Paradise. Or is it?

I really tried to come here with an open mind. Boracay is being sold as this peak of tropical beach experience but in reality it’s an overcrowded, expensive and somewhat smelly destination. The white sandy beaches might look nice on pictures but during summer season (right now) the amount of stinky algae from the polluted water and the oily fried food here is pretty disgusting.

Maybe this is the part of my travel where I begin to realize that I am not a beach person.

The very crowded Station 2 in Boracay

As a super white skinned dude I need to hide from the sun and especially in the afternoon there is not enough shade. The little amount of shadow is crowded by tourists. Talking about crowds: beaches here in Asia are similar to walking streets: all the oily fried food and bars become crowded and ugly as soon as the night hits. People trying to sell you a massage, boat activity or beaded hair becomes real old real fast.

Algae in Boracay

Hmm more nice smells from the Algae

This place is being sold as paradise, but in reality it’s just a messy money grab built on the photogenic nature of white sand and palm trees. But I get the feeling that may be true for most tourist destinations here in Southeast Asia. They build the restaurants and stalls right up to the sand. Nature? Not here, for sure. You’ll need to hop on one of those overcrowded island hopping tours.

It gets even more crowded in the night