Aklan Archives - Sherlyn Mae Hernandez

Lanterna Hotel in Boracay Island, Philippines (Review)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AVAILABILITY AND RATES AT LANTERNA HOTEL BORACAY!

I arrived at Caticlan Airport on a very rainy morning and I was really tired from the travel. Moreover, I was a little sad about not being able to enjoy Boracay because of the weather, hence I was just looking forward to a nice staycation experience at least for that particular day. Thankfully, the place I stayed on my first day in Boracay was just perfect!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs2x9BrnMPj/

Boracay, Aklan Accommodation: Lanterna Hotel

Lanterna Hotel is one of the many accredited hotels in Boracay by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It is located very near the Bolabog Beach, a beach that is also worth exploring aside from the White Beach. It is owned by an Italian-Filipino family who were very, very hospitable. I arrived in the morning so it means I still cannot check-in, but the owners were kind enough to welcome me to the dining lounge to rest and chill while waiting for the check-in time. I was able to order my breakfast which was a really good and satisfying one.

https://flic.kr/p/QFhBDx

The Check-In Process

Lanterna Hotel has a very efficient check-in process. You can book your reservation directly through email or through third party reservation websites such as Agoda. At the reception area by the entrance, the owners/staff on duty will check your reservation and will assist you to the dining area to prepare for your check-in. While waiting, I was able to chat with the owner (the mom) about the weather in Boracay, her life in Boracay since the 1980s, and the like. After a few minutes, the room was ready for check-in.

https://flic.kr/p/2en2jrL

The Room

https://flic.kr/p/23Q9BPV

I stayed in a Studio Type room which was so beautiful! Everything you needed is in there. I actually don’t know where to begin looking. But okay, let’s start with the kitchen.

https://flic.kr/p/2erC1Mc

Look at this kitchen! Everything is color green, all utensils and equipment that you might need are already here. I just wish I could cook and I could stay longer, but I guarantee that this place is perfect for those who want to have a long-term stay in Boracay.

https://flic.kr/p/2dkyJks

The bathroom was huge and so clean. They provide everything you need in there, from the different types of towels to toiletries. It was like a 5-star hotel bathroom without the tub.

https://flic.kr/p/2d3MFWr

https://flic.kr/p/2dkxDGG

https://flic.kr/p/23Q9XLD

The bed and the rest of the room was really cozy. The bed was nice and the sheets are comfy. There is a flat screen TV with a good cable reception. There is a rack for your clothes and a vault for your valuables. There is also a mini reception area with a nice set of table and chairs. The mini balcony outside allows you to hang your clothes and swimsuits after a day at the beach.

https://flic.kr/p/2d3MM6e

https://flic.kr/p/2erBTYH

https://flic.kr/p/2d3MJfz

Bolabog Beach

Since Lanterna Hotel is only a few walks away from Bolabog Beach, I decided to check it out and walk at the beach shore. There were only a few people at the area so I was able to enjoy the view. The weather is not so sunny (thankfully!) so I was able to stay and take photos.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrevdEFn7ex/

The Hosted Dinner

https://flic.kr/p/2erBAQV

What is unique about Lanterna Hotel is that they have a hosted dinner by the owners. It is a night of not only socializing with the owners and other guests of the hotel, but also to taste a legit Italian food! They have no specific menu for dinner, but you can choose if you want a vegetarian, pescetarian, or a meat-based meal. The meals were cooked by the owner (the Dad) who was an Italian chef. In my case, I chose a pescetarian meal and it was one of the best dinners I had.

https://flic.kr/p/QFihmn

I had home-baked bread as a starter which was really good.

https://flic.kr/p/2dkyd7w

The appetizers were so good that I feel so full already.

https://flic.kr/p/2d3Mi6B

https://flic.kr/p/SiuURb

https://flic.kr/p/2d3M8v4

And for the main course, a super yummy seafood pasta!

https://flic.kr/p/2d3M66p

The dessert was sooooo delicious!

https://flic.kr/p/2en1Lvm

The idea of a hosted dinner and the food were so good, but the conversation I had with one of the owners (the daughter), was priceless. We were able to talk about so many things – the places we went to, our passion projects, our jobs, our education, and life in general. After all, this is why I travel. I want to meet people and hear different stories of anything under the sun.

THE VERDICT

Yes, Lanterna Hotel may not be located near the very popular White Beach like the others, but the fact that it is located in another nice but quieter beach is something you can also consider. Lanterna Hotel has only 6 rooms, hence you can experience a very customized and high-quality service from the management and staff. It was my first day in Boracay when I stayed in this place and I already felt belong and safe in the island. Their services (especially the hosted dinner) is something that is not offered by any other place I know, that is why if you want to have a unique experience in Boracay, you should definitely consider checking in at Lanterna Hotel. Thumbs up!

Lanterna Hotel Contact Information

Lanterna Hotel
491 Bolabog Road, Boracay Island, Aklan
+639085786742

For more travel articles about the Philippines, click on the banner below:

Where's Sherlyn Travel and Food Blog Philippines

Jejsellends Garden Cottages in Boracay Island, Philippines (Review)

Have you been dreaming of a milky, pastel-ish post-sunset view like this?

https://www.instagram.com/p/Brfk-yhHXfi/

This view can be found in Boracay Island, one of the most popular beach destinations in the Philippines, both for local and foreign tourists. Specifically, the White Beach is the most popular area because of its milky white beach, a stunning sunset view, and the presence of a lot of restaurant, cafes, and other fun activities such as island hopping. Boracay is a small island, but in order to enjoy your trip and beach escapade, it is important to stay somewhere which is just a walking distance from the beach, and Jejsellends Garden Cottages Boracay can be your best option in Station 2 area.

Boracay, Aklan Accommodation: Jejsellends Garden Cottages

Jejsellends Garden Cottages is literally a stone’s throw away from Station 2 Boracay and is surrounded with different types of establishments. Staying in this place so near the beach is so convenient that you don’t have to bring a lot of stuff with you because you can easily go back for your things. It is also a walking distance to D’Mall. Moreover, it is important to note that Jejsellends Garden Cottages is a DOT-accredited resort in Boracay.

THE CHECK-IN PROCESS

https://flic.kr/p/23zhEhp

Since the new rule in visiting Boracay Island is to have a prior reservation before you will be allowed to enter the island as a tourist, you have to show a reservation voucher to the authorities at the Caticlan Jetty Port before you will be allowed to go to the island. Jejsellends Garden Cottages has a very efficient direct reservation process, and a voucher will be sent to you via email. You may also book through third party websites such as Agoda.com

THE ROOMS

Since I traveled alone, I stayed in a room good for 1-2 pax. It was located at the second floor of the hotel. It was a basic room but it was so relaxing and cozy enough and has got everything that you might need:

The bed is nice and clean. The sheets smell good. 🙂 The window gives a rustic lighting during morning and afternoon. Love it!

https://flic.kr/p/2e768k9

With emphasis on the timba and tabo. This is a big deal especially for Filipino guests! Am I right? 🙂 Not all hotels have these.

https://flic.kr/p/23zhSPD

https://flic.kr/p/2ebKFCe

I also had the opportunity to check out other rooms so that I could share the information to everyone and consider staying here again next time with friends and family.

https://flic.kr/p/2cMRSoF

https://flic.kr/p/2ebKJqP

https://flic.kr/p/23zhUvp

https://flic.kr/p/2e764RW

These are rooms that can fit 4-6 pax, and you can always request for extra beds for a fee if you have additional guests.

https://flic.kr/p/2d5Hn2Y

https://flic.kr/p/2cMRUGi

https://flic.kr/p/2ebKBeK

THE VERDICT

Station 2 in Boracay Island is a nice place to stay because it is literally at the center of everything, and Jejsellends is the best option to stay because of (1) its location, (2) its friendly and accommodating staff, and (3) its nice rooms that are perfect for every type of traveler — solo, couple, family/barkada. For more information, you can always send an email to jejsellendsgardencottages@gmail.com or shoot them a message at https://www.facebook.com/jejsellendsgardencottages/.

Meanwhile, please check also this YouTube video teaser of Jejsellends Garden Cottages Boracay:

Have fun under the sun in Boracay! 🙂

For more travel articles about the Philippines, click on the banner below:

ALSO READ: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO 12 HALAL RESTAURANTS IN BORACAY ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

Flying Solo in Boracay Island

(Are you ready to see the Instagrammable spots in Boracay? But first, read this!)

Boracay Island was hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, and I could attest that every corner of the island is indeed Instagram-worthy. In fact, the Philippine government closed down the island for around 6 months to be rehabilitated, and it was indeed a good decision since the island turned out to be so much better. Boracay Island could give you the serenity that you need with its beautiful beach areas.

Boracay used to be a popular beach party destination (read: #Laboracay), but when it was reopened to tourists, activities like beach parties were already banned in the entire island. Some locals would say it’s now less lively and they’re a little frustrated with the change, but hey, who knows it might be for the better.

I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days in the island for my birthday (in my case, I always plan excursions like these on my birthday week). While during the time I went there Boracay literally just opened up again, I am assuming there are already more spots to see by now. Despite that, I still enjoyed my stay in the island. With that, please allow me to share a couple of Instagrammable spots in Boracay Island that I was able to visit:

Lanterna Hotel

ALSO READ:
LANTERNA HOTEL BORACAY (REVIEW)

CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AND RATES AT LANTERNA HOTEL BORACAY ON AGODA

Roy’s Rendezvous

ALSO READ:
ROY’S RENDEZVOUS BORACAY (REVIEW)

CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AND RATES AT ROY’S RENDEZVOUS BORACAY ON AGODA

Jejsellends Garden Cottages

ALSO READ:
JEJSELLENDS GARDEN COTTAGES BORACAY (REVIEW)

Agos Boracay Rooms and Beds

CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AND RATES AT AGOS BORACAY ROOMS AND BEDS ON AGODA

Bolabog Beach

White Beach

Puka Shell Beach

ALSO READ:
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO 11 HALAL RESTAURANTS IN BORACAY ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

Real Coffee & Tea Cafe Boracay

INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS IN BORACAY: Real Coffee and Tea Cafe Boracay Philippines — Had some afternoon coffee at Real Coffee and Tea Cafe Boracay and the cafe’s tropical interior makes an aesthetic backdrop

Check out Real Coffee and Tea Cafe’s Facebook page here.

Cafe Maruja Boracay

Check out Cafe Maruja’s Facebook page here.

Station X Boracay

Motag Living Museum

Nabaoy River

For more travel articles about the Philippines, click on the banner below:

LONELY PLANET TRAVEL GUIDES ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES

instagrammable spots in boracay — LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES

9 Cozy Beautiful Boracay Hotels in Agoda (Updated 2020)

This guide take you to the best Boracay Hotels in Agoda, specifically those found in Stations 1, 2, and 3. This article contains affiliate links.

Boracay is deemed by a lot of travel blogs and magazines as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. In fact, the Philippine government has ordered the rehabilitation of the island in 2018 in order to restore and maintain its beauty. A lot of local and foreign tourists have been aiming to visit Boracay, which is both accessible by plane and ferry.

I had the chance to visit Boracay right after its rehabilitation last 2018, and while there are still some things that need polishing, the charm that Boracay has with its very pristine beach areas is something I never found in other beaches I’ve been to, and I’m not exaggerating.

Personally, agoda.com is my most trusted hotel booking site, because it provided a hassle-free hotel booking process during my travels in the Philippines and other destinations in Asia. Moreover, according to reddit forums, agoda provides the cheapest rates for hotels and hostels in Southeast Asia compared to direct booking and other booking sites. I highly recommend agoda, and I will write a review of this booking site, soon.

So, without further ado, here is the list the list of hotels in Boracay that you can book via agoda.com.

But before that, check out these other blog articles I wrote about Boracay Island: