Boracay
Southeast Asia · Philippines
Did you know?
- Bulabog attracts kiteboarders, while Puka has noticeably coarser sand.
- White Beach is divided into numbered Stations 1–3.
- This resort island once closed to tourists for a major environmental rehabilitation.
See also
Kalibo
Philippines11.70°N 122.37°E · 7 m
Overview
Boracay centres on long sandy beaches, nightlife and water sports. White Beach's different stations and the quieter outer shores offer contrasting bases.
Languages: English, Filipino
Why go?
Boracay offers superb long white sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, and extensive water sports. However, it is not for budget travelers; prices are high by Philippine standards but moderate internationally. Alternatives include Moalboal, El Nido, and Panglao Island.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
The port of entry is Caticlan, with outrigger boats (banca) to Boracay costing PHP25. Additional fees: terminal fee PHP100, environmental fee PHP75. E-trikes from Cagban port to hotels cost PHP20-150 per person or per trip. The nearest airport is Caticlan (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport) serving domestic and some international flights; an alternative is Kalibo International Airport, which is farther but handles larger aircraft.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Electric tricycles are the main transport; shared rides cost PHP20 per passenger, long rides up to PHP150 per tricycle. Bargaining is recommended. Scooters rent for PHP1200 per day. Mountain bikes are also available, and native sailboats (paraw) or motorized outriggers can be hired for island tours.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The dry season (November-April) is best, with the northeast monsoon (amihan) from December to March bringing calm seas on White Beach. The rainy season (June-October) brings the southwest monsoon (habagat) and risk of typhoons, making White Beach rough.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget dorms (from PHP500) to luxury resorts. Station 3 has many budget options; Station 1 is upscale; Station 2 is the commercial center. Bulabog Beach caters to kiteboarders. Avoid travel agents posing as resorts; book directly. During peak season, book in advance.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Most restaurants on White Beach cost PHP300-500 per meal. Cheaper options are at D'Talipapa market (scallops PHP150/kg, crabs PHP400/kg) and along the Main Road. Don't miss the mangoes. Nightlife is lively near Stations 1 and 2; Station 3 has relaxed bars and is popular with backpackers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The main attraction is White Beach, divided into Stations 1-3. Other beaches include Puka (quiet, coarser sand) and Bulabog (kiteboarding). Activities: kiteboarding lessons (several schools on Bulabog Beach), cliff diving at Ariel's Point (PHP1500 all-inclusive), spa treatments, parasailing, motorbiking, and horseriding.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Sewage pollution is a serious problem, especially at Bulabog Beach, making swimming risky there. Power outages occur frequently. Since reopening in 2018, strict rules apply: no eating or drinking on the beach, no smoking, no fire dancing, no chairs or loungers. Lifeguards patrol White Beach.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Internet connections are slow. Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations. Mobile data is provided by Smart and Globe on 3G/4G networks.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Boracay is not a budget destination by Philippine standards. Expect dorm beds from PHP500, meals from PHP200-300 at budget spots, tricycle rides PHP20-150, and scooter rental PHP1200/day. Daily backpacker budget likely PHP1000-2000, not including activities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include Ariel's Point (cliff diving, snorkeling, all-inclusive PHP1500) and island hopping to nearby beaches. Onward destinations: Kalibo (closest major airport) and Iloilo City (largest city on Panay).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Boracay, head to Kalibo for flights, or explore Iloilo City on Panay island.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Andok's
Andok's, which has 5 locations, sells rotisserie and fried chicken as well as favorite Filipino dishes.
Recorded price: PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Aria
Delicious Italian food. If they don't give you the spicy olive oil bottle on the side for your custom made pizza, make sure you ask for it.
Recorded price: PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bamboo Lounge
Serves a good selection of Chinese food in a relaxed beachfront setting. Quite average reviews.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cowboy Cocina
Serves tasty steaks, ribs and other grilled dishes, and arguably the best burgers in Boracay.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cyma
Excellent food and service at this Greek restaurant. Try the mezedes combination, the spinach and artichoke fondue and the chicken souvlaki.
Recorded price: Mezes PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
D'Talipapa Market
Fresh seafood market with relatively cheap prices. Around the place are a variety of food stores that offer to cook for you. You can buy fresh seafood, etc., right near the stores, then have the stores cook it for you however you like. For example, you can get crabs for PHP
Recorded price: scallops PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Deparis Beach Resort
One of the first European restaurants on the island, the first in fact to have chocolate mousse and Italian pizza when the island was without electricity in the early 1980s. Owned by the infamous and eccentric Frenchman Roger Deparis who has lived on the island since his backpacking days, it is a throwback to the old island style of mismatched decorations and heavy foliage.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Dos Mestizos
This restaurant is the brainchild of respected Boracay chef & restaurateur Binggoy Remedios and his close childhood friend, Jose Ramon Valdes Nieto. Both owners have Spanish ancestors, hence the name "Dos Mestizos". This restaurant serves a selection of excellent tapas and is located between stations 2 and 3, behind the Tourist Center.
Recorded price: From PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Internet is slow; Wi-Fi in hotels; 3G/4G from Smart and Globe.
Entry
Pre-book hotel required. Terminal fee PHP100 and environmental fee PHP75 at jetty port.
Money
Prices are high by Philippine standards but moderate for international visitors. Bargaining is common for tricycles and some shops.
Safety
Sewage pollution affects swimming areas; power outages occur. Strict beach rules: no smoking, eating, or loungers on sand.
Transport
Electric tricycles: PHP20 shared, up to PHP150 private. Scooter rental PHP1200/day.
Weather
Dry season November-April best. Rainy season June-October with typhoon risk.