When you think about travel destinations in the Philippines, Boracay will definitely be one of the firsts to come to mind. It’s the most popular beach destination in the country and has been on top of the list of numerous publications’ best islands not only in Asia but in the world.
Once you get to Boracay, you’ll immediately understand why it attracts a lot of tourists. Its natural beauty, especially the gorgeous white sand is unmatched. And with the many different types of resorts all over the island, Boracay is a destination for everyone. There are also a lot of restaurants and shops that you can check out, and activities that you can try. Whether you’re traveling with your friends, with your loved one, with family, traveling solo, or if you’re a luxury traveler or a budget backpacker, there is something for you to have an amazing time in Boracay.
ATTENTION! For the most updated information, it’s best to check the official websites or Facebook pages of Aklan local government, Aklan Tourism, and Boracay Tourism for updates and announcements.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Best Area to Stay
Knowing the geography of the island would help a lot when looking for a place to stay. Boracay is comprised of three barangays: Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak. These names will come up when you’re checking accommodations online, but for tourism purposes, it’s easier to split the island by beach instead.
The most popular, and also the longest strip in Boracay is White Beach, but there are other beaches here too. When you look for accommodations, it is important to check which beach it is located in as well.
- White Beach: The longest beach on Boracay Island and has the most accommodations. Here, you’ll find many of the key attractions on the island like D’Mall, grotto, and the most popular restaurants. White Beach is split into three (3) stations — Stations 1 and 2 in Barangay Balabag, and most of Station 3 in Barangay Manoc-manoc. Station 1, located on the northernmost end of the beach, is quieter. In Station 2 and 3, you can find many shops and bars.
- Bulabog Beach: A long stretch on the eastern side of the island. The sand here may not be fine, but it is a well-known jump-off point for many thrilling water activities in Boracay.
- Diniwid Beach: Located on the north of Station 1 of White Beach. There are a few resorts and hostels here. From Diniwid Beach, you can access White Beach through a cemented walking trail along the beach.
Top Beachfront Resorts
Not all hotels and resorts in Boracay are beachfront. If that’s what you prefer, consider these top beachfront hotels on the island according to online users.
- 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 Non-Beachfront Hotels
If you really don’t mind staying at a non-beachfront hotel, you may check out these highly recommended hotels as rated by online users.
- 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!
Top Hostels
If you’re looking for hostels or budget accommodations, you’ll have plenty of choices in Boracay. You may check the list below.
- FRENDZ HOSTEL BORACAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - LAZY DOG BED & BREAKFAST
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CHILL OUT HOSTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - COOL STAY INN
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SHORE TIME DORMITEL
✅ 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!
Getting There
NOTE: Changes may have occurred. Please contact the LGU, terminal, or bus company directly for the latest schedule, routes, and fares.
Manila to Boracay
From Manila, flying is the fastest and easiest way to get to Boracay. There are two airports that you can fly to when going to Boracay and each has its own pros and cons.
- Kalibo Airport: Cheaper fares, but the travel time from the airport to Boracay is around two (2) hours.
- Caticlan Airport: Fares are much more expensive than Kalibo, but it is only 15-30 minutes away from the island.
Kalibo Airport to Caticlan
If you’re flying to Boracay through Kalibo Airport, you need to travel an hour and a half to two hours to reach Caticlan Jetty Port. There are different options on how you can get there including packaged transfers to Boracay. Here are your options to reach Caticlan.
- Local Bus: The cheapest way to get to Caticlan from Kalibo. From the airport, ride a tricycle to the bus terminal along Osmeña Avenue and board a Ceres bus bound for Caticlan. The bus fare is P150-200.
- Tourist Bus/Van: There are “non-packaged” buses or vans that can take you to Caticlan Jetty Port. The fare is P200-250.
- Packaged Bus/Van Transfer Service: If you don’t want to do the transfers on your own, you can avail of the packaged transfer service. This is inclusive of transfer from Kalibo Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port, boat ride to the island, terminal fee, environmental fee, and hotel transfer. You will also be assisted through the process at the jetty port.
Caticlan to Boracay
If you are landing at Caticlan Airport, you can get on a tricycle to Caticlan Jetty Port or Tabon Port (depending on the season). The fare is P150 per tricycle for two passengers or P75 each. The travel time is about 10 minutes.
Whether you are coming from Kalibo or Caticlan Airport, you will then make your way to Boracay via ferry/boat. The fare is P50 per person. The ferry ride from Caticlan Jetty Port (or Tabon Port) to Boracay takes 10 to 15 minutes.
When you arrive on the island, take an e-tricycle or e-trike to your hotel. You can also charter a multi-cab if you’re a big group. We’ll discuss more of this in the Getting Around section. Moving on! If you prefer a convenient transfer to your hotel, you may also find transfer services that offer van airport transfer from Caticlan Airport to the Caticlan Jetty Port, boat crossing, and multi-cab hotel transfer.
The package below is offering options that cover an English-speaking driver, fuel fees, luggage allowance, insurance provided by the operator, a one-way transfer from Godofredo P. Ramos Airport to Boracay hotel, shared land and boat transfer, terminal fees, environmental fees, and boat ticket.
RELATED ARTICLE: You can read a more detailed article here: HOW TO GET TO BORACAY (From Kalibo and Caticlan)
Getting Around
E-Tricycle or E-Trike
The main mode of transportation in Boracay is the e-tricycle or e-trike. The cheaper option is to share a ride with other passengers taking the same route as yours. But if you prefer to have the ride all to yourself, you can hire one for a “special trip”. Below is the approved fare matrix:
Multi-Cab
If you are a big group, you can charter a much larger multi-cab. To give you an idea how much for a chartered trip, a multi-cab ride from Cagban or Tambisaan Port to Station 2 will cost you P250, good for up to 10 passengers. If your group is hiring one for a Land Tour around Boracay, the standard rate is P700 per hour.
Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) Shuttle
Another option is to take the Hop-On Hop Off (HOHO) shuttle bus, operated by Southwest Tours. It has air-conditioning system, WiFi, and CCTV cameras. Its route covers the area between Tambisaan and Cagban Ports in the south and Puka Beach in the north. For your reference, here are the specific stops:
- Operating Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Fare: P13-32, depending on the distance/stop; P230, All-Day Pass. Note that only cashless transaction is accepted, so you need to get a HOHO QR Pass to avail of this service.
Tourist Spots & Attractions
ATTENTION! The opening hours and rates might change from time to time. Make sure you check the official websites or Facebook pages of the attractions and tourist spots prior to your trip.
White Beach
White Beach is the iconic image of Boracay—an expansive stretch of powdery white sand where visitors can witness breathtaking sunsets. Regularly featured in the lists of best beaches by various international travel organizations and magazines, it has become one of the most renowned tourist attractions in the Philippines.
The beach is divided into three stations: Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. Station 1 is home to some high-end resorts and generally has fewer crowds. Station 2 is the busiest area, hosting most commercial establishments. On the other hand, Station 3 has a laid-back atmosphere and offers numerous budget accommodations.
White Beach is the usual jump-off point for island-hopping tours and other water-related activities, particularly during the Amihan season.
Location: White Beach, Barangay Balabag and Barangay Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island, Malay Aklan
Bulabog Beach
Bulabog Beach occupies a portion of the eastern coast of Boracay, offering stunning sunrise views. This side of the island is popular among adventure travelers, especially those interested in kitesurfing and windsurfing.
The area also provides beachfront accommodations for those looking to escape the crowds while still being close to the commercial center. Additionally, Bulabog Beach is one of the main starting points for water sports and other water-related activities, especially during the Habagat season.
Location: Bulabog Beach, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Island Hopping
Aside from the White Beach, Boracay has a lot of other stunning beaches. It is also surrounded by smaller islands.
When you’re on the island, there will be a lot of touts offering an island hopping tour. It usually costs P800-900 per person and the stops include Puka Beach, Crystal Cove Island, a snorkeling site, and a lunch stop. Some packages include Magic Island, a popular cliff diving spot. It is situated just southwest of Crystal Cove and is visible from there.
You can either charter a private boat for your group, especially if yours is a big one, or you can join a group tour. There are offers online for both private and regular island hopping tour that usually include guides and BBQ lunch.
✅ CHECK PACKAGE OPTIONS & RESERVE HERE!
Jump-Off Point: White Beach Station 1 or Station 3
Island-Hopping Rate: P800-900/person. This rate is usually inclusive of buffet lunch, but does not cover entrance fees and snorkeling fee.
Other Fees: Crystal Cove Entrance Fee, P300/person; Magic Island Entrance Fee, P250/person; Snorkeling Fee, P45-50/person
Ariel’s Point Cliff Diving
If you’re looking for adventure, you shouldn’t miss Ariel’s Point in Buruanga, Aklan! It’s a great day trip destination from Boracay Island for adrenaline junkies. You can jump from the five cliff diving platforms into the clear blue waters below. According to their website, the highest platform is 13 meters and the others are at seven (7) meters, six (6) meters, five (5) meters, and three (3) meters. Aside from cliff diving, you can swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard.
To reserve your slot, contact the management through its official e-mail address or its social media platforms — Facebook and Instagram. You can also book from your trusted booking sites! If you want to secure your spot, you can follow the link below.
Location: Barangay Bel-is, Buruanga, 5609 Aklan
Jump-Off Point: Boracay Beach Club/Ariel’s House (Station 1)
Day Trip Rate: Starts at P3,000/person. This rate is for a package inclusive of a round-trip outrigger ride, BBQ buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and use of amenities and activities in Ariel’s Point, and local environmental fee, and snorkeling fee.
E-Trike Land Tour
E-trikes or e-tricycles are now the staple mode of transportation on the island. If you want to see more of the island itself, you can hire an e-trike to take you around Boracay. Each e-trike can accommodate up to four (4) passengers. For groups composed of more than four members, it’s recommended to charter a multi-cab instead. It has a maximum capacity of 10 passengers.
The itinerary will depend on you. The driver might suggest a route or an itinerary, but you’ll have the final say. It’s your money and your time anyway, so use them wisely! You can choose from this list of places to visit for your e-trike tour:
- Puka Beach
- Ilig-Iligan Beach
- Keyhole Beach
- Newcoast Beach
- Groto Beach
- Diniwid Beach
- Bulabog Beach
- Mount Luho
- Crystal Kayak
Rates: E-Trike Tour, P500/hour (maximum of 4 pax); Multi-cab Tour, P700/hour (maximum of 10 pax)
Parasailing
For a more thrilling experience of getting an amazing view of Boracay, soar high above by parasailing. The boat staff will gladly take your photos while you’re flying over the beach, so make sure to have a camera ready. You have the option to do it solo or with a companion. Up, up, and away!
You can score a good deal when you book online! Don’t forget to check for the discounted packages. Whether going solo or doing a tandem parasailing, the packages usually include the 15-minute parasailing experience, boat ride, parasail equipment, safety gear, and a guide.
Jump-Off Point: White Beach (Amihan Season) or Bulabog Beach (Habagat Season)
Rates: Solo, P2,500; Tandem, P1,800 (per person)
Crystal Kayak
You’ve probably seen photos of people posing solo or with their partners in a transparent kayak all over social media. The crystal kayak is undeniably the latest craze on the island!
You’ll find many skippers offering crystal kayak photoshoots along White Beach and Puka Beach. You can also avail of this activity on one of the private beaches of Boracay Newcoast. The best time to do this is during a clear, sunny day. Tip: Don’t forget your sunglasses! Not only do they protect you from the sun, but they also amp up your outfit of the day photos!
Activity Sites: White Beach, Puka Beach, Boracay Newcoast
Rate: Starts at P250 per person
Activity Duration: 15-20 minutes
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
The calm waters of White Beach make it a great place for stand-up paddleboarding. This is an activity you can do in Boracay even if you’re a beginner or just starting to learn. SUP is up!
If you are traveling to Boracay during the peak season, you can secure your slot in advance online!
Jump-Off Point: White Beach (Amihan Season) or Bulabog Beach (Habagat Season)
Rates: 30-Minute Session, P460-500; 1-Hour Session, P700
Paraw Sailing
Paraw is an outrigger boat with two sails. You can sail the old school way with these sailboats, which have become one of the most well-known icons of Boracay. This is also an ideal activity for couples on a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
If you’re not content with just admiring them from afar, then sign up for this activity and experience it firsthand. You can go sailing either during the day or sunset, or why not both times! The jump-off point for Paraw Sailing varies depending on the season: White Beach during the Amihan season (November – May) or Bulabog Beach during the Habagat season (June – October).
✅ BOOK DAY PARAW SAILING HERE!
✅ BOOK SUNSET PARAW SAILING HERE!
Jump-Off Point: White Beach (Amihan Season) or Bulabog Beach (Habagat Season)
Rates: Daytime, P685 (per person for 8 pax) to P2,650 (for solo package); Sunset, P685 (per person for 8 pax) to P2,500 (for solo package)
Banana Boat and UFO Rides
For more adrenaline rush, you can ride a giant inflatable vessel — banana boat or UFO-shaped inflatable — pulled by a speed boat. Whichever you choose, you’ll surely have an exhilarating ride with your companions. The ride is not recommended for 12 years old and below.
If you are visiting during the peak season, you can book ahead of time online!
Jump-Off Point: White Beach (Amihan Season) or Bulabog Beach (Habagat Season)
Rates: Banana Boat, P2,700 (good for 6 pax) or P450 (per person); UFO Ride, P2,800 (good for 4 pax) or P700 (per person)
Food Trip
Boracay not only attracts beachgoers and sun chasers to its beautiful sandy beaches, but it also entices food lovers with its diverse culinary scene. The island is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars, offering everything from simple street food to fine dining experiences.
Many of the well-known food establishments are homegrown, such as Dos Mestizos, Nonie’s, and Los Indios Bravos. Boracay is also popular for its iconic eats such as Real Coffee and Tea’s calamansi muffins, Jonah’s fruit shakes, Merly’s chori burgers, and Lemoni’s lemon bars. Not to mention the abundance of delicious snacks and desserts like Halo Mango, Coco Mama, and Ice Flakes.
These are just a few of the must-try foods and treats that Boracay has to offer. The island is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a wide array of culinary delights that are sure to satisfy any craving.
Haqqy Boracay Pub Crawl
Apart from the beautiful beach, Boracay has been known for its nightlife. After its shutdown in 2018, many wondered if the nightlife would stop, but the clubs and bars remained when it reopened. If you want to get a dose of the nightlife on the island, joining a pub crawl is a great way to do that.
Haqqy Pub Crawl will take you to different bars and allow you to party with other travelers from different parts of the world. There will also be a guide and a professional photographer with you during the pub crawl.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season is the best time to visit Boracay. February to May are the driest months, but keep in mind that the period between April and May is considered peak season, especially during Holy Week.
If you don’t want the rain to ruin your itinerary and avoid the crowd too, you can consider the months of November to January. However, you might want to avoid the days around Christmas and New Year because they are busy months too.
Recommended Restaurants
- Jonah’s Fruit Shake. This is the most popular fruit shake on the island. It guarantees using fresh ingredients for these rich and delicious fruit shakes. Many tourists are raving about it, and fans are claiming that this one should not be missed when on the island.
- Real Coffee and Tea Cafe. The home of Boracay’s popular calamansi muffin. Real Coffee and Tea Cafe has been serving freshly brewed coffee and their home-baked calamansi muffins since 1996. You can find the shop on the 2nd floor of Sea World at Station 2.
- Halo Mango. A popular dessert house in Boracay, Halo Mango is located in D’mall in Station 2. They are known for their mango-flavored desserts especially their mango soft serve ice cream. Halo Mango’s ice cream is available in cups, cones, and big bowls, which you can share if you’re a group.
- Los Indios Bravos. Los Indios Bravos is a gastropub along White Beach. They serve local handcrafted beers and classic pub food from different places. If you want to try their different handcrafted beers, order their beer sampler.
- Merly’s BBQ Boracay. This is not a restaurant but a barbecue stand along White Beach. It has been in business since 1988 and has become a popular food spot on the island. Aside from the barbecue, the chori burger and longga burger are a must-try too!
Practical Travel Tips
- Always check for updates. Don’t forget to contact or visit the official websites or Facebook pages of the attractions and activities for announcements and updates before going.
- Leave nothing but footprints. Boracay has been shut down for rehabilitation in 2018, and now that it’s back, let’s do our part to keep its beauty. Make sure to throw away your trash properly and don’t litter on the beach.
- Practice sustainability. Support the local community by purchasing their products. Help lessen the trash by bringing reusable water bottles and dry bags/eco bags to avoid the use of single-use plastic.
- Use coral-friendly sunscreen. When choosing a sunscreen, choose one that doesn’t only protect your skin from the harmful UV rays but also doesn’t harm the environment too. Use products that don’t have chemicals like oxybenzone, benzophenone, and parabens that harm corals.
- Follow the rules and regulations. Make sure you know the travel safety protocols and requirements and follow them.
Sample Itinerary
Here’s a sample 3-day itinerary for Boracay. Feel free to make adjustments depending on your preferences.
Day 1
– Arrival at Caticlan Airport
– Travel to Jetty Port
– Registration, verification, and pay fees at the port
– Boat transfer to Boracay
– Boracay Arrival
– Travel to your hotel
– Check in or drop bags at the hotel
– Lunch
– Stroll or swim at White Beach
– Watch sunset
– Dinner
– Walk around D’mall
– Lights off
Day 2
– Island Hopping Tour
– Freshen up at the hotel
– Watch sunset
– Dinner
– Pub Crawl
– Lights off
Day 3
– Check out of the hotel
– Go to the port
– Buy a ticket and pay the terminal fee
– Tricycle to Caticlan Airport
– Departure
Updates Log
2024.05.15 – Updated information (fares and fees), process, and format; added attractions/tourist spots; and added photos
2024.04.03 – Updated information
2021.03.12 – First uploaded
Written by: Mariah Cruz and Astrid Alvarez
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