About Boracay

BORACAY: SHORT DESCRIPTION & HISTORY

Boracay is a part of Aklan province in the island of Panay about 315 km from Manila (about 40 minutes by airplane). In 1212, the first settlers in the Philippines came into this island to a certain part of Aklan, that is why Aklan is considered as the oldest province in the Philippines. These early settlers were tribal men from Africa called “Atis” or “Negritos”, under the leadership of their king Marikudo. Soon after, 10 groups of migrating Borneans under the leadership of their chieftains also settled into this island. When the Atis came and saw the powdery white sand of the island, they called the place “boray” meaning white bubbles. Hence came the name Boracay.

Before, Boracay was quite a secret place that only very few knew of its existence. Then in 1970 a German traveler “Jens Peter” accidentally re-discovered the island. He was very much captivated by the island’s natural beauty, which he described in his book as “paradise on earth”. Soon after, Boracay continued to captivate hearts of a wide variety of travelers. In 1990, it was voted by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook as one of the best beaches in the world and again in 1996 by British publication TV Quick as the world’s number one tropical beach. In 2007, Boracay island topped the list of the World’s Most Popular Beach according to Yahoo! Travel.

Today, Boracay is hailed as one of the finest beaches in the world because of its white, talcum-fine beach, balmy weather and warm crystalline waters. Boracay is approximately 7 km in length and is composed of different beaches such as White Beach where most of the finest hotels and resorts in the Philippines are located and is preferred by tourists who love to sunbathe or stroll in a peaceful ambiance; Bulabog Beach which is preferred by most kite-boarders due to big waves and strong wind; Puka Beach and Ilig-iligan Beach which are preferred by tourists who require solitude and quiet vacation.

Boracay is a small haven for your dream vacation! There are a wide variety of hotels in the island that you could choose from 5 star hotels to cottages and apartments appropriate for every tourist. The island also offers activities for active leisure like water sports and diving. Most of the basic services can be found in D’mall on White Beach such as souvenir shops, markets, banks, money changers, coffee shops and restaurants. Boracay is also known for lively night life, pubs and bars which are usually open from dusk till dawn! 

GETTING THERE

By Air:

From Manila or Cebu, there are domestic flights (approximately 1 hour travel time) going to Caticlan Airport which is a small airport 10 minutes away by boat from Boracay. Generally, local airline companies give a 10 kg free allowable baggage to passengers arriving and departing via Caticlan airport. Tourists usually prefer this airport because it is the nearest to Boracay.

Basically, the route will be like this:

From point of origin (Manila/Cebu) to Caticlan airport = 1 hour by airplane

From Caticlan airport to Caticlan jetty port = 3-5 minutes by local transportation

From  Caticlan jetty port to Boracay’s Cagban port = 8-10 minutes by boat

From Cagban port to hotel = 15-30 minutes depending on hotel’s location

Kalibo Airport is a larger airport 2 hours away from Boracay by car. Aside from domestic flights, this airport has also some international flights from Incheon, Hongkong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taiwan and Beijing. Domestic flights allot 15 kg free allowable baggage to passengers. Tourists usually choose this airport because of the direct flights from China and Korea, therefore saving money and time instead of arriving and staying overnight in Manila. The price of domestic air-tickets via Kalibo is also cheaper than via Caticlan especially during peak season.

Basically, the route will be like this:

From Manila to Kalibo airport = 1 hour by airplane

From Kalibo airport to Caticlan Jetty port = 2 hours by car

From  Caticlan jetty port to Boracay’s Cagban port = 8-10 minutes by boat

From Cagban port to hotel = 15-30 minutes depending on hotel’s location

Airport Transfers: There is a centralized terminal for vans and buses in Kalibo airport which could take you to Boracay. Many agencies offering transfer packages will approach you upon exiting Kalibo airport. Travel time from Kalibo airport to Caticlan is approximately 1.5 hours. In Caticlan airport, there are private vans and tricycles that could take you to Caticlan jetty port. Travel time is approximately 5 minutes.

By Land and sea:

Caticlan jetty port has ferries that travel from Caticlan to Batangas port and vice versa. Batangas port is located 3 hours by car from Manila. These ferries could also accommodate passenger buses from Caticlan to Manila or vice versa in a series of sea and land route passing several islands. There are buses in Manila (Cubao Bus Terminal) which travel to Caticlan. Travel time is about 8-16 hours depending on type of ferries and weather condition.

GETTING AROUND

There following transportation could help you get in and around Boracay:

1. Tricycle – This is the most common public transportation in the island. There are tricycle terminals at the Caticlan airport, Cagban seaport, and each station in the main road of Boracay. Minimum fare between each station for individuals riding with other passengers is 10 pesos, if chartered – 60 pesos, fare from Cagban port to hotels located in stations 1,2&3 is 15-20 pesos if individual and 100-450 for chartered depending on hotel’s location. Tricycles are not allowed on the beach, so if your hotel is not along the main road, the driver will drop you off on the road nearest to the path leading to your hotel.  

2. Hotel’s shuttle service – some big hotels located far from the centre (D’mall) have free shuttle services and pick-up in-house guests from hotel to D’mall and vice versa. Just inquire from the reception about the schedule. 

3. Bicycles for rent – There are bicycles for rent in D’mall.

4. Motorcycles for rent – There are motorcycles for rent in front of Lake Town near D’mall. Be sure to wear helmet and bring any identification card for possible checking by the traffic enforcers on the road.

 5. Outrigger boats – you could rent a boat to see the surrounding small islands and beaches in Boracay. 

6. Sail boats “Paraw” – these are native canoe-like boats and you could find them along station 1 in White beach.

MONEY TRANSFERS AND ATM MACHINES

There are many money transfer stores like Cebuana Lhuiller, Palawan and LBC along main road from Station 1 to Station 3 and in D’mall area, as well as major banks with ATM machines like BPI, Metrobank and BDO. 

SHOPPING, WET MARKETS & GROCERIES

There are lots of boutiques and souvenir shops along White Beach and D’mall. There are also markets called “Talipapa” (all 4 of them) where you could buy not only cheap souvenir items but fresh produce:

1. D'Talipapa - buy here fresh produce, seafood products and souvenirs, located near Boracay Holiday Resort, between Stations 2 & 3.

2. Talipapa Original - buy here souvenirs at competitive price, located in Station 3

3. Talipapa bukid - buy here cheap fresh produce and seafood, located in Station 3

4. Talipapa bukid branch 2 - buy here cheap fresh fruits and vegetables, located in Angol area, near AKY gasoline station

Major grocery stores can be found along main road:

1. Budget Mart - Branches in Dmall and D'Talipapa Original

2. Crafts de Boracay - in Dmall area

3. 24/7 - in Crowne Prince Hotel, Station 1

4. De Rose - in Station 3 main road

Generally, you can buy or bring with you any souvenir from Boracay, except big natural shells and white sand because these things are strictly confiscated at the airport. 

RESTAURANTS

Stroll along White Beach and D’mall and you can find there lots of restaurants, from fine dining, buffet, budget cafes, fast food to local canteen (carinderia) . Major fine dining restaurants have live music and fire show during dinner. 

Of course if you want fresh seafood you can dine in one of the restaurants in the local seafood market called “D Talipapa (along main road). You can buy fresh seafood at the market and bring it to the nearby small restaurant to cook it for you whatever menu you like. 

COMMUNICATION

The most reliable cellular phone service providers are SMART and GLOBE. Tourists can purchase local SIM cards with telephone numbers and loads (user minutes) in many kiosks and phone stores in the island. 

There are also internet cafes in D’mall area. Most hotels have Wi-Fi access, and so are in some restaurants and cafes.

There is a post office in the tourist center along White Beach and also in Balabag Plaza in Station 1 in front of Willy’s Beach Hotel.

For your shipping needs, there are couriers such as DHL, LBC, FedEx and Air 21 in Boracay.

MUST-TRY ACTIVITIES

To make the most of your stay in Boracay, we recommend that you do not leave the island without trying these fun activities:

HACIENDA MARIA (7-8 hours)

Pull away from the white sandy beaches of Boracay and immerse yourself into the amazing world of Panay island. You will get acquainted with the local culture, customs and tradition in the village which is located high in the mountains amidst a wonderful tropical forest. Tour includes: caving, swimming on exotic waterfalls, hot pot Jacuzzi on open fire, tasting the traditional coconut wine, cock fighting and many more. 

ISLAND HOPPING (4 hours)

Explore the whole island of Boracay and the small neighboring islands by motorboat. Stop by the crocodile island for snorkeling and fish feeding. In the Island Cove, there is a small cave and watch towers where you could see the whole island of Boracay in a bird’s eye view.

Explore different beaches of Boracay: White beach is the central part of the island where most of the hotels, bars and restaurants are located. Puka beach is located at the end of the island where there are few people almost no hotels are in sight, only white sandy beach, tranquil and breath-taking nature. This is the place for those who prefer a relaxing vacation away from the hustles and bustles of central Boracay. The Bulabog beach is the best place for surfers and kite boarders because the waves and wind in this side of the island are ideal for these water sports.

ATV Safari (1.5 – 2 hours)

Places to visit:

Mt. Luho – the highest point/peak in Boracay. There is a view deck where you can see the whole Boracay. There is also a mini zoo in Mt. Luho where you can see endangered animals that were rescued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from illegal loggers.

Puka beach and Ilig-iligan beach – These are two of the beautiful beaches in Boracay, best for tourists seeking solitude and serenity because of the quiet ambiance, there were no hotels nearby, only few cottages of fishermen. From Ilig-iligan beach, several nearby small islands could be seen – a perfect and romantic place for photo shoots. In Puka beach, there are souvenir shops kiosks selling corals, shells and pearls.

BORACAY LAND TOUR (3 hours)

a 3 hour sightseeing tour in Boracay by land. Tour includes transportation, entrance to Mt. Luho and guide. Itinerary includes Mangrove Forest, Dead Forest, Aeta Village, Boracay’s Stations 1, 2 and 3, central Boracay, Puka beach, Bolabog beach and Ilig-iligan beach. Tourists are advised to bring swim wear and towel for swimming in Puka beach. cock fighting and many more. 

HELMET DIVING (30 minutes)

Experience a different world under water as you walk on sand at the bottom of the sea surrounded by colorful corals and exotic fishes. It’s like you’re inside a giant aquarium! Our Diver Guide will take photos and video of you while you are feeding the fish.

PARAW-SAILING

See the beauty of Boracay during sunset by sailing on a native sail boat called “Paraw”. Frequent tourists availing of this activity are couples and newly-weds because this is exceptionally romantic during sunset. The boat will take you off White beach as you ride the gentle waves under the kaleidoscopic sunset.

WATER SPORTS:

          PARACHUTE SAILING (15 minutes)

         JETSKI (30 minutes to 1 hour)

          BANANA BOAT RIDE (15 minutes)

          FLY FISH (15 minutes)

ZORB

ZIP LINE

AMAZING SHOW (1 hour)

HELICOPTER TOUR

Experience Boracay island like never before. The sunset helicopter rides provide a unique setting for romantic activities, and even wedding proposals. See various points of interest on the island from the breathtaking aerial view. Prices for helicopter tour vary depending on which route or package you choose, contact us for details.

SPA AND MASSAGE

Boracay offers a wide variety of spa and massage services with different rates and qualities. In our almost 10 years of staying in Boracay and as we had tried almost all the spa and massage services in the island, we could only recommend 3 salons (2 high-end spa and 1 budget type) because of their quality, professionalism and good reputation.

Mandala Spa – This is considered one of the best spa in Asia. Located in Mandala Resort, where the scenery creates a quiet and relaxing ambiance with Zen gardens and soft spoken personnel. We recommend you try their whole body wrap (3 hours). The prices of their packages are not cheap but it all worth it. It’s good to experience their services even once, like a well deserved break for a job well done, after all you deserve it.  

Mandarin Spa – Located in Mandarin Hotel. They have the same excellent service like Mandala Spa but for a lower price. The spa creates a very relaxing ambiance as their masseuses treat you like a prince or princess. Their bestseller is “gold massage” – they are the only spa yet which offers this type of massage in the island. Avail of discount cards for Mandarin’s gold massage in our office “Russian Center”.

Boracay Therapeutic Massage – This is so far the best massage service for budget type tourists. They have 2 branches: 1^st salon is in Station 2 front beach near D’mall, between Pat’s Creek Bar and Lapu-lapu Dive Center; 2^nd salon is in Borasky Hotel along main road near BPI bank. We recommend that you try their bestseller - hot stone massage - they are using special stones from lava rocks. The salons are very simple with beds and air-conditioning and the staff are very professional (they have certificates/licenses from accreditation agencies). They also send masseuses to hotels for on call services.

BEACH RULES & REGULATIONS

1. No smoking by the beach - there are designated smoking areas that you should go if ever you have the need to smoke. (Municipal Ordinance No. 100, series of 1996, Municipal Ordinance No. 272, series of 2009)

2. No extraction of sand and pebbles is prohibited -there is a Php 2,500 fine for first time offenders. (Municipal Ordinance No. 2001-141)

3.  No urinating and defecating on the beach (Municipal Ordinance No. 98-116)

4. No pets are allowed by the beachfront (Municipal Ordinance Nos. 182-2003 and 92-1996)

5. No eating and drinking of liquor by the beach (Municipal Ordinance No. 132-2000)

Failure to follow any of these ordinances will have its equivalent penalties which can vary from a fine of around Php 2,500 for first time offenders to mandatory jail time.