The Best Travel Guide to Boracay (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Philippines

Boracay

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Overview

Boracay The guide was updated: 2024-07-09

Palm trees swaying in the wind, crystal turquoise seas, and seemingly endless stretches of talcum powder-white sand beaches, along with a distinctively laid-back way of life, characterise this beautiful island. Boracay offers everything from golf, trekking, sailing, and water sports such as windsurfing and scuba diving, to great hotels, gourmet restaurants, and festivals. Additionally, you can enjoy its fabulous beaches, including White Beach, which has been voted among the finest in the world.

Facts

Population:	37,802 (2020)
Currency:	1 Philippine peso (PHP) = 100 sentimo or centavos. The peso is also referred to as 'piso' in Tagalog
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	Daily Tribune: www.tribune.net.ph Philippine Daily Inquirer: www.inquirer.net Philippine Star: www.philstar.com Mindanao Times: www.mindanaotimes.com.ph
Opening hours:	Shops: from around 10 am to 5 pm, 8 pm on Saturdays. Smaller shops stay open well into the evening. Banks: from 9 am to 3 pm on weekdays.
Tourist information:	Department of Tourism Office Boracay Main Road, Balabag +63 36 288 3689 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat & Sun closed Tourist Centre Bulabog Road, Malay, Aklan, Philippines +63 36 288 3704 Daily 9am–7pm

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Section in Boracay

Relaxing on its beautiful beaches is, perhaps, the top choice of many tourists who visit Boracay, but there are many other attractions and things to do. Boracay, for instance, is a magnet for festival-goers and sport event enthusiasts. Special events include dragon boat races, the Paraw regatta sailing race, and the open Asian Frisbee beach tournament held every summer — an important event for Boracay’s own top ranking team, the Boracay Dragons. Golfing enthusiasts can enjoy the world-class 18-hole par 72 Fairways & Bluewater Resort Golf & Country Club course. Nature lovers, on the other hand, can explore the natural areas of rice terraces, waterfalls and lush plantations around the Tibiao whitewater river, where the most adventurous ones can even go whitewater rafting.

White Beach

White Beach

White Beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in the world. The four-kilometre stretch of sugary, fine white sand and the crystal clear blue water is the first thing that comes to mind when you picture paradise. This is where most of the island’s hotels, restaurants and bars are located.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing

Every January, Bulabog beach is abuzz with locals and visitors who come to see or even take part in the Boracay International Funboard Cup Competition. Windsurfing and kite-surfing are popular activities all year round. There are several companies across the island that offer classes and courses for beginners and advanced surfers.

Ariel's Point

Ariel's Point

If you take a 30-minute boat ride from Boracay Island, you will find a cliff jumping spot called Ariel's Point. The views here are stunning, and the trip is an enjoyable experience whether or not you decide to go cliff diving. Participants can choose the height they're comfortable with.

Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan Festival

The two-week long Ati-atihan festival takes place the third Sunday of January each year. People throughout the Philippines wear elaborate fancy dress costumes and make-up. They party with music, dances and carnivals. The religious festival is held in a nearby municipality and is in honour of the Holy Infant Jesus, a patron saint of the Cebu region.

Puka Shell Beach

Puka Shell Beach

Contrary to White Beach, Puka Shell Beach is much less crowded. This is a stretch of white sand that is a must-visit for all travellers to the island. Given its convenient location, in the north of Boracay, it is usually included in most beach-hopping itineraries. There are quite a few bars around, some of them offer complimentary sun beds if you buy a drink.

Bat Caves

Bat Caves

The area Barangay Yapak is home to the special breed of bats called the Philippine flying fox. These giant fruit bats have wings of more than 1.2 metres. The best time to visit is in the afternoon, when you can see them take flight into the stunning sunset.

Butterfly Garden

Butterfly Garden

The Boracay Butterfly Garden is a very popular attraction due to its attractive landscape. It is home to rare species of exotic tropical butterflies as well as rare trees and plants. It is estimated to host between 200 and 300 live tropical Philippine butterflies all year round.

Banana Boats

Banana Boats

Banana boats are a lot of fun, and a very popular water activity among tourists. The boats come in different sizes. You can fit 3 to 10 people on one banana boat per ride. You find these boats on almost all of the beaches across the island, where they can be hired.

Mountain Biking & Hiking

Mountain Biking & Hiking

What better way to discover the island than to put on your hiking shoes and get out there? You are sure to find remote places and breathtaking scenery. There are paths criss-crossing the whole island. Some of the best hiking trails are the Boracay Trail, Mount Ilijan and Calimbajan Peak. If you prefer renting a mountain bike, you can do so pretty much anywhere along White Beach.

Willy's Rock

Willy's Rock

Located at Station 1, Willy's Rock is somewhat of an iconic location on the island of Boracay. The best time to visit is during low tide. This beach is also home to some of the island's best sunsets, so stay until the sun goes down and watch it disappear behind the horizon.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary is a small Catholic Church in the Station 1 area of Boracay Island. Mass in English is held almost daily, so do not hesitate to visit it for a spiritual moment or join the Sunday mass. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Motag Living Museum

Motag Living Museum

To learn more about Boracay's culture and traditions, visit the Motag Living Museum. Many of the exhibits are interactive, which means you'll be able to plant rice and try other activities performed by local farmers. Visits are by appointment, so make sure you book at least one day in advance. There are also food and drinks during the tour.

Mount Luho

Mount Luho

If you're looking for a beautiful, panoramic view of the island, take the 15-minute hike uphill to Mount Luho, the highest point of Boracay. Alternatively, you can hire an all-terrain vehicle or tricycle to get to the top. There is a small entrance fee and a mini zoo as you approach the top. Last but not least, go on a clear day to get the best views.

Diniwid Beach

Diniwid Beach

This secluded, cosy beach with a private feel to it is a great alternative to the often busy White Beach. Several scenic restaurants are perched on the cliffs north of this beach. It's only a 20-minute walk, or an even shorter tricycle ride if you're on the north side of Station 1.

Boat Tours

Boat Tours

There are several tour operators in Boracay offering boat tours that will help you discover the Island from a new perspective, and even see some of its hidden places. Have a great time with friends and family, enjoy the included lunch and watch the sunset directly off the boat.

Crystal Cove Island

Crystal Cove Island

On the Crystal Cove Island, you can enjoy the beautiful, pristine nature, while also take part in other activities such as snorkelling, trekking and water sports. There's a small entry fee to enter to the coves. If you hire an island hopping tour, make sure Crystal Cove Island is in the itinerary.

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