PUKA BEACH, BORACAY: IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS



2019 • 06 • 25

More detailed travel guide here: Boracay Budget Travel Guide

Puka Beach (also called Yapak Beach) is a relatively quieter area compared to the popular stations 1 to 3 along Boracay’s most famous beach. Puka may not have the same fine white sand of station 1, but it more than makes up for it with fewer developments around, a beautiful beachscape, fewer crowds (depending on what time and when you go), and an idyllic atmosphere.

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

  1. The jump-off point to the beach is in Caticlan. There are direct flights from Manila to that airport via Cebu Pacific Air or Philippine Airlines. These flights are often booked out or are expensive; alternatively, you can book a flight to Kalibo instead.
  2. From Kalibo, you can board a van or bus bound for Caticlan Jetty, which costs around P150 to P200 and takes approximately two hours one way.
  3. From Caticlan Jetty Port, board a boat (P25-30) or a ferry (P100) going to Boracay island. Terminal fee is P100, plus an environmental fee of P75. Travel time is 15-20 minutes.
  4. From the port, ride a tricycle to where you are staying (P100-150/ride). The fare from D’Mall to Puka Beach is around P50.

By Sea

  1. The cheapest but time-consuming method is via 2GO from Batangas port to Caticlan.
  2. From Manila, ride a bus bound for Batangas pier (P197, 2-3hrs). From there, take a 2GO ferry going to Caticlan Jetty Port (P800-2000, 10hrs).
  3. From Caticlan Jetty Port, board a boat (P25-30) or a ferry (P100) going to Boracay island. Terminal fee is P100, plus an environmental fee of P75. Travel time is 15-20 minutes.
  4. From the port, ride a tricycle to where you are staying (P100-150/ride). The fare from D’Mall to Puka Beach is around P50.

 


Entrance Fee and Other Charges

  • Entrance Fee: As of writing, visitors have free access.
  • 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

  • If you come early enough, you can relax and unwind in Puka Beach because it is far from the crowds in Boracay’s three stations. There are no resorts on the beach itself, so bring your own lounge/picnic mats.
  • Wade or swim in the waters, pick a spot and sit down to read a book, have a cold drink or a light snack, get a tan or you can try skimboarding. The waves can get rough depending on the season you visit.
  • Bring some snacks and drinks with you if you plan to have a picnic on the beach. Leave no trace behind.
  • Watch the sunset. Enjoy the warm color of dusk while swimming or just laying on the sand.

Don’t Forget

  • Boracay is one of the most developed tourist destinations in the country, so you won’t have a difficult time getting cash, accommodation across budgets, transportation, and types of food to eat.
  • Be careful of pickpockets and don’t leave your things unattended.
  • Bring your own skimboard, snorkeling gear or even scuba diving gear if you don’t want to rent.

If You Have More Time and Budget

  • After enjoying Puka Beach, there is a handful of other things you can do while in Boracay. Go cliff diving in Ariel’s Point, island hopping, helmet diving, scuba diving, eating at the many themed restaurants lining the beach, bar hopping, and watching the magical sunset are just some of the activities you can do.

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

RELATED TOPICS: 10 Things that Make Boracay Special and Boracay Important Tips


Where to Stay

Although there are no resorts on the beach itself, there are resorts in Barangay Yapak, which are located not too far away from Puka Beach. You can also choose to book your lodging in one of the many resorts lining the more popular White Beach (Station 1 to 3). If you are willing to spend more on your accommodation, here are some of the top-rated 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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