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Writer's pictureArtemis Espadilla

Boracay, is it still worth it?

Updated: Apr 29, 2022


With the airfare prices becoming more and more affordable, it seems everyone is flocking to Boracay nowadays. I'm sure some of you are asking, is it still worth it?


The answer is, it depends.


Let me explain. Depending on the type of traveler you are, you can still enjoy Boracay if you follow these tips.


To simplify, lets categorize travelers into 2 types. 1, the Party-Goer and 2, The Romantic.


Type 1 Party-Goers are those who would go to Boracay to meet other people and enjoy the crowd while partying by the beach. You can be a solo traveler or a group, it doesn't matter. To you, Boracay is a place to let loose and have fun. Maybe a little bit more fun than what you would normally have! If this is you, then you can still definitely enjoy Boracay! Expand this selection and follow the recommendations within.


Summer in Boracay with the clearest blue skies, whitest powdery soft sand, and crystal clear water
Boracay Summer

When to go? Best time to go is during summer, the peak months of April to May. Book your stay months ahead as these dates are usually the most in-demand.




Airline For the most reliable and with the most number of flights in a day, go for Cebu Pacific. If you can still avail their Super Pass, it is definitely worth getting. You can have the round-trip flight to Caticlan at 50% off the regular fare using a Super Pass.





Hotels or Resorts Go for budget accommodation in station 2 or 3! You don't need to stay in fancy resorts since you will most likely spend your days and nights outside. However, I recommend that you stay at a beachfront hotel since most of the party places are by the beach. You will have to walk back to your hotel after you party and it just makes it easier for you. TRUST ME! This is a personal preference, you will still enjoy Boracay otherwise.



I trust Agoda for the best value accommodation in Boracay. You can also use Trip Advisor to compare prices across different online booking platforms. Be sure you book ahead! Most accommodations are full during these months and the worst thing that can happen if you don't is get sent back home upon arrival due to local restrictions.

Food

If you are on a budget, there are so many options at D'mall, with Andoks as one of the crowd favorites. You can save your money for cocktails in the evening! You can also go to Station 3 - there are so many small restaurants that offer seafood buffets and affordable sets for less than 1000Php each. For snacks, nothing beats those ihaw-ihaw or chori burger stalls. Cheap but tasty local food! However, I do not recommend those Paluto services. They are usually overpriced and doesn't really taste good. You are better off going to those buffet places if you are willing to spend that much.


Activities

Be a mermaid for a day by renting a mermaid costume and have our pictures taken by the beach
Renting a Mermaid Costume

During the day, explore the island's natural wonders. Go to Puka beach for a more local vibe. Visit Willy's Rock and take pictures. If you are even up for it, you can dress up as mermaids and take pictures and videos while swimming in the crystal clear waters. Then there's the sunset activities. Sunset in Boracay is so stunning, locals created activities in order for you to enjoy them even more. Parasailing, sunset cruise, and my favorite practical activity, sitting by the beach, sipping my cold cocktail while watching the sun set.



World Famous Boracay Golden Sunset
World Famous Boracay Golden Sunset

In the evening, the best club with the best crowd and the best music is still Epic. It's in the middle of Station 2, beside D'mall. There are other places where you can hang out and listen to live music, like BomBom bar. These are the top 2 I recommend but there are so many other places by the beach, just go for a stroll and take your pick.


Epic Club Boracay
Epic Boracay

Bombom Bar live music Boracay
Bombom Bar Boracay

If you are a bit more adventurous, you can try out Boracay Pub Crawl. For 990Php, they will give you your own shot glass, a bright yellow T-shirt, free drinks, and free pub crawl to different bars. They have cute and friendly party officials that will make sure you have the best time! Be careful with the free shots, they taste good but are definitely strong! I highly, HIGHLY recommend this activity for meeting new friends and having that once in a lifetime unforgettable experience!


Boracay Pub Crawl Nightlife Party
Boracay Pub Crawl


Type 2 The Romantics, are those who love the chill Boracay vibe. You would like a more exclusive experience and will spend more for comfort and quality service. You don't like crowded areas and would appreciate intimate alone time with your partner, friends, or family. You like Boracay for its natural beauty and you wish to have a relaxing vacation. If this is you, you can still enjoy Boracay! Expand this selection for some tips to help you get the most exclusive experience.


Typical Boracay weather in January
Boracay In January

When to go? Best months are November to February. Avoid going there during the summer as it can get chaotic. Also, you will not be able to enjoy the shore during the summer since it is usually covered with algae. For me, the best time is the last week of January to first week of February as the weather is mostly sunny and the water is at its calmest.




Airline/Transportation I still recommend Cebu Pacific. From Manila, it takes less than an hour to reach Caticlan airport so it doesn't make sense to get an expensive seat. You can also travel via PAL for a less crowded airplane, but the airport is usually at Terminal 2. The parking area in Terminal 2 is across the street (unlike in Terminal 3 where it is connected to the airport itself) so if you prefer driving yourself to the airport, it can be quite a hassle.



Private Boat of Henann Boracay
Henann Airport Transport with Private Boat

Avail of airport transfers! Most exclusive hotels offer free transfers and they will arrange everything for you. They also have exclusive waiting areas, boats or yachts, and shuttle services. You don't have to queue up in any line and pay any fee. You only need to worry about what to eat once on the island!

Hotels and Resorts


Pool Area of Discovery Shores Boracay
Discovery Shores Boracay

Avoid Station 2 and 3 at all cost! No matter what time of the year, these places are usually crowded. My top picks in Station 1 are Henann Prime and Discovery Shores because they offer free airport transfers and have the best beachfront accommodation. If you would like the most premium Boracay experience, go for Shangri-La Boracay. It's quite far from the White Beach area but you get your own exclusive beach.

Food

Dining at Discovery Shoires Boracay, breakfast with a view
Discovery Shores Boracay Breakfast View

Henann Prime and Discovery Shores both have excellent restaurants and offer a good selection for their breakfast buffets. If you choose to dine outside, you can check out the famous Two Seasons for their 4 Cheese Pizza and Oyster Sisig. Avoid going there during lunch or dinner hours though since it can get too crowded. Best to go there earlier to secure your table. Other notable restaurants, Nonie's at Station X. They have healthy, locally grown, and sustainable food, not to mention they have huge servings and for something healthy, surprisingly delicious! Cha Cha's Beach Cafe at Coast.

Halo Halo at Boracay's Cha Cha Restaurant
Cha Cha's Boracay Halo Halo

From appetizer to dessert, everything tastes delicious. Bonus is their amazing beachfront view while dining! Speaking of view, another great view while having your 2nd coffee of the day is at Real Coffee. Apart from their famous Calamansi Muffins as pasalubong, they also offer a wide selection of breakfast food and coffee. Activities

You will probably enjoy staying the whole day at the beach. You can have your meals setup at the beachfront or by the pool area. If you are staying at Discovery Shores, they even offer complimentary snacks around 2 PM, which you can enjoy by the pool. If you are staying in one of these premium hotels, there's very little need to go anywhere else. Maybe you can get the Jacuzzi room or a room with your own

Discovery Suites One Bedroom Suite with Private Jacuzzi and Balcony
Discovery Suites One Bedroom Suite with Jacuzzi

private pool for an extra special evening playtime. Some resorts offer private tour services, depending on your adventure appetite. My favorite activity is to have a massage by the beach. The salty air, warm breeze, and the sound of the waves are enough to put you in a trance. A good massage on top of that is pure heaven. Depending on the resort, they can arrange for a beachfront massage or you can avail it in their spa. Either way, their masseuse are experts at

Havingn a Massage by the Beach at Boracay
Massage by the Beach at Boracay

removing all the stress in your muscles so you just melt on the bed while they do their magic.



In Summary, I know most of you may be a mix of these 2 types and or maybe one type or another depending on the situation. These are generalized guides to help you get the most our of your Boracay vacation. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference!


I have created a Boracay Cheat Sheet guide for you down below. I know there are so much more that I can't fit into this blog but do let me know what are your Boracay tips and if you agree or don't with mine.


Boracay Cheat Sheet, click to download
Boracay Cheat Sheet, click to download

Thank you for reaching this far and hope to see you in future travels!


Love and light.


1 Comment


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