Top Fun Things to Do in Boracay, Philippines (Best Activities & Attractions)

by Philippines, Things to Do73 comments

Whenever someone thinks of a vacation trip in the Philippines, the first destination that most likely comes to mind is Boracay — which comes as no surprise! After all, it’s a dreamy destination that’s known worldwide for its white-sand beaches. (Things to Do in Boracay)

Of course, it helps to note that there are a LOT of other islands in my home country that are not only equally beautiful but are also recently gaining more recognition (e.g. Siargao, Batanes, and more!).

Nevertheless, the fame of Boracay as one of the top islands in Asia remains. It truly holds an unmistakable natural magnificence that various international travel agencies and publications have come to acknowledge by showering Boracay with various awards and accolades over the years.

As a result, tourists rush to book flights to this pristine island not only during the Philippine summer but in the other months of the year too!

Looking for the best places to stay on the island?

From cheap hotels to luxurious accommodations, here are the best hotels in Boracay!

It’s true that given the continued rise of Boracay’s popularity, there have been several travelers who have been put off by it, saying that it was too touristy. I have actually first landed on this island at a time when it had already been in such a state — but I still had a really, really, great time!

It made me realize that for as long as you know what to expect, what to do, when to go, and where to go, you’ll end up enjoying the utmost beauty of Boracay no matter the crowds; so I say, go and give it a try!

As of 2018, the government did an extensive natural and urban “facelift” of Boracay; so as a visitor, you’ll get to enjoy a better scene!

Before I discuss the top things to do in Boracay, let me share with you some essential travel tips.

Boracay Travel Guide

Boracay Island, Philippines

Photo by: Shutterstock

» Quick Travel Planning

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» Best Time to Visit Boracay

It is best to visit Boracay during the dry season (November to May, commonly called ‘Amihan’). The White Beach will be very calm so it’s suitable for swimming, whereas, on the other side of the island, strong winds pass by making it suitable for activities like kite surfing or windsurfing.

It’s still okay to visit during the wet or rainy season (June to October called ‘Habagat’) because travel costs will also be a LOT cheaper. Most days you’ll still get to enjoy the sun too; but of course, there is also the risk of typhoons.

With regard to “tourist seasons” take note of the following…

  • Low Season: June to November (June being the wettest month)
  • High Season: November to May, with the following peak seasons (that usually cover big Philippine holidays)
    • Christmas & New Year
    • Chinese New Year (first half of February)
    • Easter (late March and up to April)
  • DRY:
    Nov to May
  • WET:
    June to Oct

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» Getting in to Boracay Island

You can take a ferry to Boracay (e.g. from Batangas Port) — but the best way to reach Boracay is to ride an airplane! There are various airlines that you can choose from Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, or SEAIR among many others. Starting points can be from Manila, Clark/Angeles City, or Cebu.

The best way to scan through all of these airlines and find the best flight deals is to use Skyscanner.

There are two (2) airports located near Boracay and you can choose from either of the following…

NOTE: Because of the pandemic, Caticlan Airport is currently the only allowed point of entry for leisure travelers, whereas Kalibo is for overseas Filipino workers (ROFWs), locally stranded individuals (LSIs), and authorized persons outside of residence (APORs).

  • Caticlan or Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (IATA: MPH)
    • PROS: It’s the fastest connection to Boracay. After landing, you just need to reach the Caticlan Jetty Port which is a 3-minute tricycle ride away (₱50) or a 10-minute walk. From this port, you just need to board another boat (total cost of Php 200 or $4+) that will take you to Boracay in just 15 minutes.
      • For a hassle-free experience, book a shared transfer or a premium private transfer online.
      • Check with your hotel because they might be offering free transfers, if not a transfer that is at a cheaper rate.
    • CONS: Airfare is more expensive than that of Kalibo and since the airport size is small, it is limited to small aircraft only, often resulting in more flight disruption problems due to sunset flight limitations and weather sensitivity conditions.
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  • Kalibo International Airport (IATA: KLO)
    • PROS: Airfare is cheaper and larger aircraft can land here because the airport is bigger (it’s an international airport). It helps to mention that it’s usually in this route that promo fares are typically applied so watch out for those!
      • For a hassle-free experience, book a shared transfer or a premium private transfer online.
      • Check with your hotel because they might be offering free transfers, if not a transfer that is at a cheaper rate.
    • CONS: Travel time to Caticlan takes a while. After landing, you need to take either a bus or a van in order to get to Caticlan Jetty Port which is 1.5 to 2 hours away. After arriving at the port, you will still have to take the 15-minute boat ride to Boracay Island.

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» COVID-19 Travel Requirements

In order to enter Boracay, visitors should secure the following.

  1. “Quick Response” (QR) Code via the Online Health Declaration Card (OHDC) that can be accessed at https://www.touristboracy.com/ or https://aklan.gov.ph.
  2. Proof of identification which can be your passport or any other government-issued ID.
  3. Travel details of your trip
    • A copy of a confirmed booking slip/form from a DOT – Accredited Boracay Island accommodation/establishment. You can get this from Agoda or Booking.com
    • Round Trip flight/travel details (only Caticlan Airport can be used by those traveling via air)
  4. Proof of vaccination
    • Fully Vaccinated: you can provide ANY of the following
      • VaxCertPH Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate with full vaccination status
      • Locally-issued vaccination card/ID with full vaccination status and verifiable QR code or with contact details of the vaccination center
      • World Health Organization International Certificates or Vaccination Card/ID/Certificate issued abroad
    • Unvaccinated: Negative RT-PCR result certificate taken from any DOH-accredited laboratories within 72 hours to date of travel
  5. For minors below 12 years old, please accomplish the certificate of undertaking traveling with minors template at https://aklan.gov.ph/

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» Visa for The Philippines

If you’re NOT a citizen of any of the Philippines’ exempted countries, you are then required to avail of a visa beforehand. (Most nationalities are granted 30-days in the country, visa-free).

  • Check full visa requirements here as per your nationality.

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» Where to Stay (Boracay Accommodations)

To search for the best hotel accommodation in Boracay at the best prices, I suggest cross-checking hotel prices between Agoda and Booking.com. But if you’re rather interested in renting comfortable houses or apartments, you should search through AirBnB.

For the ultimate list of cheap hostels and luxury accommodations, check out this list of the best hotels in Boracay.

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» Philippine Currency

Philippine peso (PHP / ₱) wherein USD $1~ or €0.85~ is equal to about Php48~ (this is as of April 2021). In the event that you want to exchange your money for PHP, I highly advise that you do NOT exchange your money at the airport since the rates there are not competitive.

  • How to best exchange your currency? Either exchange it at a bank or at a money exchanger in your home country or in any city center in the Philippines. Better yet, just withdraw from an ATM with your debit/credit card — however, you must make one big withdrawal to minimize fees with your bank. Speaking of cards, many Philippines establishments accept credit cards but it’s always advisable to have cash on hand because a lot of smaller shops do not accept cards.

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» Cost of Travel in the Philippines

Much like any other country in Southeast Asia, the cost of travel in the Philippines is quite low compared to other parts of the globe such as Europe.

To give you an idea, you should expect to travel to the Philippines with an average daily cost of about USD $20~ (Php 1,000~) per person on a budget, or at least $50~ (Php 2,500~) if you want to experience more comfort on activities, tours, hotels, and more. (Values below show low budget to medium budget ranges only).

  • Hotels: $7 to $20 USD / day
  • Food: $5 to $15 USD / day
  • Fun: $5 to $13 USD / day
  • Transport: US$7 on average per taxi ride

As for Boracay Island itself, contrary to popular belief, it is NOT expensive to stay on the island because there are a lot of hotels and inns that won’t break your travel budget.

There are even various restaurants scattered around the island that can offer you hearty yet ridiculously affordable meals; so it can surely be a backpacker’s haven!

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» How to Get Around Boracay

Boracay is a small island and if you only need to go around White Beach, you can do so on foot. Otherwise, the primary mode of transportation is motorized tricycles.

By tricycle. There are two kinds, the smaller tricycles and the e-trikes (a bit bigger in size). Be wary of tricycle drivers who try to rip you off.

  • The standard rate for short distances (e.g. from D’Mall to Station 3, or from Station 3 to Station 1) should only cost you ₱20 per passenger if you are going to ride a tricycle that is shared with others. The most they should charge you (let’s say, you want to go to Puka Beach) is ₱80 per passenger.
  • If hailing a chartered tricycle (you and your companions are the only ones riding it, maximum of 5 persons), the fares will start at ₱100 and can go up to ₱250 depending on the distance. (Rest assured, there are often big tarpaulins spread across Boracay that show the standard tricycle or e-trike fare).
  • Drivers often charge higher prices in the evenings. Tricycles that often idle around near hotels and key locations waiting for passengers may charge you ₱100 to ₱200 even if you are alone.

By motorcycle. Renting a motorcycle or scooter is the best way to go if you want the flexibility of going around the island by yourself (though personally, I think that riding a tricycle is more economical). Most scooters offered are automatic and semi-manual, and rates can start at ₱1,000 per day depending on the brand.

If you are ever in doubt, just use Google Maps!

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» Safety in the Philippines

Traveling around the Philippines is relatively safe — take it from me, a local! You just need to exercise the same ‘street smarts’ or caution that you’ve practiced in your home country and you’ll be fine.

In fact, it becomes safer when you stay on small islands like Boracay. But of course, this doesn’t mean that petty theft doesn’t happen, because there are. You just have to be cautious of your belongings at all times.

Nevertheless, Filipinos are one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet, so solo travelers don’t have much to worry about in this amazing country!

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» Helpful Filipino Phrases

Filipino is the national official language of the Philippines — and so is English! Because of this, tourists often don’t have a hard time when speaking to locals. However, there could be some Filipinos who will find it hard to converse with you in English especially when you venture out to places that are outside of the bigger cities; so, it doesn’t hurt to learn a Filipino/Tagalog phrase or two.

How are you (informal): Kumusta ka? (koo-MOOS-tah kah?)
How are you (formal): Kumusta po kayo? (koo-moos-TAH poh kah-YOH?)
Thank you (informal): Salamat (sah-LAH-maht)
Thank you (formal): Salamat po (sah-LAH-maht poh)
Yes (informal): Oo (OH oh)
Yes (formal): Opo (OH-poh)
No (informal): Hindi (HEEN-dee)
No (formal): Hindi po (HEEN-dee poh)
Goodbye: Paalam (pah AH-lahm)

I’m sorry: Paumanhin (pah oo-MAHN-heen) or Patawad (pah-TAH-wad)
Is there someone here who speaks English?: Meron ba ditong marunong mag-Ingles? (MEH-rohn bah DEE-tohng mah-ROO-nohng mahg-een-GLEHS?)
Help!: Saklolo! (sahk-loh-LOH!) or Tulong! (too-LOHNG)
Cheers!: Tagay! (Ta-guy!)

Best Tours in Boracay?

Come and check out this list of the top activities to do in Boracay which features the best things to do and tours on the island and more!

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Top Things to Do in Boracay

1. Go island & beach-hopping to enjoy the island’s white beaches and turquoise waters!

Puka Shell Beach, Boracay

Photo by: Shutterstock

MY TOP TIP? Don’t confine yourself in the ‘White Beach’ area.

The white beach may be the center of it all — a 4-kilometer-long postcard-perfect stretch that is divided into three stations (Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3).

  • Station 1: Northernmost area that has the widest beachfront. Naturally, this is where all the premium hotels are found.
  • Station 2: This is regarded as the commercial center because you will find most of the establishments here (restaurants, clubs, shops, etc.). Because of this, the station is often the most crowded of the 3.
  • Station 3: Quieter than the rest as it is far from most of the key spots, and it’s also the least developed. You will find a lot of hostels here.

» New Boracay Rules

NOTE: After the 2018 cleanup, here are the new rules that must be followed by all visitors.

  • Eating and drinking on the beach are NO longer allowed.
  • Pets and single-use plastics are also banned on the beach.
  • A bit of an absurd rule but there should be NO building of sandcastles or sand structures on the beach (you need an official’s approval to do this).

» COVID Protocols

  • Tourists should have a copy of their Tourist QR code at all times as it is vital for contact tracing whenever you enter establishments, etc.
  • Wear a mask and face shield at all times.
  • Only 2 passengers are allowed in tricycles and a maximum of 4 on e-trikes.
  • Areas on the beach are marked with red and yellow flags to signal places that you can swim in or note. Swimming is also only allowed from 6AM to 6PM.
  • Establishments are closed by 11PM and any lingering tourists will be asked to return to their accommodations.

* * * * *

Given that White Beach is the center of the island, expect many people to be there; fortunately, however, there are other white sand beaches in Boracay that you can explore and are less packed.

Of course, White Beach holds that iconic splendor that you’ve seen in photos but if you’re looking for more tranquility, you can still achieve it in the rest of the island. You see, the great thing about Boracay is that there are a lot of other areas that you can go to, and they are equally picturesque as that of the prominent White Beach.

And the best thing about it? There are 13 of them and they are not too far away from one another because Boracay is a small island that is only approximately 7 kilometers long.

Boracay Island Beaches Map
  1. Puka Shell Beach
    Named after ‘Puka‘ shells (shells of cone snails that are bead-like objects that are normally used in making beach anklets, bracelets, and necklaces) this beach is the next crowd favorite in Boracay. Truth be told, its simple surroundings are similar to that of White Beach back when it wasn’t so cramped yet. Simply catch a ride with a tricycle and you’re bound to reach this place is just 20 minutes from White Beach.
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  2. Ilig-iligan Beach
    With the same white sand feature, this is a great spot for snorkeling and it has some scenic limestone islets that you can explore. There are two of these islets: one is deep and the other, shallow. To reach this beach, there are two ways: either join an island-hopping trip that has a stopover here or just simply walk inland from the White Beach.
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  3. Lapus-Lapus Beach
    To the best of my knowledge, this beautiful stretch is privately owned by the Fairways & Bluewater Newcoast Resort, and it is only open to its guests. It really has that feel of seclusion to it, so if you want to visit this part, you have to book with the resort.
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  4. Bulabog Beach
    If you’re into beach sports like kiteboarding, parasailing, and windsurfing, this is the beach for you! You will instantly feel the vibrant vibe due to these adrenaline-pumped water activities done by locals and tourists alike, so if you’re for this kind of thing, make sure to book a hotel on this part of the island.
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  5. Lagutan Beach
    This is actually one of the places where boats dock in Boracay. Though it may not be as scenic as the others, photographers may find the charm of this place frame-worthy.
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  6. Tulubhan Beach
    There are some local villages that live by this beach and they typically go to the sea to look for seafood like fish, urchins, and more. With decent resorts here and there, Tulubhan can be a nice place to stay if you’re looking for a quiet getaway.
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  7. Tambisaan Beach
    Tambisaan is popular for its coral gardens and reefs that are just near the shore. For this, you can simply bring your gear with you and then take your own sweet time snorkeling in these waters.
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  8. Crocodile Beach
    This is a small nearby island in the southeast part of Boracay. Often a trip that comes along in prearranged tours, it’s a favorite destination for underwater activities given the abundant and unspoiled marine life in the area. What’s more, there are also small canyons where you can see some sea snakes.
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  9. Manoc-Manoc Beach
    A lot of locals play here so it can be a bit crowded, but despite the low-key attractiveness of the landscape, it can be a quaint change of scene.
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  10. Cagban Beach
    Much like Lagutan Beach, this is one of the boat docks on the island (it’s actually the main port), but somewhere near this area, you can find private spots to relax in under the sun.
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  11. Diniwid Beach
    This is close to White Beach’s Station 1 and it is full of backpacker-friendly resorts. What I like about this place (that is only 200m long) are the stunning cliffside views! To add, there is also a crowd favorite here called Spider House and it is a great place to hang out. Otherwise, you can lounge in the water or lie down on a floating wooden piece that they have set up.
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  12. Balinghai Beach
    Yet another small private beach but this time, owned by Balinghai Resort and it has a lovely view. Unlike Lapus-Lapus, they permit non-resort guests as long as you pay the entrance fee (wherein the value is consumable in food from the restaurant). With this in mind, take advantage of the scenery by eating your meals by the beach! Just take note that during high tide, the beach is almost entirely submerged so time your visit during low tide.
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  13. Punta Bunga & Banyugan Beach
    An additional private beach of the island, this piece of land is owned by the big chain: Shangri-La Resorts. I have to say that this part of the beach is very idyllic (hence the reason why Shangri-La bought it) and since it’s only open to in-house guests of the resort if you have the budget, this is a great place to book yourself into.

* = Favorites

TIP: There are some smaller islands near Boracay like Crocodile Island, Magic Island, and Crystal Cove that you can explore with this island-hopping tour for a hassle-free experience!

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2. Join the island’s lively nightlife and events

I personally think that if you were to ever ask Filipinos why they visit Boracay, their answer would be because of two things: (1) the beach and (2) the nightlife.

Actually, a huge chunk of the younger population LOVE to go to Boracay for the nightlife scene! Indeed, when I was still in university, every vacation time (around March to April), a lot of my friends would suggest going to Boracay as it was also in those times that the bars and clubs on the island would typically start to do themed parties (think foam party, neon party, etc. etc.).

NOTE: The country, in general, has cheap alcohol so if you’re a foreigner (who holds a stronger currency) take advantage of this! In fact, there are ‘happy hours’ in each and every bar in Boracay. So during off-peak times, most drinks will be at half price.

If you want to know the places for partying with the right vibrant crowd, consider the most popular bars and clubs below for your things to do in Boracay:

  1. Exit Bar
    One of the well-known bars in Boracay. Back when I was visiting the island, my friends and I spent a good amount of our time here especially since we enjoyed the kind of music that they were playing.
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  2. Coco Bar
    Famous for its neon-lit bar, it’s a vibrant place to be in! Come and enjoy your night here with their signature drinks while playing a game of Jenga.
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  3. Guilly’s Island
    This is where most of the people go for parties, and it has that gung-ho kind of vibe going on. Typically open from 5PM to 4AM, you can enjoy happy hour from 5PM to 9PM.
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  4. Epic
    With a prime location in Station 2 near D’Mall, Epic is one of the classier places for partying with your friends. Come morning though, it’s your typical restaurant spot. (Happy hour starts from 12PM to 10PM).
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  5. Cocomangas Shooters Bar
    Famous for its ’15 Shots’ challenge, one can say that they have profoundly ‘conquered’ Boracay if they managed to win this ordeal. As the name goes, you have to chug down 15 shots consecutively and if you can still manage to stand after drinking it all, you will become a part of the ‘legends‘: you’ll get a shirt stating your achievement, your name will be engraved on the ‘golden’ wall, and then you will be counted to the scoring table that is grouped per country. (Apparently, Filipinos are winning so far!) Given this kind of challenge, Cocomangas can be such a fun and lively place to be!
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  6. Club Paraw
    A favorite of both locals and tourists, you will enjoy a bigger dance floor in this venue. Make sure that you take advantage of happy hour from 4PM to 9PM.
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  7. Boracay Pub Crawl
    If you ever find yourself traveling to Boracay alone, don’t fret! The island is a great place to meet locals and fellow travelers (even expats!), and the best way to start a networking spree? By joining the famous Boracay Pub Crawl! For a low price of only Php 990 ($20~) you will get to ‘hop’ around 5 bars + clubs, have free drinks, get discounted drinks, gain a free iconic shirt + shooter glass, and experience fun get-to-know games with the other group participants all night long!
  8. Manic Monkey Crew
    Why not try a yacht party if you want to escape the crowded beach bars? This crew organizes bi-weekly parties on a 44-feet catamaran sailing yacht as they sail to key locations around Boracay. In just a day, you can enjoy a DJ on board, all-you-can-drink cocktails/beer, BBQ feasts, cliff jumping, snorkeling, and a sunset cruise!

* = Favorite

Of course, there are TONS of other bars and restaurants in Boracay, and as much as I want to list them all, I chose to merely pick the most known ones above. Otherwise, if you’re more into a low-key kind of night, pick a restaurant by the beach and enjoy a show of fire dancers!

NOTE: As of 2018, fire dancing on the beach is no longer allowed.

Fire Dance

Photo by: Shutterstock

If you rather want to know the best time for visiting Boracay in order to fully enjoy the peak of the island’s nightlife, that would be during:

  • “LaBoracay” (Month of May) From the words ‘Labor Day’ and ‘Boracay’, Laboracay is the biggest summer party celebration of the island! It’s not an official event though, but it’s a term that is typically used by Filipinos to commemorate the series of big events that commonly happen during this period.
    • It’s not only the locals who come here for LaBoracay but even foreign and local celebrities who are ready to party hard! (From DJs, to actors, etc.). If you want to know the complete list of parties every year, you can check this site.
  • Holy Week
  • Christmas & New Year
  • OTHER TIPS: If you want some novel or quirky fun, check out this theatrical variety show. Otherwise, if you’re a fan of sports, the ‘Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival’ and ‘International Beach Volleyball Tournament‘ are held during the month of May (1st half). Sometime along this same month, the annual ‘Dragon Boat Racing‘ affair of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation is also held.
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    Come January (2nd half), water sports take place under the event name ‘Boracay International Funboard Cup‘. And since it’s the beach, there is a Frisbee tournament that is done on the White Beach during July (called ‘Boracay Open Asian Beach Ultimate’).

• • •

3. Indulge yourself in the local food

Boracay Island Food: Boodle Fight

Photo by: Shutterstock

One of the things that you have to understand about Boracay is that if you are not well-informed, you could find all these typical western restaurants that hold no personality of the island’s cuisine.

This is not to say that these western restaurants are no good — because they are — but if you really want to enjoy authentic Filipino fare and dishes, follow my advice and tips:

  • Go to D’Talipapa. Because a beach trip is NOT complete without seafood! For sure there are a lot of seafood restaurants in White Beach, for example, but if you want the true-blue way of eating like a local, drop by Station 2 to find D’Talipapa, a wet market that sells fresh seafood ingredients! Once you are done shopping for the food that you would like to eat, simply go to one of the nearby restaurants and have them cook it for you. (They have a wide range of cooking styles that you can choose from such as garlic butter, etc.)
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  • Go to Filipino Restaurants and try local Philippines food! Other than gaining the chance to experience our hearty dishes, these are typically priced cheap too so it’s quite a steal (starting at Php 50 or $1+). For my favorites, try Smoke Resto at D’Mall, Plato D Boracay (also) at D’Mall, Mesa at Station 2, or Boracay Kitchen at Station 1.
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  • Try the street food. To start, taste the local BBQ sticks, pork fat crackers (chicharon), balut (famous fertilized egg), and of course the Chorizo Burger! This is a favorite snack on this island and it’s basically a sweeter version of grilled chorizo with sweet sauce in a bun… BUT the taste is something that everyone and you would go gaga for! (If you’re not a fan of sweet meat then this might not work for you, but it’s still worth a try).
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  • Take advantage of the fresh local fruits. What else but mangoes?! I promise you, we might just have the best mangoes you’ll ever taste in your whole life! Other than this, indulge yourself with coconut juice that is freshly picked. And while we’re on the topic of drinks, take your time in enjoying all the kinds of fresh juice mixes that every establishment serves.
    • If you want to try another favorite, go to Jonah’s Fruit Shake & Snack Bar at Station 1 because the drinks here are absolutely addictive! Apart from being cheap, they are even served in such big quantities, so it’s going to be worth your money.

TIP: For big groups, order a ‘boodle fight’ spread wherein copious amounts of food is spread on the table (usually on top of a banana leaf). Filipinos also usually practice ‘kamayan’ for this in which they eat with their hands.
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WESTERN DISHES: Check out Station X, Aria at D’Mall for Italian cuisine, Bite Club at Station 2 for burgers, Tres Amigos at D’Mall for Mexican fare, Cafe Marujua for coffee, and Zuzuni at Station 1 for desserts

• • •

4. Try out the various water sports and activities!

Things to Do in Boracay: Water Activities (Parasailing)

Photo by: Shutterstock

Boracay can hold your attention for a looooong while given the array of activities that you can do. Sure, it may be a small island but it sure packs a LOT of fun!

Aside from the island-hopping tour activity that I have already suggested back at point #1, also try the water activities below to get the most out of your summer vacation.

  • Fly Fish Ride
    I absolutely recommend this if you want to have a wild ride with your friends! Basically, you will be riding this HUGE inflatable that’s like a ‘flying fish’. It will be pulled by a speedboat that will abuse its power and speed, and you have to hang on to it (for dear life) as it tries to spin you around at the sea! You can even try to put a challenge among your friends, like who will fall off the most for example!
    • If I can impart another piece of advice, let your competitiveness slide for a bit, and then let yourself get thrown off the ‘fly fish’. Why? Because it’s part of the fun! (A milder alternative for this riding a banana boat).
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  • Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
    Boracay is not only beautiful above water but underwater too! You won’t see much of a ‘view’ in the shallow waters of White Beach but your snorkeling gear will be put to good use on the other beaches like Ilig-Iligan or Tambisaan. (If you want the full-blown snorkeling experience, you should head to Batangas or Palawan — which are other destinations in the Philippines).
    • If you’re more into scuba diving, you will see more coral reefs in the deeper parts of the Boracay ocean. There are a lot of rental shops around Boracay and PADI-certified divers will only have to pay Php 1,600 ($35+) while beginners can take an introductory course for just Php 3,000 ($50+) only.
      • Beginner diver? Book online for an introductory course.
      • Wanna take the PADI course? Take this licensing course by booking online.
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  • Marine Walk
    This is an activity that lets you walk on the seabed as you wear a 30kg helmet to keep you down on the floor. This package that is customarily priced at Php 900 ($20+) comes with free compilations of your underwater photos + videos as well as a few pieces of bread that you can feed to the fishes while you’re submerged. (To book this marine walk or helmet diving experience, reserve online.)
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  • ★ Cliff Diving
    I never leave Boracay without doing a cliff diving spree on the island and I suggest that you do the same! If you want the ultimate experience, I highly recommend signing up for the tour in Ariel’s Point. Priced at Php 2,800 ($50+) per person, it’s a deal with many ‘perks’. Apart from enjoying this special spot’s cliff diving platforms (with heights of 3 meters, 5 meters, 6 meters, 7 meters, and 13 meters) this cost lets you enjoy a roundtrip boat ride, unlimited drinks, BBQ lunch buffet, afternoon snacks, and full use of Ariel Point’s other services (canoes, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and floating raft). Ain’t that a steal?!
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Ariels Point Cliff Diving

Photo by: Shutterstock

  • ‘Mermaiding’
    A new ‘thing’ that seemed to have popped up recently… I haven’t tried this for myself but it seems like it’s spearheaded by the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy. What happens is that you will be joining a ‘mermaid swimming’ course under a professional teacher as you wear a stretchable fabric mermaid tail.
    • You can either get a package where you learn how to swim with your fins or just take photos with it (or both!). I don’t think this is my cup of tea but it could be yours. Besides, the exercise AND the photos that come with it are interesting perks!
      .
  • Paraw Sailing
    Paraw is a sailboat with two outriggers to keep it afloat on the sea. This is a GREAT way to enjoy the waves and the view of Boracay with your friends especially since it’s also quite affordable. If I may add a tip, I suggest that you go sailing in a paraw at a time before or during sunset! (To book, reserve online here.)
    .
  • Zorb and Zipline
    These are located in certain parts of the island and it’s one of those newer activities that have been on the rise for tourists lately.
    .
  • ATV Ride
    Explore Boracay in a swanky ATV! Most of these trips go to Mt. Luho which is the highest peak on the island so it’s a chance for you to get an aerial-like view of it all as a whole. Renting these ATVs is said to cost Php 1,000 ($22+) per person.
    .
  • Other Water Activities

* = Favorites

• • •

5. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset

Things to Do in Boracay: Sunset Viewing

Photo by: Shutterstock

Ask anyone who has been to this island and they will surely tell you about Boracay’s breathtaking and extraordinary sunsets!

It’s a view that will definitely mark its spot in your heart and mind, that up to this day, I myself can still picture the scenes in my mind and it makes me swell with happiness… with a tinge of melancholy (because I miss it a lot!)

Feel free to pick your spot on any of the Boracay beaches to watch the sunsets (typically between 5 to 6PM), but I do highly recommend the view by the White Beach for this since the silhouette of the passing boats (or paraws) by the horizon perfectly adds to this spectacular display.

…But of course, don’t forget about the sunrise too! It is equally beautiful and it’s always a wonderful thing to welcome the new day by the beach in this way. So enjoy and savor this experience!

TIP: Make the most of the sunset views by booking any of the following:
Chartered Paraw Sailing
Sunset Cruise Experience

• • •

BONUS: Other Best Things to Do in Boracay

  • Avail of massage services. The stretch of White Beach is full of massage shops that are relatively cheap and it’s the perfect day-ender for you after all the arduous activities that you have been through. For this, check out Bella Isla.
    .
  • Try a “kawa” relaxation treatment. For a more traditional experience, join this day tour wherein after you do white water rafting, visit the Bugtong Bato Falls and some other exciting stops, you’ll get to be pampered in a “kawa” spa.
    .
  • Get a henna tattoo. If you’re not into the real permanent tattoos but still into the idea of marking your body with some temporary ink, then a henna tattoo is the option for you! You will see a lot of beach-goers who have these marks on their body and if you find it cool enough, join the craze and display that art on your body. The beach is speckled with small stands of these henna artists so just take your pick, choose a design, and then flaunt it all for the rest of your stay.
    • Some of these shops also offer a braiding service wherein they will style your hair in cornrows.
      .
  • Do a Go-Kart experience with friends. Enjoy an exhilarating Go-Kart activity at Boracay Paradise with your family and/or family. Round trip service transfers are even provided for your convenience — to book your spots, go here.
    .
  • Marvel at professionally-made sandcastles or make one of your own. There was a time when White Beach had lots of magnificent sand art displayed every day, however, the local government decided to minimize this activity for some reason. Anyhow, this practice is still there so just explore the length of White Beach and you’re bound to see one; or better yet, make your own!
    • UPDATE AS OF 2018: This is NO longer allowed.
      .
  • Do beach sports with your friends. There are shops that can rent you some but I suggest that you just bring your own volleyball, frisbee, or soccer ball to play with your friends.
    .
  • Go for a night swim. Do you want to have the sea all to yourself? Then why not a night swim — try it at least once!
    .
  • Try a unique helicopter flight above Boracay – Get a different perspective of the beauty of Boracay with this exhilarating helicopter ride. Book your spot now online!

• • •

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Which is the best station area on Boracay’s White Beach?

Station 1 is said to have the best and finest stretch of white sand on the entire island; given this fact, most of the luxury hotels and resorts are found there. Meanwhile, Station 2 is the busiest,, especially because most of the shops and restaurants are concentrated there. As for Station 3, it’s a quiet area like Station 1 where you will find most of the cheaper accommodations such as hostels, etc.

When is the best time to visit Boracay Island?

It is best to visit Boracay during the dry season (November to May, commonly called ‘Amihan’). The White Beach will be very calm so it’s suitable for swimming, whereas, on the other side of the island, strong winds pass by making it suitable for activities like kite surfing or windsurfing.

When is the rainy season in Boracay?

The wet or rainy season is from June to October (called ‘Habagat’). It’s still ideal to visit the island during these months because travel costs will be a LOT cheaper. Most days you’ll still get to enjoy the sun too; but of course, there is also the risk of rain and typhoons.

Which months draw in huge tourist crowds in Boracay?

When it comes to tourist seasons, low season is from June to November (June being the wettest month). The high season is from November to May, with the following peak seasons (that usually cover big Philippine holidays) such as Christmas & New Year, Chinese New Year (first half of February), and Easter (late March and up to April, usually when schools are also on vacation break).

• • •

Things to do in Boracay

Overall

It should be apparent by now that Boracay is packed with a lot of activities and attractions that can attract every kind of traveler out there.

So what are you waiting for…?

Start planning your perfect summer escapade to Boracay — go and have the BEST time of your life!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Like any responsible tourist and traveler, PLEASE mind your trash when you party and/or stay in Boracay. Don’t leave anything behind. Remember to dispose of your trash properly and responsibly. There have been rising problems of irresponsible visitors over the years and I hope that you don’t become one of them. We really should respect nature more and continue to do our part in saving the environment. Please, and thank you!

• • •

Have you seen my latest vlog?

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About Me

About Aileen : Sidebar

Hey there! I am Aileen Adalid.
At 21, I quit my corporate job in the Philippines to pursue my dreams. Today, I am a successful digital nomad (online entrepreneur, travel writer, & vlogger) living a sustainable travel lifestyle.

My mission? To show you how it is absolutely possible to create a life of travel no matter the odds — and I will help you achieve that through my detailed travel hacks, guides, resources, tips, and MORE!

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CURRENTLY BASED IN: The Philippines

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73 Comments

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  1. Tricia

    Because of your blog, I’m proud to say that I’m a Filipino. You have an amazing and informative blog. I’m a Filipino but I never been to Boracay but that place is on my bucket list. Thank you for your effort to put guidelines here in your blog. I hope you can visit other places here in Philippines when you have a chance to go back. Safe travel!

    Reply
  2. CHARLENE

    Wow! Thank you for this amazing and informative blog. I am always interested with the people’s experiences whenever they travel in different places that the Philippines treasures and take pride of. Through this blog, I feel happy and hopeful as I read your experiences and tips especially the exciting activities that can be experience from this trip. Boracay is really one of my top list of the destinations that I want to go to someday. As a student who loves and has a fascination for Boracay, this makes me hope higher that I will be able to visit this magnificent place, to see the view, the glorious sunset and sunrise, its excellent offers as well as to feel and experience the relaxation and solace that the travelers what come for over and over again, in the future.

    Reply
  3. Carl Gutierrez

    thanks you for this! such an informative blog post. I tried surfing in Boracay before. As a tropical country regarded by many as a holiday haven, the Philippines’s coastlines are perfect for swimming and surfing. With a coastline of not less than 36, 289 kilometers complemented by a laidback island vibe that truly brings out the surfing spirit in you, it should come as no wonder why the Philippines is slated as one of the countries with the best surf spots in the world.

    Reply
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