Its a lovely confluence of sun, sand and sea.

This is the 14th installment of the Luzon – Visayas – Luzon Loop series. Click the image on the right to check out the rest of the posts.

“I was speechless… I was struck with awe! What fine white sands. What emerald waters…”With the 1000H roro that I was to take from Caticlan to Roxas in Mindoro having engine trouble and the schedule postponed, I found myself paying the EXORBITANT environmental and terminal fees imposed on travelers in order to have a glimpse of the supposed charms of paradise that is Boracay. With just less than a few hours for the 1400H roro, I made a lightning sidetrip to this fabled island.

The first time I gazed upon the western shoreline of Boracay and I was just speechless! What fine white sands. What emerald waters. I was struck with awe. No wonder that sunworshipers of all stripes and colors whether foreign or domestic have been raving, singing high praises and coming back again and again to this island.

Its a confluence of sun, sand and sea coupled with the many conveniences found here that has become the siren song for many visitors.

One of the few passengers of the pumpboat from Caticlan to Boracay.

Boracay is just 15 minutes by pumpboat from Caticlan and it seems, almost every 15 minutes, these motorized sea vessels are crisscrossing the waters loaded with passengers.

Ah, urban convenience in a tropical and crowded “paradise”.

Another reason that makes Boracay a hit other than the activities and seaside frolic is the plethora of shops and restos catering to every whims and palates as well as accommodations suiting every type of budget. With such convenience, what can anyone ask for more?

A passenger boarding one of the pumpboats going back to Caticlan.

After just an hour and a few minutes, I have to go back to Caticlan in order to catch the roro. With such a brief stop in Boracay, I should come back some other time to relax and experience more of this island.

Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger, freelance photographer and writer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has contributed to local and international publications including CNN Go, National Geographic Magazine, Geo (Germany), Sunday Times Magazine (London) and other publications.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.