Boracay Trip + Itinerary Guide for First-Timers

Boracay is the top beach destination in the Philippines for leisure travelers.

I’ve made frequent trips to Boracay Island since I was a kid. I can’t even recall the number of times I’ve gone there. Growing up, Boracay had been my family’s favorite holiday destination since it’s near to my hometown.

Is Boracay worth visiting? Yes! The beach is not only one of the most beautiful in the Philippines, but it’s also compelling enough to earn Boracay a spot on the list of the World’s best beaches & islands by numerous globally recognized publications.

Be forewarned though. Boracay can get heavily touristic. If you’re an adventure seeker looking for hidden spots & local experiences, there are many off-beat places in the country that will suit your liking better. You can find them on my list of the best Philippine beaches and places to visit in the Philippines.

If you do not mind the touristic side of Boracay, then go! It’s a beautiful island to spend a relaxing and convenient vacation, especially if you’re after the famous nightlife.

Traveling to Boracay for the first time? This detailed travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time. Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown , recommended hotels/places to stay , things to do/places to visit and lots of extra travel tips.

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How to get to Boracay — Touchdown at Boracay-Caticlan Airport, the nearest gateway to Boracay Island. Kalibo Airport is also a good alternative. Both airports are located 1 hour south of Manila by plane. Travel time from Kalibo to Caticlan is around 1 hour by shuttle. From Caticlan, Boracay is a mere 15-minute ferry ride away. Click below to check prices & discounts on airport transfers.

Boracay Airport to hotelKalibo to Boracay

Book your hotel early — Most Boracay hotels & resort are found along or near White Beach, the main tourist area. There are also plenty of luxury resorts hidden in secluded beach coves and hilltop locations all around the island. Grab rock-bottom rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon as you know you’re going. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.

Cheapest ratesBest hotel reviews

Check prices online and pre-book discounts — Save money by checking discounts on tours, airport-island transfers and activities. Booking before you leave also saves you time by avoiding the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.

See top discountsSee discounts

Boracay re-opening 2018 — As many of you know, Boracay was closed to tourists earlier this year to give way for the island’s rehabilitation. Boracay was re-opened to the public on October 26, 2018. Hotel reservations are now required after a strict limit on tourist arrivals was implemented. For a hassle-free trip, make sure to pre-book your rooms before arriving.

Best time to visit Boracay — My favorite time to visit is during the cool months from November to February or the shoulder season from the end of May to the first half of June. Go during the dry/summer season (March, April, and May) for the highest chance of sunny weather. It’s also the peak season, so book your rooms well ahead.

Boracay is easy to travel on a budget — A trip to Boracay does not have to be expensive. There are a lot of budget-friendly places to stay, restaurants, and ways to spend less. Read all the extra tips on this page if you plan on traveling on a tight budget.

Explore beyond White Beach — Don’t miss other spots to see on the island. Take a detour to Puka Beach, less crowded beaches, Mt. Luho inland viewpoints, and nearby islets where you can go snorkeling or cliff diving. You can even go farther, to nearby provinces if you’re seeking a more “local” experience.

Flights to Boracay — Boracay-Caticlan or Kalibo Airport, which one to choose? Go for Boracay Airport because it’s conveniently located within a short ferry ride away from Boracay Island. Kalibo Airport is a good alternative if you are flying international or happen to chance upon cheaper airfares. In addition, you can also fly in/out of Roxas Airport and Iloilo International Airport. This is especially recommended if you want to go on a side trip to other destinations in Panay Island.

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Boracay Itinerary

What to do in Boracay in 3 days? Here’s a 3 days & 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary for your do-it-yourself (DIY) trip.

Day 1: Boracay beaches & inland tour

Day 2: Boracay island hopping

Day 3: Free time

Even after Boracay’s re-opening, many water activities, which could include activities listed above may still be temporarily suspended (until further notice). You can check the availability of these activities on Klook or Getyourguide.

Boracay Budget

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 3 days and 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

Prices below are ‘per person’, calculated based on a group of 2 people sharing the travel expenses.

I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and luxuries, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.

Where to Stay in Boracay

Most accommodations are located in the general area of White Beach, which is divided into three stations.

You can find many upscale resorts in Station 1 (north end), mid-range hotels in Station 2 (middle part) and more budget-friendly options in Station 3 (south end). Beachfront properties tend to be more expensive.

If you’re looking for a cheaper place to stay, keep a lookout for accommodations inland, but not more than 10 minutes away walking distance from White Beach.

There are also plenty of luxury resorts hidden in secluded beach coves and hilltop locations all around the island. This is the best option if you want to enjoy a peaceful vacation away from the crowds.

Check discountsSee rates

Click below to compare rates on Boracay hotels within your budget.

Top-rated places to stay in Boracay

Where to book

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Booking.comAirbnbAgoda

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Boracay Travel Tips Before You Go

What to expect after Boracay’s 2018 re-opening?

How to get to Boracay

Caticlan Airport to Boracay

Boracay/Caticlan Jetty terminal fee and entry fees

Kalibo Airport to Boracay

Caticlan Jetty Port Schedule

Iloilo to Boracay

Roxas, Capiz to Boracay

How to get around Boracay?

How many days to spend in Boracay?

When is the best time to visit?

How to get money?

Money saving tips

Pre-book your Boracay tours & attraction tickets online

Should I book my Boracay hotel online?

How to book cheap flights to Boracay?

What to expect after Boracay’s 2018 re-opening?

The controversial 6 months closure of the island happened from April 26 to October 26, 2018 as part of the government’s efforts at Boracay’s environmental rehabilitation. The closure also gave way for the redevelopment and improvement of key infrastructure in the island.

I arrived in Boracay on the first day that it was opened to the public. Here are some important changes & important things to know:

All tourists are now required to present their confirmed hotel reservations. If you do not have one on hand, you may not be allowed to enter the island. This is being done in line with the strict implementation of the maximum daily limit on tourist arrivals. Hotel reservations are presented at the screening desk at Caticlan Jetty port.

Many hotels/resorts are open & allowed to accept reservations. If the hotel has rooms available for booking on trusted booking sites mentioned here (like Agoda and Booking.com), it means they have already secured the required permits from the government agencies to operate. At the same time, expect to see a lot of accommodations, restaurants & other establishments still closed due to their failure to get the necessary gov’t permits. You’ll see them boarded up and appear seemingly abandoned when you’re exploring the island.

There are no more touts offering tours along the beachfront. This was a big annoyance back then! Booking island hopping tours and other activities are now only allowed through accredited hotel and tour agencies.

Some water activities are still not allowed to resume operations. This was done in line with the government’s aim to protect the island’s marine biodiversity and to lengthen the beach/swimming area for tourists. The ban on water activities is expected to be lifted after assessment by gov’t agencies. You can check Klook for a list of allowed activities in Boracay.

Expect ongoing roadworks in Boracay. Many roads were closed for road widening and improvement of pedestrian areas during my visit on October 26, 2018. They are also building a beautiful promenade/walking path along Bulabog Beach. The ongoing roadworks were not a major inconvenience. Just expect a longer travel time (+5 to 15 minutes) when between Cagban Port in Boracay to your hotel. Estimated completion of the road redevelopment is scheduled on December 2018 or by early 2019.

How to get to Boracay

There are two main airports for Boracay-bound tourists.

Boracay Airport is the nearest and more convenient option. Meanwhile, Kalibo Airport serves direct international flights & often cheaper airfares.

Flight duration to both airports is roughly the same. Travel time is around 1 hour from Manila & Cebu, 1h 30m from Davao, 3h 40m from Singapore & 4h 20m from Seoul.

Caticlan Airport to Boracay

Boracay-Caticlan Airport (MPH) serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and. Major airlines operating here include Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia.

Boracay Airport is also known as Godofredo P. Ramos Airport and Caticlan Airport.

The Boracay Airport terminal fee is not collected at the airport. You don’t have to worry about it since the P200 terminal fee for domestic flights should already be included in the flight ticket price upon booking.

Getting from Caticlan Airport to Boracay:

Step 1: Ride a shuttle to Caticlan Jetty Port, the jump-off point of Boracay-bound pumpboat ferries. The distance is only 450 meters away. Travel time takes less than 5 minutes by shuttle or around 6 minutes if you want to walk.

Step 2: Show your confirmed hotel reservations at the screening desk.

Step 3: Pay these fees at the counter: (1) Boracay environmental fee, (2) Caticlan jetty terminal fee, (3) Caticlan-Boracay boat fare. Prices are posted below.

Step 4: Clear the security checkpoint  & board your assigned boat.

Step 5: Caticlan to Cagban Port, Boracay ferry. Travel time is around 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Ride the shuttle/tricycle from Cagban Port to your hotel.

Boracay-Caticlan to Boracay shuttle + ferry ticket

Enjoy easy transfers from Caticlan Airport to your hotel in Boracay with this convenient package ticket. No need to worry about your luggage and paying individual fees because the price already includes all the transport fares and terminal/tourist entry fees.

Book discount here

Boracay/Caticlan Jetty terminal fee and entry fees

Here is a list of fees collected (in cash) at Caticlan Jetty Port:

The same amount is collected at Cagban Port in Boracay on your way back to Caticlan or Kalibo Airport.

Kalibo Airport to Boracay

Kalibo International Airport (KLO) serves direct domestic flights from Manila & Cebu as well as international flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, China and Taiwan. Airlines include AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines & Scoot.

The terminal fee for international flights at Kalibo Airport is P700 per person. It is collected at Kalibo airport and paid in cash before entering the pre-departure area.

For domestic flights, you don’t have to worry about paying the terminal fee at the airport. The P200 Kalibo Airport domestic terminal fee is usually included in the flight ticket price upon booking.

Getting from Kalibo Airport to Boracay:

Step 1: Ride a shuttle to Caticlan Jetty Port. Travel time is around 1 hour.

Step 2: Show your confirmed hotel reservations at the screening desk.

Step 3: Pay these fees at the counter: (1) Boracay environmental fee, (2) Caticlan jetty terminal fee, (3) Caticlan-Boracay boat fare. Prices are posted below.

Step 4: Clear the security checkpoint  & board your assigned boat.

Step 5: Caticlan to Cagban Port, Boracay ferry. Travel time is around 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Ride the shuttle/tricycle from Cagban Port to your hotel.

Kalibo to Boracay shuttle + ferry ticket

Enjoy easy transfers from Kalibo Airport to your hotel in Boracay. Includes all the transport fares and terminal/tourist entry fees.

Book discount here

Caticlan Jetty Port Schedule

The first trip departs early in the morning at 5:00 am. Frequent trips, at least once every 15 minutes, run throughout the day and night. The last trip is around 10:00 pm.

Depending on weather conditions or during low tide, the ferry services operate at alternate ports — Tabon Port in Caticlan and Tambisaan Port in Boracay.

Iloilo to Boracay

Iloilo Airport serves direct domestic flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Puerto Princesa as well as international flights from Hong Kong and Singapore. Airlines include Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia.

The land journey takes approximately 5 hours.

The Iloilo-Boracay one-way bus fare is P327 per person for the aircon coach.

Caticlan-bound buses depart from the Ceres bus terminal in Tagbak, Jaro District, Iloilo City.

Roxas, Capiz to Boracay

Roxas Airport serves direct flights from Manila and Cebu. Airlines include by Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

Frequent shuttles travel between the van/bus terminals in Roxas and Kalibo. Travel time is around 2 hours.

The Roxas-Kalibo one-way shuttle fare is around P100 to P150 per person.

How to get around Boracay?

Tricycles and shuttle vans are the primary transport within Boracay Island. You can easily charter or get a shared tricycle from the main road, which is around a 5-minute walk from White Beach.

Hotels and resorts located outside of White Beach usually have complimentary shuttle service for guests with pick-up/drop-off service at D’Mall shopping center.

How many days to spend in Boracay?

2 to 4 days is enough to enjoy most of the highlights in Boracay. If you are traveling to Boracay for 5 days or more than 1 week, consider a side trip to nearby islands including Panay Island and Carabao Island.

When is the best time to visit?

I personally prefer to visit during the cooler month of February or the shoulder season from the end of May to Early June when the island is less crowded compared to the peak season.

During this time, the weather pattern starts to change between dry/summer and rainy seasons. There’s a chance of cloudy skies/rain but the weather is generally good most days. More significantly, the green sludge/algal blooms in White Beach are not as bad as compared to the summer months.

There are three main tourist seasons in Boracay:

How to get money?

Money exchange stalls and ATMs of major Philippine banks are widely available in Boracay.

Money saving tips

Traveling to Boracay on a budget? Here are some ways that you can spend less & enjoy a cheap vacation. These are especially useful if you are backpacking or simply traveling on a limited/tight budget.

1. Go on shared tricycles — For transport between stations 1, 2 & 3, hail a tricycle with passengers already riding. Ask the regular fare, which is usually PHP 10 to 20 for short rides. Empty tricycles waiting along the highway usually charge the chartered rate, which is a lot more expensive. There’s also the option of simply walking along White Beach and enjoy sightseeing until you reach your destination.

2. Travel in a bigger group — Sharing expenses with more people can make your tours & accommodations a lot cheaper per person.

3. Eat local — If you want to take a break from expensive food at tourist-oriented restaurants, look around for a carinderia or local eatery, usually found along or near the main road. You can even do your groceries at the supermarket (easy to find) and cook your own food if your hostel has a kitchen facility. There’s also a growing number of fast food chains in the island like Mang Inasal, Andok’s & McDonald’s.

4. Haggle down prices — Boracay is known for overpricing tourists, even local tourists from nearby provinces. Don’t be shy to haggle! Always ask for a lower price when buying souvenirs or booking tours. Shop around for the best deal.

5. Consider staying outside of White Beach — Expect to pay a premium for beachfront rooms. There are a lot of cheaper options near the main road. Choose one that’s not too far from the beach though.

6. Look out for discounts online — With the rising popularity of booking sites, there are a lot of accommodations & activities that can be booked cheaper online than paying walk-in rates.

Pre-book your Boracay tours & attraction tickets online

I often book online to enjoy discounts and cashless convenience during my actual trip. Always check prices of tours and attraction tickets on these booking sites:

KlookGetYourGuide

If you’re booking tours and you’ve already finalized your travel dates, book early, especially if you are traveling with family/friends to lock-in those open slots for everyone in your group.

Extra travel discounts!

Click below to view the latest promo codes. Enjoy extra savings on top of existing discounts:

Should I book my Boracay hotel online?

Book your stay sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms tend to get fully-booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

I frequently book my stay with the sites below to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy hassle-free trips. Click below to see today’s lowest prices.

AgodaBooking.com

Here top reasons why I prefer to book online & why you should too:

How to book cheap flights to Boracay?

If you are flying to within the next 2-3 months, the general rule to spend less on flights is by booking sooner rather than later. In case you are booking well ahead of your trip, keep a lookout for airline promo fares & seat sales.

The easy way to find cheap flights that you can book right now is to use flight search engines. These sites compare prices on different airlines to show you the cheapest prices. Check multiple flight search engines listed below:

MomondoSkyscannerWego

Always check promo fares before booking. Visit the airlines’ official website, mobile app, Facebook, Twitter & other social media accounts for updates.

You can also check the latest promo alerts posted here on Detourista. Click below to start:

Subscribe to the email alerts to save time from checking many websites frequently.

To learn more, visit the guide on how to book cheap flights.

Places to Visit in Boracay + Things To Do

Check out these top tourist spots, best places to visit & things to do in Boracay.

1. White Beach

2. Boracay Sunset

4. Boracay Island Hopping

5. Ariel’s Point Cliff Diving

3. Puka Shell Beach

7. Mt. Luho Viewpoint

9. Boracay Land Tour

6. Bulabog Beach Waterspots

8. Boracay Water Activities

10. Boracay Beaches

11. Boracay Nightlife + Parties

12. G-Max Reverse Bungee

1. White Beach

4-kilometer White Beach has clear blue waters and powdery white sand, compelling enough to earn Boracay a spot on the list of the World’s best beaches & islands by many globally recognized publications. The most picturesque stretch starts from Willy’s Rock until Station 1, which offers the finest sand.

2. Boracay Sunset

The World famous sunset view from White Beach is not to be missed. Enjoy a slow cruise on a traditional Paraw sailboat. This is my favorite thing to do during Boracay’s golden hour.

Boracay Paraw Sailing sunset cruise package

Check prices & book here

4. Boracay Island Hopping

Join a boat tour to nearby islets, islands, snorkeling and cliff diving spots near Boracay including Ariel’s Point, Magic Island, Crystal Cove & Crocodile Island.

Boracay island hopping tour package

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5. Ariel’s Point Cliff Diving

Ariel’s Point is the most popular cliff diving spot near Boracay. There are nine different diving boards and platforms ranging from 3 meters to 15 meters. Package day tours

Ariel’s point day tour package — Includes BBQ lunch buffet, unlimited drinks & boat transfers

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3. Puka Shell Beach

Named after the Puka Shell, this quiet beach offers a glimpse of Boracay before it got developed by mass tourism and a nice view of nearby Carabao Island.

7. Mt. Luho Viewpoint

See the breathtaking vista from Mt. Luho viewpoint, the highest point on the island. Try the cable car & zipline ride while you’re at it. You can go there by chartering a tricycle/shuttle, renting an ATV or by bicycle.

9. Boracay Land Tour

See Boracay beyond White Beach. Top spots include Puka Beach, Mt. Luho viewpoint, Diniwid Beach & Ilig-iligan Beach.

Boracay half-day land tour

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6. Bulabog Beach Waterspots

Running parallel to White Beach on the “back side” of Boracay, Bulabog Beach is a popular spot for water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Boracay Kiteboarding Discovery Course

Check price and book here

Boracay Wakeboarding Experience

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8. Boracay Water Activities

Enjoy these fun things to do with your friends and family. Go parasailing, helmet diving, kite surfing and more.

Boracay parasailing package

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Boracay flyfish package

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Boracay helmet dive package

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Boracay Paraw sailing

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Boracay speedboat rental and experience

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Boracay banana boat ride

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Boracay UFO ride

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Boracay jetski tour

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Discover SCUBA diving package

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10. Boracay Beaches

Explore the numerous beaches in Boracay Island. Here’s a list of places to go (click below to check room rates):

11. Boracay Nightlife + Parties

Boracay Island is famous for its year-round nightly parties. The party scene is mostly centered in the area between Station 1 and Station 2.

Boracay Pub Crawl package

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12. G-Max Reverse Bungee

The most thrilling ride in Boracay! Blast off into the sky, 60 meters above sea level, at a speed of up to 200 kph.

Where to go near Boracay

1. Mainland Aklan

2. Antique Province

3. Iloilo 

4. Capiz 

5. Carabao Island, Romblon

1. Mainland Aklan

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Aklan travel tips

2. Antique Province

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Antique travel tips

3. Iloilo

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Iloilo travel tips

4. Capiz

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Capiz travel tips

5. Carabao Island, Romblon

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Romblon travel tips

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