BORACAY ISLAND: Important Travel Tips

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Last updated: 17 May 2024

Easily, Boracay is one of the top beach destinations in the Philippines. 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.

Heading to the island soon? Here’s a quick guide to Boracay!

If you want a more detailed travel guide, you can find it here: Boracay Travel Guide

How to Get There

Nearest Airports: Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, also known as Caticlan Airport or Boracay Airport (Aklan), and 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 faster (and a more expensive) way to travel is from Manila to Caticlan Airport.

  1. From Kalibo International Airport, board a local bus or a tourist bus/van bound for Caticlan Jetty Port (P150-250 per person). If you are coming from Caticlan Airport, take a tricycle to Caticlan Jetty Port (or Tabon Port). The fare is P150 per tricycle for two passengers or P75 each. The travel time is about 10 minutes.
  2. From Caticlan Jetty Port (or Tabon Port), board a boat/ferry (P50) going to Boracay Island. The terminal fee is P150, plus an environmental fee of P150 for locals and P300 for foreigners. Travel time is 15-20 minutes.
  3. From the Cagban Port (or Tambisaan Port), ride an e-tricycle to where you are staying. Depending on the distance and your destination, the regular fare ranges from P20 to P50 per person. If you want to charter a ride, the rate is between P100 and P400 per vehicle, depending on the distance/destination.

     

    If you want more details, you can also read our HOW TO GET TO BORACAY (From Kalibo and Caticlan) article.

    By Sea

    1. The cheapest but time-consuming method is via 2GO from Batangas to Caticlan.
    2. From Manila, ride a bus bound for Batangas Port (P190-210, 2-3hrs). From there, take a 2GO ferry going to Caticlan Jetty Port (P1,400-2,500, 10-14hrs).
    3. From Caticlan Jetty Port (or Tabon Port), board a boat/ferry (P50) going to Boracay Island. The terminal fee is P150, plus an environmental fee of P150 for locals and P300 for foreigners. Travel time is 15-20 minutes.
    4. From the Cagban Port (or Tambisaan Port), ride an e-tricycle to where you are staying. Depending on the distance and your destination, the regular fare ranges from P20 to P50 per person. If you want to charter a ride, the rate is between P100 and P400 per vehicle, depending on the distance/destination.

     

    For more information, you can also check out our 2GO BATANGAS to BORACAY Ferry Schedules & Fares article.


    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: P800 – P900 per person. This rate is for joiners and includes buffet lunch, but it does not cover entrance fees and snorkeling fee.
    • Introductory Scuba Diving Rates: Solo, P5,000; Group of 2-6, P3,500 per person

    Other Rates

    • Crystal Kayak Photoshoot: Starts at P250 per person for 15-20 minutes
    • Parasailing: P1,800 – P2,500 per person
    • Paraw Sailing: P685 – P2,650 per person
    • Standup Paddling: P500/30 mins, P700/hr
    • Banana Boat: P2,700 (good for 6 pax) or P450 (per person)
    • UFO Ride: P2,800 (good for 4 pax) or P700 (per person)
    • ATV Ride: Starts at P1,500/30 mins
    • Kitesurfing/Windsurfing: P3,500 to P25,000. Note that the rates may vary depending on the school you choose and the package inclusions.

    Don’t Miss

    • When in Boracay never miss some of the iconic snacks. Grab the famed chori burgers 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, helmet diving, kitesurfing/windsurfing, and many more.
    • Beach hopping is a must! 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

    • Boracay is one of the most developed tourist destinations in the country. You’ll find ATMs at the D’Mall area.
    • Ready your wallets, credit cards, or debit cards. 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.
    • Bring protection from the sun, especially during summer when it’s scorching hot: sunglasses, hats, rash guard, environment-friendly sunscreen, umbrella, etc.
    • Always keep an eye on your belongings. Secure your valuables.
    • Leave nothing but footprints. Bring your trash with you if there’s no trash bin. Observe proper garbage disposal.

    If You Have More Time and Budget

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

    Where to Stay in Boracay

    Aqua Boracay. Photo provided by the resort via Agoda.

    You can book your lodging in one of the many resorts lining Bulabog Beach or White Beach. To help you decide, here are some of the top-rated hotels and resorts on Boracay Island as recommended by online users.

    Top Hotels on Agoda

    Top Hotels on Hotels.com

    You can also check out these posts for more hotel suggestions in Boracay:

    Find more Boracay Hotels!

    Klook.com

    Klook Code PHBEACHKLOOK


    Watch Related Videos on YouTube

    You can watch our Top 20 Things to Do in Boracay video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.


    Updates Log

    2024.05.17 – Updated How to Get There, Entrance Fees, and Where to Stay sections
    2017.08.08 – First uploaded

    Written by: Enrico Dee
    Additional Writing by: Astrid Alvarez

    Related Article: Boracay Travel Guide


    More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️


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