Boracay Island is one of the most loved and most hated island beaches in the Philippines, depending on who you ask. It has one of the finest, if not the finest, white sand in the country, has clear aquamarine waters, and boasts of, not one, but ten white beaches throughout its coastline. The island is also a favorite for watersports; parasailing, banana boats and jetskiing, you name it, Boracay has it. Below the surface, there are quite a few snorkeling and diving sites around its immediate vicinity. And all these has led to the island being voted by numerous travel publications as one of the best beaches in the Philippines, and even the world.
Ironically, this is also why people steer clear of Boracay. The island has now become so famous that people arrive in droves and development has mushroomed uncontrolled. Add in its wild nightlife, and you get people shaking their heads and moving on to quieter vacation places.
But the reality is that this island really isn’t for that idyllic holiday; this is the Philippine’s party island. Once you accept that, you’ll find that a trip to Boracay can be quite unforgettable.
► HOW TO GET TO BORACAY
Boracay Island is part of the municipality of Malay in the province of Aklan. It is located about 315 kilometers south of Manila in the region of Western Visayas. The usual route going to Boracay involves a flight from Manila or Cebu to either Kalibo, which is about two hours away by bus or van from the island (fare is about PHP100.00), or via Caticlan, a barangay in Malay itself where the jetty sailing to Boracay is located. The boat ride from mainland Aklan to Boracay itself takes less than ten minutes.
Alternatively, one can also take ferries going to Caticlan from a few of the provinces within its vicinity, although travel time is quite long and the areas it sails from are limited.
MANILA TO CATICLAN ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,900.00 +/-
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 7 times daily | (02) 7020-888
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies 6 times daily | (02) 777-5932
● SKYJET - Flies 2 times daily | (0917) 863-1333
MANILA TO KALIBO ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME + 2 HOURS BUS TO CATICLAN ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,900.00 +/-
● AIRASIA - Flies 6 times daily | (02) 722-2742
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 5 times daily | (02) 7020-888
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies 3 times daily | (02) 777-5932
CEBU TO CATICLAN ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,200.00 +/-
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 2 times daily | (032) 230-8888
CEBU TO KALIBO ○ 1 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,200.00 +/-
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 2 times daily | (02) 7020-888
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies 3 times weekly | (02) 777-5932
● TIGER AIRWAYS - Flies 2 times weekly | (02) 798-4499
BATANGAS TO CATICLAN ○ 9 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 1,000.00 +/-
● 2GO - Sails 5 times weekly | (02) 528-7000
ROXAS TO CATICLAN ○ 4-5 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 420.00 +/-
● MONTENEGRO LINES - Sails 5 times daily | (043) 289-2832
● STARLITE FERRIES - Sails 3 times daily | (02) 724-3034 | (043) 723-9965
● SUPER SHUTTLE RORO - Sails 4 times daily | (0915) 646-6857 | (032) 231-0639
BULALACAO TO CATICLAN ○ 3 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 375.00 +/-
● FASTCAT - Sails 5 times daily | (032) 842-9341 | (0946) 576-0544
ODIONGAN TO CATICLAN ○ 3 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 80.00 +/-
● 2GO - Sails 5 times weekly | (02) 528-7000
● ROMBLON SHIPPING LINES - Sails 5 times weekly | (02) 528-7000
HAMBIL (CARABAO ISLAND) TO CATICLAN ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 80.00 +/-
● LOCAL PASSENGER OUTRIGGER BOATS - Sails once daily
FROM 2 HOURS TRAVEL TIME (DEPENDING WHERE IN ANTIQUE) ○ FARE FROM PHP 200.00 +/-
● CERES - Departs multiple times daily
FROM 6 HOURS TRAVEL TIME (DEPENDING WHERE IN ILOILO) ○ FARE FROM PHP 200.00 +/-
● CERES - Departs multiple times daily, passes by Roxas & Kalibo
3 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 200.00 +/-
● CERES - Departs multiple times daily, passes by Kalibo
2 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 100.00 +/-
● CERES - Departs multiple times daily
● LOCAL VANS - Departs multiple times daily
► GETTING AROUND BORACAY
Boracay Island is relatively small and its road network, narrow and limited. The general means of getting around the island is by walking, cycling and motorbiking. Those last two are available for rent on a few shops in Boracay. For public transport, there are tricycles roaming around its roadways. Minimum fare is PHP20.00 for non-special trips along the main road, meaning the driver can still pick up other passengers, and special trips are set at PHP100.00 to PHP150.00 (depending on your destination) for renting the whole tricycle. To make sure a driver would only charge you PHP20.00 and avoid confusion and confrontation, tell him beforehand that you’re riding non-special. ~ PHOTO FROM BLISSFULGURO.COM
► TOURS IN BORACAY
Booking a tour in Boracay easy. Too easy, in fact, it’s almost annoying. Simply walk along the beach path along White Beach and you’d be flocked by tour people offering anything from island hopping tours to any water activities you can think of. To be fair, these tours are cheaper compared if you book online or even in your hotel. For Boracay island hopping tours, specify if you want to travel in group, which is cheaper, or if you want to rent the whole boat for a more private tour.
► SPEAK BORACAY
Boracay was originally settled by Ati Negritos. Their language is called Inati, although due to the influx of people on the island, I’m not sure if it’s still widely spoken. Nowadays, the island has a mix of languages, from Aklanon, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a and other Visayan languages. To be sure, most people can understand and speak Filipino and English fairly well.
► WHERE TO STAY IN BORACAY
Accommodations in Boracay are as numerous as the people flocking it. The beachfront resorts, especially in the White Beach area, are the most expensive ones. Prices, however, decline as you go from Station 1 to Station 3. For cheaper alternatives, there are also lodgings along the side-streets leading to the beaches and even on the main road itself. The key is to book ahead, especially on holidays and weekends, as numerous as they are, these can easily get filled by incoming visitors.
SECOND WIND HOSTEL
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Bulabog Road, Brgy. Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-1025 | (0917) 843-1469
GPS Coordinates: 11.965316, 121.924874
PHOTO FROM RJDEXPLORER.COM
TREE HOUSE BEACH RESORT
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Station 3, White Beach, Boracay Island, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-3601 | (0908) 810-0738
GPS Coordinates: 11.948873, 121.931382
WHITE BEACH DIVERS HOSTEL
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Station 3, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-3809
GPS Coordinates: 11.950957, 121.930579
AGOS BORACAY
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Main Road, Station 2, Brgy. Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-2663
GPS Coordinates: 11.961511, 121.927950
PHOTO FROM MARXTERMIND.COM
ALTA VISTA DE BORACAY HOTEL
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Brgy. Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-9802
GPS Coordinates: 11.993200, 121.911520
PHOTO FROM MARXTERMIND.COM
COAST BORACAY
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Station 2, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-2634
GPS Coordinates: 11.958804, 121.926184
PHOTO FROM ELALJANELASOLA.COM
FERRA HOTEL
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Sitio Bulabog, Brgy. Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-1177 to 79
GPS Coordinates: 11.965484, 121.926592
PHOTO FROM LAKWATSERONGTSINELAS.COM
LIME HOTEL BORACAY
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Main Road, Station 2, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (0906) 267-0416
GPS Coordinates: 11.961068, 121.928240
PHOTO FROM RJDEXPLORER.COM
MICROTEL BORACAY
Room Rates: Chere Here
Address: Diniwid Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-4311 | (0917) 716-5004
GPS Coordinates: 11.977025, 121.911670
PHOTO FROM RJDEXPLORER.COM
ZUZUNI BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Station 1, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-4477 | (0917) 324-9051
GPS Coordinates: 11.964334, 121.922660
PHOTO FROM MARXTERMIND.COM
CROWN REGENCY RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Station 2, Main Road, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 506-3111
GPS Coordinates: 11.996170, 121.915744
SHANGRI-LA BORACAY
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Brgy. Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-4988
GPS Coordinates: 11.987926, 121.906598
PHOTO FROM PINASMUNA.COM
THE DISTRICT BORACAY
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Station 2, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (02) 234-9058 | (02) 234-5917
GPS Coordinates: 11.962529, 121.923965
THE WHITE HOUSE BORACAY
Room Rates: Click Here
Address: Station 1, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (02) 638-7368 | (036) 288-3675
GPS Coordinates: 11.970995, 121.917227
► WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN BORACAY
There is a connotation that food in Boracay is expensive. Well, if you eat on restaurants, it can be really expensive, especially on the beachfront bars and bistros, but go inside its side-streets and you can find meals in Boracay without reaching the hundred-peso mark. If you’re willing to eat in eateries or carinderia, you can even get lower prices. D’Mall and D’Talipapa also house a few cheap eateries, and they’re right by the White Beach too.
One of the things people go to Boracay for is its nightlife. There are several bars and clubs along the White Beach and a few others set further inland. Parties usually go on until the wee hours of the morning, well, except on Sundays where bars seem to close quite early (if they open at all) and the beach is relatively free of party people. For cheaper drinks, you can buy your beer on small convenience stores along the beach and chug them along on beach-set dining areas.
BORACAY TOILET
Type: Restaurant, Filipino Rice Meals
Address: Main Road, Balabag Plaza, Station 1, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Open Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Contact Number: (0915) 311-0736
GPS Coordinates: 11.967715, 121.920254
PHOTO FROM RJDEXPLORER.COM
LA COZINA BORACAY
Type: Restaurant, Latin American Cuisine
Address: Station 1, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Open Hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM | Contact Number: (0917) 324-9051
GPS Coordinates: 11.964173, 121.922728
PHOTO FROM RJDEXPLORER.COM
REAL COFFEE & TEA CAFE
Type: Bakeshop, Cafe
Address: Station 1, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-5340
Open Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
GPS Coordinates: 11.960078, 121.925545
SMOKE RESTO BORACAY
Type: Restaurant, Filipino Rice Meals
Address: Station 2, D’Mall, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-4565 | (036) 288-6014
Open Hours: 24 Hours Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.962039, 121.924643
SPIDER HOUSE
Type: Restaurant, Bar, International Cuisine
Address: Diniwid Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-2350
GPS Coordinates: 11.977083, 121.910228
CLUB PARAW
Type: Bar, Club, Grill & Restaurant
Address: Station 1, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-6151 | Open Hours: 10:00 AM to 3:00 AM
GPS Coordinates: 11.967154, 121.920439
PHOTO FROM CLUB PARAW FACEBOOK PAGE
EPIC BAR
Type: Bar, Club
Address: Station 2, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact Number: (036) 288-1477 | Open Hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 AM
GPS Coordinates: 11.961659, 121.924651
PHOTO FROM EPIC BORACAY FACEBOOK PAGE
EXIT BAR
Type: Bar
Address: Station 2, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Open Hours: 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
GPS Coordinates: 11.962110, 121.924299
TREE HOUSE BORACAY
Type: Bar, Restaurant
Address: Station 3, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Open Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 MN | Contact Number: (036) 288-3601
GPS Coordinates: 11.948809, 121.931311
PHOTO FROM TRACKINGTREASURE.NET
WAVE BAR & LOUNGE
Type: Bar, Lounge
Address: Station 2, White Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Open Hours: 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM | Contact Number: (036) 288-6111
GPS Coordinates: 11.958088, 121.926570
PHOTO FROM WAVE BAR & LOUNGE FACEBOOK PAGE
► WHAT TO SEE & DO IN BORACAY
Small as Boracay is, you’ll never run out of things to do on the island, especially if you have loads of cash. All the water sports you can think of, you can enjoy in Boracay. You can go island hopping, which usually includes snorkeling and cliff jumping within the itinerary; or you can go diving if you’re a licensed diver, or a maybe a fun dive for a first-timer. Inland, there are also a lot you can do; cable cars, ziplines, minor hikes, heck, even a visit to an oceanarium. But, of course, the main draw of the island is still its beaches; the longest and most popular of the ten is the White Beach.
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