BORACAY travel guide with budget schedule

UPDATE: Make sure you have the requirements and you’re flying to the best airport when traveling to Boracay. READ: BORACAY & KALIBO travel REQUIREMENTS!

Boracay is back! Well, it didn’t really leave. It was just closed to visitors for six months in 2018, which sparked numerous debates. The good news is, it has been reopened to tourists! There have been some changes and new policies, so we’re publishing a brand new BORACAY travel guide with sample schedule to help you plan your trip. If you’ve been to the island prior to closure, this guide can also serve as your short refresher.

Hva er dekket i denne guiden?

UNDERSTANDING BORACAY
WHERE TO stay IN BORACAYTop Boracay budget hotels & Guesthouses
Top Boracay Hostels
Search for much more Boracay Resorts!

HOW TO get TO BORACAYMANILA TO BORACAY
KALIBO airport TO CATICLAN
CATICLAN TO BORACAY

HOW TO get around BORACAY
THINGS TO do in BORACAYIsland Hopping
Ariel’s point Cliff Diving
Parasailing Boracay
Paraw Sailing
Haqqy Boracay Pub Crawl
Banana boat & UFO Rides
Stand Up Paddleboarding

WHERE TO eat IN BORACAY
SAMPLE BORACAY ITINERARY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhen is the best time to check out Boracay?
Is Boracay safe?
What type of power plug / socket is used in Boracay?
What is the tipping customized in Boracay?
Are there ATMs in Boracay?
Are drones allowed in Boracay?
What other things are NOT allowed in Boracay?

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UNDERSTANDING BORACAY

Any conversation about the Philippines as a traveler destination isn’t complete without a mention of Boracay. It is, after all, the country’s many well-known beach attraction, topping various publications’ lists of best islands in Asia and in the world.

This huge attention transformed what used to be a quiet village into an overdeveloped traveler destination. Resorts of various shapes, sizes and classes have sprouted along the coast. Lanes of restaurants and shops mushroomed along its streets and alleys. and two airports have been built to serve the growing number of locals and visitors. The year before its 2018 closure, Boracay registered receiving over 2 million tourists.

It’s not challenging to understand Boracay’s appeal. You’ll see it right away upon setting foot on the island. aside from its sheer natural charm — I have yet to see another destination that can match the island’s white sand — Boracay has something for everyone. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler, young or old, solo or on a honeymoon, with pals or with family, you’ll find something to fall in love with here.

Here are much more bits about Boracay.

Location: Boracay is within the municipality of Malay, province of Aklan in the Philippines. Mainland Aklan is part of Panay Island.

Languages: Aklanon and Ati are the native languages. but locals, especially those working in the tourism industry, can fluently speak and understand Tagalog and English.

Currency: Philippine peso (PHP, ₱). PHP100 is around USD 1.90, EUR 1.69, SGD 2.57 (as of may 2019).

Modes of payment: CASH, primarily. Some establishments accept credit report cards, but bring cash to be safe.

WHERE TO stay IN BORACAY

When searching for a place to stay in Boracay, it is essential to be familiar with its geography. Boracay is a bone-shaped island politically divided into three barangays (villages): Balabag, Manoc-Manoc, and Yapak. Manoc-Manoc is the southernmost barangay, where both jetties are located.

You’ll be encountering the names of these barangays when checking out accommodations online. but for tourism purposes, it’ll be simpler to split the island not by barangay but by beach.

Most people who haven’t been to Boracay are under the impression that it has only one beach because many media features focus on its main stretch — White Beach. and while it is the longest and many popular, it is not the only strip of sand here. The island is hemmed by over a dozen beaches! When searching for accommodations, it is essential to consider not just the barangay but also the beach where it is located. here are some of the beaches in Boracay.

White Beach, the busiest, many crowded, and arguably the most spectacular beach on the island. This has the highest concentration of accommodations. It is also the longest beach, split into three stations. stations 1 and 2 are located in Barangay Balabag, while many of station 3 is in Manoc-Manoc. numerous of the island’s essential attractions like D’Mall, the grotto, and many popular restaurants can be found here. station 1 is tucked on the northernmost end of the beach, which makes it relatively quiet. stations 2 and 3 are where many shops and bars are located. filling the island’s western coast, White beach is also the best and many available place to view Boracay’s marvelous sunset.

Bulabog Beach, another long stretch hugging the eastern side of the island. The sand here isn’t fine, but it is also very available and is many well-known as the jump off point for numerous exciting water activities.

Diniwid beach is a short patch of sand north of White Beach’s station 1, separated only by a promontory. Although seemingly isolated, there is a cemented walking trail along the beach that connects Diniwid to White Beach. You’ll also find a few resorts and hostels here.

Some higher-end resorts like Shangri-la Boracay and Flora east are located along smaller coves.

VIKTIG! If you wish to stay in Boracay, NO BOOKING, NO ENTRY.. You should show proof of booking or reservation with any of the certified hotels.

To see the complete list, check out: list OF certified BORACAY RESORTS and HOTELS!

Below are the top certified Boracay budget hotels and hostels on Agoda, as ranked by users.

Top Boracay budget hotels & Guesthouses

Zuzuni boutique Hotel. image offered by Agoda.

Boracay Balcony Inn. check rates & Availability!

Zuzuni boutique Hotel. check rates & Availability!

Bluewaves beach House. check rates & Availability!

Hampstead boutique hotel Boracay. check rates & Availability!

Sur Boracay. check rates & Availability!

Jeffrey S Hotel. check rates & Availability!

Top Boracay Hostels

CHILLAX Flashpackers Boracay. image offered by Agoda.

CHILLAX Flashpackers Boracay. check rates & Availability!

Frendz Hostel Boracay. check rates & Availability!

Chill Out Hostel. check rates & Availability!

Boracay Backpackers. check rates & Availability!

My Hostel. check rates & Availability!

Hostel Avenue. check rates & Availability!

Search for much more Boracay Resorts!

HOW TO get TO BORACAY

UPDATE: In the pre-pandemic world, Boracay Island was served by Aklan’s two gateways: the bigger Kalibo international airport and the closer Caticlan Airport, which is now being called and referred to as Boracay Airport. starting October 2020, however, as recommended by the Inter-Agency task force on emerging infectious diseases (IATF), each airport will be serving a particular type of passenger, depending on the purpose of travel.

Boracay airport or Caticlan Airport, for Boracay-bound leisure travelers

Kalibo Airport, for returning overseas Filipino workers (ROFWs), locally stranded individuals (LSIs), and authorized persons outside of residence (APORs)

MANILA TO BORACAY

If you’re coming from Manila, flying is the fastest and easiest way to Boracay. The island is served by two airports: Kalibo and Caticlan. Each airport has its own pros and cons.

Caticlan airport and Kalibo Airport

Kalibo airport is farther, requiring around 2 hours of travel time, but fares to Kalibo are much cheaper.

Caticlan airport is closer, 15-30 minutes away, but fares are way much more expensive than Kalibo.

Once you’re at Kalibo or Caticlan Airport, you will need to make your way to Boracay. follow the steps below.

KALIBO airport TO CATICLAN

If you’re flying to Kalibo, you will need to travel to Caticlan Jetty Port, which is 1.5 to 2 hours away. You have plenty of options. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll see staff providing packaged transfers to Boracay. numerous of these already include the bus transfer to Caticlan, boat transfer to Boracay, and other fees. but these are expensive.

Here’s what we recommend:

OPTION A: local BUS. Take a tricycle to the bus terminal and board a Ceres bus bound for Caticlan. The bus fare is only P120. This is the most affordable way to reach Caticlan from Kalibo. once at Caticlan Jetty Port, follow the steps at the next section (CATICLAN TO BORACAY).

OPTION B: traveler BUS/VAN. look for “non-packaged” vans or buses that can take you directly to Caticlan Jetty Port. Fare ought to be only P200. once at Caticlan Jetty Port, follow the steps at the next section (CATICLAN TO BORACAY).

OPTION C: PACKAGED BUS/VAN transfer SERVICE. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to do the transfers on your own, a good option is to book a packaged transfer service. aside from the comfortable transfer from Kalibo airport to Caticlan, the price also covers the boat crossing, terminal fee, environmental fee and hotel transfer. You will also be assisted through the in some cases confusing process at the jetty port. This is terrific for those traveling to Boracay for the first time and traveling with kids or elderly. You can book them on Klook too for only P490 (van) or P480 (bus).

Below are where you can book packaged bus/van transfer services.

✅ RESERVE BUS transfer HERE!

✅ RESERVE VAN service HERE!

CATICLAN TO BORACAY

If you’re flying straight to Caticlan Airport, ride a tricycle to Caticlan Jetty Port. Fare: P50 to P75 per person (depending on the number of passengers). At the jetty port, follow the steps below.

If you’re coming from Kalibo Airport, take a van or bus to Caticlan Jetty Port. then follow these steps.

At Caticlan Jetty Port, look for the Registration area in the tents set up outside the terminal building. You’ll then be asked to write down your name on a logbook. This is used to monitor the number of tourists going to Boracay.

Proceed to the Verification Area. Here, you’ll need to present proof of accommodations or hotel booking. Remember, if you’re spending at least one night in the island, hotel booking is REQUIRED.

Pay the fees. proceed to the payment windows. decide whether you want to take the less expensive pumpboat or the bigger but pricier Oyster Ferry, where you’ll need to work out the following: terminal fee (P100), environmental fee (P75), and boat fare (your choice: pump boat P25-30 or oyster ferry P100). You’ll work out all these at once but you’ll be given separate receipts.

Enter the port building. You’ll have to go through a safety and security check. proceed to the passenger Waiting area and wait for boarding.

When it’s time for boarding, find your boat and queue up. travel time is 10-15 minutes.

Take a tricycle to your hotel. You will be taken to Cagban Port or Tambisaan port. Either way, you will find tricycles waiting for passengers in the area. They can take you to your hotel or resort in White beach for P100-P150 per ride.

Det er det! welcome to Boracay!

For a much more detailed, step-by-step guide, read: CATICLAN airport TO BORACAY.

By the way, the guide above involves tricycle rides. If, for whatever reason, you want a much more comfortable journey to your hotel, opt to book Klook’s packaged transfer service. aside from the air-conditioned van transfer from Caticlan airport to the jetty port, you will also be assisted through the port processes and the chauffeur can help you with your luggage. The price already includes the van airport transfer, boat crossing, and multi-cab hotel transfer.

✅ RESERVE OR check rates HERE!

HOW TO get around BORACAY

The tricycle is the primary mode of transportation around the island. For our non-Filipino readers, the tricycle (trike) works like a taxi. The difference is, other than the obvious, is that you can share the tricycle with other passengers who are going to the same destination. A trike can also pick up or drop off passengers along the way. UNLESS you charter the entire car for a “special” trip, which implies the chauffeur will not make any stop or pick up anybody else and you can have the unit to yourself.

In Boracay, there are two types of tricycles: motorized (regular) and electric.

Tricycles are regulated and fares have fixed rates. here are the fares if you’re coming from a White beach Station:

To another station (e.g. station 2 to station 3): P10 per person

To area just outside the stations (e.g. Bulabog Beach): P20-30 per person

To Diniwid Beach: P35 per person

To Puka beach or Yapak area: P40 per person

To Cagban Port or Tambisaan Port: P120 per tricycle

To an area far from the main road: P150-200 per tricycle

Special trip: P100-200 per tricycle

To get to the surrounding islands, you may join an island hopping tour. I’ll talk about the rates in the ISLAND HOPPING section below.

THINGS TO do in BORACAY

Øyhopping

There’s much more to Boracay than White Beach. The island’s jagged corners are filled with sand, creating shorter but still spectacular beaches. There are also smaller islands around it.

On the island, you’ll find touts providing “island hopping” with stops at Puka Beach, Crystal Cove Island, and Crocodile Island. It typically costs P500-600 per person. The problem is that numerous of them don’t communicate that Crystal Cove Island is closed for now and that you won’t actually be stopping at Crocodile Island, you’ll just admire it from the boat or the snorkeling site. So you’re left with a snorkeling site and Puka Beach.

Klook also provides an island hopping trip with stops at the following:

Puka shell Beach

Tambisaan Beach

a coral garden (snorkeling site)

You’ll also get to see Crocodile Island but no stop either. “Island hopping” is actually a misnomer because many stops are part of Boracay Island. It’s much more like “beach hopping.”

You can join a group trip or charter a private boat. joining a group trip implies sharing the boat with other