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.
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.
From a bird's eye view, the island is shaped like a dog bone. It is approximately 7 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide at its narrowest point. Its most popular attraction, the White Beach, takes up 4 kilometers of its entire length. This 4 kilometer stretch of glorious white sand beach is divided into three sections called Stations 1, 2, and 3. There are also a dozen more beaches along the island's coastline while its interior is composed of gentle rolling hills and wooded areas with the highest point called Mount Luho.
How to Get There
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. 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.
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. Aside from Manila, Cebu, and Clark, Kalibo is already serving direct flights to and from major Asian cities such as Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, and Singapore. Getting from Kalibo International Airport to Boracay takes around 2 hours via land and boat transfers. The following airlines provide service to Kalibo: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, Pan Pacific Airlines, Air Seoul, Jin Air, and Juneyao Airlines with a mix of domestic and international flights.
Caticlan Airport is located right across the water in Caticlan and is the fastest way to get to Boracay Island. However, as it is a small airport, only smaller planes serving domestic destinations are capable of landing in its runway. Getting from Caticlan Airport to Boracay takes around 20-30 minutes via land and boat transfers. The following airlines provide service to Caticlan: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, AirSwift, Royal Air, SkyJet, and Air Juan.
Between the two airports, Kalibo International Airport offers cheaper fares, larger planes, and more flight options than Caticlan Airport. Be sure to check the airline sites to find the best airfares going to Boracay.
Read more: How to Get to Boracay Island
When to Visit
Boracay can be enjoyed practically any time of the year although it would help to know what's the weather like on the island during your visit.
Boracay has two main seasons - the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season runs from November to May. Both the coolest and warmest months of the year fall within the dry season - December and May, respectively. The dry months bring with it the ideal weather for all sun worshippers and beach bums. This is when Boracay's crystal clear waters and powder-fine white sand seem to sparkle. Predictably, the dry months are also high season as crowds come to enjoy the sunshine.
The rainy season begins around June and ends in October. The rainy season is not that wet though as rain showers tend to be short and often occur at night or early morning. During these months there are fewer people and congestion on the beaches and other tourist attractions. You might even get accommodation deals when you check for hotels as these months are considered low season.
Where to Stay
As part of the rehabilitation of Boracay, hotels and resorts are asked to comply with environmental regulations before they can be granted permits and allowed to reopen by the government. The latest Boracay Bulletin listed 353 hotels that are accredited to accept bookings and reservations. These hotels account for a total of 12,907 rooms. Make sure to check here if your desired hotel is accredited by the government before booking. This is because travelers are now required to show their hotel booking confirmation at the verification booth in Caticlan Jetty Port prior to being allowed entry to Boracay.
More than 220 of the accredited hotels and resorts are located within the beachfront or a short walking distance to White Beach's Stations 1, 2, and 3. The rest are scattered around the other areas of the island. These hotels and resorts cater to various travel requirements and budget.
For our recent trip, we stayed at the youthful, vibrant, and refreshing Lime Hotel Boracay. Just like the citrus fruit it is named after, this small hotel may seem pretty ordinary but it's actually quite extraordinary. The hotel offers 46 modern rooms dressed in colors that conjure nature and youthfulness. It also has a roof deck infinity pool where guests can lounge and take in an unobstructed view of the island. These facilities are complemented with great levels of service and comfort with a zest of well-known Filipino hospitality.
The strategic location of Lime Hotel Boracay is also one of its appeals. It is neatly tucked at the heart of Station 2, where all the fun and cool things are. It is not beachfront but it is along the main road giving guests easy access to White Beach and all the fun shops and popular restaurants.
As we always do, we compare room rates from the hotel website to booking apps like Traveloka. This way we are able to check for the best deals. We booked a Superior Twin with breakfast via Traveloka. We were able to get the room for only PHP3,193.28 per night. Surprisingly, we got upgraded to a Deluxe Double Room with Balcony during our check-in.
If you want to know about our stay in Lime Hotel Boracay, read our review of the resort:
Lime Hotel Boracay: Captures the Endless Summer Vibe
In a previous visit, we stayed at the sprawling and luxurious Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa. The resort boasts of being nestled in a secluded spot on the island's northern coastline letting guests delight in rare exclusivity and uncrowded white-sand beaches. It offers 219 beautiful accommodations that feature everything guests need and want for a restful and wonderful Boracay break.
If you want to know about our stay in Shangri-La, read our review of the resort:
Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa: A Beautiful Tropical Hideaway
Getting Around
As Boracay is small, getting around is fairly easy even for first-timers. It already has a good road network prior to the closure and this network has been upgraded with widening and construction of roads and safe sidewalks. So getting around the island is now more organized and convenient.
The most popular way to get around Boracay is by motorized or electric tricycle. They are available everywhere and hailing one takes only a few minutes. For shared rides, regular fare per passenger is PHP10-15 along the main White Beach area. For special or chartered rides, especially going to areas further away, the fare will be more expensive and can be negotiated directly with the driver. Use your judgment to identify if the price being asked is acceptable but the maximum should not exceed PHP250 per tricycle.
Aside from taking a tricycle, other ways of going around Boracay include taking a multicab or booking a private shuttle service.
Of course, motor vehicles are not allowed on the footpaths and the beach so the option is to walk. Walking along the stretch of White Beach from Station 1 to 3 is free and is a good 30 to 45-minute walk on foot. It is a lovely walk on the beach but can be quite tiring especially under the heat of the summer sun.
Things to Do
1. Bum around White Beach
The White Beach of Boracay is probably the top of mind answer when asking for a beach perfect for beach bumming and swimming. It hits the spot in many ways. The 4-kilometer postcard-perfect stretch of incredibly fine white sand that does not heat up even under the scorching heat of the sun and shallow waters in beautiful shades of blue and green make White Beach a beach bummer's paradise.
2. Take a mandatory stop at Willy's Rock
As they say, you have never been to Boracay if you have not visited Willy's Rock. Probably one of the most photographed spots on the island, Willy's Rock is a small volcanic outcrop that forms a tidal island in Station 1. At low tide, it is exposed and fully accessible by foot. At high tide, it becomes partially submerged in waist-high water.
The outcrop can be climbed as there is a man-made staircase leading to a Marian grotto. Although it can get a little crowded, find time to visit and take at least one photo of Willy's Rock.
3. Marvel at the breathtaking sunset of Boracay
Sunset in Boracay is a highly popular moment with people flocking to the shores of White Beach to catch the magic hour. Sit back with your special someone and watch as the sky is dyed a breathtaking mix of yellow, red, orange, and blue, or hop on a paraw and cruise about as the sun disappears silently beneath the gentle waves.
4. Shop and explore D'Mall
D'Mall is considered as the heart of Station 2, if not the entire White Beach. It is Boracay's premier shopping and lifestyle center. Here you'll find a little bit of everything, from convenience stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, salons, spas, money changers, and everything in between. It is designed as a colorful and vibrant main street retail strip.
Head to D'Mall and explore what's in-store, what's on sale, and what's on the menu.
5. Enjoy a gastronomic experience in Boracay
With thousands of local and foreign tourists heading to this island paradise, it is no surprise that Boracay has developed into a foodie destination. The island has given birth to all sorts of good food worth making the trip.
Start with hearty and re-imagined breakfast selections at Cha Cha's Beach Cafe. From here you can get a fresh mango shake by the beach. And don't forget to try one of the dessert attractions in Boracay, the Calamansi Muffin from Real Coffee. For local favorites, you can grab Ilonggo comfort food and authentic Bacolod-style grilled chicken at Island Chicken Inasal, or experience the faithful flavors at Mesa Filipino Moderne. Italian is right around the corner at Aria Cucina Italiana while baby back ribs and other barbecue specialties can be enjoyed at sister joints, I Love Backyard BBQ or The Original Hawaiian Bar-B-Que. The list of good places to eat in Boracay is a long one, and the island definitely invites travelers to explore and eat their way through the island.
Read: Cha Cha's Beach Cafe: Boracay Breakfast Done Right!
6. Go on an island-hopping tour
Island hopping is one of the most popular activities offered in Boracay. Island hopping starts at the White Beach and usually includes an opportunity to explore the surrounding islands and nearby destinations like Crystal Cove Island Resort, Crocodile Island, Magic Island, Tambisaan Beach, Ilig-Iligan Beach, Puka Beach, or Carabao Island.
There are several tour operators that offer different island hopping packages. Depending on the itinerary and group size, rates vary from PHP700 to PHP2,500 per person.
7. Experience the water activities of Boracay
If island hopping is not your preference, you may want to indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities in Boracay's crystal clear waters.
Let the wind blow you away with parasailing. Take a glimpse of the island's treasure under the sea through snorkeling or helmet diving. Relax and take in the views of the island on a traditional sailboat called paraw. Glide on the pristine waters of Boracay with paddleboarding. Enjoy a thrilling water ride by banana boat or jet ski. Suit up with a colorful tail and be a fabled marine creature with mermaid lessons. All these activities will bring out your fun and adventurous side.
There are several tour operators and booking platforms that offer these water activities. Rates can be as low as PHP400 for banana boat rides to PHP5,000 for jet skis.
Budget
There are a lot of cheap Boracay packages offered by travel agencies with prices starting from PHP4,000 per person. For this recent trip, however, we went on an exclusive DIY trip and spent more on food and extras. We spent approximately PHP7,930 per person for a 3D2N trip inclusive of the hotel stay in Lime Hotel Boracay, meals at various restaurants, round trip flights, private van service, transportation, and pasalubong shopping.
Note: This guide is designed based on our personal experience and we hope this is of use to Juans who plan to travel for the first time to Boracay.
Are you planning a trip to this island paradise? Leave your questions below and we'll try to help out. If you find this useful, please share it on social media. Thanks!
 |
| The powder-fine white sand and dazzling blue-green waters of Boracay |
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.
From a bird's eye view, the island is shaped like a dog bone. It is approximately 7 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide at its narrowest point. Its most popular attraction, the White Beach, takes up 4 kilometers of its entire length. This 4 kilometer stretch of glorious white sand beach is divided into three sections called Stations 1, 2, and 3. There are also a dozen more beaches along the island's coastline while its interior is composed of gentle rolling hills and wooded areas with the highest point called Mount Luho.
 |
| The renewed and better Station 2 in White Beach |
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. 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.
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. Aside from Manila, Cebu, and Clark, Kalibo is already serving direct flights to and from major Asian cities such as Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, and Singapore. Getting from Kalibo International Airport to Boracay takes around 2 hours via land and boat transfers. The following airlines provide service to Kalibo: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, Pan Pacific Airlines, Air Seoul, Jin Air, and Juneyao Airlines with a mix of domestic and international flights.
 |
| As Boracay is an island, you need to take a boat transfer from Caticlan |
Between the two airports, Kalibo International Airport offers cheaper fares, larger planes, and more flight options than Caticlan Airport. Be sure to check the airline sites to find the best airfares going to Boracay.
Read more: How to Get to Boracay Island
When to Visit
Boracay can be enjoyed practically any time of the year although it would help to know what's the weather like on the island during your visit.
Boracay has two main seasons - the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season runs from November to May. Both the coolest and warmest months of the year fall within the dry season - December and May, respectively. The dry months bring with it the ideal weather for all sun worshippers and beach bums. This is when Boracay's crystal clear waters and powder-fine white sand seem to sparkle. Predictably, the dry months are also high season as crowds come to enjoy the sunshine.
The rainy season begins around June and ends in October. The rainy season is not that wet though as rain showers tend to be short and often occur at night or early morning. During these months there are fewer people and congestion on the beaches and other tourist attractions. You might even get accommodation deals when you check for hotels as these months are considered low season.
Where to Stay
As part of the rehabilitation of Boracay, hotels and resorts are asked to comply with environmental regulations before they can be granted permits and allowed to reopen by the government. The latest Boracay Bulletin listed 353 hotels that are accredited to accept bookings and reservations. These hotels account for a total of 12,907 rooms. Make sure to check here if your desired hotel is accredited by the government before booking. This is because travelers are now required to show their hotel booking confirmation at the verification booth in Caticlan Jetty Port prior to being allowed entry to Boracay.
More than 220 of the accredited hotels and resorts are located within the beachfront or a short walking distance to White Beach's Stations 1, 2, and 3. The rest are scattered around the other areas of the island. These hotels and resorts cater to various travel requirements and budget.
 |
| The youthful, vibrant, and refreshing Lime Hotel Boracay |
The strategic location of Lime Hotel Boracay is also one of its appeals. It is neatly tucked at the heart of Station 2, where all the fun and cool things are. It is not beachfront but it is along the main road giving guests easy access to White Beach and all the fun shops and popular restaurants.
As we always do, we compare room rates from the hotel website to booking apps like Traveloka. This way we are able to check for the best deals. We booked a Superior Twin with breakfast via Traveloka. We were able to get the room for only PHP3,193.28 per night. Surprisingly, we got upgraded to a Deluxe Double Room with Balcony during our check-in.
If you want to know about our stay in Lime Hotel Boracay, read our review of the resort:
Lime Hotel Boracay: Captures the Endless Summer Vibe
In a previous visit, we stayed at the sprawling and luxurious Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa. The resort boasts of being nestled in a secluded spot on the island's northern coastline letting guests delight in rare exclusivity and uncrowded white-sand beaches. It offers 219 beautiful accommodations that feature everything guests need and want for a restful and wonderful Boracay break.
 |
| Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa |
Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa: A Beautiful Tropical Hideaway
As Boracay is small, getting around is fairly easy even for first-timers. It already has a good road network prior to the closure and this network has been upgraded with widening and construction of roads and safe sidewalks. So getting around the island is now more organized and convenient.
The most popular way to get around Boracay is by motorized or electric tricycle. They are available everywhere and hailing one takes only a few minutes. For shared rides, regular fare per passenger is PHP10-15 along the main White Beach area. For special or chartered rides, especially going to areas further away, the fare will be more expensive and can be negotiated directly with the driver. Use your judgment to identify if the price being asked is acceptable but the maximum should not exceed PHP250 per tricycle.
 |
| The electric tricycles are the most popular mode of transport in Boracay |
Of course, motor vehicles are not allowed on the footpaths and the beach so the option is to walk. Walking along the stretch of White Beach from Station 1 to 3 is free and is a good 30 to 45-minute walk on foot. It is a lovely walk on the beach but can be quite tiring especially under the heat of the summer sun.
Things to Do
1. Bum around White Beach
The White Beach of Boracay is probably the top of mind answer when asking for a beach perfect for beach bumming and swimming. It hits the spot in many ways. The 4-kilometer postcard-perfect stretch of incredibly fine white sand that does not heat up even under the scorching heat of the sun and shallow waters in beautiful shades of blue and green make White Beach a beach bummer's paradise.
 |
| Boracay is perfect for beach bumming |
As they say, you have never been to Boracay if you have not visited Willy's Rock. Probably one of the most photographed spots on the island, Willy's Rock is a small volcanic outcrop that forms a tidal island in Station 1. At low tide, it is exposed and fully accessible by foot. At high tide, it becomes partially submerged in waist-high water.
 |
| Willy's Rock located in Station 1 |
3. Marvel at the breathtaking sunset of Boracay
Sunset in Boracay is a highly popular moment with people flocking to the shores of White Beach to catch the magic hour. Sit back with your special someone and watch as the sky is dyed a breathtaking mix of yellow, red, orange, and blue, or hop on a paraw and cruise about as the sun disappears silently beneath the gentle waves.
 |
| The stunning sunset of Boracay |
D'Mall is considered as the heart of Station 2, if not the entire White Beach. It is Boracay's premier shopping and lifestyle center. Here you'll find a little bit of everything, from convenience stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, salons, spas, money changers, and everything in between. It is designed as a colorful and vibrant main street retail strip.
 |
| D'Mall is considered as the heart of White Beach |
5. Enjoy a gastronomic experience in Boracay
With thousands of local and foreign tourists heading to this island paradise, it is no surprise that Boracay has developed into a foodie destination. The island has given birth to all sorts of good food worth making the trip.
 |
| Hearty selections at Cha Cha's Beach Cafe in Coast Boracay |
 |
| The new Mango Muffin at Real Coffee |
6. Go on an island-hopping tour
Island hopping is one of the most popular activities offered in Boracay. Island hopping starts at the White Beach and usually includes an opportunity to explore the surrounding islands and nearby destinations like Crystal Cove Island Resort, Crocodile Island, Magic Island, Tambisaan Beach, Ilig-Iligan Beach, Puka Beach, or Carabao Island.
There are several tour operators that offer different island hopping packages. Depending on the itinerary and group size, rates vary from PHP700 to PHP2,500 per person.
7. Experience the water activities of Boracay
If island hopping is not your preference, you may want to indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities in Boracay's crystal clear waters.
Let the wind blow you away with parasailing. Take a glimpse of the island's treasure under the sea through snorkeling or helmet diving. Relax and take in the views of the island on a traditional sailboat called paraw. Glide on the pristine waters of Boracay with paddleboarding. Enjoy a thrilling water ride by banana boat or jet ski. Suit up with a colorful tail and be a fabled marine creature with mermaid lessons. All these activities will bring out your fun and adventurous side.
 |
| You can relax and take in glorious views of Boracay on board a Paraw |
Budget
There are a lot of cheap Boracay packages offered by travel agencies with prices starting from PHP4,000 per person. For this recent trip, however, we went on an exclusive DIY trip and spent more on food and extras. We spent approximately PHP7,930 per person for a 3D2N trip inclusive of the hotel stay in Lime Hotel Boracay, meals at various restaurants, round trip flights, private van service, transportation, and pasalubong shopping.
Note: This guide is designed based on our personal experience and we hope this is of use to Juans who plan to travel for the first time to Boracay.
Are you planning a trip to this island paradise? Leave your questions below and we'll try to help out. If you find this useful, please share it on social media. Thanks!
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