I spent 7 days on Boracay Island, Philippines in December 2015, and I had an absolute blast! This island really lives up to all the hype. In this Boracay Guide, I will give you an overview of the island, and provide travel tips and recommendations for things like culture, attractions, food, nightlife and more. Everything you read is based off my own experiences.
General Thoughts & Reactions
Did you know that Boracay was voted as the world’s best island in 2012 by the popular travel magazine called Travel + Leisure?
And after visiting myself, I can see exactly why this is true. I highly recommend everyone reading this to visit, despite what you may have heard about it being “too touristy.”
The small island of Boracay is located in the central part of the Philippines — about 315 miles south of Manila (one hour by plane). It’s known to have one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world, as well as be one of the craziest party islands in Asia.
Both are true.
But of course, as you’ve probably heard, there are many tourists in Boracay. Chinese, Koreans, Russians, Americans, Europeans and other foreigners pretty much outnumber the locals.
However, the tourists didn’t bother me at all. Not like other touristy islands. There are many places in Boracay to escape on the beach where you will be the only person around. Also, you have to remember that destinations are touristy for a reason — because Boracay is as close to paradise as you can find. The same thing applies to Bali — one of my other favorite places on earth.
Despite all the tourists, Boracay is not as expensive as I thought it would be. If you avoid the nicer restaurants and hotels, then you can find prices just as cheap as elsewhere in the country. I found some rice curry dinners for $3USD and I got a haircut for $1.50USD. Not bad.
I spent 7 days in Boracay and I will say that it was plenty of time — because the island is so small that you will do the same thing everyday.
In fact, Boracay is so tiny that you can walk the entire length of the island in just a few hours. The main beach has soft white sand and crystal clean turquoise water. This beach takes up the entire west coast of the island, and is separated into “Boat Stations” 1, 2 and 3.
Station 3, or the southern part of the island, is where all the young party kids stay and hang out. On the northern side, nearby Station 1, is where all the nice resorts and honeymoon couples hang out.
If you want to adventure off the touristy beach, then you can find Puka Shell and Lapuz beaches on the other side of the island — a lot less touristy and still as beautiful.
Situated along the “main drag” on the white sand beach, you will find many restaurants, shops, bars, food markets, hotels, fruit shake vendors and activities. There is actually a big mall called D’Mall in the center of the island (near Station 2), which has any type of store that you can imagine. And sadly, there is even McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Starbucks on the island as well.
The Nightlife
Boracay is the craziest party island in the Philippines. Duing peak season (December – March), you can expect madness happening 7 days a week. The island is filled with young partygoers, who are drawn to Boracay just for the nightlife scene.
You can find everything from chilled out bars to swanky lounges to EDM nightclubs. The bars and clubs normally get busy around 11-12 and go until sunrise.
You must try the local beers of San Miguel and Dark Horse! They are both really cheap and delicious, and Dark Horse is especially strong (8%) — so it’ll get you drunk fast.
Here are some of the best bars and clubs:
Bars – Aplaya Beach Bar, Exit, Coco, Juice Bar
Clubs – Epic, Summer Place and Paraw
When to visit?
Peak season is from December to March. The weather is normally hot and sunny with little rain during this time.
The wet season is May to August. Don’t visit during this time because it will rain almost everyday and your beach time will be limited.
I recommend to visit in April or November, just off peak season, so it’s not too crowded and the weather is still nice.
How to get there?
There are 2 airports nearby Boracay island, but none on the island itself. The two airports are Caticlan and Kalibo.
I recommend flying into Caticlan because it’s closer and easier to get to Boracay. When you land at Caticlan airport, you have to take a boat to get to Boracay island, but it’s easy to figure out and the staff at the airport will help you transfer to your hotel. It costs something like 500 Pesos to arrange transportation to your hotel on Boracay island.
Where to stay?
On Boracay island, there are a number of accommodations that are suitable for all budgets. I actually hopped around, staying at 4 different places within my 7 nights. Therefore, I have a pretty good idea of what is offered.
For budget travelers, check out the hostels called Frendz Resort Boracay and MNL Boracay Beach Resort — both are about $15/night. I stated at a different hostel called Blue Bell for $7/night and it was too stuffy and dirty inside. I don’t recommend it.
For those who have a bit more money to spend, I highly recommend The District Hotel and the Lind Boracay. I stayed at both and I was VERY satisfied with the service and hospitality.
The District Boracay, moderately priced, is a boutique hotel located right in the beach near station 2. They have a 5 star restaurant on the 3rd floor overlooking the beach. There is a pool, a fitness room, a spa, and all rooms are equipped with big TVs, shower robes, A/C and much more. The staff is very kind and I always felt at home there.
Check out the amazing view form the third floor restaurant, overlooking the beach:
Final Words
Boracay is one of my favorite islands in the world, and I highly recommend you to visit — whether it’s just for 2 days or a week. It’s a perfect getaway for people who want to relax and/or those who want to party.
Don’t listen to what anyone tells you about it being “overrated” until you go and see for yourself. Enjoy ?
Visit the origin of review here…
Source: http://thehungrypartier.com/boracay/
Image Credit: thehungrypartier.com