DIY TRAVEL GUIDE: Boracay Island

Travel Dates:

Last Updated: January 4, 2019

When one hears the word Boracay, the first thing that comes in mind is sugary and powdery white sand, then partying and relaxing. Boracay is a small island in the province of Aklan, Philippines, known for its powder-like white sand and crystal-clear blue water. It receives a lot of awards from travel publications and agencies. It has become very popular among locals and tourists.

Not only is the island famous for its beaches but also being one of the world's top destinations for relaxation and night life. I've been there only twice, and I can say that it really has become very popular, to the point that you'll think tourists live there already.

During the 80's, Boracay is popular for backpackers as best budget destination. In the 90's, it has become the best in the world and tourist flock there like migrating birds. In 2012, it's reported to be world's 2nd best destination, after the Providenciales in Caicos Island. Boracay got its name from a lot of origins, but for me, the most appropriate one is that it came from the word "Borac", which means white cotton. Its characteristic is the closest resemblance to the color and texture of the sand in the island.

There are a lot of beaches in Boracay Island, but the most popular are the White Beach and Bulabog Beach. Tourists usually use the boat stations as reference for the White Beach. Boat Station 1 in the south, Boat Station 2 in the center and Boat Station 3 in the south. Among the 3 stations, Station 1 is popular for its shore, and station 3 for a night life.

During Habagat (Monsoon) season, the wind and the water in White Beach is not very safe for activities. Bulabog Beach on the other hand is perfect for activities during this season. It's because it's on the other side, not very fine sand but still white. It's more or less 15-minute walk from White Beach. Tricycle ride is more or less 10 minutes, depending on the traffic.

February 2018 Update:

A shocking nationwide announcement was aired, Boracay island was ordered to be closed on April 26, 2018 for a 6 months rehabilitation process! As part of the closure, Boracay would be closed except to registered island residents and employees of its business establishments. The decision is based on the growing concern over the island's environmental health. Some people did not believe that it will be really closed since it's one of the major tourist destinations in the country.

April 26, 2018 Update:
Boracay Island was closed and they started with the rehabilitation process. About 400 hotels and restaurants were ordered to close for violating local environmental laws, while 3 casinos have been permanently shut down. Establishments built within the 30-meter shoreline easement were also demolished.

It greatly affected the tourism, not only in the island, but also in the country. The government projected that there will be up to Php20 billion loss of potential gross receipts as a result of the six months closure of the island.

An estimate 700, 000 bookings of foreign tourists were cancelled in anticipation of the closur and it's projected to be a loss ₱30 billion.

Three of the major airlines operate to and from the island have announced that they will reduce the flights during the closure.

Rocks at Ilig-Iligan Beach

A lot of people have have estimated to lose their jobs with a big impact in reveneus.

For me, it's really a great move because it's better to save the island now before it's too late. People must learn how to be responsible and disciplined and they have to be reminded of that with a bang!

Crime rates in the island also lessen while the island is in closure. The Boracay police recorded only 14 index crimes from April 26 to June 22, 2018 as opposed 176 cases during the same period the previous year.

October 19 Update:
While the island is still in rehabilitation period, the Department of Tourism issued a warning to local government units based in 5 major tourist destinations to follow environmental laws, namely El Nido in Palawan, Panglao in Bohol, Oslob in Cebu, La Union, and Baguio.

Shore at Carabao Island

October 26 Update:
It's announced that Boracay will have a soft opening to tourism on October 26, 2018. However, rehabilitation works will still continue on the island with its first phase to complete within October 2018.

The second phase of rehabilitation is projected to last until mid-2019 and the third phase until the end of 2019. Visitor numbers were quite restricted and many new regulations instituted.

It as first announced that only 19,000 tourists are allowed to visit the island daily. If this exceeds, only tourists with hotel reservation will allow tourists with hotel reservations would be allowed. With regard to this, respective hotels would be alerted by the agency that the daily limit of tourists in the island has already been reach. However, it was later clarified that the government has yet to finalize the daily tourist limit to be imposed on Boracay.

Smoking, and drinking of alcohol in public places and the beaches of Boracay though these activities would be allowed in designated areas. This was done in an effort to reduce cigarette butts and shards from broken alcohol bottles in beaches. Large scale parties such as the "Laboracay", which draws in 60,000 to 70,000 tourists in three days, would no longer be allowed in the island.

Moreover, fire eaters, masseuses, vendors, stray dogs, bonfires and even the builders of photo-op sandcastles have been banned from the beachfront. All water sports, aside for swimming, are also forbidden for the time being.

I wanted to visit the island on the soft opening so I can see the changes, but the airfare is very expensive. I'm kind of stingy when it comes to airfares (LOL). My friends, however, went there and they said improvements can really be seen, I'll ask them to share some of the photos and add here. For the meantime, I'll try and try to get a cheap fare (LOL)!

Planning on going to Boracay this summer? Below are the guides that might help you.

How to Get to Boracay from Manila?

How to Get to Boracay from Caticlan Airport?

How to Get to Boracay from Kalibo Airport?

How to Get to Kalibo from Boracay Island?

There a lot of things to do in Boracay, you just have to have the money to spend and the will to be adventurous.

What to Do in Boracay?

And when you have spare time, make sure to visit these interesting places while you're there.

What to See in Boracay?

Boracay Island is not only famous for its white sand, but also its food. If you love food, this is the perfect destination for you. Here are some of the restaurants that you must try.

Where to Eat in Boracay?