Boracay Travel Guide

What is Boracay?

Boracay is a palm fringed island known throughout the world for being a tropical paradise with its white, powdery beaches, balmy weather and warm, crystalline waters, diverse marine life, and easy lifestyle. Every year, hundreds of thousands come to this tiny island to divulge in its alluring beauty. Boracay Island is located in the Philippines, a country of 7,100+ more islands located off the coast of mainland Asia in the Pacific.

About Boracay, Boracay Map

How to Get to Boracay?

Whether you go by plane or by boat, the port of entry for Boracay Island is the small town of Caticlan on mainland Panay. Outrigger boats or “bancas” leave every few minutes from Caticlan’s jetty port.

Caticlan has a small airport, which served is several airlines mostly flying from Manila, the primary gateway to the Philippines. Flight times to/from Manila range from 35 to 45 minutes. Many tourists also opt to land in larger airports nearby such as the ones in Kalibo  and Iloilo because these are generally better equipped than the Caticlan Airport. By sea, Caticlan is connected through the “Nautical Highway,” a combination of overland highways and roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels that allow passengers to travel and transport vehicles to different islands in the Philippines. Assuming good connections, the total journey time is around 12 hours.

In Boracay Island, the two main modes of transport are via motor-tricycles along the main road or by walking along the beaches. Pedicabs are also available for transport along the Beachfront Path. Other means of transportation include mountain bikes, quadbikes and motorbikes, all of which can be rented.

How to go to Boracay Guide, How to go around Boracay / Transportation in Boracay, Flight to Boracay, Going to Boracay by Boat or  RORO, Cagban Jetty Port

When to Visit Boracay?

Weather in Boracay is divided into two seasonal patterns: Dry or Amihan Season usually from October to June and Wet or Habagat Season during the remainder of the year.

White Beach in Boracay during Dry/Peak season

Boracay’s “peak season” happens during the dry season, it is this time of year that the island is bustling with activity. There’s also this period called the “super peak season” during Christmas and Holy Week when tourism in Boracay is at its highest including hotel and resort prices. Tropical Storms and rainy days are frequent during Wet Season so visitor arrivals are low because of the unfavorable weather. This period of low tourist turnout is also referred to as the “off-peak season”, hotels and resorts have lower rates during this time to encourage tourists to visit.

When to Visit Boracay Guide, Boracay Events and Festivals

Where to Stay in Boracay?

Accommodation standards vary, with top of the line hotels and resorts to a simple bed rented from a resident. As such, whatever your budget, you could easily find a suitable place to stay in Boracay Island.

Boracay Hotels and Resorts Directory

What to Remember and Bring in Boracay?

It’s always important to prepare before a trip to Boracay and remember important things that you should bring to avoid unnecessary hassles and stress during your stay in the island. It is best to bring everything that you think you’ll be needing for the trip but there’s no need to over pack since everything that most tourists will ever need is already available in the island.

But if you’re planning on spending less and sacrificing a bit of comfort better buy them beforehand and just bring them with you because prices of some items in Boracay is higher compared to most places in the Philippines.

What to Remember and Bring in Boracay Guide

What to See and Do in Boracay?

The Beaches of Boracay are the reason why most people go to Boracay. White Beach is a lovely stretch of powdery white sand against azure water, and the commercial center of the island. Puka Beach is a quiet stretch of white sand along the northern tip of the island. This is where locals gather the small puka shells for some of the jewelry that is sold on the island so expect the sand to be more coarse than on White Beach.

It is worth going in boat tours or hiring motorbikes to explore the island, as there are other beautiful beaches on the other side of the island that are even better for snorkeling that will be completely deserted. Boracay also has many activities to offer for the adventurous: try windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving, kiteboarding, parasailing, cliff jumping.

Spa Tables at the beachfront of White Beach

Those wanting to relax and unwind can bum out in the beach, play golf, get a massage, manicure, or a spa treatment.

Boracay Beaches, Boracay White Beach

Where to Eat in Boracay?

Because of its wide draw of international travelers, Boracay has a wide variety of places to eat, including a surprising number of bakeries. Be sure to eat seafood when you’re in Boracay and try the local restaurants.

Where and What to Shop in Boracay?

Along White Beach, there is a wide variety of gift shops and boutiques along the beach path and in D*Mall. In addition to the crowded stalls that you expect in Asia, Boracay also has several high-end stores including clothing, art and household items. Some places will permit you to haggle, others have a fixed pricing system with price tags. Shop around as prices vary.

While walking or laying on the sand, anywhere on Boracay, you’ll be approached to buy a variety of items including jewelery made of shells, fresh fruit, ice cream, sunglasses or a massage.

You like this article?