BORACAY ISLAND: IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS



2019 • 02 • 19

More detailed travel guide here: Boracay Budget Travel Guide

Easily, Boracay is one of the top beach destinations in the Philippines as many foreign publications have declared the island as one of the world’s best. Boracay is a small island in Northern Panay island. It’s part of the municipality of Malay in the province of Aklan. Aklanon is the major language of the island but due to the large volume of tourists and workers coming into the island the language now is a mix of Filipino and English.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, also known as Caticlan Airport or Boracay Airport (Aklan); Kalibo International Airport (Aklan)

By Air

There are several ways of going to Boracay. One method is to fly from Manila to Kalibo. But you need a good couple of hours to reach your destination from Kalibo airport. The fastest (and the most expensive) way to travel is from Manila to Caticlan airport.

  1. From Kalibo airport, board a van (P200/person, 15mins) or bus going to Caticlan Jetty Port. Some buses offer package fare (bus ride to Caticlan Jetty and a ferry ticket) which costs around P300/person.
  2. From Caticlan Jetty Port, board a boat (P25) or a ferry (P200) going to Boracay island. Terminal fee is P100, plus an environmental fee of P75. Travel time is 15-20 minutes.
  3. From the port, ride a tricycle to where you are staying (P100/ride).

By Sea

  1. The cheapest method (albeit the longest) is via 2GO from Batangas port to Caticlan.
  2. From Manila, ride bus bound for Batangas pier (P168-180, 2-3hrs).
  3. From Batangas pier, take a 2GO ferry going to Caticlan Jetty Port (P500-2000, 10hrs).
  4. From Caticlan Jetty Port, board a boat (P25) or a ferry (P200) going to Boracay island. Terminal fee is P100, plus an environmental fee of P75. Travel time is 15-20 minutes.
  5. From the port, ride a tricycle to where you are staying (P100/ride).

 


Entrance Fee and Other Charges

  • Entrance Fee: It depends on where you choose to go and stay on the island. Normally, there’s no entrance fee.
  • Island Hopping Rates: P1000 – P3500 per boat (depending on the size of the boat)
  • Scuba Diving Rates: P1600 (if you ahave PADI license already); P3500 (3-4 hours beginner course + 1 dive)
  • Tourist Attraction Fees: Parasailing (P750 – P2500 per person); Paraw Sailing (P1000 – P1500 per person); Standup Paddling (P300 – P500/hr board rental); Fly Fish (P550 – P600); Cliff Diving package (P1600/person); ATV Ride (P800 – P1000/unit)

Don’t Miss

  • When in Boracay never miss the famed choriburgers sold by the beach in the afternoon. You should also try the popular calamansi muffin which gives you a tarty taste. Best when paired with coffee or tea.
  • The fiery sunset (one of the best in the country). Also try the sunset Paraw cruise. It’s a wind driven sailboat tour package; it usually comes with a glass of wine.
  • For adventure seekers, you may try to do parasailing, scuba diving, fly fish, and many more.
  • In addition to the famous White Beach (Station 1 – 3), visit other beaches on the island including Puka Beach, Bulabog Beach, Punta Bunga Beach, and many more.

Don’t Forget

  • There is an ATM Machine at D’Mall area.
  • Dining or shopping with a credit card will not be a hassle as many restaurants accept credit and debit cards for payment.
  • There is also a foreign exchange service at the Tourist Center.
  • Always keep an eye on your belongings. Leave nothing but footprints.

If You Have More Time and Budget

  • Check other parts of Boracay other than the beach front.
  • You can also explore other attractions in Aklan such as Pagatpat Mangrove Park, Hacienda Maria, Jawili Falls, Ariel’s Point, Malay Eco Park, and many others.
  • Extend your trip to the nearby provinces of Antique, Iloilo, and Capiz.

For more Boracay activities, check these 15 Exciting Things to Do in Boracay and Parasailing in Boracay

RELATED TOPIC: 10 Things that Make Boracay Special


Where to Stay

There are over a thousand and one accommodation options in Boracay from the high end like Shangri-La Boracay, Fairways and Bluewater down to the basic houses turned transient inns. Boracay bound? Here are some of the top luxury resorts according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

Photo was provided by the hotel via Agoda.

For more options, search here: Boracay Hotels


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