Boracay is a small island off the coast of the province of Aklan and is considered the crown jewel of the Philippines. To help first time visitors of Boracay, we’ve gathered some of the important things to know to get the best of the 24/7 island. The island is dog-bone shaped from the bird’s eye view and such a distinct characteristic translates into a unique holiday experience.
Weather
There are two major wind patterns in Boracay and these determine the weather in the island. During the Amihan (cool northeast wind) or High season from October to May, the island experiences an amazing weather. The island is always beaming with tourists so it is best to book your accommodation at least 2 months in advance if you plan to visit during this time of the year. Habagat (southwest monsoon) or the lean season from June to September is characterised by strong winds perfect for extreme watersports like kiteboarding. Discounted rates on accommodation and airfare are also widely offered during this time of the year. The District Boracay’s low-priced 3-days/2-nights packages offered exclusively during this season give guests the flexibility to choose from adventure, romance, celebration, or family bonding type of holiday.
Language
The local dialect on the island is Aklanon which is closely related to Ilonggo, spoken on the island of Panay. Filipino (Tagalog) and English are widely understood and spoken in the island, but for a genuine Filipino hospitality, staffs of The District Boracay greets everyone with “magandang umaga” (good morning), “magandang hapon” (good afternoon), or “magandang gabi” (good night). With the influx of people from different parts of the world, it won’t be surprising to find locals who can speak Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, Italian, Russian, German, and more!
Boat Transfer
Boracay is accessible from Manila by plane, and a boat transfer is necessary to get to the island. The scenic transfer takes about 10 minutes, and boats used vary from a regular boat to an enclosed ferry. Those who easily gets sea-sick should take anti-drizzy medicines to ensure a pleasant start for the vacation. As The District Boracay uses an open-air outrigger boat for its regular transfer service, guests are encouraged to protect their gadgets – especially cameras – with waterproof covers to ensure they’ll still work in case of accidental water splashes.
Attire
As in any other beach, it is best to wear light-colored summer clothes, a pair of chic sunglasses, and your most comfortable flip flops for ease in moving around the island under the heat of the sun. Walking along the beach in your swimsuit is certainly okay, but note that some restaurants require guests to wear something on top of it while dining. The District Boracay’s bar and restaurants (Star Lounge and Caruso Ristorante Italiano) implement the same policy.
Beach Essentials
While it is everybody’s goal to get that perfect tan, it is still advisable to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun with a high-grade sunblock. Other toiletries remain to be essential, and most high-end resorts provide standard bathroom amenities including towels. Guests who prefer to travel light may take advantage of The District Boracay’s eco-friendly and hypoallergenic amenities, including a mosquito repellent.
On top of all these, don’t forget to do the most important thing which is to enjoy. After all, it is that one thing that will make the difference and a truly unforgettable holiday.
For your accommodation needs, please do not hesitate to call (63 2) 234.5917, (63 2) 234.9058 or email reservations@thedistrictboracay.com.