Boracay, an island in the central Philippines, is famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and emerging tourism scene. It has become one of Asia’s top beach destinations, attracting travelers from all over the world. Accessible by air and sea, Boracay can be reached through Caticlan or Kalibo airports. Caticlan is the closest, offering a brief boat ride to the island, while Kalibo is farther away, requiring a two-hour drive.
The island gained international recognition in the 1980s when it became known for pristine untouched beaches. Over the years, Boracay has evolved into a global tourist destination, known for its resorts, watersports, and nightlife. Today, the Philippine government works to preserve its beauty while improving infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
Best Time to Visit Boracay
The best time to visit Boracay is from November to April, during the dry season. However, the off-peak months of June to October offer fewer crowds, though the weather can be unpredictable with occasional rain. Hotel prices are higher during peak seasons, particularly around Christmas, New Year, and Easter. During this time, expect to pay anywhere from PHP 2,500 to PHP 10,000 per night for accommodations (which is about $45 to $180 USD) depending on the resort, season, and type of room. Dining and activities are also available across a wide price range, catering to different budgets.
Currency and Tipping
The official currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). The exchange rate fluctuates, but 1 USD is approximately equal to 55 PHP. More established businesses in Boracay accept credit cards, but it’s recommended to carry cash. For example, along the beaches there are many little stalls selling souvenirs, snacks and drinks but they are exclusively cash only. Also shop around because I found varied prices for the same products.
Tipping in Boracay is generally appreciated but not mandatory. Many people working in the service industry seemed to appreciate tips, often subtly indicating their expectation. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill, so additional tipping is optional. For small beachfront stalls or local vendors, tipping is not expected but can be a nice gesture for good service. It’s always a good idea to carry small change for tips.
Some of the Most Popular Hotel Resorts in Boracay
Henann Group of Resorts – A well-known chain in Boracay, with several popular properties, including Henann Regency Resort & Spa (Station 2) and Henann Prime Beach Resort (Station 1). Henann resorts are famous for their beachfront locations, excellent service, and luxurious amenities. Room rates at Henann resorts typically start around PHP 2,861 (approximately $50 USD) per night, depending on the season and room type. We stayed at the Henann Regency Resort during our stay in Boracay.
Discovery Shores Boracay – Located in Station 1, a luxury resort renowned for its spacious suites, impeccable service, and beautiful beachfront views, making it a favorite among high-end travelers. The average room rates at Discovery Shores range from PHP 12,210 to PHP 21,430 (approximately $222 to $386 USD) per night, depending on the room and season.
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa – A five-star, exclusive resort located on a hillside in the northern part of the island. It offers private villas, stunning views, and an upscale atmosphere, for those seeking privacy and luxury. The average room rate at Shangri-La’s Boracay is approximately PHP 35,400 (about $641 USD) per night.
*rates are approximate averages from 2024-2025.
Souvenirs and Unique Finds
Boracay offers a variety of unique souvenirs to remember your trip, such as locally made jewelry, woven bags, and coconut-based products like soaps, oils, and candles.
You can find bargains for magnets, T-shirts, and handmade jewelry at the shops along Station 2, but at more remote beaches like Puka Beach and the airport, the prices tend to be higher.
However, for food items, I recommend purchasing them at the airport to ensure freshness. We bought chips from a small convenience store, and while the item wasn’t expired, it was rancid upon opening, and I noticed a few containers looked damaged. So when we decided to bring home a traditional Filipino cookie called Polvoron as omiyage, we were able to find perfectly sealed, individually wrapped Polvoron, which was a hit with all our friends and coworkers.
*Omiyage is a Japanese custom referring to souvenirs, often food or regional specialties, that are given to people as a gesture after a trip.
Boracay vs. Other Tropical Destinations
When compared to other tropical destinations like Thailand and Bali, Boracay stands out for its a laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. While places like Thailand and Bali are known for their bustling tourism scenes, Boracay seemed less crowded and with way less traffic than Bali. Everyone spoke English and in general the people were very kind. At one point I was laughing about something with my husband and as I was smiling looking around, the locals around immediately returned the smile.
But what stood out the most was the exceptional kindness and friendliness of the flight attendants and airport staff. While the airline staff still enforced rules regarding baggage weight and allowances, they were so kind and understanding. Their approach made the experience much more pleasant and truly left a lasting impression. (We flew Cebu airlines).
One minor drawback, however, was the frequent attention from locals offering goods on the beaches who were eager to sell souvenirs or offer water sport activities. From the moment I left my hotel, even during my morning walk to breakfast, I was approached by several people along the way, sometimes as many as 5-10 within just a 5-minute walk. While I understand many depend on tourism here, it could be a bit overwhelming at times.
Top Recommendations in Boracay
- White Beach
White Beach is the most iconic beach in Boracay, spanning four kilometers with powdery, white sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is divided into three stations, each offering a different atmosphere. Station 1, known for its luxury resorts, has the calmest waters and is perfect for those seeking a more peaceful experience. Station 2 is the busiest and most active, filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. Station 3 is more laid-back, offering budget-friendly accommodations and a quieter environment. White Beach is also a hub for water sports, from parasailing to paddle boarding. The sunset views from White Beach are world-renowned, drawing crowds each evening to watch the sky transform with hues of pink, orange, and purple. - Puka Shell Beach
Puka Shell Beach is a hidden gem, offering a quieter and less commercialized alternative to White Beach. Located on the northern tip of the island, this beach is known for its beautiful Puka shells that scatter the shoreline. Although I never saw a single one, so maybe other beachgoers get up early to collect them. The beach is less developed, providing a more tranquil escape and was way less busy compared to White Beach. While there are fewer amenities, Puka Beach offers a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the crowded spots in Boracay.
- Fresh Mango and Mango Ice Cream at Halomango
One of the best things to try in the Philippines is the fresh mango, and Boracay is no exception. The mangoes here are known for their intense sweetness, making them a must-try treat. Do not sleep on the mango ice cream. I am not even an ice cream person but we went there almost every day. In particular we visited Halomango. Halomango, a popular ice cream shop located on the island, serves up fresh mango slices, mango shakes, and their signature creamy mango ice cream. While Halomango started in Boracay, it has since expanded to other popular destinations in the Philippines, including Palawan and Cebu. Do not miss out on this place!
- Water Sports
Boracay offers a wide range of water activities. We tried a 15-minute helmet diving session at White Beach, that we booked through our resort. Helmet diving allows visitors to walk on the ocean floor while observing marine life without needing prior diving experience. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular, offering the chance to explore Boracay’s vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystem. For thrill-seekers, kite surfing and windsurfing are available, thanks to the island’s ideal wind conditions. Another popular activity, island hopping tours take visitors to nearby smaller islands and hidden lagoons.
- Fire Dancing Shows
One of the most exciting activities in Boracay is watching the fire dancing shows, which are a major part of the island’s nightlife scene. These shows typically take place in the evening on White Beach, where various beachfront bars and restaurants host fire dancers. - Watching the Sunsets
Boracay is famous for its sunsets, and for good reason. The island’s western-facing beaches provide some of the most breathtaking sunset views in the world. Every evening, crowds gather on White Beach to watch the sky transform as the sun dips into the horizon. I highly recommend securing a sunset view spot at one of the beach bars and enjoying one of the numerous happy hours offered. The sunsets in Boracay are known for their vivid colors, from deep reds to soft purples, making each evening a unique sight.
Final Impressions
We spent one week in Boracay. Typically, we like vacations that are filled with many activities and one or two relaxing days. This trip we planned to relax and we definitely did. However, we were bored after 3-4 days. I would recommend if you plan to come to the Philippines to visit multiple islands each for 3-4 days rather than spending an entire week on just one island. The Philippines has many beautiful islands to visit and my only regret is that we didn’t explore more of them.
Our resort was very nice and well maintained and we visited other Hennon locations to try their buffets. All the resorts offer a daily dinner buffet. We ate at the breakfast buffet each morning as it was included in our package and we ate at two different Hennon dinner buffets. Although there was a large selection of foods, we were sick of the buffets after a few days. We did find an amazing Latin American restaurant, called Muchos at Station 2, that we visited 3 times in total during our stay.
We enjoyed our time in Boracay, Philippines and will forever remember it for it’s beautiful beaches and delcious mango and mango ice cream! For more of our adventures check out these other posts: