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.
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.
Wider Beachfront
Over the years, Boracay's beachfront has been steadily shrinking due to the encroaching of greedy land-hoggers. Restaurants were extending wanting to provide handy refreshments and food right by the surf's edge while hotels were marking out sections of the beach exclusively for their guests. Those days are gone!
Structures that were too close to the shoreline were demolished and establishments are no longer allowed to place furniture such as sun loungers and umbrellas obstructing the beach. With the beach restored to more of its natural beauty and a width of 30 meters, you will get to enjoy more of the famous white sand beach.
You may still bum on the beach though. Just borrow some beach mats or towels from your hotel.
Quieter Island
While Boracay's beach is its biggest draw, fire dancers, loud music and rave parties gave it the party island reputation. However, the government is not keen on protecting this image. Big beach events and parties like LaBoracay can no longer be held on the island. Fire dancers and loud music, on the other hand, have been permanently banned from the beaches.
This means that visitors will be given a chance to really enjoy a peaceful vacation, even during long holidays.
You may still enjoy the nightlife in Boracay as small parties are still allowed within the confines of a hotel or a bar.
Less Traffic
Boracay was known to have terrible traffic jams. With businesses and structures closely built along the roads, this resulted to narrow carriageways that had to be shared by both vehicles and pedestrians. It's now a different story. Along the island's circumferential road, establishments that encroached on the road right of way were demolished. The roads were widened to 12 meters making room for vehicles and sidewalks.
Boracay is already walkable and pedestrian-friendly with newly constructed sidewalks that are paved with terra cotta bricks and lined with Anahaw trees.
You may now opt to walk instead of taking a tricycle if you are going to places within the White Beach area.
Fewer People
In the past, there was no limit imposed on the number of tourists visiting Boracay. This became a problem especially during peak months where the total number of tourists and non-tourists on the island exceeded its carrying capacity. This contributed to excessive solid and wastewater generated from homes and hotels. If the real carrying capacity is to be followed, there should only be 19,215 tourists on the island at any given time.
To control this number, the government has set limits to the number of visitors coming into Boracay. Another measure taken to curb the number of tourists on the island is by limiting the number of hotel rooms. Only compliant hotels are allowed to operate, effectively lowering down the number of rooms compared to before the island's rehabilitation.
So make sure to book your stay in advance in an accredited hotel to ensure you'll be allowed to enter the island
Final Thoughts
After postponing our Boracay trip for eight months, we finally witnessed first hand the results of the major cleanup and sweeping infrastructure upgrades implemented by the government. And we can say that the closure was well worth it. Boracay is back and more beautiful than we remember seeing it.
We're excited for you to see and experience the renewed Boracay!
Questions? Leave a comment in the box below.
Read about our other Boracay posts:
Boracay: A Travel Guide for First Timers
How to Get to Boracay Island
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!
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 |
Wider Beachfront
Over the years, Boracay's beachfront has been steadily shrinking due to the encroaching of greedy land-hoggers. Restaurants were extending wanting to provide handy refreshments and food right by the surf's edge while hotels were marking out sections of the beach exclusively for their guests. Those days are gone!
 |
| In 2016, sections of the beach are cordoned off by hotels and restaurants |
 |
| Now, establishments are no longer allowed to obstruct the beach |
You may still bum on the beach though. Just borrow some beach mats or towels from your hotel.
Quieter Island
While Boracay's beach is its biggest draw, fire dancers, loud music and rave parties gave it the party island reputation. However, the government is not keen on protecting this image. Big beach events and parties like LaBoracay can no longer be held on the island. Fire dancers and loud music, on the other hand, have been permanently banned from the beaches.
 |
| In this 2016 photo, restaurants and bars are preparing for the usual party night in Boracay |
 |
| In 2019, Boracay's beaches are clear and a whole lot quieter at night |
 |
| Small parties are still allowed but should be within the confines of a bar |
Boracay was known to have terrible traffic jams. With businesses and structures closely built along the roads, this resulted to narrow carriageways that had to be shared by both vehicles and pedestrians. It's now a different story. Along the island's circumferential road, establishments that encroached on the road right of way were demolished. The roads were widened to 12 meters making room for vehicles and sidewalks.
 |
| Roads have been widened to ease congestion and to make room for sidewalks |
You may now opt to walk instead of taking a tricycle if you are going to places within the White Beach area.
Fewer People
In the past, there was no limit imposed on the number of tourists visiting Boracay. This became a problem especially during peak months where the total number of tourists and non-tourists on the island exceeded its carrying capacity. This contributed to excessive solid and wastewater generated from homes and hotels. If the real carrying capacity is to be followed, there should only be 19,215 tourists on the island at any given time.
 |
| With regulations in place, the island is now welcoming fewer tourists |
So make sure to book your stay in advance in an accredited hotel to ensure you'll be allowed to enter the island
Final Thoughts
After postponing our Boracay trip for eight months, we finally witnessed first hand the results of the major cleanup and sweeping infrastructure upgrades implemented by the government. And we can say that the closure was well worth it. Boracay is back and more beautiful than we remember seeing it.
 |
| Signage containing the new Boracay beach regulations |
Questions? Leave a comment in the box below.
Read about our other Boracay posts:
Boracay: A Travel Guide for First Timers
How to Get to Boracay Island
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!
Looks a lot better now.
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