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Traveloka PH

18 Nov 2016 - 8 min read

The Ultimate Boracay Travel Guide

The island destination is usually packed with yuppies and foreign backpackers who wish to find paradise on earth. That said, each visit should never be the same. Those who frequent Boracay though would understandably feel a little bit jaded about the place, having seen all there is to see on the island. Or at least they think so.

Boracay however is constantly evolving. There are always new things to discover about this paradise island. All visitors --new and old -- have to do is just look beyond the ordinary.

Best Time to Go

Because Boracay doesn’t always get hit by tropical typhoons—you get some rainfall between July and October—the best time to go is every weekend. However, take note of the peak season, the number of tourists, and when prices go up so you can plan well your trip.

Peak season here is during the Holy Week, summer and Christmas holidays, and the All Saints’ Day long weekend. At these times, rooms are expensive, queues at restaurants are longer, and the noise can be quite intolerable. So better prepare yourself.

If your family decides to spend Christmas and New Year here, expect Boracay to be crowded, festive, and cheerful. During the summer, especially Holy Week and LaBoracay, the island turns into a Mardi Gras of sorts by the beach.

Some travelers prefer going to Boracay during the off-peak season for the following reasons: there are less people coming in, prices are lower, and there’s a cool breeze that you won’t notice during the summer. It’s impossible to have the island all to yourself, of course, but at least you don’t have to worry about full restaurants and long lines at top attractions.

Whether you choose to go when the rest of Manila goes, or when you’d rather have some peace and quiet, the best time to go to Boracay is when you’re already heading there.

It’s All in the Package

beach ferry boat

Some tour packages include transportation from the port to the island.

Boracay is one of the world’s top destinations, so don’t be surprised to find tour packages at rock bottom prices. Be extra careful though when you find something that’s too good to be true especially online. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Many travelers often get travel deals that come with airfare and accommodations, plus some extra freebies. It’s recommended but you will find that it’s not always worth it. It’s best to buy your plane tickets separate from an on-island package.

There are hundreds of Boracay tour packages to choose from: port-to-hotel, hotel-to-port transfers, hotel accommodations, free breakfast, meals at select areas, and tours/or island hopping. Based on experience though packages between PHP1,500 and PHP2,200 are usually value for money.

However, if you’re thinking of a DIY tour, check out hotel booking websites that offer huge discounts for accommodations. If pricey hotels are not your thing, opt for hostels which will be a lot cheaper.

Note also that the 20-minute boat ride from Caticlan airport to Boracay costs about PHP200.

What to Bring

beach essentials

Don't forget to bring beach essentials like sunscreen, flip flops, and shades.

Pack light. Bringing your entire summer wardrobe will not only be impractical but also inconvenient. Clothes for one week should be enough to avoid any fashion faux pas, especially if you’re just staying only three to four days on the island.

Depending on how long you’re planning to stay in Boracay, you will need at least two pairs of shorts, two sets of swimwear, four to six shirts, and six pairs of underwear. Bring an extra pair of flip flops for emergencies. Make sure to leave space for souvenirs as well as dirty clothes in your luggage. Wrap your laundry in some clean sheet of paper (you can use newspapers) and place your clean clothes or souvenirs on top.

Put your medicines in your carry-on never in your luggage when boarding the plane. Also, bring sandwiches in case you choose not to have in-flight meals. Bring a tumbler of water, and make sure to fill it up once you passed through security. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket or a sweater to keep you warm on the plane.

If you booked a budget hotel and you’re picky with your toiletries, better to bring your own like toothpaste, toothbrush, and wet wipes, among others. Don’t forget a few skincare products especially a moisturizer with SPF and sunscreen. It’s true that there are convenience stores around the island, but why would you spend for something you already have? Your money will be better spent at D’Mall or at the array of restaurants available there.

Hot Hotels

beachfront hotels

Boracay has a variety of budget-friendly as well as luxury hotels.

Boracay boasts a lot of hotels, but let’s skip the popular ones right now. Most of the time, a family of four can afford a hotel room worth around P6,000 a night or less.

If you want to enjoy less crowded beaches, Yapak is the place to book your hotel. With tourism here focused more on adventure junkies who like scuba diving, snorkeling, and sometimes even cliff diving, there are less people and commercial establishments in the area.

You’ll find that most of the hotels in Boracay are concentrated in Balabag, which is the center of of the island. Tourists flock to this area because of the many commercial establishments they can go to and all the activities that they can try out. Here, activities include kitesurfing in Bulabog beach, getting a henna tattoo in the many henna stalls in station 1 and 2, or partying in bars along White beach.

Beachgoers can also go to Manoc Manoc as an alternative to going to Balabag. This southern part of Boracay also offers stunning beachfronts and a variety of hotels that cater to every budget. There are fewer people here compared to Balabag but the number of commercial and retail establishments are growing by the minute.

Better-than-Usual Activities

scuba diving gear

If you haven't tried scuba diving yet, Boracay offers you the perfect opportunity to explore the island's beautiful marine life.

Aside from the banana boat ride, there are other activities to be enjoyed in Boracay. Here are some of them:

Scuba diving

A trip to Boracay is never complete without scuba diving. With the island’s rich and protected marine life, you’ll want to get a certificate and see an underwater kingdom. Diving packages vary, but they all provide the gear for you.

Indiana Jones Eco Tour

No, you won’t be uncovering crystal skulls but you’ll definitely be exploring the wonders of Basang Cave, the country’s longest cave ever discovered. The best part? After walking a long mile in the dark, you’ll get to dive into the clear waters of the Hurom-Hurom spring. For less than P3,000, you get to enjoy such adventure which includes forest trekking, food, and transportation.

Crystal Cove

Island hopping isn’t often on everyone’s to-do list, but do try it if you have the time. Crystal Cove has a picturesque view of the sea, perfect for having picnics away from the main island. You’ll also be amazed by the sea coves around the island as well as the indigenous birds in the aviary.

Where to Eat

restaurants by the beach

Get some grub at hawker stalls along the beachfront or at restaurants offering different delicacies.

Italian food? Filipino comfort food? Cozy cafés? Boracay got them all. There are always options other than the famous D’Talipapa. Here’s a list of restos and gastropubs available on the island.

Aria Cucina Italiana: Island chic meets Italian pizzazz. Those craving for pizza and pasta might as well find a seat here. Try salame piccante, pesce al cartoccio, agnello al forno, to name a few.

Real Coffee & Tea Café: The guys at Real Coffee make awesome omelettes and coffee -- the perfect post-hangover meal. Breakfasts here are not for the faint of heart with their amazingly huge servings. Try Jack’s Omelette, Great White Omelette with Tuna, and their Peanut Butter and Mango Jam Sandwich.

Dos Mestizos: The Spaniards left the Philippines with a great cultural treasure—Spanish food. Enjoy the fusion of Western European and Filipino cuisines in one rockin’ place. Try all the paellas. You. Will. Not. Regret. It.

Merly’s BBQ: The only hawker on this list, Merly’s BBQ deserves at least one Michelin star. Located in Station 1, Merly’s serves a mean Chori burger. If you’re ever in Boracay for only one night and only have time for one good meal, head to Merly’s.

Lemoni Café and Restaurant: More popularly known as “the Lemon,” it’s one of the happiest places in all of Boracay. The ambiance is light and bright, perfect for diners who’ve seen enough of Boracay’s bars and restos. Try their Mint and Pineapple Crush to wipe away the heat.

I Love Backyard BBQ: A great place for sizzlers, sausages, and other kinds of meats, this BBQ place prepares your meat just the way you like it. You’ll leave the place completely satisfied. The whole barkada will definitely enjoy it here. Try their baby back ribs and pork belly.

Los Indios Bravos Gastropub: This relatively new watering hole serves up the standard bar chow as well as delicious dining options for the family. The place is great for big groups who simply want to hang out. Try their premium beef burger, cottage pie, and Los Indios Bravos lamb kofta.

Spa Sesh

beach spa session

Top off your relaxing Boracay getaway with a good massage at the many spas you'll find here.

A visit to Boracay wouldn’t be complete without trying out some of the various spa treatments available on the island. Here’s our top picks:

Mandala Spa and Villas: This spa center is a little pricey but the service is well worth it. Reserve an afternoon to try their award-winning spa package, the Hilot Trilogy, or any of their facial treatments.

Beach front massage: A much cheaper option is to have a massage by the beach. You enjoy a relaxing shiatsu massage as well as the sound of the soothing waves. Try not to fall asleep though and keep an eye on your belongings.

Lava Stone Massage: This two-hour treatment is best done at sunset so you can feel absolutely relaxed. It’s a bit expensive but a good experience nonetheless.

Shopping Delights

dmall boracay

The famous D'mall Boracay is the go-to place for all shopping and souvenir needs on the island. (Photo by Photopixel)

Looking to save money at D’Mall? Read on for some tips.

First, know what you want to buy and stick to it. There are so many trinkets at D’Mall that will tempt you to empty your wallet even before you find that one thing you’ve been meaning to get. Be strong, my friend.

Second, haggle. You should know when it’s too expensive or just the right price. I’ve always adhered to the wisdom of asking for half the price first. Start from there until you and the seller reach a compromise.

Third, find a suki. Think of it as your go-to shop for souvenirs. Befriend the shop owner, chat them up before buying some stuff. If you’ve made a good impression, you’ll end up paying only a fraction of the item’s worth.

Can't wait to plan your Boracay vaycay? Book a hotel in advance to save money too!

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