My 4-day Boracay Summer Escapade in Photos

Boracay had changed a lot since my first visit on a childhood family vacation during the mid-1990s when only nightlife in the island was “Bazura” — an open house disco bar that I was still too young to experience. Back then, White Beach wasn’t crowded yet with resorts, restaurants, and tourists from end to end. The island had been the go-to weekend destination with friends and family being only a 5-hour drive from Iloilo, my home city. Frequent trips to the island had made me feel quite fed up of its growing touristic glamor. I had actively avoided visiting until my enthusiasm for the island came back. It eventually did after around five years since my last Boracay summer escapade.

On my recent trip, I traveled to Boracay for four days with Marx, Paula, and some new friends. We had a great time enjoying the summer weather and breathtaking scenery of the island. Boracay still has one of the best beaches in all islands I’ve been to. The powdery fine and gleaming white sand of four-kilometer White Beach, especially along Station 1, and its cerulean blue waters are worth getting over the tourist fanfare.

Boracay Sunset

We were blessed with clear weather, which is to be expected when visiting during the hot summer months. It’s the best time to marvel at breathtaking sunsets that are worth joining the crowds over.

Paraw sailboat cruise under the sunset twilight.

Paula in her mermaid tail :)

Willy’s Rock at White Beach Station 1.

Boracay White Beach at dusk.

The District Boracay Experience

We stayed at The District Boracay on our first night. Located along the beachfront in the middle of White Beach, it’s one of the island’s best high-end accommodations — a perfect choice if you want to splurge and be near to all the action. The best part about The District was their Star Lounge, which had a luxuriating view of White Beach from day to night.

The District Boracay Beachfront

Star Lounge view at The District

Our Deluxe Room at The District

Dinner at Star Lounge under the moonlight. If you like seafoods, you’d totally love their Grilled King Prawns. It was so good… seasoned and grilled perfectly!

Breakfast view at The District.

Boracay Island Hopping Tour

Joining a boat tour is a must-do activity in Boracay if you want to venture out of the main island. We teamed-up with new friends, who were all first-timers. Spending time with them helped me to enjoy the experience with fresh eyes. We were supposed to go to Ariel’s point, a popular cliff jumping spot. Unfortunately, the sea waves on the way were too turbulent. We decided to go cliff jumping in Magic Island instead. Prepare to use your best haggling skills when booking your tour with touts on White Beach since they often overprice the rates very significantly.

View of White Beach from the sea on the boat tour

Cliff Diving at Magic Island.

Magic Island’s Cliff Diving boards overlooking Crystal Cove Island.

Back at White Beach enjoying the sunset and sight of Paraw sailboats.

G-Max Boracay reverse bungy ride, one of the Boracay’s newest attractions found in Station 3.

Market to plate dining at D’Talipapa Wet Market.

White Beach Walk-a-thon

On the rest of our trip, we stayed at Agos Boracay, a family-run resort located along the main road and near the area of Station 2. They may not have a beachfront, but they make up for it with comfy rooms at great value for money, and a unique view of both the sunrise and sunrise horizon from their rooftop sundeck. It was also during this time that we started to explore more parts of the island starting with a long walk from Station 2 to Diniwid Beach up north.

Sunset at Agos Boracay Resort. That’s our room at the far end that also had a window view of the sunset.

Family Room at Agos Boracay where stayed. It was very spacious and had a loft unit, which is perfect for families and big groups.

Willy’s Rock and Station 2 of White Beach

View of White Beach from the far-end cliff-side footpath to Diniwid Beach.

Beyond White Beach

Marx and Paula had to go back to Manila after the weekend, which left me alone in Boracay. I decided to rent a bicycle and pedal my way beyond White Beach — to a more off-beat side of the island. It was an exhausting yet fulfilling exercise away from the tourist crowd.

Puka Beach, a glimpse of White Beach before it got mainstream.

Ilig-Iligan Beach, which was farther ahead of Puka Beach and a lot less crowded. I was the only tourist around!

Ending my bike tour at Bulabog Beach.

View from Mount Luho facing Bulabog Beach, White Beach, and Panay Island.

View from Mount Luho facing the Boracay Newcoast development.

Me at Mount Luho, Boracay.

Kite surfing at Bulabog Beach during the Amihan summer season.

Watch out for more blog posts from my 4-day Boracay summer escapade including a review of The District Boracay, Agos Boracay Rooms + Beds, and our G-Max Reverse Bungy experience.