Boracay General E-tinerary

If you’re looking for a perfect beach getaway, look no further than Boracay, Philippines. Named as Condé Nast Traveler’s 2nd Best Island Beach in their 2020 Readers’ Choice List, the 3-mile stretch of Boracay’s White Beach continues to awe travelers with its picture-perfect beauty.

11 Boracay Travel Tips

So what are some things you should know before travelling to this Philippine paradise? Here are 11 tips to help you enjoy Boracay to the fullest:

1) “Boracay”, not “Bora: Boracay is often confused with “Bora Bora”, an island in the French Polynesia area. Easier it may be to shorten Boracay into a simple “Bora”, it’s better to call Boracay by its given name to honor it with the distinction it deserves. Even locals from Boracay emphasize how calling it Boracay shows pride in their island.

2) Research, research, research: For any trip you plan, research is crucial. Enough research will allow you to prepare how much money to bring and how much time you can allocate on your trip. First timers tend to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of restaurants to try on the island and the activities you can do. Look up prices of food, accommodation, and activities to get a clear idea for budgeting your trip. If you have the time, you should also research the local language, history, and culture to enjoy the experience.

3) Invest on experience: Apart from taking photos or strolling along the beach, there really is nothing you can do on Boracay for free. You might want to get henna tattoos or hunt for souvenirs at D’Mall. Island hopping, parasailing, or helmet diving don’t come cheap either. And if you’re planning to go on a shoestring budget, research and planning will definitely help your money go a long way.

4) The best place to stay?: Is there really a better part of paradise to stay in? Our answer is a definite no. It all really depends on your preferences and budget. More upscale resorts along Station 1 offer far more amenities, but booking somewhere around Station 2 and 3 would definitely be comfortable and budget-friendly. And of course, if you get the chance to stay somewhere by the beachfront, take it.

5) Keep your eye out for sales: Whether it’s for flights or hotel rooms, prices are cheaper if you book earlier in the year. Hotels usually offer sales during lean months as well, so be on the lookout for those. Do be wary of scams, however. If a package deal or a group tour seems too good to be true, it probably is.

6) Find a free buffet: In the pre-pandemic months, the Astoria Boracay resort would offer a free buffet. The catch? You’ll be invited to listen to their presentation on a membership for all Astoria resorts. You can always say no to their offer, of course; don’t worry about being charged for your meal. If you’re lucky, you may find other special promotions or discounts around the island.

7) Eat the Boracay staples: Boracay is a fantastic place to try out new cuisines and local favorites. You would love sipping cool drinks by the beach and discovering unique, Filipino flavors throughout the island. Some of our top picks are the Chori Burger and Longga Burger at Merly’s BBQ, the Calamansi Muffin at Real Coffee & Tea Café, and the Mango Fruit Shake at Jonah’s Fruit Shake & Snack Bar.

8) Help maintain the island’s beauty: In 2018, Boracay was temporarily closed to the public in an effort to rehabilitate and clean-up the island. Since its redevelopment, the local government has established rules for its upkeep and cleanliness. As much as possible, dispose of your waste properly and follow the rules on the island. To quote the old saying: “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos, and kill nothing but time.”

9) Don’t book an early return flight: Whether or not you have a bad habit of missing flights, it’s highly recommended to avoid booking a too-early flight out of Boracay. After checking out of your hotel, you would need to take a tricycle to the port and then a boat back to the main island — all before the long drive to the airport. Allot an extra hour in your schedule in case of a long line or unforeseen circumstances.

10) Chat with the locals: As a global beach destination, Boracay is a melting pot of cultures and influences. Fittingly, most of the locals have become polyglots due to the exposure. Expect almost everyone on the island to be able to speak English at least, as well as Filipino or Aklanon. Some tricycle drivers would even call out to potential customers in Chinese, French, Korean, Japanese, and more!

11) Enjoy the Boracay sunset: The sunset in Boracay is iconic for a reason; it’s a must-see if you’re planning to visit the island. You’d love the blazing oranges and soft pinks that paint a glow over the island, giving way to the fun and vibrant Boracay nightlife. It is one of — if not the — best sunsets in the world.

Discounted activities, transportation, food and accommodation via Klook are available here:

Hassle free private airport transfer

Get your Hop on hop off tickets here (also good for land tour or DIY transfer going to your hotel)

Boracay luxury boat cruise click here (good for 10 pax)

Tiktok Video Guides here:
Sail and fly to Boracay

Boracay in a day

Boracay in a day pt. 2