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What is the condition of Boracay Island in the Philippines?

11/16/2013

4 Comments

 
In the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan, many people have the false perception that all of the Philippines was affected.  In fact, only a small part of the 7,000+ island nation was damaged, mostly in Leyte, Tacloban, and Samara.  

The island of Boracay, the Philippine's most popular tourist destination, was virtually unaffected.  It certainly was scary and we had a lot of palm branches and debris blown down and a few bamboo or small structures toppled, but that was all cleaned up and rebuilt within days.

The electricity and internet was out at first, but now, only a week later, the electricity is back on and the internet will be up and running tomorrow.  All of the hotels are fine and operational and were not seriously damaged.

Boats to the main island are going all day, every day and the nearby airports in Caticlan and Kalibo have no problems.  We never had any food or water shortages or supply problems.  There were no injuries from the typhoon.  The most inconvenient things were long lines at the ATM's the first week, no internet, and sporadic power from generators, but those situations are all remedied.  

Most importantly, the beach is as beautiful as ever, as you can see.  The water is perfect and Boracay is far, far from the affected areas.

Come hang out on the beach, meet the wonderful local people, and listen to live music every night with us!  


Please note: I don't work in tourism at all and have no agenda, other than to give accurate information about Boracay and the Philippines.  I'm just a broke (and happy) writer who lives here now and weathered the typhoon.  Check out the footage I shot during the typhoon.

In my humble opinion, there is no reason to cancel your vacation to the Philippines.  In fact, it will be hurting the local people a lot more than honoring them.  Here's why.  

Most importantly, let's say prayers and wish the best to the victims of the typhoon who were so horribly affected.  Here is how you can help.
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4 Comments
Mel
11/20/2013 07:49:56 am

Hi there,
Thanks for your update. Are you saying that the ATM problems have now been fixed or should we still bring local currency to Boracay Island.

Reply
Norm Schriever
11/20/2013 07:58:17 am

Most of the ATMs are fixed now, so it's not a problem.

Reply
tk
11/24/2013 03:05:34 pm

I have been trying unsuccessfully to call someone on Boracay for two weeks. What can you tell me about cell phone service? Thank you.

Reply
liam Fergason
11/25/2013 11:08:26 am

Fone card calls get a busy signal but when I dial direct using a CP I get through but it can be choppy.

Reply



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    Norm Schriever

    Norm Schriever is a best-selling author, expat, cultural mad scientist, and enemy of the comfort zone. He travels the globe, telling the stories of the people he finds, and hopes to make the world a little bit better place with his words.   

    Norm is a professional blogger, digital marketer for smart brands around the world,  and writes for the Huffington Post, Hotels.com, and others.

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