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. 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.
As you step out of the arrivals of Kalibo International Airport, you will be greeted by various tour operators offering different transfer options to Boracay. You can ask or look for buses or vans that can take you to Caticlan Jetty Port. Between the two, vans offer cheaper rates and faster travel times but with restricted leg space. Bus rides offer more comfortable seats and ample leg space but travel time may be longer.
Fares vary from PHP200 to PHP350 per person. Travel time varies from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours.
Arriving at Caticlan Airport
Caticlan Airport is the fastest way to get to Boracay Island. As it is a small airport, only smaller planes serving domestic destinations are capable of landing in its runway. However, the airport upgrade and expansion project is already underway to allow it to accommodate more flights and bigger planes.
If you are landing in Caticlan, you will be offered van transfers to Caticlan Jetty Port at the airport's arrival hall. However, if you are looking for a cheaper option, you can get out of the airport gates to find the tricycle terminal. See below fare comparison for vans and tricycles to the jetty.
Travel time for both vans and tricycles are 10 to 15 minutes.
Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay
After the reopening of Boracay, Caticlan Jetty Port has been designated as the sole entry and exit point to the island for visitors and residents.
Upon arriving at the port from either Kalibo or Caticlan Airport, look for the Registration Area just outside the main terminal building. Registration is required to monitor the number of tourists entering the island. Afterward, proceed to the Verification Booth to present proof of accommodation or hotel booking. Note that visitors spending at least one night in Boracay without a hotel booking will not be allowed entry to the island.
Once your hotel booking is verified, proceed to the ticketing counters to pay for your boat transfers and the mandatory environmental and terminal fees. Boat transfer rates vary depending on the time and type of boat to be taken.
The Caticlan terminal fee is PHP100 per person while the environmental fee is PHP75 per person. After settling all these, get inside the terminal and wait for boarding at the Passenger Waiting Area.
Travel time from Caticlan Jetty to Boracay Island is approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
Boracay to Hotel
Boracay Island has two ports - Cagban and Tambisaan Jetty Ports. Cagban is the main port while Tambisaan serves as an alternative port when Cagban is inaccessible due to bad weather conditions.
Either way, there will be tricycles waiting for passengers outside the port gates. You can choose to take a private tricycle ride or join in a shared ride with other tourists. Unless you're on a really tight budget, we would recommend taking a private ride for a more comfortable trip to your hotel.
Travel time from the port to hotels in the White Beach area will take about 30 minutes on average.
All-in Transfer Option
You can pre-book an all-in transfer package before your travel to Boracay. The package is already inclusive of a bus or chartered transfer to Caticlan Jetty Port, boat transfer to Boracay Island, shuttle transport to your hotel as well as the mandatory environmental fees and terminal fees.
Upon arrival in either Kalibo or Caticlan Airport, you just need to proceed to the booth or approach the coordinators of your chosen service provider. You will then be assisted throughout your travel to the island eliminating the stress of public transport to or from the airport and the jetty port.
This is a great option for those wanting hassle-free door to door transfer. It is also recommended for first-timers and those traveling with small children or elderly.
You can book all-in transfer packages direct through Southwest Travel and Tours or Island Star Express and through travel e-commerce platforms Klook, KKday, or Traveloka.
Final Thoughts
There are several options that make getting in and out of Boracay fairly easy for any budget and comfort preference. You just need to be informed and prepared.
Have you been to Boracay? Do you have any other transfer suggestions that are not on our list? Comment below and let's help our Juans find the best way to go to Boracay.
Read more of our Boracay posts:
Boracay: A Travel Guide for First Timers
What to Expect in the New Boracay
Lime Hotel Boracay: Captures the Endless Summer Vibe
Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa: A Beautiful Tropical Hideaway
Cha Cha's Beach Cafe: Boracay Breakfast Done Right!
 |
| This picture of Boracay would get you to actively plan your beach vacation |
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.
As you step out of the arrivals of Kalibo International Airport, you will be greeted by various tour operators offering different transfer options to Boracay. You can ask or look for buses or vans that can take you to Caticlan Jetty Port. Between the two, vans offer cheaper rates and faster travel times but with restricted leg space. Bus rides offer more comfortable seats and ample leg space but travel time may be longer.
Fares vary from PHP200 to PHP350 per person. Travel time varies from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours.
Arriving at Caticlan Airport
Caticlan Airport is the fastest way to get to Boracay Island. As it is a small airport, only smaller planes serving domestic destinations are capable of landing in its runway. However, the airport upgrade and expansion project is already underway to allow it to accommodate more flights and bigger planes.
 |
| The Arrival Hall of Caticlan Airport |
Transfer Type
|
Cost in PHP
|
Van (Shared Ride)
|
150 per person
|
Tricycle (Private or Shared Ride)
|
100 per tricycle (max 3 persons)
|
Travel time for both vans and tricycles are 10 to 15 minutes.
 |
| Tricycle ticket from Caticlan Airport |
After the reopening of Boracay, Caticlan Jetty Port has been designated as the sole entry and exit point to the island for visitors and residents.
Upon arriving at the port from either Kalibo or Caticlan Airport, look for the Registration Area just outside the main terminal building. Registration is required to monitor the number of tourists entering the island. Afterward, proceed to the Verification Booth to present proof of accommodation or hotel booking. Note that visitors spending at least one night in Boracay without a hotel booking will not be allowed entry to the island.
 |
| Tickets and Receipts |
Transfer Type
|
Time
|
Cost in PHP per person
|
Outrigger Boat (Day)
|
5:00AM – 5:40PM
|
25
|
Outrigger Boat (Night)
|
5:40PM – 9:45PM
|
30
|
Outrigger Boat (Late Night)
|
9:45PM – 5:00AM
|
50
|
Oyster Ferry
|
6:00AM – 6:00PM
|
75
|
The Caticlan terminal fee is PHP100 per person while the environmental fee is PHP75 per person. After settling all these, get inside the terminal and wait for boarding at the Passenger Waiting Area.
Travel time from Caticlan Jetty to Boracay Island is approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
 |
| A motorized outrigger boat in Caticlan Jetty Port |
Boracay Island has two ports - Cagban and Tambisaan Jetty Ports. Cagban is the main port while Tambisaan serves as an alternative port when Cagban is inaccessible due to bad weather conditions.
Either way, there will be tricycles waiting for passengers outside the port gates. You can choose to take a private tricycle ride or join in a shared ride with other tourists. Unless you're on a really tight budget, we would recommend taking a private ride for a more comfortable trip to your hotel.
Transfer Type
|
Cost in PHP
|
Tricycle (Shared Ride)
|
20 per person
|
Tricycle (Private Ride)
|
100-150 per tricycle
|
Travel time from the port to hotels in the White Beach area will take about 30 minutes on average.
 |
| Electric tricycles in Boracay |
You can pre-book an all-in transfer package before your travel to Boracay. The package is already inclusive of a bus or chartered transfer to Caticlan Jetty Port, boat transfer to Boracay Island, shuttle transport to your hotel as well as the mandatory environmental fees and terminal fees.
Upon arrival in either Kalibo or Caticlan Airport, you just need to proceed to the booth or approach the coordinators of your chosen service provider. You will then be assisted throughout your travel to the island eliminating the stress of public transport to or from the airport and the jetty port.
This is a great option for those wanting hassle-free door to door transfer. It is also recommended for first-timers and those traveling with small children or elderly.
You can book all-in transfer packages direct through Southwest Travel and Tours or Island Star Express and through travel e-commerce platforms Klook, KKday, or Traveloka.
Final Thoughts
There are several options that make getting in and out of Boracay fairly easy for any budget and comfort preference. You just need to be informed and prepared.
Have you been to Boracay? Do you have any other transfer suggestions that are not on our list? Comment below and let's help our Juans find the best way to go to Boracay.
Read more of our Boracay posts:
Boracay: A Travel Guide for First Timers
What to Expect in the New Boracay
Lime Hotel Boracay: Captures the Endless Summer Vibe
Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa: A Beautiful Tropical Hideaway
Cha Cha's Beach Cafe: Boracay Breakfast Done Right!
No comments:
Post a Comment