Ever wondered how Boracay looked like before it became a top tourist destination? Imagine the world famous "White Beach" 30 years ago, we definitely can't turn back the hand of time but we can imagine the bygone days.
Well rather than imagining, I opted to visit the neighboring islands of Caluya, Antique, I fancied that it is the Boracay that was , maybe three decades ago but if not, at least I get to see my father's hometown.
My journey started with a 45 minutes plane ride from NAIA terminal III in Manila to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro where I stayed overnight. The scheduled 6- hour boat trip to Caluya starts from Caminawit Pier, San Jose that will have stops at Semirara, Caluya and finally La Libertad of Culasi in Panay. The duration in each stops varies since it is dependent on the amount of cargo to be loaded/unloaded.
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| Being a cluster of islands set in Western Visayas, the Municipality of Caluya is is located in the northeast tip of Sulu Sea. By charter boats, it is a couple of hours away from Boracay. Try renting a boat and checkout the place but you have to do that strictly during SUMMER only.
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Actual travel time took 5.5 hours due to "good weather condition" , then I saw the town and small flat boats that became bigger and bigger as our boat approaches. But wait, I haven't seen any seaport nor a single pier. It was then that I realized that the big boat won't dock and passengers (and cargo) will be fetched by the flatboats in the deep water. Boy! Oh boy!
Upon disembarking from the flat boat, I finally set foot on the beautiful white beach of Caluya. Another 30 minutes tricycle ride to Brgy. Imba where I stayed in a relative's house. It proved me right CALUYA indeed is the Boracay that was, the bonus is, I got to see my father's hometown.
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| Caluya has an accommodation facility in town , CALUYA PENSION, the contact information is in the image below. |