Boracay Island - Gone are its glory days :(

Boracay, Philippines, rated as one of the best islands to go to and dive in when I last heard about it 5 years ago, it is located south of the capital Manila and just 55 minutes flight + approximately 2.5 hour on land to reach to.

Stuffs you'll see along the journey to the island's jetty.

Arrived on the jetty of the island and got on this bikes to the accommodation.

With much expectations, one would surely want to see blue crystal water and white sandy beaches. Well part of that is true, till you get a closer look at the amount of rubbish and tourist flocking to that mini island. It certainly can't handle that much dump day in, day out while authorities don't seem to bother much on its hygiene. Just few months after a visit to this island on the Dec 2017, the President of the country decided to close its operation to "recuperate" the island to its glory days again.
Fact: https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/04/asia/philippines-duterte-boracay-shutdown-intl/index.html

I love the place, however, it is of course the duty of the authorities to ensure it's not just tourism income that they are looking forward to but also the preservation of its reputation as one of the best diving spots in the world.

Just too much tourist hanging around the beach, throwing rubbish as they go. You can never really see the horizons of the the sea peacefully, really.

But if you select your accommodation well (perhaps towards Station 3 or the east side of the island) you'll definitely find tranquility just like what beaches are supposed to be.

And with many food franchises that Philippines own.

It was a simple trip, so made sure I dived at least once even though it was quite a disappointing one due to coral bleaching and scarcity of marine life on most dive spots now. Here's an outlook of what's available:

OR just go for water sports that's available all over the beach.

Nevertheless, like most journeys, we find ways to adapt and enjoy the parcels of bliss it offers.

Goodbye to Boracay for now, till you heal yourself again.

What's your experience of this island? Do share...