Boracay's BEST Hostel: Viajeros—Unbelievable Views & Epic Parties!
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the REAL tea on Viajeros Boracay, that "Unbelievable Views & Epic Parties!" hostel everyone's been drooling over. Forget the glossy brochure - this is raw Boracay, unfiltered. And honestly? It’s…complicated. But mostly, fantastically good. Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & The Climb (Accessibility – Kind Of!)
Okay, so the views ARE indeed unbelievable. Seriously, from the deck, you’re staring right at that turquoise water, the sand twinkling… it’s postcard perfect. But, and there's always a "but," getting there kinda feels like a mini-Himalayan trek. Viajeros is perched on a hill, which means…stairs. Lots of them. My poor, wheezing lungs! Accessibility? Let's just say it's… developing. There's no elevator and those stairs are NOT wheelchair-friendly. So, if you've got mobility issues, this might not be your ideal paradise. BUT, the staff are super helpful and willing to help with luggage, so that's a HUGE plus. Just prepare for a bit of a workout! (For anyone, not just those with mobility issues. Be warned!)
Views, Views, Glorious Views (And Things To Do – Beyond the Obvious)
The main reason you're here: the view. Did I mention the view?! It’s worth every single step, every drop of sweat. They are constantly posting instagram worthy pictures for inspiration, and trust me, these are exactly what is to be expected! Seriously, it's so good, you could just chill on the terrace all day. And I did. For hours. Just existing. And, the pool with a view? Absolutely. Forget that generic little rectangle some places call a pool. This one actually FEELS like you're swimming in the sky. Bloody gorgeous.
But, let’s be real. Boracay is more than just a pretty picture. You've got the beaches, the island hopping, the… well, the parties. Speaking of which…
Party Central (And How to Hide When You're NOT Feeling it)
Viajeros markets itself on those "epic parties". And yes, they happen. Loudly. Frequently. Think DJs, loud music, drink specials… the whole shebang. Honestly, the people you meet are also awesome. But, what if you're, you know, not feeling the rave? This is where Viajeros gets a little… tricky.
- Soundproof rooms? Nope. Not even close. Even with earplugs, the bass thumps through at 3 AM, and my sleep? Gone. So, if you’re a light sleeper, or just need quiet time, this may not be the place to get much. But the staff is generally nice.
- Happy hour: the bar on site is a great opportunity to drink and mingle.
- Terrace: Perfect for sipping a cocktail.
- Shared stationery removed - this is interesting but not a big issue.
The Nitty Gritty: Cleanliness, Safety, and All That Jazz (The Good Stuff)
Okay, let’s get serious. Cleanliness. Crucial. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. I watched them, and I was impressed. That's a huge thing, especially now. Rooms sanitized between stays? I can't personally vouch, but they definitely seemed spotless. I mean, a hostel is a hostel, but I never felt grossed out. The beds were comfy, considering, and the shared bathrooms were surprisingly clean.
Safety is taken seriously at Viajeros. CCTV in common areas and 24-hour security. They have first aid kits and hand sanitizer everywhere. So, you feel, well, safe. And that counts for a lot when you're travelling solo.
Food, Glorious Food (Or, Grab a Snack!)
Okay, food. This is where Viajeros could really level up. There's no full-blown restaurant, really. It's more of a snack bar/poolside bar. They do offer breakfast (buffet), which, honestly, was pretty decent, considering. Your typical Asian breakfast. The Asian cuisine in the restaurant is okay. There is a coffee shop on site, but the coffee is a bit… meh.
- Breakfast service is important, and this is an area to boost if you want to be competitive.
- Bottle of water is provided.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Some meals are offered with arrangements.
- Room service (24-hour): a very nice add on.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant - average.
- Vegetarian restaurant? Not really, but hey, Boracay's got plenty of options outside.
The Tech Stuff (Wi-Fi, Baby!)
Internet! Yes, they have it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Thank God. The signal was surprisingly decent too, which is a major win. I needed to upload photos, message my mom, and basically, stay connected to the real world. It worked. No complaints.
Services and Conveniences (Stuff You Might Need)
- Air conditioning in public area: Good.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes, very useful.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Always a nice touch.
- Elevator: No. (See above about the stairs!)
- Laundry service: Available.
- ** Luggage storage**: Yep.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always wise.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Seems to be fine.
Room Specifics (The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Smelly)
The rooms themselves? Basic, but functional. Do not expect luxury. You're here for the vibe, the views, and the parties, not a five-star suite.
Air conditioning in all rooms: Thank goodness. Absolutely essential in Boracay.
Blackout curtains: Needed, especially after a late night.
Coffee/tea maker: Present.
Extra long bed: A plus if you're tall.
In-room safe box: Important for peace of mind.
Shower: Yes.
Wi-Fi [free]: The lifeline.
Window that opens: Yes.
Non-smoking: YES!
Additional toilet?: Not sure.
Additional toilet: Not sure.
Bathrobes?: No.
Carpeting?: Yes.
Closet?: Yes.
Complimentary tea?: Not sure.
Daily housekeeping?: Yes.
Desk?: Yes.
Free bottled water?: Not sure.
Hair dryer?: Maybe.
High floor?: Depending on room.
Internet access – LAN?: I didn't use it.
Internet access – wireless?: Yes.
Ironing facilities?: Not sure.
Laptop workspace?: Yes.
Linens?: Yes.
Mini bar?: No.
Mirror?: Yes.
On-demand movies?: No.
Private bathroom?: Yes.
Reading light?: Yes.
Refrigerator?: Probably not.
Satellite/cable channels?: Yes.
Seating area?: Yes.
Separate shower/bathtub?: Probably no.
Shower?: Yes.
Slippers?: No.
Smoke detector?: Yes.
Socket near the bed?: Yes.
Sofa?: No.
Soundproofing?: No.
Telephone?: No.
Toiletries?: Yes.
Towels?: Yes.
Umbrella?: Not sure.
Visual alarm: Not sure.
Wake-up service?: Yes.
A Few Quirks & Imperfections
- My room… well, let's just say the plumbing had a personality. It gurgled. A LOT.
- The music from the parties… it's a LOT. Bring earplugs. Seriously.
- The lack of a proper restaurant… it's a miss.
The Verdict: Should You Go?
Here's the thing. Viajeros is a vibe. It’s not perfect. It's loud. It's a bit rough around the edges. BUT, it’s fun. The views are stupidly good. The staff are awesome. You'll meet amazing people. And you WILL party. If you're up for a bit of adventure, and you're okay with some stairs and some noise… then YES. Absolutely. Book it. You won't regret it. Probably.
The Human Element Stuff
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Caorle Pool Paradise: Luxury Apartment C11 Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your cookie-cutter itinerary. This is a Boracay Rhapsody lived through the slightly-sunburned, perpetually-hungry lens of yours truly (me). And we're starting, blessedly, at Viajeros Hostel.
Pre-Boracay Ramblings & Reality Check (Because Adulting is Hard)
Okay, so getting to Boracay itself was a whole saga. Let's just say Philippine airports and my sense of direction are not exactly besties. Picture this: me, sweating profusely, clutching a crumpled printout of my flight details, and muttering about how I knew I shouldn't have packed that third pair of sandals. Turns out, I was at the wrong terminal. Classic. Delayed flight? Check. Mild panic attack? Check. But hey, we made it! And honestly, after a quick ferry ride and a bumpy tricycle ride, arriving at Viajeros felt like stepping into a postcard.
Day 1: Arrival, A Shoreline Sigh, and the Mystery of the Missing Charger
- 1:00 PM: FINALLY arrive at Viajeros. Okay, the reception area isn't exactly the grand palace of my dreams after the travel-heck, but it's comfortable enough, the staff is friendly (hallelujah!), and the AC is blasting. I chuck my bag (which actually weighs more than I do, thanks to all the "just in case" outfits) into the dorm. First order of business? Unpacking – which quickly devolved into a clothing explosion.
- 2:00 PM: Beach time! White Beach. Honestly? Jaw-dropping. The sand? Like walking on confectioner's sugar. I spent a solid hour just…standing there, staring at the turquoise water, and grinning. The sun was so intense I felt the burn starting immediately but that's fine.
- 5:00 PM: Realisation that my phone charger vanished into the depths of my backpack. Cue: minor internal freakout. How am I supposed to document my existence without Instagramming every sunset?! Rummaged for an hour and found nothing.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks! And then came the sunset. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was one of the most stunning things I've ever witnessed. The sky was on fire, the colours shifting and flaming and I sat on the beach, with my drink. I forgot immediately about the charger. I think the charger might be a sign.
- 7:30 PM: Wandered in search of dinner, settled on a seafood place that smelled divine. The food was so wonderful, I forgot to take a picture. That's how good it was.
Day 2: Island Hopping, Wet Clothes, and a Deep Dive into…Mango Shake Perfection
- 9:00 AM: Island Hopping! The organized chaos of hopping on the boat was an experience in itself. So many people, jostling, yelling. I somehow managed to snag a spot near the front. (Priorities, people.)
- 10:00 AM: First stop: Crocodile Island. Snorkeled. Saw fish. Waved at a giant sea turtle. Thought about how my life wasn't a total mess.
- 11:00 AM: Second stop: Diving off a cliff at Magic Island. I almost chickened out. Height is not my friend. But Peer pressure (and the gorgeous scenery) won. Jumping! Screaming! Laughing! Wet clothes for the rest of the day.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch on a beach. Grilled fish that probably cost me half my budget for the trip. Worth it.
- 2:00 PM: The Real Boracay experience… the Mango Shake Odyssey. Okay, you cannot come to Boracay and NOT get a mango shake. I’m talking, like, life-altering mango shakes. I took it very seriously. I went to three different places, did research, talked to everyone about their favorite smoothie place.
- 4:00 PM: Nap time. The mango shakes got me.
- 6:00 PM: More sunset bliss. Tried to locate charger again. Failed. Oh well.
Day 3: Water Activities and the Lost Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing
- 9:00 AM: Decided to try parasailing! Soaring above Boracay was insane! My stomach was doing loops, the wind was howling in my ears, and I was grinning like an idiot. Totally worth it.
- 10:30 AM: More beach time and just… doing nothing. Reading a bad paperback, letting the sun bake me like a potato, listening to the waves. The simplicity of it was blissful. No plans, no rushing, just pure, unadulterated relaxation.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch; I might have had the worst burger of my life.
- 3:00 PM: I attempted paddle-boarding. Let's just say I spent more time in the water than on the paddleboard. Embarrassing but hilarious.
- 5:00 PM: Tried to find a souvenir (Charger is still missing). Bought a seashell necklace. Probably overpriced.
- 7:30 PM: Evening Drinks, More sunset. This time, felt slightly melancholy about leaving.
Day 4: Reality Bites (But Not Too Hard)
- 9:00 AM: Last Sunrise swim.
- 10:00 AM: Packing. A terrifying undertaking.
- 11:00 AM: One last mango shake. The best, truly.
- 12:00 PM: Checkout. Said goodbye to the friendly staff at Viajeros.
- 1:00 PM: Goodbye Boracay.
Final Thoughts & Imperfections (Because Life is Messy)
Okay, so Boracay. It’s a sensory overload. It’s beautiful. It’s chaotic. It’s a bit of a tourist trap, sure, but who cares? I came, saw, swam, ate way too much, lost my charger (still haven't found it, by the way), and had an absolute blast.
Lessons Learned:
- Pack extra chargers. (Duh.)
- Learn to embrace the mess.
- Always, always, get the mango shake.
- Never underestimate the power of a truly stunning sunset.
- And most importantly: Don't be afraid to get a little silly, a little lost, and totally, gloriously human.
Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a plane to catch and a serious craving for a mango shake. Later, Boracay! And hopefully, see you again soon. Cheers!
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Viajeros Boracay: The Unfiltered Truth (Plus Epic Parties, Duh!)
Okay, spill the tea – is Viajeros *really* as amazing as everyone says?
Ugh, fine. Okay, so, the views? Yeah, they're stunning. Like, jaw-to-the-floor, sunsets-that-make-you-weep-a-little kind of stunning. But “amazing”? Hold on a sec. Here's the REAL deal: Viajeros is a vibe more than just a hostel. It's a petri dish of travelers, a chaotic symphony of languages and hangovers, and sometimes, it’s like stepping into a frat party... in paradise. Which, depending on your mood, is either heaven or hell.
I went in expecting… well, something. I'd only seen Instagram, you know? Filtered perfection. The reality hit me like a tequila shot. The stairs? Dear GOD, the stairs. I swear they added another level every night after the parties. I was winded just looking at them! But then you get to the top, and BAM! That view. Suddenly, the leg burn is worth it. And the air… the air smells like salt, sunscreen, and questionable decisions. Absolutely perfect.
What's the party scene like? Be honest! I’m not trying to pretend I'm not there for that.
Okay, let's be brutally honest. The parties are… legendary. I'm not even kidding. Like, the kind of parties you wake up the next day and question every life choice you've ever made, but secretly, you wouldn't trade them for anything. They're loud. They're messy. They involve too much alcohol and questionable dance moves. They are the highlight, though. Every. Single. Time.
Remember that time I *thought* I could handle the free shots? Yeah. Bad idea. Ended up bonding with a Canadian guy over the shared experience of being utterly mortified in front of a group of strangers. Pure gold. The staff? They're on it. Always. Somehow they keep it all going. I suspect they've mastered the art of telekinesis with beer bottles.
But here’s the kicker: it's *not* just about the booze. The music, the energy, the sheer joy of being surrounded by like-minded adventure-seekers… that's what makes it truly special. Just remember to pace yourself. And maybe bring a toothbrush.
Are the dorms actually nice? I'm a little bit of a princess, you know?
Okay, so, as a fellow princess (kinda), let me be real. The dorms are… well, they're hostels. They're not the Ritz. They're functional. Clean-ish. The beds are decent enough – not the fluffy cloud variety, but they get the job done after a night of questionable dance choices. You'll learn to love the earplugs. Trust me on this. Pack them.
And the lockers? Tiny. Seriously, you'll need a Tetris champion to fit everything in. I spent like, 20 minutes trying to cram my backpack in. I think I might have bruised my shoulder in the process. The upside? The view from the bedroom is still KILLER. You trade luxury for location, baby. And the camaraderie? You learn to laugh at the small inconveniences with your new travel buddies.
What's the food situation? I heard they have breakfast… is it any good?
Breakfast… it's a necessity, especially after those legendary parties. It's included, which is a huge win. It's pretty basic – often eggs, toast, maybe some fruit. But hey, it’s free and it soaks up the booze! Don’t expect a Michelin-star experience. You're there for the party vibes, remember? But frankly, after a night out, even a stale piece of toast tastes like heaven.
I vividly remember one morning. I was practically comatose. Managed to drag myself down to the kitchen and ate a whole plate of eggs and toast. No regrets. Zero. The staff are super friendly and helpful. They'll even make you coffee strong enough to raise the dead. Which, after a night at Viajeros, you'll probably need.
Is it safe? Like, actually safe?
Generally, yes. Viajeros felt safe enough. They have security, and the staff keep an eye on things. The biggest danger is probably yourself after a few too many cocktails. Just be smart – don't leave valuables lying around. And, for the love of all that is holy, don't get separated from your friends while stumbling back from the beach clubs.
But honestly, you’ll meet some incredible people. It’s like a worldwide family. I had a moment where I lost my phone. Panicked, obviously! But within minutes, three different people were helping me look for it. In the end, it turned out that a staff member had found and secured it. That's the Viajeros spirit – it's a community. But still, keep an eye on your stuff, just in case.
What's the best thing to do *besides* party?
Okay, okay, I know, it *sounds* like it’s all partying. But seriously! Boracay is gorgeous. There's plenty to do besides nursing hangovers. Sunsets at White Beach? Unbelievable. Rent a scooter and explore the island. Diniwid Beach is amazing. Go snorkeling. Take a boat trip. Try the water sports… I chickened out of parasailing, but definitely wish I'd done it.
Here's a little secret: I actually loved escaping the party madness for a quiet walk along the beach at sunrise. The peace. The quiet. The lack of pounding music in my ears… pure bliss. It's a nice reset button for the next night’s glorious chaos. Balance is key, people!
Would you go back? (Be honest!)
YES. Absolutely, without a doubt, a thousand times YES. Despite the stairs, the noise, and the occasional existential crisis induced by too much tequila, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Viajeros is one of those places you leave with a head full of memories, a phone full of questionable photos, and a profound sense of belonging. It's not perfect, but it's real. It's an experience. And that's what makes it amazing. And hey, if you go, tell the staff I said “hi!” And maybe bring me back a souvenir. And a large coffee. I'll need it.
