What to Expect in the New Boracay

More than a year after its closure and ongoing rehabilitation, people are excited to know what to expect on a visit to the renewed Boracay. Whether you're planning to return or visit for the first time, we're sure you're eager to see the changes personally. But with the Two Juanderers just returning from Boracay, we thought it would be great to share the changes we've seen to help you plan your visit to this island paradise. 

Cleaner Beach
Tourists looking for sun and sand in Boracay have been disgusted by foul-smelling water and mounds of algae and trash piling up on the beach, but not anymore. Just like how it was when we first visited in 2009, the shoreline is now spotless and the water is crystal clear with no unpleasant smell. We loved the vibe of the cleaner Boracay and spending time in its pristine beach will just make your day nothing less than a perfect one. 

Back in 2016, Boracay's beaches are teeming with unsightly green algae

The renewed Boracay is now spotless and pristine

To help maintain this condition, eating, drinking, and smoking are no longer allowed within the beach area. Also, there's now a noticeable presence of trash bins along the beach which aims to change visitors' behaviors on littering. Lastly, there's a ban on single-use plastics on the island so avoid bringing in sachets and plastic utensils. 

How to Get to Boracay Island

Boracay is approximately 315 kilometers south of Manila and 2 kilometers off the northwest tip of Panay Island. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, it is easy to get in and out of the island. 

This picture of Boracay would get you to actively plan your beach vacation

There are two airports that serve Boracay, the Kalibo International Airport and the Caticlan Airport (also known as Godofredo Ramos Airport) both in mainland Aklan. Between the two airports, Kalibo International Airport requires a longer travel time but offers cheaper airfares, larger planes, and more flight options than Caticlan Airport. 

So whether you're flying through Kalibo or Caticlan, here are some information you need to know before you make your way to the island paradise of Boracay. 

Arriving at Kalibo Airport
Kalibo International Airport is the international gateway to Boracay Island. It is the largest airport in Aklan used by almost 3 million international and domestic passengers as of 2017. It is already serving direct flights to and from major Philippine and Asian cities.

Cha Cha's Beach Cafe: Boracay Breakfast Done Right!

The best way to start your day in Boracay is, of course, having a great breakfast. Between the beach, narrow alleyways, and countless hotels, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to wholesome and hearty ways to start your day.

Cha Cha's Beach Cafe in Coast Boracay

The tropical vibes of Cha Cha's Beach Cafe

One place that had us at "Good Morning" was Cha Cha's Beach Cafe.

Lime Hotel Boracay: Captures the Endless Summer Vibe

For first-timers, figuring out where to stay in Boracay can be time-consuming as there are more than 350 hotels and resorts accredited to operate in the island. Chances are you'll be overwhelmed in finding the right one from among many options. Ideally, you should pick a hotel that fits the location, amenities, activities, and budget you are looking for. 

Station 2 is a great home base for those who want to experience the best of Boracay. It is considered as the heart of White Beach. It is where you'll find the bustling D'Mall and most bars and restaurants. It is also the perfect jump-off point to explore the rest of White Beach, to take a tour of the island's other attractions, and to engage in popular water activities.

The vibrant and youthful Lime Hotel Boracay

One of the hotels that is strategically located in Station 2 is Lime Hotel Boracay. This is where we stayed when we went on our latest trip to Boracay. We absolutely loved our stay here and we highly recommend it. 

Here's our review of this youthful and vibrant property. 
  

Location
There are a lot of things that Lime Hotel Boracay can boast about, one of which is its excellent location. It is situated along the Main Road of Boracay's Station 2. The hotel is within walking distance to many points of interest like White Beach, D'Mall, D'Talipapa, and Bulabog Beach. It is also close to supermarkets, the Department of Tourism office, and the Don Ciriano Tirol Hospital.

Boracay: A Travel Guide for First-Timers

Arguably the crown jewel of Philippine beaches, Boracay is well known for its powder-fine white sand, dazzling blue-green waters, and amazing sunsets. Year after year, Boracay has consistently been named as one of the world's best beach destinations by various travel publications. 

The powder-fine white sand and dazzling blue-green waters of Boracay

However, with word getting out on Boracay, tourists and investors flocked to the island, largely unregulated and blatantly disregarding environmental laws. By 2018, the once-clear waters were filled with green algae, the once glorious white sands were littered with trash, and the once healthy coral reefs were degraded. This prompted the government to force the closure of the island for 6 months from April to October 2018.  

Read: What to Expect in the New Boracay

We were supposed to go to Boracay in September 2018 but due to the closure, we decided to postpone it until after its reopening. 

We've been to the island several times but we were excited to check out its renewed state like first-timers. So if it will be your first time to Boracay, read through our beginner's guide for travelers to this island paradise.

The Island
Boracay Island is located off the northwestern corner of Panay Island in the Visayas. It is under the jurisdiction of the town of Malay in the province of Aklan.