Lime Hotel Boracay: Captures the Endless Summer Vibe

For first-timers, figuring out where to stay in Boracay can be time-consuming as there are more than 350 hotels and resorts accredited to operate in the island. Chances are you'll be overwhelmed in finding the right one from among many options. Ideally, you should pick a hotel that fits the location, amenities, activities, and budget you are looking for. 

Station 2 is a great home base for those who want to experience the best of Boracay. It is considered as the heart of White Beach. It is where you'll find the bustling D'Mall and most bars and restaurants. It is also the perfect jump-off point to explore the rest of White Beach, to take a tour of the island's other attractions, and to engage in popular water activities.

The vibrant and youthful Lime Hotel Boracay

One of the hotels that is strategically located in Station 2 is Lime Hotel Boracay. This is where we stayed when we went on our latest trip to Boracay. We absolutely loved our stay here and we highly recommend it. 

Here's our review of this youthful and vibrant property. 
  

Location
There are a lot of things that Lime Hotel Boracay can boast about, one of which is its excellent location. It is situated along the Main Road of Boracay's Station 2. The hotel is within walking distance to many points of interest like White Beach, D'Mall, D'Talipapa, and Bulabog Beach. It is also close to supermarkets, the Department of Tourism office, and the Don Ciriano Tirol Hospital.

Boracay: A Travel Guide for First-Timers

Arguably the crown jewel of Philippine beaches, Boracay is well known for its powder-fine white sand, dazzling blue-green waters, and amazing sunsets. Year after year, Boracay has consistently been named as one of the world's best beach destinations by various travel publications. 

The powder-fine white sand and dazzling blue-green waters of Boracay

However, with word getting out on Boracay, tourists and investors flocked to the island, largely unregulated and blatantly disregarding environmental laws. By 2018, the once-clear waters were filled with green algae, the once glorious white sands were littered with trash, and the once healthy coral reefs were degraded. This prompted the government to force the closure of the island for 6 months from April to October 2018.  

Read: What to Expect in the New Boracay

We were supposed to go to Boracay in September 2018 but due to the closure, we decided to postpone it until after its reopening. 

We've been to the island several times but we were excited to check out its renewed state like first-timers. So if it will be your first time to Boracay, read through our beginner's guide for travelers to this island paradise.

The Island
Boracay Island is located off the northwestern corner of Panay Island in the Visayas. It is under the jurisdiction of the town of Malay in the province of Aklan. 

Food Trip: Digman's Hyped Halo-Halo

For Juans, no dessert screams summer more than the halo-halo. Literally means mixed, halo-halo is typically a concoction of shaved ice, milk, sweetened beans, banana, jack fruit, purple yam, coconut strips, root crops, sago pearls, colorful gelatin, flan, and topped with ice cream. This colorful layered dessert is one great cold treat. And as the Philippines' favorite summer time food, a cup or bowl of halo-halo is available just about anywhere. 

One place that media outlets rave about as the halo-halo capital of the Philippines is Digman in Bacoor, Cavite. With the summer heat becoming unbearable these days, the Two Juanderers decided to visit Digman to check out if the halo-halo there are actually all that. We had to taste it to believe it.

Is is really the talk of the town?

Don't be confused though as the popularity of the halo-halo in the area spawned a multitude of restaurants offering their own versions of the cold treat. Each claiming to be either the first or the best. So in our visit, we tried out two of the most featured restaurants in Digman. Here's our verdict.

Kamay ni Hesus: Lucban's Iconic Pilgrimage Site

For many Filipino Christians, a pilgrimage to the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is an experience that enriches their relationship with God. It is therefore not a surprise that in 2018 more than 2 million devotees visited and made it the Philippines' most popular Holy Week pilgrimage site. While in Lucban, we couldn't let the chance to visit this sought-after sanctuary slip by. So a day after we checked out Villa Elma, we set out to Barangay Tinamnan to see the shrine. 

The iconic 50-foot statue of the Risen Christ in Kamay ni Hesus

From Lucban town proper, we drove for just under 15 minutes to reach the gates of Kamay ni Hesus. We came inside and was surprised to find out the entrance to the site is free of charge. However, if you are bringing your car just like us, prepare PHP30 for the parking fees.

Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel: Lucban's Refreshing Destination

Sure, hiking through Villa Elma or Kamay ni Hesus is rewarding. You know - great exercise, fresh mountain air, epic views, and peace and quiet. But there is nothing more rewarding than a hike that ends with a dip in a cold mountain spring. And with Lucban being situated at the foot of Mount Banahaw, several spring resorts have sprouted up all over the town. You can drop by one of these resorts after your pilgrimage. 

The lagoon of Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel

One resort where Juans will surely enjoy the cool, relaxing waters and the lush beautiful landscape is Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel. 

Clear spring waters fill the pools of Batis Aramin

Here's what you need to know about this nature and spring resort.