With its majestic white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, no wonder Boracay is named as the best Island in the world. Situated on the east coast of the Philippines, Boracay is a small island that offers a very impressive long beaches, relaxing palm trees, cool bars and restaurants, night life and adventures.
I remember my first impression when I visited Boracay. It is so stunning, and I feel like living in a paradise. From the Airport to riding a boat in Caticlan, I have this leap of joy and “can’t wait” behavior. And when I reached the main island, I just say “This is Life” haha well, you might think that I am over acting but for being honest, I feel those cute emotions.
Not only for its beautiful beaches and white sands, what makes Boracay are also its locals. They are very accommodating and friendly. When you ask them about directions and the best tour, they will point you to what you really need. It’s my principle in life that traveling does not need to be extravagant – so every time I will ask someone I always say “yung mura lang po pero maganda” which means “the affordable price but with good service”. I want to speak this out because most of us are foreign to the place and getting along with the locals are essential part of our travel, some of our needs we could ask from them and I am so delighted that most people living in Boracay whom they called themselves as “Aklano” and “Karay-Ah” are helpful and would really guide you to the extraordinary island experience.
From Island hopping, kayak, paddle boarding, snorkeling and other cool stuffs, a lot can happen when you are in Boracay Philippines. Boracay is the place to be when you want to enjoy life and live the moment.
HOW TO GO IN BORACAY PHILIPPINES
There are two ways that you could use to be in Boracay:
1. By Airplane – the quickest way.
- Travel Time: 1 to 2 hours (From Manila to Caticlan)
- Best Month to Travel: March to May (Summer) or October & December (Off-Season)
- Where to Buy Ticket: Online or at the Airport, you could buy your ticket from PAL, CEBU Pacific or Air Asia. It is advisable to buy your ticket one month before your trip to save a bunch of money. Most of the time ticket from Cebu Pacific is the cheapest one.
- Price Range: From PHP 599 to PHP 15,999 depending on the time of the year you will visit the island. For summer it is much higher but if you go between October to December, ticket would be much cheaper. Always book your ticket online to get a promotion and a great deal.
2. By Roro or Ship – The longest way but way much cheaper.
- Travel Time: 10 to 14 Hours (from Manila to Batangas to Caticlan)
- Where to Buy Ticket: Online, 2GO stalls or Batangas Port. You can buy your ticket online just search on “2Go Travel or Boracay Roro”. On the other hand, on the exact day of your trip you could directly buy ticket by traveling for 2 hours from Manila going to Batangas Port and from the port you could buy your ticket from 2GO Ferry or Caticlan Jetty.
- Price Range: PHP 999 to PHP1999
- Most Roro will bound to Caticlan Airport.
WHERE TO STAY IN BORACAY PHILIPPINES
Depending on your preference, from cheap to mid-range to five-star amenities, Boracay has various hotels and inns to choose from. You might want to check out Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda or Traveloka to reserve a place where you could stay.
Here are the list of places to stay based on prices:
Budget Hotels/Inns:
Boracay Back Packers, Island Hostel, Ellen’s Apartelle, Hotel Mari, Frenz Resort & Hostel Boracacy, Shore Time Dormitel, M.N Boracay Lodge Inn & Villa Romero Boracay, Levantin Boracay, La Carmela De Boracay Hotel, One Azul Boracay, Banana Bay Boracay, etc.
Price Range: PHP 500 to PHP 1,999 per night
Mid- Range Hotels:
Belmont Hotel Boracay, The Tides Hotel Boracay, Zuzuni Botique Hotel, Lime Hotel Boracay, Red Coconut Beach Hotel Boracay, Guilius Boracay Italian Resort, The District Boracay, White Coral Hotel, Kamusta Botique Hotel, Patio Pacific Resort Boracay, Azalea Hotels & Residences, etc.
Price Range: PHP2,000 to 4,999 per night
Luxury Hotels:
Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay, Coast Boracay, Astoria Current, Hennan Crystal Sands Resort, Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel, Discovery Shores Boracay, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Hennan Garden Resort, Boracay Mandarin White Sand, Sundown Beach Studios & Under the Stars Luxury Apartment, etc.
Price Range: PHP5,000 to 36,000 per night
During my trip, I decided to use Agoda (click here for our Travel Promo) to find a hotel and luckily, I got a great promotion at Alta Vista De Boracay Hotel. I paid around $100 for one night and the place is good for 4 persons. The hotel accommodation also includes breakfast buffet, a very cozy bed and an amazing and incredible view of Boracay Philippines.
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I have nothing to say at the hotel as the service is nice and the fact that it has a swimming pool at the top of the hill which would make you feel very relax and chill. I super enjoy our loft type room and their shuttle which allows us to go around Boracay, although the hotel is 20 minutes away from the main island, I would still recommend this place to tourists.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN BORACAY PHILIPPINES
- Buy souvenirs at Boracay Shops
Before you reach the main island, Boracay Shops will welcome you with different “Pasalubong” or gift items like sweets & candies, t-shirts, key chains, native bags, sports gear and other cool stuffs.
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2. Take a Picture at Boracay Grotto
For Catholic, your Boracay experience wouldn’t be complete is you miss out seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary and take a picture of the Boracay’s Rock in Station 1.
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3. Explore Boracay Station 2
Where there are boats coming and the sun is still rising, you would enjoy walking at the white Sand beach in Boracay with your bare foot and proud skin.
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4. Paddle Boarding
Aside from Parasailing and Glide, one could enjoy doing the Paddle Boarding. Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a recreational and fun activity where you need to stand on the board that are floating on the water and use a paddle to propel yourself. This costs in Boracay from PHP 300 to 500 for 1 hour.
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5. Island Hopping
This one is always on the list of every traveler. Surely, you would enjoy the amazing view of different islands in Boracay. During my trip, I really enjoyed Puka beach’s sand and coconut trees. The blue water is also appealing, I could swim and stay there forever!
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6. Scuba Diving
Not known to many, Boracay is also a good diving place. You will not be disappointed to see the reef sharks, tuna, trevally and macro life to one of the dive centers along the white beach.
7. Kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach
Also known as Kiteboarding, Kitesurfing became famous in Boracay as the wind on the beach is so strong which would move the surfer from direction to another. Best time to surf is from May to October. Bulabog Beach does not only offer kitesurfing but also cool bars and freshwater turquoise lagoon.
8. Enjoy the Night Life
Experience the 7 days a week nightlife in Boracay with restaurants and bars full of exciting and cool entertainment. Be prepared to dance and party hard as early as 6 PM. I’ve had an amazing night experience in Boracay as there is no dull corner or area that you will see when the sun sets and the music from bars and restaurants start to play.
Some of the famous bars that you might wanna check out when you visit the Island are the following: Exit Bar, Paraw Beach Club, Nigi Nigi Nu Noos, Epic Bar and Sandbar Beach Club.
There are many things that we can experience in Boracay – seating in the island itself you will be amazed with its scenic view, you might enjoy observing the people and how’s life revolves around the earth haha. You will meet the locals, new friends and co-tourists. I had fun traveling as always, Boracay is definitely one of the islands that I’m going to visit again and again.
