Islands

Boracay Island Visitors Guide 2023

Written by Patrick

This quick guide to Boracay Island will help you plan your trip. It contains information on what to do, eat, and drink as well as the must-see spots and the best hotels.

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE

Travel Insurance

ABOUT

With most people referring to it as paradise, Boracay is undeniably one of the most visited islands in the country. With its powdery white sand, clear water, and well-developed tourism infrastructure, local and foreign tourists alike flock to the island all year round. It isn’t only a haven for beach-lovers, it is also an ideal destination for party-goers and water sports enthusiasts. There are several bars and clubs as well as dive centers found in the island.

After its six-month closure in 2018 to allow the island to recover, Boracay is now back with arms wide open to guests who are hoping to experience what it feels like to be on Boracay Island!

Location

Boracay Island Location Map

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season.  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April.  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May.

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

TIP:  This guide recommends that booking for Boracay Island summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This guide recommends traveling to Boracay Island in April-May or in November-December, just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

Fast Facts

Destination Name:
Boracay Island
Local Time:
PST (UTC+8)
Best Time of Year to Visit:
December – May
Population:
Approximately 37,900
Language(s):
Akeanon, Malaynon, Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), Kinaray-a, Capiznon, Filipino, and English
Currency:
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange Rate:
Approximately 1 USD = 50 PHP click for exact exchange rate
Location:
Geographic Coordinates:
11°58′8″N 121°55′26″E
Area:
10.32 km² (3.98 sq mi)
Neighboring Cities:
None
Neighboring Islands:
Carabao Island, Caluya Island
Climate:
Tropical
Clothing:
Lightweight casuals
Religion:
Roman Catholic, Aglipay, Iglesia ni Cristo, and Animism (practiced by the ethnic group Ati)
Best Known For:
Major Industries:
Tourism, fishing, copra production
Electricity:
Standard voltage is 220V
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well. Bring A to B adapter(s).
International Phone Code:
+63-036-XXX-XXXX
Airport & Airport Code:
Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH), also known as Boracay Airport
Bus Terminal(s):
Caticlan

Getting Here

Being a world-renowned tourist destination, it’s quite easy to get to Boracay. There are many ways to get to this destination depending on your starting point. We have provided the major ports of entry for this destination below.

BUS TERMINAL

Bus Terminal

Caticlan

By Air

From Manila

Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia have multiple flights a day from Manila direct to Caticlan Airport and the bigger Kalibo Airport.

SkyJet Airlines also flies direct from Manila to Caticlan Airport.

From Cebu

Tourists from Cebu can fly direct to Caticlan through Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia.

From Clark

If coming from Clark, you can fly directly to Caticlan through Cebu Pacific, Royal Air Charter, and AirAsia.

International Flights

Kalibo Airport services both local and international flights particularly from Taiwan, China, South Korea, and Singapore.

For South Korean tourists, commercial airlines to consider include Air Seoul, Cebu Pacific, Jin Air, Philippine Airlines, and Philippines AirAsia. Air Busan can also be chartered from Busan to Kalibo.

Tourists flying from China may take Cebu Pacific, Juneyao Airlines, Okay Airways, Philippine Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and XiamenAir. China Airlines also flies from Taipei, but only seasonal.

For tourists from Singapore, the only airline flying direct to Kalibo is Scoot.

Caticlan Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port

Caticlan Airport (MPH), also known as Boracay Airport and officially named Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, is the airport closest to Caticlan Jetty Port, the jumpoff point to Boracay Island. From the airport, you can ride a tricycle to jetty port.  Travel time is less than 15 minutes and fare ranges from P50 to P100 ($1 to $2 USD).

Kalibo Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port

When arriving in Kalibo International Airport (KLO), there are vans, coasters, buses available in the airport that can take you to Caticlan Jetty Port. Fare should be around P200 ($2 USD) for adults and P150 ($3 USD) for children.

Another option is to take a tricycle to Ceres bus station in Kalibo town proper where you can catch a bus straight to Caticlan Jetty Port. Fare is a little more than P150 ($3 USD) for air-conditioned buses and P100 ($2 USD) for ordinary buses. When you are with a big group, you may want to consider renting a van. One way transfer is around P2000 ($40 USD). Travel time from Kalibo Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.

At Caticlan Jetty Port

Upon arrival at Caticlan Jetty Port, make sure to register, present proof of accommodation, and arrange your boat transfer.  There are boats plying the Caticlan to Boracay route round the clock to accommodate tourists from international flights.  Fare ranges from P50 to P100 ($.5 to $2 USD) depending on the type of transportation.  Then you will have to pay the terminal fee (P100 or $2 USD) and environment fee (P75 or $1.5 USD).

Travel time to Boracay Island is approximately 10 to 15 minutes.  There are two ports in Boracay – Cagban Port and Tambisaan Port.  The boat usually sails to Cagban Port however if the sea is rough, boats are diverted to Tambisaan Port.  From either port, ride a tricycle or multicab to your resort or hotel.  Tricycle ride costs P120 to P200 ($2.4 to $4 USD) per trip while multicab costs P40 ($.80 USD).

Note:  You can also book your airport transfer through Klook, especially if you are traveling at night, very early in the morning, or if you prefer a seamless travel experience. 

Find Flights to Caticlan (Boracay) Airport

By Sea

From Manila

To those who prefer to travel by sea, your best option is the Batangas-Caticlan route. 2Go Travel sails from Batangas to Caticlan everyday. The ferry leaves Batangas Port at 9:00 PM and arrives at Caticlan Port at 8:00 AM.  Travel time is therefore 11 hours. Regular fare is between P1,572 ($32 USD) and P2,018 ($41 USD).

When you arrive at Caticlan Port, there are directions on how to get to the area where you can pay your terminal fee, environmental fee, and boat transfer to Cagban Port or Tambisaan Port (see above).

By Land

From Iloilo

From Ceres Northbound Terminal in Jaro, Iloilo City, you can take a bus straight to Caticlan Jetty Port. Travel time is between 6 to 7 hours with 1 stop for lunch or dinner. There are three types of buses you can choose from – regular bus, air-conditioned bus or air-conditioned bus with toilet. Fare ranges from  P400 ($8 USD) to P600 ($12 USD). Buses depart the terminal every 30 minutes from 3:30 AM until 3:00 or 4:00 PM. Ceres buses drop passengers right in front of Caticlan Jetty Port.

See above for directions on how to get to Boracay from Caticlan Jetty Port.

A video on how to get to Boracay Island

READ MORE: How to Get to Boracay Island with step-by-step guide, transportation fees, ferry schedules and more.

Getting Around

There are various ways to get around Boracay, but that doesn’t include your own car because you cannot bring your own vehicle to the island. The following are the modes of transportation available in Boracay Island …

Boracay Island Guide: Bicycles

Bicycles

Boracay Island Guide: Motorcycles

Motorcycles

Boracay Island Guide: Outrigger Boat

Motorized Outrigger

Boracy Island Guide: Shuttle

Shuttle

Boracy Island Guide: Tricycles

Tricycles

Bicycle

There are bicycle rental shops on the island.

Motorcycle/Scooter

In order to explore the island at your own pace and time, consider renting a motorcycle or scooter. You can rent for a few hours to multiple days. There are several motorcycle rentals in the area and the rates vary depending on the type of motorcycle.

Motorized Outrigger

To explore the beaches of Boracay, you may opt to do so through motorized outrigger (banca). Make sure to negotiate with the operator directly to get the best deals and avoid getting ripped off.

Motorcycle rental rate:

  • 2-hour use – P1,200 – P1,400
  • 4-hour use – P1600 – P1,800
  • 8-hour use – P2,000 – P2,200

Shuttle

There are hotels that provide shuttle services from Boracay Port to hotel and vice versa.

Tricycle

Tricycles are the most common mode of transportation to get around Boracay.  The fare from one station to another is P10 ($.2 USD) while the cost of tricycle ride to outside the stations (Example, station 2 to Diniwid Beach) ranges from P20 ($.4 USD) to ($.8 USD).  

You can also rent a tricycle to visit multiple destinations around the island.   Rate starts at P300 ($6 USD) per hour.

Rome to Rio

The beautiful white sand beach of Boracay Island.

Caption: The white beach of Boracay Island.

SEE & DO

The following is your guide to places to see and activities to enjoy while in Boracay Island.

Boracay Island See and Do Map

1 | White Beach

White Beach is known worldwide for its long stretch of powdery white sand and pristine water. It is where the resorts, hotels, restaurants, shops, and various leisure centers are located and where the biggest parties happen. Almost everyone who travels to Boracay for leisure stay in this area. White Beach is divided into three boat stations – Station 1 where the sand is the finest and where most luxury resorts are located, Station 2 the busiest and most crowded due to concentration of restaurants, resorts, bars and shops, and the more laidback and less crowded Station 3 where cheaper accommodation can be found. Take note that there is no physical barrier of some sort to separate the stations. Anyone can explore any station any time of the day.

2 | Puka Beach

Named after the puka shells found in the beach, Puka Beach is located in the northern end of Boracay. Unlike in White Beach, the sand is more coarse and there’s no big business establishment at Puka Beach. There are only some small restaurants and refreshment where tourists can order a cold drink that comes with free use of bamboo lounger. Puka Beach can be accessed by tricycle or banca from White Beach center.

3 | Diniwid Beach

Separated by a cliff from the White Beach, Diniwid Beach has one of the best sunsets in the island. The beach may be rocky but many tourists love its charm – it is less crowded, with plants and corals in shallow water, and can be accessed by foot from the business center.

4 | Bulabog Beach

Bulabog Beach is recommended for someone who is interested in various leisure activities and sports particularly kitesurfing or windsurfing as the wind is strong in this part of the island. The beach is not recommended for swimming though because it is filled with seaweed and the sewage is drained here.

5 | Ilig-iligan Beach

Ilig-iligan Beach is a gorgeous beach less than 2 kilometers away from Puka Beach. The beach is relatively peaceful and less crowded since it is not as developed as the other beaches in Boracay. There are only a couple or so local eateries and toilets but if you want to escape the busy White Beach yet still enjoy the powdery white sand and pristine water, Ilig-iligan Beach is for you.

6 | Helmet Diving

Explore Boracay’s deep seas and thriving marine life through the viewpoint of a helmet. This guided tour gives you the opportunity to meet and greet underwater creatures with confidence since your guide are experts in the field who will ensure your safety and will guide you so you can make the most out of this experience.

7 | Paraw Sailing

Experience the traditional way of sailing with this activity. Paraw is a boat with two outriggers and two sails. It doesn’t have a motor but instead relies on the wind to power it. With the absence of a motor, expect a peaceful ride while watching the beautiful Boracay sunset.

8 | Parasailing

Fancy flying like a kite over one of the most beautiful islands in the world? Do parasailing! In this activity, you will be strapped in a seat attached to a canopy that looks like a parachute, which is connected and towed behind a boat.

9 | Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is an activity that requires you to stand on a wakeboard in the water and which will be towed after a motorboat. With this activity, you will get to experience hopping from wave to wave using the various maneuvers and grabs you will learn during instruction.

10 | Jet Skiing

Glide through the waves and the turquoise water of Boracay. Jet ski riding is definitely one of the most fun activities anyone, even first timers can experience in Boracay.

NOTE: The Ati-Atihan festival occurs annually in the nearby municipality of Kalibo, on the third week of January.

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Klook

Food served at one of the restaurants in Boracay Island.

Caption: Food served at one of the restaurants in Boracay Island.

EAT & DRINK

The following is your guide to the flavorful food to enjoy and restaurants to try while in Boracay Island.

1 | Calamansi Muffin

Calamansi muffin is one treat you should not miss when in Boracay. Head over to Real Coffee and Tea Cafe to indulge yourself in this moist and tender muffin with a perfect blend of sweetness and tangy citrus taste.

2 | Chori Burger

Chorizo is a popular product of Kalibo so chorizo burgers in Boracay are just fitting. Get your fill of this savory patty in a freshly-baked bun from Merly’s BBQ Boracay. It’s just a food cart parked in Station 1 but has earned a name for itself due to its unforgettable burger. The food cart also serves typical street foods like grilled isaw (intestines), pork bbq, hotdog, dried squid, and more.

3 | Jonah’s Fruit Shake

The most popular fruit shake in the island, Jonah’s Fruit Shake serves freshly made shakes perfect for the scorching weather. The most popular flavors are mango, banana, and watermelon but others are worth trying as well.

4 | Dos Mestizos

For the best tapas in the island, be sure to visit Dos Mestizos located in Station 2. Aside from its good-tasting dishes, the restaurant boasts of incorporating fresh ingredients sourced locally. Their paella is good too!

5 | Sunny Side Cafe

Sunny Side Cafe serves breakfast menu all day long. Their menu comes with a twist though as seen in their classic favorites such as ube and cereal milk pancakes, bacon and mango grilled cheese and their champorado which is made of the award-winning Malagos chocolate topped with ice cream, mango, and candied bacon.

6 | Spice Bird

Spice up your trip to the island by dining at Spice Bird where they offer the most delicious and mouthwatering chicken served with equally good sauces.

7 | Street Market

To enjoy a wide selection of dishes in one place, Street Market is the place to be. You can feast on classic favorites from pizza, pasta, and burger to fish & chips, curry crab and various dishes from various cuisines including Chinese, Mexican, and Vietnamese. It has open air and air-conditioned areas too so everyone can dine in comfort.

A luxury resort in Boracay Island.

Caption: A luxury resort in Boracay Island.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts. The following is your guide to our top choices for each range in Boracay Island.

1 | Boracay Backpackers (Budget)

2 | Astoria Current (Mid-Range)

3 | Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa Philippines (Luxury | Resort)

This guide recommends using the following sites to conduct research online of where to stay in Boracay Island or for a specific destination:

Book your room with these trusted online booking sites.  Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive.  We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons to find the best place for you at the lowest rates or use the form below:

Agoda » Booking.com » Expedia » Hostelworld »

TIP: Astoria Current is the best property to experience this destination.

Transportation in Boracay Island.

Caption: Transportation in Boracay Island.

BUDGET

Suggested Budget

This chart is your guide to get an idea of how much to budget daily in Boracay Island.  The actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind that these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

ACCOMMODATION
FOOD
TRANSPORTATION
ATTRACTIONS
AVERAGE DAILY COST
Budget
Accommodation: $9
Food: $8
Transportation: $5
Attractions: $20
Average Daily Cost: $42
Mid-Range
Accommodation: $35
Food: $15
Transportation: $10
Attractions: $30
Average Daily Cost: $90
Luxury
Accommodation: $145
Food: $35
Transportation: $20
Attractions: $40
Average Daily Cost: $240

Travel Costs

Accommodation

A bed in a hostel dorm costs from 500 PHP ($9 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 700 PHP ($13 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 1100 PHP ($20 USD).

Most budget hotels begin at 1200 PHP ($22 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast. For a three-star hotel, prices begin around 1,700 PHP ($31 USD) per night. AirBnB is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 1300 PHP ($23 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD). However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using Booking.comHostelWorldAgoda, and Expedia

Food

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 300 PHP ($5 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 250 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 15-25 PHP ($.25–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using: WayAway, Kiwi or Expedia.

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

You can book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  You can book online to save time and effort although it costs a little more. You can check Klook to plan your vacation or get a travel guide.

Typical Costs on Boracay Island in 2023:

  • Hostel Dorm Bed: 500-1000 PHP ($9–18 USD) night
  • Budget Hotel:  1100 PHP ($20 USD) night
  • Mid-Range Hotel:  1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
  • Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
  • Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
  • Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
  • 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
  • Tricycle Ride:  20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
  • Public Ferry Ride: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) ride
  • Domestic Flight: 2,500-3,500 PHP ($45–65 USD) flight
  • Island-Hopping: 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD) trip
 

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Beautiful sunset in Boracay Island.

Caption: Beautiful sunset in Boracay Island.

ADVICE

The following is some of our best advice on traveling to this destination. This is your guide on what you need to know BEFORE you go to Boracay Island!

Tips & Hacks

The following are this guide’s Top 10 Tips when visiting Boracay Island:

  • Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
  • Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
  • Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
  • Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
  • Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
  • Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
  • It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
  • Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
  • Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
  • Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines

Money Matters

The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso. Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found on the island. If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.

READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Health & Safety

Crime

While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Boracay Island, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.

Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.

READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

Safety

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives.

The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.

Health

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:

  • Maintain a Balanced Diet
  • Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
  • Get Plenty of Rest
  • Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
  • Keep Active
  • Sanitize Often 
  • Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
  • Take Your Vitamins
  • Practice Safe Sex
  • Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE:  Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Recommended Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

This list will serve as your guide to Top 10 most useful travel apps on your smartphones when traveling in Boracay island or the Philippines in general:

  1. Grab (taxis/ride shares)
  2. Get Your Guide (tours & tickets)
  3. WhatsApp (phone calls)
  4. WayAway (flights)
  5. 12Go (transportation)
  6. Agoda (accommodations)
  7. Expedia (accommodations & Flights)
  8. Hostelworld (accommodations)
  9. Kiwi (flights)
  10. Klook (attractions & activities )

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below. 

READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines

Itinerary

Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options. 

We’ve created the following itinerary to guide you and ensure that you get the most out of your trip in Boracay Island.  Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.

VIEW: Boracay Island 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Packing Checklist

The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list. This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing. To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list.  Click the link below to download it for FREE now. 

Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist

Things to Remember

This guide recommends to take note of the following while traveling on Boracay Island or in the Philippines in general.

Smoking

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

Alcohol

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Nudity

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

Foreigners & Expats

If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly.  Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.

READ MORE: Practical Information about the Philippines

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About the Author

Patrick

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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