When was the last time you were in Aklan province’s famed Boracay island? Or, the better question: Have you ever even visited? In case you need a reason (or six) to add Boracay to your Philippine itinerary, we’ve rounded up this updated list to get you booking that island side trip ASAP:
1. Boracay’s (continuous) makeover gives the island a major uplift.
Boracay underwent a necessary “closure and redevelopment” in 2018, shutting its shores to tourists for a good six months. Soon after that, the pandemic hit, and the lockdowns hushed Boracay’s usually bustling beaches. The island has since experienced remarkable change, and the steady trickle of post-pandemic tourists get to reap the island’s recovery tweaks.
Boracay’s beaches are certainly cleaner, there are sidewalks (finally!) that line the main road, tricycles that ran on fuel have been replaced by electric tricycles or e-trikes, new hubs are sprouting up all over the island, and most activities on the island now have standardized prices (P2,500 or $50 for a sunset paraw cruise for two; P15 or $0.26 for a regular eTrike ride; P500 or $8.50 for a one-hour massage). Today, while there are still roads to be paved and waterways to be cleared, the island upgrades have surely improved the overall Boracay experience.
2. Boracay is the perfect spot for revenge travel.
During the pandemic, the rules to get to the island were stringent—PCR tests, confirmed bookings, proof of transit, QR codes. Then, when the world started opening up, they lifted the need for QR codes to welcome more tourists back. Today, a hotel booking will get you easier entry, then you just need to go through the terminal with its passage and environmental fees.
Regardless of whether strict rules are enforced or not, we think Boracay is always worth the trip. It offers the best of both worlds for local and foreign tourists alike. Whether you want to bask in nature’s perfection (polvoron-sand, crystal waters, sunset masterpieces) or require extra pampering at fancy seaside spots, you’ll be able to get your preferred beach fix.
You’ll find, too, that Boracay is more than just White Beach. Many other coves on the island are seeing progress, providing more options for seasoned travelers. Bulabog is a fave for expats and kiters. Those seeking posh privacy stay in the quieter coves, like Yapak and Station 0, where premium resort chains dot the shore. Others who want an adventurous escape head to Puka or Ilig-Iligan towards the Northern end of the island. For a more city-seaside feel, Newcoast provides a modern vibe. Then, those who want unobscured sunset views can walk on over from White Beach to Diniwid for a breathtaking happy hour.
You can go around Boracay by renting your own eTrike for P500 or $8.50 an hour, biking around its narrow roads (bike rentals are easily available on the island), or catching the recently launched Hop On-Hop Off bus (P15 or around $0.27 for every 5km; reloadable cards cost P100 or almost $2 with an initial load of P50 or around $1; unli-ride day passes for tourists are available at Southwest office or on board).
3. Boracay has surely become foodie haven.
We love how Boracay has a trove of gastronomic gems. In fact, the island can satisfy any tropical craving, what with all the trusty OGs that have reopened and new spots that have recently launched.
We’ve become hardcore fans of Boracay’s happening food scene:
Bistro de Amis at Angol beach front for some Cote d’Azure and Belgian fare;
Bulabar at Bulabog to get a feel of local island life and mixes while enjoying fusion cuisine;
Chans at Station X for Asian hawker-style street food that brings you on a food trip;
Conga’s for a wide array of Thai dishes located at either Bulabog or Angol beach;
Dos Mestizos for a fancy Spanish feast great for special occasions;
Gratitude Cafe at D’Mall for healthy bowls and all-day comfort fare;
Island Izakaya for authentic Jap yakitoris, bowls, and specialty cocktails.
Little Taj for Indian street-style flavorful fare over at D’Mall;
Lanterna (at Zone5) or trusty Aria (at D’Mall) for Italian date night;
Los Indios Bravos at White House in Station 1 for pub-style grub;
Love Shack Bistro & Café at Angol, a comfy-quirky, pet-friendly food and coffee joint;
Nonie’s for fresh, organic, sustainable Pinoy fare;
Kape Mano at Bulabog, a hideaway for remote workers with coffee that hits the spot;
Smooth Café for all-day delectable dishes with one of the best sunset views;
Shabu Khan over on the main road behind D’Mall for soothing unli-hotpot;
The Pig Out Bistro at main road Station 1 for international fusion;
The Sunny Side Cafe for specialty brunches and crisp beachside views;
Then, of course, there are the dependable paluto places (where you can have fresh catch cooked the way you like it) and Filipino food stops that ease all those seaside cravings.
4. Boracay can fit any personal budget.
Is it a save or splurge kind of holiday? Whatever your spending style, Boracay can adjust to your island stretch. The quaint boutique resorts and funky hostels have accommodations for more frugal visitors, the mid-range chains have packages that offer great bang for your buck, and the posh all-in resorts have fancy digs for those craving luxe living on paradise island.
Getting to Boracay isn’t too steep either. A DIY tourist leg can cost P250 or around $5 to cross from Caticlan mainland. Alternatively, you can book an all-in airport-to-hotel transfer for around P700 or $12. You may also arrange for transportation with your hotel—some of the luxe hotels have their own speedboats that dock directly at the resort or at private resort outposts.
5. Boracay will match your every mood.
Some say Boracay is just any other party beach, but we beg to disagree. Sure, if you’re in the mood to paint the shores red, beach bars and clubs like Epic, Summer Place, or Om Bar host amazing DJs for a fun night out. They charge cover though, so be prepared to shell out a fee to get in. Dive bars like Exit Bar or Paraw Beach Club have no cover but are pretty chill island joints to let loose. If you’re on the island in time for one of the local events and festivals, the Apolaki Mayari group hosts fun parties with a super local vibe and Kasbar Events has amazing parties that draw both locals and tourists alike.
If you want a quieter evening, though, you can sit and listen to an acoustic band (just walk along the shore—if you can, look for where local musicians Island Jive is playing—they’re the best!) or find a beachfront bar with amazing sunset views and great drinks, like Villa Caemilla (award-winning cocktails) at Angol past Station 3, Muchos at Station 1 (tequila and mezcal bar with fab Latin American food), or True Home (great gin bar with Asian fusion specialties) and Meta Beach Bar (rooftop views and specialty cocktails), both by Willy’s Rock. Other spots that are hidden from busy throngs of tourists are worth a visit, too, like Sip Happens along the main road for local brews and spot-on cocktails or Loveshack Bistro and Café at Angol beach, which kicks off their happy hour at 6 p.m., right after the other spots have ended their happy-hour shifts.
6. Boracay is still one of the world’s best islands.
Despite the closure and the two-year pandemic standstill, Boracay still earned its due spot as a fave tropical haven. We think the recognition remains well deserved. In fact, last 2022, it was crowned #1 island in Asia by Condé Nast and ranked among the top 50 “World’s Greatest Places” by TIME.
Boracay is recovering pretty well, and the island fans are trickling in once again. We’re giving due credit to Boracay’s powdery white shores, glorious sunsets, improved infrastructure, welcoming Boracaynons, and, well, all the reasons above…plus so much more. Experience it yourself and tell us all about it!
