Boracay
,Boracay is a stunning tropical island located in the Philippines, famous for its powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The most popular beach, White Beach, stretches for around 4 kilometers and offers a vibrant atmosphere with various water sports, dining options, and nightlife. In addition to its natural beauty, Boracay has undergone significant environmental rehabilitation to preserve its ecosystem and ensure sustainable tourism.
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from snorkeling and diving to relaxation and wellness offerings, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Sun, Sand, and Sea
morning
:Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a beachfront café. Spend the morning lounging on White Beach or swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
afternoon
:Enjoy a refreshing lunch at a local restaurant with a view of the ocean. Join an afternoon island-hopping tour to explore the nearby lagoons and hidden beaches.
evening
:Savor dinner at a seaside restaurant while watching the sunset. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach and soak in the vibrant nightlife.
Adventure Awaits
morning
:Kick off your day with an exhilarating morning zip-lining experience. Have breakfast at a nearby café filled with local delicacies.
afternoon
:Take a thrilling ATV ride through scenic landscapes and visit the famous Mount Luho. Grab a quick lunch at a cozy eatery before embarking on an afternoon snorkeling adventure.
evening
:Feast on a beach barbecue dinner with fresh seafood. Cap off your day with some drinks at a bar featuring live music.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful white sandy beaches
- Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options
- Variety of water activities such as diving, snorkeling, and parasailing
- Rich local culture and delicious cuisine
- Strong tourism infrastructure with numerous accommodations and amenities
Bad
- Crowded during peak tourist seasons
- Environmental concerns including overcrowding and waste management issues
- Higher prices compared to other destinations in the Philippines
- Potential for typhoons and adverse weather conditions during certain months
- Limited accessibility due to its island location
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Beach Volleyball
Join a game of beach volleyball on the beautiful white sand beaches of Boracay.
Island Hopping
Explore nearby islands and hidden beaches, and enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
Kite Surfing
Experience the thrill of kite surfing on Bulabog Beach, known for its ideal winds.
Scuba Diving
Discover vibrant marine life and coral reefs through scuba diving adventures.
Parasailing
Get a bird's-eye view of Boracay while being towed behind a boat in a parachute.
ATV Riding
Ride through the rugged terrains and enjoy a thrilling adventure on an ATV.
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Enjoy a relaxing paddle on the calm waters, perfect for all skill levels.
Sunset Sailing
Take a sunset sail on a traditional Philippine boat (bangka) and enjoy breathtaking views.
Snorkeling
Discover the underwater world by snorkeling at various spots around Boracay.
Hiking
Hike to the highest viewpoints in Boracay for stunning vistas of the island.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Boracay with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
White Beach
Famous for its stunning sunsets and powdery white sand, White Beach offers multiple vantage points for beautiful beachfront photos.
Mount Luho
The highest point in Boracay, Mount Luho provides breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the surrounding waters, ideal for scenic photography.
Puka Shell Beach
Known for its quieter atmosphere and unique puka shells, this beach offers rustic beauty and stunning coastal views, perfect for capturing nature shots.
Bulabog Beach
A popular spot for water sports, Bulabog Beach also features vibrant sunrises, making it a great place for both action and landscape photography.
Willy's Rock
This iconic rock formation is a popular photo spot, especially during sunset when the scenery looks stunning against the changing colors of the sky.
Diniwid Beach
A quieter beach with dramatic cliffs, Diniwid Beach provides stunning views and is a great spot for capturing intimate beach moments.
The Lookout at Boracay Garden Resort
Offering a panoramic view of Boracay Island, this lookout point is perfect for taking photos of the island’s beauty from above.
The Crocodile Island
A short boat ride away, this small island is known for its diverse marine life and beautiful waters, providing unique underwater photography opportunities.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Adobo
A classic Filipino dish made from marinated meat, typically chicken or pork, slow-cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. It's widely loved for its savory and slightly tangy flavor. You can find delicious Adobo at restaurants like 'Hnap' and 'Dos Mestizos.'
Must-Try!
Sinigang
A sour soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, and various meats or seafood, Sinigang is a comforting staple in Filipino cuisine. Try this hearty dish at 'Ariel's House.'
Lechon
Often referred to as the best roast pig in the world, Lechon features crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. It's commonly available at local celebrations and can be enjoyed at 'Cha Cha's Beach Cafe.'
Unique Experiences
Get to know Boracay better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
D' Mall
A popular marketplace in Boracay offering a variety of food stalls and small eateries where you can sample local street food, such as skewered grilled meats, fresh coconut, and mangoes. It's a great place to experience the vibrant street food culture.
Talipapa Market
This market is famous for its fresh seafood, where you can choose your catch and have it cooked right on the spot. It offers an authentic experience of Boracay's culinary offerings.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect Local Customs
Familiarize yourself with the local customs and traditions of Boracay. Understand that the island is not just a tourist destination, but also home to a vibrant local community with its own cultural practices.
Dress Appropriately
While Boracay is known for its beaches, it's important to dress modestly when away from the beach areas, especially in local markets and when visiting religious sites. This shows respect for local customs and the community.
Be Mindful of Environmental Practices
Boracay is famous for its natural beauty, so adhering to eco-friendly practices is vital. Avoid littering, use sustainable products, and respect the local wildlife to show appreciation for the island's environment and the community that works to protect it.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Boracay with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Boracay, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. Although service charges may be included in restaurant bills, leaving a tip of around 10% is a common practice for good service. Tour guides, hotel staff, and other service providers also appreciate tips, and it is customary to round up the bill in casual settings.
Payment
Payment practices in Boracay often include cash and credit/debit cards. Most establishments accept cards, but it's advisable to carry cash as some smaller vendors and markets may not. ATM machines are available, although fees may apply for withdrawals. It's also common for businesses to offer different currency conversions, primarily in Philippine Pesos.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Boracay.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry Season (November to May)
This is considered the best time to visit Boracay. Expect sunny weather, clear skies, and calm seas, perfect for beach activities and water sports. December through February is particularly popular, so it can be crowded.
Wet Season (June to October)
During this period, Boracay experiences frequent rain and stronger winds. While the island is less crowded and accommodation prices are lower, outdoor activities may be limited. However, the landscape is lush and green, making it an attractive time for some visitors.
Peak Season (Holy Week and Summer Months, March to May)
This is the peak tourist season, particularly during Holy Week (typically in March or April) and the summer months. Expect larger crowds, higher prices, and vibrant festivals, with many events and parties happening around the island.
Off-Peak Season (September to October)
This is the least crowded time to visit. Although there may be occasional typhoons, visitors can enjoy significant savings on accommodation and fewer crowds, making it a peaceful time for a beach getaway.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Mount Luho
The highest point in Boracay, offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea. The hike is moderate and the area has viewing decks.
Tibiao River
Located a short distance from Boracay, this area provides opportunities for trekking along the river with beautiful scenery and natural attractions.
Bat Caves
A unique hiking destination that involves an adventurous trek to caves that house bats and other wildlife. Suitable for those looking for a hiking experience with a twist.
Puka Shell Beach
While mainly known for its shells and relaxation, trails along the beach can lead to nearby scenic spots, making it a surprisingly lovely area for short hikes.
Ilig-Iligan Beach
This secluded beach can be reached through a hike from the main resort areas. The trail offers stunning coastal views along the way.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Boracay through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Boracay by plane.
Kalibo International Airport (KLO)
The main airport serving Boracay, located approximately 70 kilometers away, with domestic and limited international flights.
Caticlan Airport (MPH)
The closest airport to Boracay, located just a few kilometers away, primarily serving domestic flights and some international routes.
Iloilo International Airport (ILO)
Located around 180 kilometers from Boracay, this airport offers a wider range of domestic and international flights, with connections to Boracay via ferry.
Clark International Airport (CRK)
Located approximately 600 kilometers from Boracay, this international airport serves a variety of international flights and is accessible via land transport.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
Located about 250 kilometers from Boracay, it provides numerous international connections and is a common transit point for travelers heading to Boracay.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Tourists
A significant portion of Boracay's demographic consists of local and international tourists visiting the island for its beaches and resorts.
Local Residents
The local population primarily includes a mix of indigenous peoples and migrants from other parts of the Philippines.
Business Owners
Many residents engage in tourism-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to visitors.
Seasonal Workers
During peak tourist seasons, many seasonal workers come to Boracay from other regions to take up temporary jobs in the hospitality sector.
Expats
A smaller number of expatriates reside in Boracay, often involved in tourism or local business operations.
The Soul of Boracay
Discover the essence of Boracay through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Kitesurfing
A popular water sport in Boracay, utilizing a board and a kite to harness wind power for riding on the waves.
Scuba Diving
Boracay is home to stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a prime location for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Beach Volleyball
Many tourists and locals enjoy playing beach volleyball on the sandy shores of Boracay, often in organized tournaments.
Snorkeling
Due to its clear waters and vibrant marine biodiversity, snorkeling is a favorite activity for visitors exploring underwater.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
A relaxing way to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Boracay while getting a workout and taking in the scenic views.
Island Hopping
Tourists often engage in island hopping tours, visiting nearby islands and enjoying various water activities.
Wind Surfing
Similar to kitesurfing, but with a sail attached to the board, windsurfing is a thrilling sport enjoyed in Boracay’s breezy conditions.
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is a popular thrill-seeking activity that allows visitors to race along the waters of Boracay.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian
Many restaurants in Boracay offer vegetarian options, from salads to local vegetable dishes. 'The Greenhouse' is a popular spot for vegetarian cuisine.
Vegan
While options may be more limited than vegetarian offerings, you can find vegan-friendly spots like 'Wild & Free' providing plant-based meals and smoothies.
Gluten-Free
There are gluten-free options available in various restaurants. 'The Hobbit House' caters to gluten-free patrons and offers a selection of dishes without gluten.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Boracay with these cultural adventures.
