Boracay Travel Guide: A Paradise-like Vacation in the Philippine’s Best Island

Are you itching to travel soon? Check out this Boracay Travel Guide to know more about the most renowned beach from the Philippine Islands. Plan your travel ahead and be more ready once tourism re-opened soon, right?

FIRST IMPRESSION OF BORACAY ISLAND

Boracay Island has been one of the most prestigious beaches known to the world, yes indeed, WORLD. Imagine that out of more than 7000 islands in the Philippines, Boracay is pretty blessed to have that pristine beach waters and most certainly hailed to have the finest powdery-like white sand along its 7 km stretch region. In fact, this paradise is not just well-known locally but internationally too. If you are a person that is more driven into all types of unique beach experience then Boracay might be a perfect place for you.

While this Island is really well-known since then, I did not actually expect something from this island prior to my visit. I know I have been into several white beaches in Luzon, I thought “It’s just another white beach though!”. However, I never think that I would eat my own words because when Boracay and I meet, I was stunned! I was frozen and intimidated by how beautiful she is.

Though Boracay Island can be really crowded because it was immensely popular all year-round, it is too wide to hid it’s own gorgeousness! So let me tell you, don’t just take it from me as I may be too flowery for my words about Boracay. So why don’t you scroll my article out and check the top things to do in Boracay?

BORACAY CLOSURE AND RE-OPENING + NEW RULES

As you may all know, Boracay has been closed for 6 months from April 26, 2018 to October 25, 2018. This was the government’s imposed rule to conduct clean up on the Island and do a major rehabilitation.

DO’s and DON’T’s

• Present hotel reservation prior entering the Island.
• Casino is totally banned in the Island.
• Kerosene is prohibited.
• Fireworks display is only allowed till 9 pm.
• Smoking and alcohol drinking is prohibited at the white beach.
• No dining will be allowed at the beach.
• No shopping of souvenirs allowed at the beachfront.
• Water activities are temporarily suspended.
• Sand castle-making is regulated.
• No electric lights on the beachfront.

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ABOUT BORACAY ISLAND

Where is Boracay located?

Boracay Island is located at the northwest tip part of Panay Islands in Western Visayas Region while being under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Malay in Aklan Province.

This island has an incredible bone-like shape 7 km long and 1 km wide and the whole perimeter of Boracay are full of activities, attractions and beautiful luxurious beaches.

The most famous and known is the White Beach of Boracay that stretches for 4 km and is subdivided by 3 stations.

• Station 1 – have the most luxurious hotels and probably much less crowded
• Station 2 – this is were the stirs are as this is the center of the beach. Also the famous D’Mall is located right here.
• Station 3 – if you are a budget traveler, make sure to hunt cheap accommodations here.

HOW TO GET TO BORACAY?

The main entry point to Boracay is through Caticlan Jetty Port only so this is the congestion point for all the tourist that wants to visit Boracay Island.

How to get to Caticlan Jetty Port?

By Air:

From Manila and Cebu, the fastest route is taking a flight from accredited airlines(such as Philippine Airline, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia) to Caticlan Airport. Travel time is 1-hour.

You may also opt to take flight from Clark Airport to Caticlan Airport, just take a 2-hours bus ride from Manila to Clark.

By Air and Bus:

From Manila and Cebu, you can take flight to Kalibo International Airport which is a lot cheaper than to Caticlan Aiport. However, you will be have to render a 2-hours bus ride from Kalibo to Caticlan.

For international travelers, getting to Kalibo is the most convenient way in traveling to Boracay as Kalibo International Airport can cater international flights mostly from some Asian countries.

By Ferry:

If you want a cheaper ride and don’t mind long travel time, then go for a Ferry ride from Batangas Port to Caticlan Jetty Port. The total travel time is 11 hours. If you are interested you can check the schedules here at 2GO Travel: Check schedules here and reserve yours!

Caticlan Jetty Port to Cagban Jetty Port in Boracay Island

Once you are at Caticlan Jetty Port, here are the needed things:

1. Register and pay for Terminal Fee, Environmental Fee and Boat Fee which costs P 100 ($2), P 75 ($1.5), and P 25 ($0.5) respectively.
2. IMPORTANT!! Present your booking receipt or proof that you have a confirmed booking from any of the accredited hotels in the Island.

After registration, board on the assigned ferry boat and your travel time from Caticlan to Cagban Jetty Port only takes around 10-15 minutes. Once arrive, you are to take a tricycle ride from the Cagban Port to your hotel which only takes around 10 minutes depending on your hotel location.

WHERE TO STAY IN BORACAY?

Accommodations in Boracay Island are all over the town and can be found along from Station 1 to Station 3 which accordingly tag having the luxurious hotels to budget hotels respectively.

However, since the re-opening there only some hotels/accommodations that were given the permit to operate and the DOT have this list of accredited hotels.

Thus, you need to make sure you’ve confirmed booking only from the lists.

I have listed some of the recommended Place to Stay in Boracay, in accordance to best pick and reviews from Agoda.

Boracay Hotels in Station 1

If you want to check other hotels, view here on Agoda’s official site.

Boracay Hotels in Station 2

If you want to check other hotels, view here on Agoda’s official site.

Boracay Hotels in Station 3

If you want to check other hotels, view here on Agoda’s official site.

or

Search here for your convenience:

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BORACAY TOURIST MAP

For you to familiarize Boracay Island and where are the tourist spots location, I have made this map!

WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN BORACAY?

Aside from having the perfect beach visuals, Boracay have a lot of attractions and also offers a several activities to choose from according to your preference.

Island Hopping and Visit Different Tourist Spots in Boracay

You’ve meet the famous White Beach of Boracay that stretches 4 km and that’s the beach front from Station 1 to 3. However, that’s not the only beach that Boracay can offer you!

See other famous beach attractions in Boracay Island.

Puka Shell Beach

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One of the famous beach in Boracay Island after the White beach. This island is widely known to have plenty of Puka shells the reason it was named after it. I actually love it when we visited Puka Beach, it is a less crowded beach during our visit plus we have a little photo op session with the Puka Beach little Bamboo arch and sand castle. The sand is not as fine as the white beach but still it’s gorgeousness is emerging.

There are also a lot of stalls in the island and cottages if you want to stay for a while. However, the offers are a little bit pricey! So why don’t you just enjoy the beach and check out some authentic puka shells in the area.

Ilig-iligan Beach

If you are after for a relaxation and wants to getaway with the stirs then Ilig-iligan Beach should be your game. This island is way more uncrowded than the other beaches and only few stalls can be sighted in the area.

You better geared up and prepare your snorkeling gears as this is the best time to see the underwater haven with this crystal clear water of Ilig-iligan beach.

By the way, you have two ways to visit the beach, if you avail an island hopping tour this should be included. While on the other hand, if you want to handle things your own, this is accessible by riding a motorbike. So it’s all up to your strategy on how you can experience the unspoiled Ilig-iligan beach!

Crocodile Island

This crocodile-shape uninhabitable island is indeed one of the famous tourist attraction in Boracay. It is amazing to see how the rocks formed just like a crocodile head while this spot surely have the best marine life sanctuary underneath.

This is a certain perfect place for snorkeling and what more, scuba diving! However, you better need to be aware on the water current, sometimes it is rough so most of the tourist then was only able to see the island from afar.

Tambisaan Beach

Here’s your another not-so busy Beach in Boracay and a place of getaway from the main island. Tambisaan beach is simply beautiful beach where you can do some snorkeling as well. This spot is very near on some famous attractions such as the Crocodile Island and the Crystal Cove Island Resort.

In tambisaan beach, you can find here most of the locals of Boracay island as this is their main residency area. While hotels are not present here, but a homestay with the true resident is indeed a wonderful idea to connect more with the locals, right?

Crystal Cove Island Resort

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Definitely one of my favorite tourist spot of all, Crystal Cove is a private resort but you can have a bunch of activities to do in there. While this island also have their own white beach, they have also two caves that you can explore and it’s surely one of the highlights of our tour.

Another takeaway from this island is its picturesque view, every angle of the resort is great!

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Enough of the white sand? How about a golden-like sand?
Check out this Epic Experience in Quezon’s Golden Paradise: A Jomalig Travel Guide

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Helmet Diving

If you are adventurous and want to seek a unique experience, try helmet diving! The whole experience is awesome. You’ll wear around 40 kg of helmet, but once submerge it will be only around 7 kg in weight because of the water pressure. Once you’ve touch down at the deepest part of the area, you can see 180 degrees view of the underwater paradise and play with the cute little fishes.

Just a little tip, wear some clothing that covers your shoulder because the helmet can be very awkward and irritating if it was directly weighing at your shoulder, I have little scratches and I didn’t even last for 15 minutes underwater because it actually hurts!

Ariel’s Cliff Diving Point

This place is famous for having different level of cliff diving, so better be trying this out!

Paddle Boarding

One of the most recommended activities if you just want to relax and admire the beauty of the Boracay Island. Rent a paddle board and paddle around station 1 right at the Wiley’s Rock

Banana Boat Ride

If you want to have the best moments with your friends then banana boat is the answer. This unstoppable bouncing moment on the inflatable boat while the speed boat goes into its high speed can even make your heart stop for a second, make sure to grip hard!

Paraw Sailing

One of the best activities to do to catch the iconic sunset of Boracay. Have a relaxing moment at the boat and feel the sea breeze at its calmest moment while the sun sets. Don’t you ever ever forget to capture this very moment, I’m telling you!

Parasailing

Another water sport thrilling experience in Boracay Island. A 15-minutes of experience with you at 150-m above the water where a great scenic view of the Boracay beach awaits.

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WHERE TO EAT IN BORACAY?

I know that you won’t be spending that much in some tours and activities, but to tell you what makes traveling to Boracay expensive is the FOOD. Yes, foods and restaurants in Boracay are expensive even if you got to see some of the famous fast food restaurant (such as Andok’s, McDo, etc.) the price are incomparably high.

One of the choices is to walk around the barangays and look for some Carenderia, this will cost you less and the foods are pretty decent though.

For your breakfast, most of the hotels offers free breakfast so you will likely to eat there at the morning, so you’ll only think about your lunch at dinner.

D’Mall – this is your another option on checking out for something to eat, but still they are expensive so your wallet should be ready

D’Talipapa – One of the most recommended place to shop for fresh sea foods and canteens around can cook them for an definite fee. This is good if you are traveling with a substantial group of friends or family.

One thing I don’t want you to miss is trying the Halowich Mango Icecream! This Ice cream is immensely popular better line up and get your delicious Mango Ice Cream.

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Loving this Boracay Travel Guide? or do you feel like you want more unique Island adventure? Try Siargao Island too which offers lots of unique activities and experience!
Read my full Siargao Travel Guide: Things To do, Siargao Itinerary Samples & Budget

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TOP TRAVEL ESSENTIALS TO BRING IN BORACAY

1. Cash or ATM Card

– having cash is more convenient, but if you are out of cash no worries because there are a lot of ATM machines in the Island

2. Emergency Medicines/Kits

– such as paracetamol, diatabs, band aids, etc. Need to make sure you have the basic medicine that can provide immediate ease/aid in case.

3. Eco-friendly Water Bottles

– remember that plastic is prohibited so make sure you bring your own water bottles for refills.

4. Sunscreens or Sunblock

– just make sure that it is a PHYSICAL sunscreen and not CHEMICAL, this is to stay eco-friendly as Chemical sunscreens can be harmful to the sea.

Check out my favorite sunscreens here:

• Jeju Aloe Ice Sunblock – this is the one I use for the rest of my body, very universal and a family-pick sunblock! It wouldn’t leave a white cast promise, and non-sticky once it sets.
• Belo Sun Expert – this is my daily sunscreen but it could be a little bit sticky if use on the beach.
• BLK sunscreen – local brand of sunscreen launch by famous Pinay Artist Anne Curtis. This is a tinted type of sunscreen that can already be your base make-up and have a no make-up look plus sun protection, great right?
• FRESH Sunglow Tinted Sunscreen – my current favorite! This is the newest launch sunscreen by Fresh Skin Lab in collaboration with my favorite local Beauty Vloggers Rei Germar and Mae Layug. Check their channel out if you are a beauty junkie too!
• The Face Republic Sunscreen Gel – one of the favorite sunscreen that is a Gel type that doesn’t leave a white cast. Highly recommended!

5. Beach Hats/Sunglasses/Scarf

– this is to at least protect you from the scorching sun and hey, fashion!

6. Camera

– may it be phone, compact camera, action cam or SLR, it’s essential you capture your beautiful moments in the Island

Check out my favorites, I love to travel with less hassle so I only travel with my phone. Though I have no budget yet to buy a new phone, but I’m targeting the Huawei P40. I always love the huawei P series!

7. Dry Bag

– to keep your gadgets and essentials safe from getting wet, after all you’ll actually be doing a lot of water interactions, right?

8. Beach Outfits(Swimsuits!!!)

– I’m telling you don’t be a shy peacock in here and boost your confidence level into wearing your most wanted swimsuit.

Check out these pretty swimsuits:

Now that you’re all set, let’s now jump in the awaited moment of this Travel Guide, and that is our Boracay itinerary! So I’m pretty specific on this itinerary and mostly ideal for a 4 days 3 nights vacation. But of course feel free to make your own plan as this is just a guide for you.

Also just a reminder for your, we all know that Boracay have undergone rehabilitation, thus, there can be changes in this itinerary. As far as I know there are activities mostly water activities are temporarily suspended, so please make sure to ask around.

If Island hopping is suspended, there are other ways to reach some tourist spots. Boracay is a small island as you can see on our tourist map above which I actually made for your as your guide. Remember this is your vacation so you get to decide what to do you think is best, I’m just here only to guide you create your future plan.

Great! I don’t want you to keep that longer and proceed on our DIY Boracay Itinerary!

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But if you really want to be here longer which I will be more than like a happy girl jumping around *lol kidding!*, why don’t you check out my other travel guides?

• The Lahluna Bed and Breakfast: A Hobbiton Inspired Staycation near Tagaytay
• 2020 Breathtaking South Batan Tour | Top Places to Visit
• 17 Awesome Beach Resorts in Batangas Philippines
• The Ultimate Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

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SAMPLE BORACAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Appreciate Beauty of Boracay!

08:30 am – Arrive at Caticlan Airport
09:00 am – Tricycle to Caticlan Jetty Port
09:20 am – Registration and Pay for Terminal Fee, Environmental Fee, Boat Fee
10:00 am – Boat Ride from Caticlan to Cagban Jetty Port
10:20 am – Arrive at Cagban, transportation to respective Hotel
11:00 am – Hotel Check-in and prepare
11:40 am – Explore and look for place to get lunch
01:00 pm – Back to Hotel and prepare for a beach walk
03:00 pm – Explore the area and the White Beach
05:30 pm – Relax and catch the sunset
06:30 pm – Back to Hotel and prepare for dinner
07:30 pm – Explore again and check out restaurant or D’mall to grab dinner
09:30 pm – Walk back to the Hotel and rest

Day 2: Go for Island Hopping Tour!

07:30 am – Wake up and prepare
08:00 am – Breakfast at the Hotel
09:00 am – Back to Hotel Room and prepare your must essentials for the tour
10:00 am – Start of Tour, lunch already included
Puka Beach
Ilig-iligan Beach
Coral Garden
Crocodile Island
Tambisaan Beach
Crystal Cove Beach Resort
03:00 pm – End of Tour, Go back to Hotel, prepare
05:30 pm – Go by the beach and watch Sunset
06:30 pm – Check out the are for some dinner
08:00 pm – Try Halo Mango for your dessert and hang out in D’mall
09:00 pm – Back to Hotel and rest

Day 3: Beach Activities and relax and seaside

07:30 am – Wake up and prepare
08:00 am – Breakfast at the Hotel
09:00 am – Back to Hotel Room and prepare
10:00 am – Go for Helmet Diving or Other Activities
12:00 pm – Try Nonie’s Restaurant at Station 3 or Other Restaurant of your choice
01:30 pm – Rest or check some fruit drinks/shake for a relaxing afternoon
03:00 pm – Try stand-up Paddle boarding near the Willy’s Rock, perfect for Photoshoot!
05:00 pm – Try Paraw Sailing during sunset or Just Watch Sunset at the Beach
06:00 pm – Back to Hotel and prepare for your last dinner
07:30 pm – Check some good restaurant for your last night
09:30 pm – Back to Hotel and rest

Day 4: See you again Boracay!

07:00 am – Wake up and Breakfast
08:00 am – Check-out
08:30 am – Walk-around and check souvenir shops
10:00 am – Tricycle to Cagban Port
10:30 am – Pay terminal fee and boat fee
11:00 am – Arrive at Caticlan Jetty port
11:20 am – Ride tricycle to Caticlan Airport
12:00 pm – Check-in at Airport
01:40 pm – Flight back to Manila

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APPROXIMATED EXPENSES & BUDGET:

Cheap Hotel = P 700 per night/ 2 person = P 700 x 3 nights / 2 person = P 1050+
Tricycle Airport to Port = P 50 x 2 = P 100 (roundtrip)
Tricycle Cagban – Boracay = P 150 x 2 (roundtrip) / 2 person = P 150
Terminal Fee = P 100 x 2 = P 200 (roundtrip)
Boat Fee = P 25 x 2 = P 50 (roundtrip)
Environmental Fee = P 75
Day 2
Island Hopping Tour includes lunch = P 700
Dinner = P 200
Day 3
Helmet Diving + Paddle Boarding + Paraw Sailing = P 950 + P 500 + P 400 = P 1850
Lunch + Dinner = P 400

OVERALL = P 4,775 ($74.73) accommodation included but excluding Airfare + Souvenir Shopping

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