Guide to Boracay Island
Boracay already earned its status as one of the best beach island destination in the world. True to its claim, all you can think of possible in a beach paradise is offered in Boracay.
Boracay, a 7-kilometer long island, is located in the northwestern tip of Panay Island, Philippines. Aside from its beach renowned for clear turquoise waters and powder white sand, it boasts of luxury hotels, restaurants offering local and international cuisines, land, water and air activities, and what it is famous for, nightlife.
GETTING THERE:
Boracay Island can be reached through air and sea.
Caticlan’s diminutive Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, handles turboprop flights from Cebu and Manila. Caticlan Airport is about an hour and a half flight away from Manila, and is only a 20-minute ferry ride away from Boracay. From the Caticlan airport, (there is a terminal and environmental fee of P175), you will take a short tricycle ride (5-10 mins) to the Caticlan Jetty port, from where you will pay the fees, log your name as visitor of the island and ride a small boat to the White Beach. The boat journey takes around 10-15 minutes. From there, you will ride another tricycle to take you to the street where you can find your hotel accommodation. (recommended)
Kalibo International Airport, 90 minutes away from Boracay by bus, handles domestic flights from Manila as well as international flights Flights from Manila take an hour and a half to arrive.
WHAT TO DO:
Boracay is best appreciated when you venture out into its waters and there are several ways to explore the sea and smaller islands around.
Paraw are traditional sailboats with outriggers, and are available for rent from freelancers on White Beach or by inquiry with your Boracay resort. The ride cost us P300 (pax of 2) good for 30 minutes.
Parasailing. You can take wing for at least fifteen minutes when you go parasailing above the island. Parasailers are attached to a parachute and towed behind a speedboat; the speed creates lift, and the parasailer flies over a hundred feet above the sea. For a cost of P1,200 each (haggled price) for about 10-15 minutes of flying experience.
Diving. The island is beautiful, both above and under the water. Expert and newbie divers alike are well-served in the island, given the diversity of diving sites and the number of dive shops on the island. You can choose a diving package with length and intensity depending on your budget and expertise.
ATV. Four-wheel buggies that can be rented by the hour to explore the dirt roads criss-crossing the hills in Boracay’s north end. Places like Tanawin Viewpoint and an aviary can be reached via ATV - these vehicles are not permitted to operate on the Central Highway.
ACCOMMODATION:
The cheapest places to stay are mostly run by local families, and most of them don't even have a website, so you have to find them. It's actually not that hard.
But here’s a tip: Stay in Station 2 where rates are just on the average. Plus it’s near food spots, near Epic (after the party, you don’t have to walk a long way or worse, take a tric going home). There’s just a LOT of choices! Best is you can ask someone’s who’s been there where they stay so you don’t have to go through the researching in the internet. Doesn’t matter if it’s not beachfront. All the rest are just a minute or less than a walk away from the beach. If you're really on a tight budget try Station 3, the cheap accommodations are certainly down there.
THINGS TO KNOW:
Avoid Christmas, New Years Eve and the Holy Week. Prices are more than double and the beach is way too crowded, so forget about that!
It does feel a bit overcrowded at times, so avoid Boracay if you're looking for peace and quiet.
D’Mall near Station 2 has several ATMs, as does the main road near the entrance of the mall. Withdraw earlier, as ATMs tend to run out in the afternoon and are not refilled till the next day.
Not all hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.
Some dishonest tricycle drivers might try to trick you into paying more so before getting into the tricycle, ask how much the fare is or ask the locals first. Usually the fare cost 7 PHP each.
Don’t take home sand or sea shells back with you. It is prohibited to take these away from the island.
Will I go back there? Maybe.
Laters!