these treasures.

The Thai islands have become ingrained in the collective consciousness of backpackers and tourists alike, solidifying their status as a must-visit through their portrayal in the renowned film The Beach.

 

 

 

 

Add Maya Bay to the list of closures.

Maya Bay, a tiny beach only accessible by boat, is one of the most popular attractions in Thailand. But receiving over 4,000 tourists daily has done considerable damage to Maya Bay’s ecosystem, prompting Thai officials to call for a closure of the island from June 1 to September 30. However, such decisions were carefully considered, and discussions included all stakeholders, including the private sector, academics, and the government.

Maya Bay will be closed briefly to allow the island’s marine life to heal. The coral reefs of Maya Bay have suffered the most, mainly because of the boats parked right above them.

Thailand was able to nip the problem in the bud. Meanwhile, too much is being done in the Philippines – drastic measures too late.

 

Now that Boracay Has Reopened – Check Out the New Status of the Philippine Islands!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adventure by the youth returns, a series of articles written by the youth for the youth. Corey returns as he discusses a unique bucket list from a destination in each continent. Enjoy.

Authored by Corey Jury

Hi! It’s Corey Jury, a twelve-year-old inspiring travel blogger just like my old man, but I’m probably a better writer. I love everything about the continents of the world, the buildings, swimming pools, the rivers and the lakes, so today I would like to tell you my favourite destinations or attractions of each continent, whether they have been around for years or being completed in the near future.  

A 12 Year Old’s Bucklist of a Destination in Each Continent

 

Asia- Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail, Qatar

This incomplete will be held for the 2022 Qatar World Cup Final. This stadium will be a part of a planned city called Lusail and will be completed in 2019.It will have a capacity of about 86, 250. 1.4 million people are constructing stadiums for the 2022 Qatar world cup and 1200 people are dying to build these stadiums of Qatar which is a real tragedy. This is definitely my top destination in Asia!  

North America- Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Canada

Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls is also a popular destination that is between Lake Ontario Falls and Lake Erie. And is a popular, beautiful destination. This waterfall is the biggest of the three waterfalls of Niagara Falls. This is definitely my favourite destination in North America.  

South America- San Alfonso Del Mar, Algarroba, Chile

This beautiful, pure sight is just breathtaking, and it is not alone, there are many large and breathtaking pools in Algarroba. This amazing resort has had the Guinness World Record for years for the biggest pool in the world, until it was beaten by the pool in Sharm El Sheikh in 2016. This pool is a popular destination for swimming, sailing and more! This is definitely my favourite destination in South America.  

Europe- Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, United Kingdom

I love soccer and especially Manchester United,my favourite team, and there is no doubt I couldn’t put this one on the bucket list. With a capacity of  75, 653, it is one of the biggest stadiums in Europe and is the second biggest in the United Kingdom. Old Trafford is definitely my favourite destination in Europe.    

Africa- Citystars Sharm El Sheikh, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

What were you expecting, the Great Pyramids of Giza, no! they’re way to old, so for Africa I’ll chose something new. This resort is just completely outstanding. This man-made lagoon is just great for swimming, sailing and more! This Guinness World Record pool just looks beautiful, but it’s size will be beaten by the future pool in Dubai in 2020. This is definitely my favourite destination in Africa.  

Antarctica- South Pole

Yes! I’m serious! The South Pole, one of the coldest places in the whole world and is found on the bottom of the world (I think we all knew that). It would be great to go there some day. I can prove that I am stronger than anyone and prove that I am braver than anyone. Dream come true if I achieve this goal! This is definitely the coldest and best destination I would love to go to.  

Oceania- Mount Augustus, Western Australia, Australia

Yes! I didn’t choose Uluru as we are all aware of Ayers Rock. instead I chose its big brother, Mount Augustus. This giant rock, Mount Augustus in WA, it’s the biggest rock in the world, but unfortunately it is not as known as it’s younger brother in Uluru. It is 1106 metres high and almost eight-kilometres long and is several times bigger than Uluru. this  beautiful destination is definitely on my wish list in Oceania.   Now after this, I hope you are inspired to go to these outstanding places of the great, the cold, the hot, the tall and relaxing places of each and every continent, of course some places are still waiting to be complete. Cya later and have a great time travelling.   Read this awesome article written by Corey Jury as he describes his opinion on Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.     

Throughout my life, travel has unexpectedly found its way into my heart. Growing up, I didn’t have the privilege of embarking on grand adventures or indulging in overseas escapades—such experiences were merely distant dreams. They remained unrealized.

This frequently leaves me pondering: how did a fully-grown adult with no childhood memories of travel and limited exploration during early adulthood develop a profound addiction to it?

I find the allure of wanderlust, the thrill of discovering new places, immersing in different cultures, and the sense of liberation it brings irresistible. Journeying to uncharted territories has opened my eyes to the vast possibilities beyond routine’s confines. It has breathed life into me in ways I never imagined possible.

Looking back, I realize it’s never too late to embrace the joys and wonders of travel. It’s a path rich with personal growth, discovery, and tremendous memories waiting to be made. So, I continue seeking new horizons, fueled by the passion and zest that travel has instilled in me.

 

 

 

I sometimes ponder the same question, as it always bewilders me. My ultimate conclusion is that once travel became a part of my life, I was instantly struck with an irresistible desire commonly known as the travel bug. Once bitten, everything changed irrevocably.

As mentioned earlier, travel was virtually non-existent during my childhood, aside from the occasional journey from Melbourne to Sydney, where we savoured glorious vacations along the renowned Manly Beach tourist strip.

However, those memories now appear hazy, as the trips to Sydney ceased when I turned eleven. From that point forward, travel reached a complete standstill until I embraced fatherhood.

 

 

 

 

The Story of How I Caught the Travel Bug!

 

The very first time I ventured to an overseas destination was at the age of twenty-one in 2002. It was an exciting opportunity from my military deployment to East Timor for peacekeeping purposes. Surprisingly, I didn’t require a passport to enter the country, as the Australian Defence Force covered everything.

East Timor left an indelible impression on me. Although we were in our little bubble, constantly on guard, I still caught a glimpse of a third-world country in the process of finding its footing. Observing the locals from afar, I gained a unique insight into their everyday lives.

After East Timor, travel came to a temporary halt. But I wouldn’t hesitate to call my visit to Timor an authentic travel experience. It wasn’t until 2005 that I embarked on my second overseas trip. This time, armed with a valid passport, I accompanied my Korean girlfriend (now my wife) to her home country of South Korea. It was a short trip but fascinating nonetheless. I had my very first encounter with an East Asian country.

With its vibrant and dynamic culture, South Korea offered me an intriguing blend of history and modernity. I must admit that I had a few embarrassing moments during my adventures in Seoul, which left me with a mega hangover. But overall, it was a memorable getaway, allowing me to explore a country with a rich heritage and a proud culture, all wrapped up in a modern package.

 

 

 

 

I am unsure if I could resist the travel bug, but I had a nibble.

After my first trip to South Korea (which I’ve been fortunate to visit several times since), I knew deep down that travel was my calling. However, there was just one hurdle in my path – I was utterly broke and starting a family. With these responsibilities, I had to prioritize meaningful employment.

Sadly, travel then took a complete hiatus. And it lasted far too long – a whole eight years, to be exact.

During those eight years, I did manage to embark on a few adventures within Australia. A honeymoon on the Gold Coast, a few trips to Melbourne, and some local explorations in Western Australia. I vividly remember visiting the enchanting Pilbara region in the North and being captivated by the magnificent South West Region, renowned for its wineries, stunning beaches, and towering trees.

Yet, it was always an overseas adventure that genuinely ignited my wanderlust. I spoke about it incessantly, but the reality was that I could never afford it. This constant unattainability deeply saddened me because all I yearned for was the chance to venture into unfamiliar lands and immerse myself in new cultures.

Then, in 2013, something magical happened. I ventured beyond Australian shores again, this time to the enchanting paradise of Fiji. And oh, how I fell in love with the place! Fiji truly embodied the essence of heaven, boasting breathtaking 5-star resorts, pristine white beaches, and unforgettable day tours to idyllic smaller islands. Sipping cocktails by the pool, I felt sheer bliss, embracing the lap of luxury.

But you know what? The highlight of Fiji wasn’t just its awe-inspiring natural beauty. It was the locals themselves – the Fijians. Even to this day, they remain my favourite people. Full of infectious happiness and a laid-back approach to life (and I mean very laid-back), they always had a smile on their faces and were constantly serenading the world with their beautiful songs. Being in the company of these incredible individuals made me realize that happiness isn’t tied to wealth and material possessions.

 

 

 

The Fijian trip was the catalyst that ignited a burning desire within me to explore more of the world. It opened up a new world of possibilities, leading me to countless adventures in various Asian countries. From the mesmerizing landscapes of Bali, Thailand, and South Korea to the vibrant cultures of Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, and Malaysia – I experienced it all. These journeys offered a profound insight into different cultures and allowed me to forge connections with the warmhearted locals.

The travel bug had truly bitten me, and I couldn’t get enough. I sought every opportunity to wander and wander some more, embracing the enriching experiences that travel brought to my life. The best part was that it wasn’t just me who benefited from this nomadic lifestyle.

My family, especially my kids, reaped the rewards as well. Unlike me, who didn’t venture beyond Australian shores until I was twenty-one, my children had already explored many countries before reaching double digits. I couldn’t think of a better education for them – a firsthand understanding of different cultures and their unique ways of life.

 

 

 

It’s no secret that putting in hard work is critical to making progress, and that’s precisely what I did. I dedicated myself to working diligently, accumulating ample vacation days, and embarking on frequent journeys. On average, I explored different destinations at least six times a year.

Of course, to hit the road more often, I had to tighten my budget. Although my income was stable, I made the necessary sacrifices to reduce junk food consumption, cut back on alcohol, and eliminate unnecessary luxuries like pay TV and sporting memberships. I have no regrets about these choices; my ultimate goal was to prioritize travelling.

After catching the travel bug, which took about 30 years to develop fully, I realized it was only natural to start a travel blog and transform my passion into a career. While travel may not be a full-time adventure, it is rapidly becoming the focal point of my lifestyle.

 

Has the travel bug bitten you? Tell me your story in the comments below.