Boracay Box & Ladder Hostel

I've traveled in and out of the country and as per my observation BOX and LADDER is one of the best hostels that I have ever stayed in. I decided to make a quick visit to Boracay upon hearing that I shouldn't miss out on the island when planning a visit to the Philippines. Friends recommended me to stay in Box and Ladder since they already have a first hand experience. So, if ever one decides to visit the island, I would be glad to recommend this hostel for the following reasons: 1. From the port area, it's very convenient. Just hop on what they call a "tricycle". If you want to have the ride all to yourself, you would just need to pay Php100.00 but if you don't mind sharing the ride with someone else, Php25.00 is all you need to give the driver. SInce Box and Ladder is located along the National Road of the island, it is very easy to locate. Here is the landmark: D'Mall and beside it is BPI Bank, you wouldn't miss the signage and the building a few meters from the bank. 2. You will be greeted by the front office staff. They have someone to assist you 24/7 and the place is very safe since there is a gate before reaching the reception area. They have it locked at night and a staff is on duty round the clock. No need to worry. Check in would just take less than 5 minutes. All you have to do is pay the remaining balance and a security deposit and done! I was escorted to my room by the staff together with my fresh towel and blanket. The staff was kind enough to show me around and inform me that breakfast is being served in the morning. 3. The common area is a place to just chill and relax. And yes, they do sell beer at a very cheap price compared to the other bars. If I recall, I paid for Php50 for a San Mig Light (a local brand) while on bars along the beachfront it ranges from Php80-100 pesos. Not bad ei? There's wifi and television that can ease your boredom. The hostel also has a kitchen that you can use. Yes, for free. So if ever you and your friends decide to cook, a fridge and a stove is available. You'll just have to clean up your mess before you go. 4. I was there on a weekend, the owner hosted a barbecue night for the guests which only costs Php150 for unlimited barbecue. Fair enough. But more than anything else, it was an opportunity for me to meet new friends who were there for a vacation and they were all coming from different parts of the world. That made my stay memorable. 5. I did have a lot of questions when I got there and the host was gracious enough to provide me tips on where to go and where to eat, things to do etc. 6. Bathrooms are well-maintained. I have noticed that they clean it every now and then. It doesn't seem like a common bathroom because they have managed to keep it clean all the time. 7. Rooms are air-conditioned. If you ever tried to sleep on a capsule, the bed space is similar to that. 8. Safety is not an issue since you could ask the staff for a padlock for the lockers. 9. I know most of you are so concerned with this. How much did I pay? I was expecting that since Boracay is a well-known world class island, I wouldn't be able to get a good deal. I was expecting I'd pay a fortune, but no! I only paid for P500.00 per night. Which as I mentioned earlier comes with a free breakfast! Yes, pretty amazing! I am just not sure if they still have the same rate for the yuletide season. Have I forgotten something? Anything in mind that you would want to ask? Feel free to reply on this review and if I still can recall the answer, I'd be glad to answer you back. Two thumbs up for Box and Ladder! Highly Recommendable.