Boracay is an island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. White sands, crystal clear waters, and stunning sunset are some of the reasons why Boracay is a favorite destination among locals and tourists.
Best Time to Visit to Boracay
As the Philippines is a tropical country, the dry season runs from November to March. To make the most out of your vacation, it is best to visit Boracay during this time. However, this also means it is a peak season, so prices may increase slightly.
Getting Here
There are two options, either fly to Caticlan or Kalibo airport.
Most visitors will choose Caticlan Airport even though air tickets are more expensive than Kalibo Airport. This is because Caticlan airport is much more convenient as you only need to take a short boat ride from Caticlan.
On the other hand, if you choose to fly to Kalibo Airport, you need to take a bus and then take a ferry.
Where to Stay in Boracay
Boracay is a small island, it is divided into three stations. Where to stay depends on your budget and your travel plan.
First of all, Station 1 is where all the luxury hotels are, the surrounding is more peaceful and quite suitable for first-time visitors who are not on a budget.
On the other hand, if nightlife is what you are after, then you should stay at Station 2. It is the busiest station of the three and is best for nightlife and shopping. It is very popular with young travelers. In addition, the accommodation in this station is cheaper than Station 1.
Lastly, Station 3 has a more laid-back vibe. It is a bit isolated from the other two stations. Budget hotels can be found in this station.
Getting around
The major mode of transportation is by tricycle. Some hotels may also provide shuttle bus services going to D’Mall.
Our Accommodation
For our accommodation, we chose to stay at Monaco Suites de Boracay. The hotel is about 15 minutes away from Station 2. We stayed in a 2-bedroom suite, which was perfect for families. In addition, the room has a mini kitchenette and a balcony overlooking the stunning view of the island. For guests who want to go for a swim, the hotel has an infinity pool in the shape of a dolphin.
Although the hotel is not within close distance to White Beach, they provide frequent shuttle bus service to D’mall, which made our stay very convenient. Because the location is a bit secluded from the parties, it is very peaceful at night.
Our 4D3N Boracay itinerary
During our stay, we visited some of the popular beaches on the island, tried out different activities, visited the D’mall, and hiked up Mt. Luho. We spent plenty of time on each destination and activities, so we were not able to explore other beaches of the island.
Puka Beach
Puka Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island. The 800-meter-long beach is abundant in Puka shell, hence the name of the beach. We spent a relaxing afternoon just strolling down the beach. Although the sand here is a bit coarser than White Beach, I really love how clear and turquoise the color of the water is.
D’Mall
D’Mall is conveniently located in front of White Beach. Many hotels (including ours) offer shuttle bus services to and from D’Mall. It is an outdoor shopping mall where you can get all your basic needs when on the island. Besides souvenir shops, there are also various restaurants, cafes, and bars to satisfy your cravings. In addition, if you are short on cash, there are ATM machines and money changers here too.
Parasailing
One of the popular activities in Boracay is parasailing. It was quite fun and relaxing. We took a small boat out to the sea and the next minute, we were hanging in the middle of the sky. As the boat slowed down, we slowly descended and could almost dip our legs into the water. It might be scary for people with a fear of heights, but there is no sudden drop like the ones on the roller coaster. We were treated to a wonderful view of the island while being pulled by a boat.
Flying Fish
For a more exciting water sport, I definitely recommend trying the flying fish. Flying fish is an inflatable attached and pulled by a speedboat. At first, it felt like we were on a banana boat. That is until the speedboat increased its speed and the whole thing just flew out of the water. It was a test of arm strength! We were holding on and trying so hard not to fall off. It was a very exhilarating ride!
White Beach
Famous for its white, fine sand and crystal waters, the White Beach is a perfect summer destination. After the government’s rehabilitation efforts, the beach is now much cleaner and more stunning than before.
White Beach has a lot to offer. Without spending much, you can just dive right in and take a swim and lounge at the beach. Or, you can participate in water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, etc. Furthermore, there are also activities such as island hopping and sunset cruises. Also, the beach is one of the best places to watch the sunset.
Mt Luho
Lastly, we decided to go check out Mt. Luho. Mt. Luho is the tallest mountain on Boracay Island offering a panoramic view of the island. Previously, there was an observatory deck and a mini zoo, unfortunately, it was permanently closed now.
Other Destinations
If you are looking for other destinations to visit in the Philippines, you check out my other posts here.