SNAPS

Shore Thing: On her first trip to Boracay, she found the island’s natural beauty reason enough to return.

Gwen Bergado · Oct 26, 2026, 4:05 AM

SPEED it up Speedboat transfers whisk tourists from the airport to Boracay’s Stations 0 to 3. — Photographs by Gwen Bergado for DAILY TRIBUNE

BORACAY — At Station Zero, Boracay reveals a quieter side of the island, where serene views, uncrowded beaches and glimpses of island life offer a welcome respite from the demands of work and everyday life.

Beachfront properties such as Shangri-La, Crimson and Movenpick offer relative calm, with guests coming and going amid the peaceful rhythm that defines this stretch of the island.

It was here that I met Kiera Koi, a 35-year-old regional sales representative for the Philippines at EfficientIP, an international cybersecurity company.

Visiting from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Koi was attending the VST-ECS CXO technology summit I was covering. On her first trip to Boracay, she found the island’s natural beauty reason enough to return.

SWEET time by the sea A foreign national enjoys a morning routine with serene views at Azure Beach Club.

BY the pool Guests lounge by the pool at Crimson Boracay, enjoying the sea breeze and tropical heat.

“Imagine strolling along the beach, overlooking the blue skies and clean roads in Boracay. It just feels peaceful and calming and helps me unwind from busy work,” she said.

Watching the sunset and walking along the shore were among her favorite activities, but she also tried golf, which she described as a “challenging yet fun” experience.

Koi also appreciated Boracay’s green initiatives, saying sustainability and environmental protection were important in preserving the island’s appeal.

“Clean air blends well with clean, crystal-clear beaches. This Go Green Sustainability initiative will continue to bring more people to visit Boracay,” she said.

FIRST-time feels Malaysian visitor Kiera Koi makes the most of her first trip to Boracay.

PLUG in and Plunge. Sometimes, a seaside view is all it takes to recharge.

Equally memorable was the warmth of the people she encountered during her five-day stay.

“As a solo traveler, I felt safe walking alone. I also have people sharing their stories and experiences with me over a short electric-bike ride. This gesture makes me feel welcome,” she said.

Having grown up seeing Boracay on television and cellphone screens, I had long looked forward to experiencing its beauty firsthand. But hearing a first-time visitor describe the island offered a different perspective.

We may come from different backgrounds, but Boracay’s appeal is universal: Sometimes, all we need is a quiet escape from the noise of everyday life.

THE perfect vibe Beachgoers head to the shore on a Friday morning to escape Boracay’s scorching heat.

DYNAMIC fun with the family A family of three settles in by the beach front at Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay.

REAL love by the beach An elderly couple strolls along the sands of Shangri-La Boracay.