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The Sand Sculptors of Boracay

Sand castles are a common beach activity around the world. But more than just building sand castles on the beach, sand artists and sculptors at world-renowned Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, Philippines take their craft to a much higher level and are earning a decent living out of it. I have also noticed that the more serious sand artists of Boracay Island are the native Atis. They have somehow adapted to the overly commercialized and tourism-driven lifestyle of Boracay Island














Sand Art in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Sand castles are not the most popular sand art forms in Boracay Island. In fact for the two (2) days I stayed in the island, I have never seen anyone build any sand castles. Not one. The most recognizable form of sand art in Boracay is the "We Love Boracay" sign that is so popular in social media posts of people visiting the world-famous Western Visayas paradise island.

Sand art and sculpture in Boracay Island Malay Aklan Western Visayas Philippines
We Love Boracay


Other Sand Sculptures in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

There are other sand sculptures we saw while walking along the long stretch of beach from Station 1 to Station 3 in Boracay Island. One sand art featured two of the minions from the Despicable Me movie series. We came across the artists still midway through their work and they told us that sometimes it takes at least an hour or two to finish something like what they are doing. Such patience is admirable!

Sand art and sculpture in Boracay Island Malay Aklan Western Visayas Philippines
The Minions of Despicable Me in Boracay Island


Yet another sand art form we saw was a rendition of the Titanic movie love team, Jack and Rose locked in a sweet cuddling posture. The artist used sea grass to outline the hair on both figures. This was done for the pure love of art as there was no one who asked for gratuities while we were taking pictures of this beautiful work of art.

Sand art and sculpture in Boracay Island Malay Aklan Western Visayas Philippines
Titanic's love team: Jack and Rose




Photo Opportunities with Boracay Sand Art

Sand artists and sculptors in Boracay Island have found a way to cash in on their amazing talent. For photo opportunities, these humble artists charge a paltry PhP 20 per person (That's less than half a US dollar). To me, they are among the most honest people trying to earn a living in the island out of the appreciation of their skills. All others seem to just be making a quick buck off tourists at ridiculously ripoff prices.

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