Where I stayed in Boracay: Ferra Hotel Boracay

I have been in Boracay numerous times but whenever I thought that I had enough of the Philippines most famous island getaway, I always find myself back in its arms and lounging under the sun and working on that tan.

As I needed to be in Boracay for a wedding, going out partying (with the backpacker crowd) wasn’t really on top of my priority list, let’s say I was a tito (uncle) of Boracay on this particular trip .

I stayed in a backpacker hostel (more of like a party hostel) on my first day, though, I am a hostel enthusiast whenever I go outside the country backpacking, I wasn’t that eager on staying a few more nights sharing a room with strangers on a supposed to be an R&R trip.

[caption id="attachment_5506" align="alignnone" width="800"] A sweet room welcome[/caption]

Good thing, Ferra Hotel is just around the corner from the hostel I initially stayed in. I moved to Ferra Hotel and was really glad I did. Located at a walking distance from Bulabog Beach and the crowded touristy D’Mall, it is in good proximity away to mask the busy and chaotic party beach scene but also close enough to enjoy the White Beach without paying a transport (tricycle).

The design of the hotel is geared towards modern minimalism. A perfect Instagram backdrop I must say. It gives a vibe of a boutique hotel which is bordering on intimacy. If you spend a few days in the hotel, you will know all the staff by name already (even some of your neighbors. )

[caption id="attachment_5512" align="alignnone" width="800"] Hotel's reception area[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5501" align="alignnone" width="800"] Modern Asia Restaurant[/caption]

ROOMS

I got the superior room which is good enough to fit 2 people. An ideal room for someone who’s going solo and want a retreat from the busy island or for a couple looking for a cozy place to relax (or express their passion—oops TMI).

I found the room just enough to cater my needs. Complete with a cable tv, dvd player, mini fridge, mini bar and a wifi (YES). In total, the hotel has 37 guest rooms including a loft type room perfect for group parties (note: this room has its own kitchen). Check out my friend Gael’s post about this room.



[caption id="attachment_5514" align="alignnone" width="800"] Ferra Hotel's Superior Room[/caption]

DINING

My room included a buffet breakfast at the Modern Asia Restaurant located at the ground floor. There are selections of a typical Filipino breakfast, longanisa, tapa and at one point even a danggit (dried fish). The interior fits the whole feel of the hotel. Modern-Minimalist! It also has an access to the hotel’s cute pool, which I didn’t pass dipping in.







If you feel tired going around the island’s gazillion restaurants, you can get a little down time on it’s rooftop bar, The Ruf Resto Bar. I had a privilege to try out their mouthwatering menu. Note that I was practicing a Ketogenic diet/lifestyle during this visit, but I think it was worth the additional sugar and carb consumption for the day.





 

All in all this hotel is a refreshing addition to the ever growing hospitality experience in Boracay. A perfect place for young professionals who want to experience the island in style, yet don’t want to miss out on all the action that the island can offer.

Will I got back? Definitely!!

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This post is in collaboration with Ferra Hotel Boracay. All opinions, editorials and photographs are my own. 

BOOK A STAY AT FERRA HOTEL BORACAY

Sitio Bulabog, Balabag, Bulabog Beach, Boracay Island

(+63)(36)2881177 to 79

Official Website

 

Where I stayed in Boracay: Mad Monkey Hostel

Boracay! One of the world's most beautiful islands (#1 according to Conde Nast Traveller). There are so many thing said about Boracay already, whether good or bad, but one thing remains the same, it is still one of the Philippine’s sought after paradise destination.

[caption id="attachment_5435" align="alignnone" width="800"] Amazing Boracay sunset. I didn't put any filter on this photo.[/caption]

As most tourist(y) locations around the world, accommodations can easily be available to those who dream of visiting these places. Boracay offers several accommodation options, from apartments, party hostels, boutique hotels and even top notch luxury hotels.

I was in Boracay to attend a friend’s wedding and during my stay I opted to try 2 of these accommodations. I thought of trying a party hostel to see the backapacker/party scene-hello millennial and a quieter boutique hotels where I can just relax and enjoy my weekend stay in the island (tita levels).

For a party hostel, I have chosen Mad Monkey Hostel while I booked a room at Ferra Boutique Hotel on the later part of my trip (review on the blog soon).



[caption id="attachment_5442" align="alignnone" width="800"] Definitely a happening place[/caption]

Mad Monkey Hostel is the biggest “party hostel” chain throughout South East Asia. With chains in countries such as Cambodia, Thailand and of course in the Philippines.

I got few of my friends who tried this hostel in Phnom Penh and also Boracay and they gave a stunning review about it.

Read one here: Mad Monkey Review by  my friend Rona 

LOCATION

The location of the hostel is a bit strategic. At first glance, this seemed to be a no no, because it is a bit far away from all the happening places in the island. The transfer from the ferry then the tricycle ride felt like it took me forever to reach the hostel ( I opted to DIY and look for the cheapest way possible—more on this in the VLOG soon).

When I finally located the hostel, I realized that it is situated in between two famous beaches in the island. Both within a god walking distance from each other. The White Beach on the left while the Bulabog Beach on the right.

[caption id="attachment_5440" align="alignnone" width="800"] The flood situation in front of the hostel[/caption]

The only hiccup on the way is what seems to be a little flood along the street in front of the hostel. I spoke with the locals and they said that it isn’t a unique case, as everyday it is like that (sometimes higher when it rains). --- I can see some effort by the hostel to pump-out the water every now and then. –so just be warned that if your balance ain’t good, you’ll be better of wearing flip flops than your sneakers.

DESIGN

As an architect/interior stylist, I always get fascinated on how hostels are being designed nowadays. Infusing FUN-TRAVEL in the design is a must. I think this was achieved by Mad Monkey Hostel Boracay. I love the mix of whites,blues and also native/local materials – creating that clean island resort feel.

[caption id="attachment_5439" align="alignnone" width="800"] Open layout facing the pool. YES!!![/caption]

The open corridor also makes the space feel larger (and fresh). You can just sit down in front of your room and you can easily fall a sleep, relaxed and livin’ the island life.

PARTY HOSTEL

It is coined as a party hostel and the hostel boast with it’s happening pool bar. It isn’t a fancy pool bar ok, but a casual bar in an island. Just enough to kick off that party atmosphere. There are free shots every hour ---so talk about setting the mood right.

[caption id="attachment_5444" align="alignnone" width="800"] Early morning scene..or let's say the after party scene?[/caption]



It mainly caters to foreign backpackers, I feel like Filipino backpackers will tend to spend their evening along the food stall in White Beach. I do feel the charm of the hostel’s bar. I love hostels and being with like minded people (whom you just met) and share a drink can certainly fuel your wanderlust (cheers to the citizens of the world).

ROOM

I stayed in a 4-bed dorm room. I like the layout of the room as the bunk beds isn’t placed side by side to each other. There is a wall in between the 2 bunk beds (this a luxury for those who are used to staying in a hostel dorm I tell you). The bed size is also very generous, it is close to a double/twin size bed, can easily fit 2 –but why share right? Take it all for your self (I told you, luxury).

[caption id="attachment_5448" align="alignnone" width="800"] My bed with your own wall fan (though the room is fully air conditioned)[/caption]



The room is fully air-conditioned, lockers and an en-suite toilet and bath. The only thing I can see in improving the hostel is to have their T&B refitted. The shower looks old and a bit damp, my standard for a good shower room is, if I can step in the shower floor without my flip flops --- this one, I kept them on.

RECOMMENDATION

Will I recommend Mad Monkey Hostel Boracay? It is indeed a value for money. With a dorm room for less than 10 usd, this place is a steal. If you are traveling solo, this is a perfect place to meet like minded people and enjoy Boracay without breaking the bank.

Will I go back? I actually can’t wait!

MORE DETAILS

Zone 5, Bulabog Beach Road, Bulabog Road,

Boracay, Aklan, Philippines

Phone: +639052479898

Email: boracay@madmonkeyhostels.com

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