Pictured: Ilig-Iligan Beach
UPDATE: Boracay was re-opened to tourists in October 2018.
A trip to Boracay is not complete if you don’t visit Crystal Cove Island.
Formerly known as Tiguatian Island, Crystal Cove Island is 20 minutes away by boat from Boracay and is also very popular for snorkeling.
The island was originally planned to be a resort; however, due to the lack of a good source of freshwater, the plan was scrapped. In fact, visitors can still see some unfinished buildings in the two-hectare island.
Today, Crystal Cove Island is popular among tourists. The island is actually like a park in the middle of the sea, with its view deck, tribal-like statues, and a mini zoo.
Families and groups can also have a picnic provided that they bring their own food. If you have kids with you, just make sure that they are within your watch as the steps can really be slippery.
But for most tourists, getting the chance to swim inside the two caves found in Crystal Cove is the best reason to visit the place.
Reaching the two caves is the goal of the island tour. The first cave is easy to reach via a spiral staircase leading. Finding the second cave requires one to pass through a small tunnel. The second cave however has a larger area for swimming than the first cave. The entrance fee for the day tour costs at least 200 pesos.
An added bonus is diverse marine life found in the crystal clear water.
To cap your tour, your boatman and guide will take you in another area near Crystal Cove where you can enjoy snorkeling.
Crimson Resort in Boracay is where Elaine Lou and Marvin Ong Sotto had their wedding in 2021.
