Boracay is one of the top-of-mind beach destinations in the Philippines among local and international travelers. This resort island off the northwestern coast of Aklan has captured the hearts of beach lovers, sand huggers, and sun worshipers. And our team is no exception. We keep coming back! For many of us, it’s our safe place.
Boracay may be small, but it’s bursting at the seams with activities and accommodation options. However, being bombarded with so many choices sometimes leads to decision paralysis or mistakes. Whether it’s your first time or it’s been a while since your last trip to the island, it’s crucial to plan ahead for a hassle-free vacation. This includes being aware of the common travel mistakes in Boracay to avoid committing or repeating them. Here are just some of them.
HELLO! We just want to clarify that this video is by no means made by experts, but rather made from our experience as frequent travelers to Boracay. If you want to add anything or have any opinions on the items we’ve included in this list of travel mistakes to avoid in Borcay, feel free to use our comment section!
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Boracay Travel Mistakes
1. Bad timing.
Because timing is everything, we believe this deserves the first spot in this list of common travel mistakes in Boracay.
The island is a year-round destination. Whichever month you visit, you’ll find something interesting to do in Boracay. But not all months will give you the same experience. To know the best time to visit, you need to consider three factors:
- Weather
- Foot Traffic/Crowd Volume
- Algal Bloom Season
In terms of weather, the best months are between November and May. This is considered the dry period, specifically from February to May. But the thing is, it’s also the busiest time or the peak season, especially during Holy Week, so expect to share the island with thousands of tourists! Note also that the March to May period is also the “coming out season” of the algal bloom along White Beach.
If you want to avoid big crowds, algal bloom, and rainy weather, book a trip between November and January BUT skip the days around Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The period from June to October is considered the rainy season in the Philippines. This is also the season when most typhoons like to spend their holiday in the country.
Knowing these factors and conditions will help us manage our expectations.
2. Not considering PWD and senior companions.
Always keep the needs of your elderly and PWD companions in mind. Boracay is generally an easily accessible destination in the Philippines, but there is still room for improvement in tourist facilities to better serve visitors and make the island more inclusive for PWDs and senior citizens.
Imagine this scenario: from the airport, you need to take a tricycle to the jetty port. At the port, there are boats that use a narrow boardwalk for embarkation and disembarkation. Even physically fit travelers can struggle to traverse these boardwalks when the waves are strong. Consider the challenge it poses for those with mobility issues. While personnel assist them, this is one of the things that need to be addressed.
One workaround is to book a transfer package, which offers a faster and more convenient option. You can find plenty of these packages on site and online. If you want to avoid any worries on the day of your trip, consider reserving your slot in advance online.
3. Paying higher e-trike fares.
Okay, e-trike or e-tricycle is the main mode of transportation in Boracay. Upon your arrival at the port — either Cagban or Tambisaan, you’ll easily spot them. But the most important question is: how much should you pay? Well, it depends on the distance. It’s best to familiarize yourself with the fare matrix so you won’t have to pay more than what you need to.
But first, it’s helpful to know that there are two kinds of e-trike trips: a shared ride and a special trip. For shared or “individual” rides, you will share the ride with other passengers and you pay the individual fare. The amount is based on the distance covered and/or your destination. It is reflected on the fare matrix. The fare ranges from P15 to P50. For your reference, here’s the current approved e-tricycle fare matrix:
On the other hand, taking a special trip means hiring the e-tricycle for a private ride. You will have the e-trike to yourself for the whole duration of the trip. The driver won’t pick up other passengers. But of course, as you can see, the fare for chartered or special trips is more expensive — from P100 to P400.
There are instances when drivers assume that you are taking a special trip. To save yourself from paying more than what is necessary, tell the driver right away that you are not taking a special trip.
NOTE: Be mindful of other passengers. If you have pieces of luggage in tow, it’s best to hire an e-trike for a special trip. We also noticed that most drivers won’t pick up passengers whose clothes are obviously wet, so if this is the case for you, a special trip is the best option, too.
4. Accepting free buffet lunch or dinner.
Out of all the offers you’ll come across along White Beach, this one will surely catch your attention: FREE BUFFET LUNCH/DINNER. As one of our three basic needs, food fuels (and sometimes motivates) us. It is hard to refuse food, especially when the offer is a combination of the words “free” and “buffet”.
But as tempting as this offer sounds, there’s a catch. Instead of paying for the food, you will spend an hour or more attending an orientation involving a sales pitch for a club membership or a product. Although you’re not obligated to make a purchase, they can be persuasive.
This is not a mistake per se. But if you consider your time as precious as money too, it’s best to spend it on more worthwhile activities on the island with your loved ones.
5. Not following warning flags.
In general, the waters of White Beach are calm and shallow, so it’s safe even for kids and those who are not seasoned swimmers. But it’s still important to always prioritize our safety. Wear your life vest when snorkeling, follow instructions and rules when doing water sports, and stay in the shallow parts if you don’t know how to swim.
In addition, you’ll notice beach warning flags along the beach. Among the common travel mistakes in Boracay is ignoring or not following warning flags. They will be your indicator of whether it’s safe to swim in the area or not. Each color represents the following conditions:
- Green Flag: Calm waters and safe to swim.
- Plain Red or Red w/ White Line: No swimming due to dangerous water/wave conditions.
- Yellow Flag: Be cautious when swimming.
- Purple Flag: Dangerous marine life is present in the area.
6. Ignoring rules at White Beach.
A lot has changed since the island’s reopening in 2018. Some activities that made Boracay famous — loud music, beach parties, and fire dancing — are now prohibited to preserve and protect its shores. There is a corresponding punishment for those who violate these rules. It pays to be aware of these restrictions, particularly at White Beach, so here’s the list:
- NO smoking
- NO drinking of alcohol
- NO illegal drugs
- NO pets
- NO littering
- NO loud music
- NO fire dancing
- NO pitching of umbrella
- NO beach beds/chairs
7. Taking home sand.
Did you know that removing sand from Boracay is considered a serious offense?
This is one of the common travel mistakes in Boracay, and if caught red-handed — whether on the island, on the mainland, or at the airport, you may face a penalty of a fine amounting to P2,500 and/or imprisonment for a period of one (1) to three (3) months.
Anyway, nothing beats appreciating nature in its natural setting. Don’t you agree?
Penalty: P2,500 fine and/or imprisonment for 1-3 months (first offense) and 3-6 months (second offense)
Source:
[1] Municipal Ordinance No. 141, Series of 2001 – An ordinance banning the extraction and collection of white sand and pebbles on the beaches of Boracay Island[2] Municipal Ordinance No. 310, Series of 2012 – An ordinance amending Municipal Ordinance No. 141. Series of 2001 (Section 2 – Penalty and Section 3 – Implementation)
8. Flying drones.
This restriction only applies to flying a drone for personal use. If you’ve seen or noticed a drone on your last visit, it’s likely being used for commercial or professional purposes, which is allowed with a permit.
The person, organization, or company applying for a permit must specify the exact time and area for flying the drone and pay the necessary fee. Pre-pandemic, the permit fee was P1,300/day. We’re not sure how much is the current rate. If you know, please share in the comment section, so we can update this post. Thank you!
NOTES:
- There is a limited number of drones allowed to fly per day.
- It is crucial to obtain a permit, as flying a drone without one incurs a hefty fine.
9. Leaving the island too late.
As you prepare to leave this island paradise and head back to the mainland, you simply need to retrace your steps. However, there are a few important details to remember:
- You will still need to pay the terminal fee at either Tambisaan or Cagban port. The total fee is P200 per person, which includes P50 for the boat fare and P150 for the terminal fee. Discounted rates are available for students, seniors, and PWDs.
- Please be aware that there are fewer boat trips at night compared to during the day. If your flight is early in the morning or late at night, it’s important to allot plenty of extra time to avoid delays. On our team’s recent visit (July 2024), the boat leaves hourly from 10 PM to 12 AM, with the next schedules at 2 AM and 4:30 AM. The boat may leave earlier than scheduled if there are enough passengers.
REMINDER! The travel time between Caticlan International Airport and Caticlan Jetty Port is approximately 10 minutes, while the journey between Kalibo International Airport and Caticlan Jetty Port takes about two (2) hours. You can also check out our How to Get to Boracay article.
10. Not booking accommodations in advance.
Last but definitely equally important in this list of travel mistakes to avoid in Boracay is not booking your hotel ahead of your trip. Boracay is brimming with hotel choices — from luxury to mid-range to budget. It doesn’t matter if you travel solo, with your partner, family members, friends, or colleagues because there is something for every type of traveler here. When booking a hotel, making a reservation well in advance is beneficial. There are two reasons for this:
- It’s a sure way to secure a place to stay in Boracay, especially during peak season.
- Hotel rates are usually cheaper when you book in advance.
Although no longer required when visiting Boracay, confirmed hotel booking is highly recommended. Sometimes, the staff at Caticlan Port will still ask for your booking confirmation. And for your security, choosing an accredited accommodation is strongly suggested. You may refer to the next section for some of the top hotel suggestions in Boracay.
Where to Stay in Boracay
White Beach is considered the tourist hub on the island. It is lined with different types of lodging and businesses. The long stretch is divided into three stations: Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. Station 1 hosts some high-end resorts and generally has fewer crowds. Station 2 is the busiest area and has the highest concentration of hotels and commercial establishments. Finally, Station 3 is known for its laid-back atmosphere and budget accommodations.
If you want a quieter and more relaxed environment, you can also check out Bulabog Beach, located opposite of White Beach. To help you decide, here are some of the top-rated hotels and resorts on Boracay Island as recommended by online users.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- AQUA BORACAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SHANGRI-LA’S BORACAY RESORT & SPA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CRIMSON RESORT & SPA BORACAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - AMBASSADOR IN PARADISE
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - HENANN CRYSTAL SANDS RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Hotels.com
- HUE HOTELS AND RESORTS BORACAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - FERRA HOTEL AND GARDEN SUITES BORACAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - LIME HOTEL BORACAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - BORACAY HAVEN SUITES
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - FELIZ HOTEL BORACAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
You can also check out these posts for more hotel suggestions in Boracay:
- Top 10 Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Boracay
- Top 10 Mid-Range Hotels & Resorts in Boracay
- Top 10 Budget Hotels & Resorts in Boracay
Find more Boracay Hotels!
Updates Log
2024.12.27 – First uploaded
Related Article: Boracay Travel Guide
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