Boracay is an island paradise with postcard-perfect white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. It’s obvious why 200,000 Aussies flock to its shores every year (and we Aussies really do know a good beach when we see one). While this tropical hideaway has long been known to Filipino holidaymakers, global tourism really began to explode after the Jolie-Pitts visited in 2009 (still can’t believe they broke upI 🙁 ) . Boracay quickly found itself on every travellers bucket list.
If you’re a traveller planning your next holiday to Boracay and want that island paradise experience, there is a few things you need to be know first…
1. Be prepared for 2 flights, a bus and a boat to get there!
Boracay is a tiny island located about an hours flight south of Manila. It can only be access by sea from Caticlan Jetty Port unless you charter a private helicopter. To get to the Port you will need to fly from Manila to Catalan Airport, or you can also fly to Kalibo (cheaper option but you will need to take a 1 hour bus trip to the port). Boats depart regularly for the 10 minute trip and tickets are available at the Port for 30 PhP, however non-residents also pay a 75 PhP environmental fee, and a 100 PhP Terminal fee.
My advise is, If you don’t have 24 hours to allocate to travel time, or if you get travel sick you should holiday somewhere like Bali or Thailand as direct flights are available for these destinations.
2. Tourism is exploding!
While Boracay is small enough to cycle around (7km long and 500m wide) this little island is exploding with tourism. In fact, it will be descended upon by 1.6 million tourists this year.
The world famous White Beach stretches for 4km and is the commercial centre of the island. This beach is divided into three stations and the northernmost Station 1 is, in my opinion, overcrowded with hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. Unless you’re looking for Starbucks, I don’t recommend staying here. I do recommend taking a stroll along the White Beach for a sunset cocktail at one of the many beach bars or dinner at one of D’Mall’s eating joints.
3. Don’t stay at White Beach!
Just north of White beach you’ll find the peaceful Diniwid Beach, home to one of my favourite hotels in the world, Spider House Resort. This resort is actually a tree house, built on bamboo stilts overlooking the blue expanse of the Sulu Sea. The rooms have no windows and therefore no A/C, but the thatched roofs and ocean breeze keep it fresh and cool. The Resort’s restaurant area has a beach club vibe and is a hangout during the day for tourists, pumping out cool reggae music, cheap drinks and delicious local cuisine.
If your looking for something more luxurious, a few beaches over is the Shangri-La.
4. Watch out for the rainy season!
Note that the The typhoon season begins in May so the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April.
5. Is it still a Paradise?
Yes, just don’t stay at White Beach 😉
