Polish Blogger Thinks Boracay is “Probably the Worst Island I’ve Ever Visited”
The Christmas season is now over, and even if the cold weather is still settling in, many Filipinos are probably already scheduling their summer vacations. One of the popular spots is definitely the world-famous Boracay, with its white sand beach, crystal clear waters, and endless blue skies. The world is captivated by this little island, Filipinos included. Except this Polish travel blogger, who has traveled to 61 countries in the past 10 years.
Anna Lysakowska of Anna Everywhere wrote about her trip to Boracay, and called it “probably the worst island I’ve ever visited.” She called it a tourist trap, and was “incredibly disappointed when I left the island.” She visited the island because of its white sand and great parties.
She started describing getting to the island:
To start with, I was on a bus with a group of teenage Filipinos that decided not to respect anyone else by playing their music incredibly loudly while screaming to it and throwing chips on others.
Boracay is one of the world’s premiere party places
And when she reached the port going to Caticlan, she was bombarded by locals offering to carry her suitcases. When she declined, this is what happened:
They still asked for money and wouldn’t leave me alone unless I gave them something. I have nothing against tipping, but yelling “Give me a tip now!” isn’t going to make anyone give them more money, actually quite the opposite.
She also criticized the number of foreign backpackers she described as “horrible.” She said:
I don’t remember the last time I was surrounded by so many ignorant people. The majority of people who come to Boracay are either Korean tourists, which are fine, or the worst types of backpackers who go there with one mission – to tick the Philippines off of their list, get wasted, and have sex with whoever comes along… I think most of these people had no interest or knowledge about Filipino culture and were only there to party.
Boracay sand castles are one of the attractions of the beach
Anna also described the lack of Filipino culture in Boracay. She said that locals adjusted the culture to foreign tourists.
And sometimes, they don’t care at all. She described how a class she enrolled at was cancelled at the last minute. When it was rescheduled, no one from the class was present. Anna also described the number of “annoying” vendors:
The moment you step out of the hotel in Boracay, you’re practically under attack. Annoying vendors are everywhere: the streets, the shops, and sadly, even the beach.
Even the beach did not escape Anna’s post. She said that the worst thing about Boracay is the beach because it is constantly being destroyed by consumerism. She warned readers to think twice before flying to Boracay, and to consider other Philippine islands.
Oh and needless to say, we still love Boracay! Here’s our favorite things to do in Boracay – Top 10 Things to do in Boracay
What do you think? Is she right? Share you thoughts in the comments section below!
Polish Blogger Thinks Boracay is “Probably the Worst Island I’ve Ever Visited
I hope the beauty of Palawan will not be destroyed as well.
I wont doubt her,not a bit. I hate vendors,aggressive vendors, that is. Boracay was never on my lists to visit anyway.
The Tourism Dept must launch a barangay-based values formation initiative to modify local behavior in Boracay, for a start. This is not to condemn but to teach locals how to preserve and nurture the tourist market by promoting and showcasing the history and culture of the province in particular and the whole Philippines where applicable. This imparting of values must include manners and information on good realtuions with foreigners and with each other. Let us attract foreign interest by showing them who we really are as a people. Cultural shows and exhibits should be presented. Surely foreigners are curious to know more about us. It’s part of the reason for coming here. let’s give them what they really want and give them more reasons to come here. Simultaneously, the DECS should view with urgency the need to provide vocational training, computer skills and crafts, business and livelihood seminars in the South in order to disseminate and spread out the work of the TLRC in Metro Manila to the provinces, to promote self-sufficiency starting with the local youth. We should be able to see the opportunities in the observations of others to improve ourselves.
WHAT SHE WRITE ITS ALL TRUE, I HAVE TO FIGHT THOSE GUYS TRY TO CARRY OUR BAG.
VENDORS EVERYWHERE, THATS THE REALITY HERE IN PHILIPPINES.
Boracay is Makati Ave with a beach and waters with floating plastic bags.