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?
This is a post-Boracay Travel Guide article. Please stay cautious still due to the pandemic happening right now. Boracay Island is open since June 16, 2020, but only at the Western Visayas Region.
You may save this article soon for your future reference though.
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 โItโs just another white beach though!โ. 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 itโs own gorgeousness! So let me tell you, donโt just take it from me as I may be too flowery for my words about Boracay. So why donโt 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 governmentโs imposed rule to conduct clean up on the Island and do a major rehabilitation.
DOโs and DONโTโs
- 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.
This article contains affiliate links to products or services. Keep in mind the I may receive a commission when you click our links and make purchases, however, with at no additional costs to you.
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 โ have the most luxurious hotels and probably much less crowded
- Station 2 โ this is were the stirs are as this is the center of the beach. Also the famous DโMall is located right here.
- Station 3 โ 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 donโt 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:
- 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.
- 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 youโve 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 Agodaโs official site.
Boracay Hotels in Station 2
If you want to check other hotels, view here on Agodaโs official site.
Boracay Hotels in Station 3
If you want to check other hotels, view here on Agodaโs official site.
or
Search here for your convenience:
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
Youโve meet the famous White Beach of Boracay that stretches 4 km and thatโs the beach front from Station 1 to 3. However, thatโs not the only beach that Boracay can offer you!
See other famous beach attractions in Boracay Island.
Puka Shell Beach
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 itโs 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 donโt 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 itโs 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
Hereโs 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
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 itโs surely one of the highlights of our tour.
Another takeaway from this island is its picturesque view, every angle of the resort is great!
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
Helmet Diving
If you are adventurous and want to seek a unique experience, try helmet diving! The whole experience is awesome. Youโll wear around 40 kg of helmet, but once submerge it will be only around 7 kg in weight because of the water pressure. Once youโve 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 didnโt even last for 15 minutes underwater because it actually hurts!

Arielโs 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 Wileyโs 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. Donโt 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.
WHERE TO EAT IN BORACAY?
I know that you wonโt 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 Andokโs, 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 youโll only think about your lunch at dinner.
DโMall โ this is your another option on checking out for something to eat, but still they are expensive so your wallet should be ready
DโTalipapa โ 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 donโt 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.

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
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 โ this is the one I use for the rest of my body, very universal and a family-pick sunblock! It wouldnโt leave a white cast promise, and non-sticky once it sets.
- Belo Sun Expert โ this is my daily sunscreen but it could be a little bit sticky if use on the beach.
- BLK sunscreen โ 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 โ 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 โ one of the favorite sunscreen that is a Gel type that doesnโt 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, itโs 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 youโll actually be doing a lot of water interactions, right?
8. Beach Outfits(Swimsuits!!!)
– Iโm telling you donโt 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!
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
SAMPLE BORACAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Appreciate Beauty of Boracay!
08:30 am โ Arrive at Caticlan Airport
09:00 am โ Tricycle to Caticlan Jetty Port
09:20 am โ Registration and Pay for Terminal Fee, Environmental Fee, Boat Fee
10:00 am โ Boat Ride from Caticlan to Cagban Jetty Port
10:20 am โ Arrive at Cagban, transportation to respective Hotel
11:00 am โ Hotel Check-in and prepare
11:40 am โ Explore and look for place to get lunch
01:00 pm โ Back to Hotel and prepare for a beach walk
03:00 pm โ Explore the area and the White Beach
05:30 pm โ Relax and catch the sunset
06:30 pm โ Back to Hotel and prepare for dinner
07:30 pm โ Explore again and check out restaurant or Dโmall to grab dinner
09:30 pm โ Walk back to the Hotel and rest
Day 2: Go for Island Hopping Tour!
07:30 am โ Wake up and prepare
08:00 am โ Breakfast at the Hotel
09:00 am โ Back to Hotel Room and prepare your must essentials for the tour
10:00 am โ Start of Tour, lunch already included
Puka Beach
Ilig-iligan Beach
Coral Garden
Crocodile Island
Tambisaan Beach
Crystal Cove Beach Resort
03:00 pm โ End of Tour, Go back to Hotel, prepare
05:30 pm โ Go by the beach and watch Sunset
06:30 pm โ Check out the are for some dinner
08:00 pm โ Try Halo Mango for your dessert and hang out in Dโmall
09:00 pm โ Back to Hotel and rest
Day 3: Beach Activities and relax and seaside
07:30 am โ Wake up and prepare
08:00 am โ Breakfast at the Hotel
09:00 am โ Back to Hotel Room and prepare
10:00 am โ Go for Helmet Diving or Other Activities
12:00 pm โ Try Nonieโs Restaurant at Station 3 or Other Restaurant of your choice
01:30 pm โ Rest or check some fruit drinks/shake for a relaxing afternoon
03:00 pm โ Try stand-up Paddle boarding near the Willyโs Rock, perfect for Photoshoot!
05:00 pm โ Try Paraw Sailing during sunset or Just Watch Sunset at the Beach
06:00 pm โ Back to Hotel and prepare for your last dinner
07:30 pm โ Check some good restaurant for your last night
09:30 pm โ Back to Hotel and rest
Day 4: See you again Boracay!
07:00 am โ Wake up and Breakfast
08:00 am โ Check-out
08:30 am โ Walk-around and check souvenir shops
10:00 am โ Tricycle to Cagban Port
10:30 am โ Pay terminal fee and boat fee
11:00 am โ Arrive at Caticlan Jetty port
11:20 am โ Ride tricycle to Caticlan Airport
12:00 pm โ Check-in at Airport
01:40 pm โ Flight back to Manila
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 โ 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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Linn
July 4, 2020Awesome guide! I haven’t been to this part of the Philippines yet, so really looking forward to go when possible:) Keeping your guide handy for that.
Elena Pappalardo
July 4, 2020This is truly paradise! I honestly didn’t even know about Boracay! Thanks for putting it on my radar ๐
Emma
July 4, 2020What a lovely looking place, great travel tips too including the very detailed itinerary. I would love to visit the Philippines one day
Kooky Loves to Travel
July 4, 2020Paradise place! I would love to visit one day! Great swimwear too!
Curls en Route
July 4, 2020This is very useful and informative, you covered it all! I was supposed to go to the Philippines this year but, obviously, I couldn’t! This will definitely come in handy next time ๐
Loise
July 5, 2020aw, a lot of us have so many postponed vacation. Hope you can visit next time soon!
Shay
July 4, 2020Boracay looks like a dream! I’d love to visit someday. Great post.
Aswani Kurra
July 4, 2020I love how white the sand is and you little illustration! Lovely post!
Lauren
July 5, 2020The Philippines look so amazing! Thank you sharing. This post inspired me to travel there in the future ๐
Amber
July 5, 2020Helmet diving looks TERRIFYING! Can’t believe you were brave enough to do that :’)
Loise
July 5, 2020I took all the courage I got in there, but it’s worth to see everything underneath ๐
Ashley Luke
July 5, 2020Boracay looks so beautiful, thanks for all the details, you made vacation planning a breeze.
Mikaela Musa
July 5, 2020Nice post! Iโm glad you you enjoyed your stay in the Philippines and had a great time in Boracay. Canโt help but be proud that itโs my home country!
Loise
July 5, 2020hi Mika! Boracay is great ๐ And you’re a Filipina too!
Cause I am too. I was able to drop by your page well, in your about me page particularly.
And you kind of inspired me. Hope to get in touch and more engagement soon!
Krystal
July 5, 2020Adding this to my travel Bucketlist and that sandcastle is so good!
Jen
July 5, 2020Iโve been wanting to visit here for the longest time and was so excited when they reopened to tourists! Canโt wait to go when this situation is all over.
Loise
July 5, 2020yess! been wanting to go back here too!
Amanda Kerr
July 6, 2020Well written. I could go for a resort vacation right about now. Great photos! Helmet diving I did when I was in Bermuda! It was such a neat experience!
Loise
July 7, 2020Thanks! I want a vacation too and some resorts could be the best way to spent a relaxing vacation after all of the happenings right now.
Robert
July 6, 2020What an excellent detailed post & photos on visiting Borocay. We were in the Philippines a couple of seasons ago from Canada. Visiting Coron, Palawan & Cebu. Definitely hope to return and see much more of this beautiful country. Have Pinned your post for future reference. ๐
Loise
July 7, 2020Thank you Robert, I agree with you that Philippines is such a beautiful country and there are so much more to visit! Hope you can visit soon. I suggest visiting Siargao, a lot of foreign tourist love it!
Zi @craving.adventure
July 6, 2020It’s been so long since my trip to Boracay! I was there before the closedown and while it might seem extreme to some, I can vouch it was desperately needed!
Loise
July 7, 2020yes, boracay is tourist packed from all over the world and it needed a heal time from stress may be. I think its a good idea so it can rehabilitate and maintained its beauty.
Sarah - Last Minute Wanders
July 6, 2020Stunning! I’ve been to the Philippines a few times but I haven’t made it to Boracay yet! I’m still hoping to get there some day soon ๐
Loise
July 7, 2020Wow! you should visit Boracay soon, its the best way you can enjoy a relax vacation with a beautiful beach view!
Lenore | The Nitty Gritty Travel OT
July 6, 2020This is a great guide! Iโve heard so many amazing things about the Philippines I canโt wait to visit.
Loise
July 7, 2020there are countless of beautiful places to visit here! sure you don’t want to miss it! thanks for dropping by!
supal
July 6, 2020I’m dying to revisit the Philippines! I went in 2017 and it just wasn’t enough. Also, Surfside looks like my kinda place! Beautiful photos ๐ x
Loise
July 7, 2020yay, when you went to Philippines it makes you itch to visit more. Hope you can visit again. thanks for dropping by!
Tina
July 7, 2020I had never heard of this destination, but I’m totally adding to my list. What a dreamy place. Great comprehensive post, thanks for sharing!
Loise
July 7, 2020thanks for considering Philippines tina! Its totally a great place for some vacation and I’m off to make more guides about our country!
Kelly
July 7, 2020This is a great, comprehensive post on such a unique area! I would love to visit one day. All of the beaches look beautiful and I have never been to the Philippines before so this is definitely on my list ๐
Loise
July 8, 2020There are a lot of beautiful beaches in the Philippines and Boracay is one of the best. hope you can visit soon!
Jess Agostino
July 8, 2020This is a really great post! I’ve never heard of Boracay but will have to add it to my list of things to check out! ๐
Loise
July 8, 2020Yes definitely add it and hope you can visit soon! ๐
Devin Held
July 9, 2020I actually have never heard of Boracay Island before! It looks like a dreamy destination. Loving the tones of the water and all the fun things you mentioned you can do!
Chelsea
July 9, 2020OMG What a stunning spot!! It’s good to know that there is options for both budget and luxury travellers. Also, the helmet diving looks amazing and so unique! I want to try that for sure!
Hannah
July 9, 2020I was born in the Philippines but moved to the US when I was a toddler and came back to Manila in 2014. My mom, sister, and mom’s friends and I stayed at Boracay for a few days. We went in January so the weather was nice but the water was cold. We were supposed to go island hopping one of the days but unfortunately I had a seizure and had to stay in the hotel for the rest of the day. I had a massive headache after. I hope I can go back in my lifetime. Hannah | http://hannahonhorizon.com
Loise
July 9, 2020Aw that’s a bad day. I can relate because that happens to me when we are in siargao but thr thing is my migraine attacks during the tour. Hope you can visit Boracay soon. I want to go back as well. haven’t been there since the rehab done. thanks for dropping.
Erin
July 9, 2020Boracay looks like absolute paradise! I would LOVE to go sailing there to see the sunset. Thank you for this inspo! I might need to book a trip to Boracay, asap.
Anuradha
July 10, 2020Wow! This looks like a piece of paradise, and a look alike Caribbean. So many water and fun activities to do! Would really love to visit Philippines to experience these!
Francesca
July 16, 2020I feel like the Philippines has so many different amazing islands to visit. I would love to go helmet diving and paddle boarding.