Boracay To Reopen To Tourism
Action Asia|September - October 2018

AFTER A SIX-MONTH closure for rehabilitation, the celebrated resort of Boracay in Aklan, Philippines is set to reopen to tourists on October 26, despite continuing confusion about what the closure has achieved and what the future holds.

Boracay To Reopen To Tourism

SUSTAINABILITY

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu made the announcement during a press conference after an Inter-Agency Task Force meeting on June 19. The decision comes less than three months after the shut down on April 16, after Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte described it as a ‘cesspool’ due to its inadequate sewerage system.

Though a preliminary action plan was declared late-May – which included monitoring road-widening projects, removing structures within the No Build Zone and relocating illegal occupants – rumours of more far-reaching changes have swirled continually.

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper, Boracay will undergo ‘agrarian reform’ after reopening, with them quoting Duterte as saying: “I will give it to the farmers, to the Filipino first.”

At the other end of the spectrum, other sources have speculated about a US$500 million casino resort, given that Macau-based Galaxy Entertainment and local partner Leisure Resorts World Corporation acquired a 23-hectare parcel of land beside Manoc-Manoc, one of Boracay’s less frequented beaches, as well as a provisional license for operation, before the six-month closure. Both companies failed to respond to our interview requests prior to publication date.

This story is from the September - October 2018 edition of Action Asia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September - October 2018 edition of Action Asia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ACTION ASIAView All
Policing Paradise
Action Asia

Policing Paradise

Palau’s President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr has established his country in the vanguard of global efforts on ocean conservation, in particular with the 2015 designation of much of its territorial waters as a marine reserve and no-take zone. Policing this vast area though remains immensely challenging.

time-read
5 mins  |
September - October 2019
The Not-So-Silent World
Action Asia

The Not-So-Silent World

Human activities may be emitting levels of noise that harm marine life.

time-read
3 mins  |
September - October 2019
Once Were Warriors
Action Asia

Once Were Warriors

A visit to the 2018 World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan is a surreal trip to a time and place where martial skills matter.

time-read
7 mins  |
September - October 2019
The Secret Life Of Pangolins
Action Asia

The Secret Life Of Pangolins

PALAWAN – IT’S 1AM AND MOST PEOPLE are safely in their beds. Instead I’m deep in the jungles of Palawan with an international team of researchers and a squad of Philippine Marines, searching for pangolins, the most illegally trafficked mammals on Earth.

time-read
6 mins  |
September - October 2019
Feast Your Senses
Action Asia

Feast Your Senses

The Alta Via 1 is the classic Dolomite trail, bringing the peaks within arm’s reach as you hike between homely refugios and historic war-time fortifications.

time-read
10+ mins  |
September - October 2019
China's Olympians Show The Way
Action Asia

China's Olympians Show The Way

WITH 40 RIDERS FROM 12 COUNTRIES, THE KTA made its second visit to the Desaru Coast in Malaysia with its Asia Pacific Hydrofoil Tour Series , which welcomes amateur and professional riders a like . Chinese Youth Olympians Haoran Zhang and Jingle Chen took first places in the Men’s and Women’s classes, while Korean veteran Soon Ho Kwon was crowned champion in the Masters.

time-read
1 min  |
September - October 2019
China's Masses Warming To Snow
Action Asia

China's Masses Warming To Snow

TWO YEARS AGO, CHINA opened the world’s largest indoor ski slope with two black runs, a blue run, snow play area and beginner slopes all served by chairlifts and magic carpets. Interestingly, it choose to build this behemoth in Harbin, where real snow piles high every winter and temperatures plunge low enough to host the annual International Ice and Snow Festival.

time-read
3 mins  |
September - October 2019
A Quieter, Cleaner Everest In Store?
Action Asia

A Quieter, Cleaner Everest In Store?

FOLLOWING RECORD deaths during the Everest climbing season earlier this year, Nepal’s government and the climbing community are suggesting a new list of preconditions for any summit attempt.

time-read
1 min  |
September - October 2019
A Life List Of Adventure
Action Asia

A Life List Of Adventure

There’s a first time for everything. But some firsts matter more: experiences that are life-altering, that change perspective, build confidence and teach you about all you can do and all you can be.

time-read
8 mins  |
September - October 2019
Virtual Reality As A Travel Sales Tool
Action Asia

Virtual Reality As A Travel Sales Tool

Virtual Reality As A Travel Sales Tool

time-read
2 mins  |
May - June 2018