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Ultimate Guide to Boracay

Guide to Boracay

Where to work?

Our recommendation is:

Find a coworking space, however, there aren’t many traditional coworking spaces in Boracay but there are a handful of nomads there to do; one I recommend is The Lazy Dog Bread & Breakfast. The wifi here is one of the stronger ones compared to other cafes found on the island, it’s decent enough to perform your work as long as you don’t need to download any big files. Another Recommendation is The CoLab Boracay and The District Boracay‘s co-working space. These spaces offer modern amenities, high-speed internet, and a conducive environment for remote work amidst the island’s stunning natural beauty.

Accommodations usually provide wifi to their guests so that is also an option when working. Hotels, resorts, etc generally have a good enough connection, it just depends if there is a time limit to their usage or constant good connection while using it.

There are several cafes and restaurants that offer a conducive environment for work while enjoying the island’s serene ambiance. One such spot is Real Coffee & Tea Cafe, renowned for its delectable breakfast options and freshly brewed coffee. With its cozy atmosphere and free Wi-Fi, it’s an ideal spot to set up your laptop and tackle tasks. Another favorite is Lemoni Café, which not only serves delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes but also provides a relaxed setting perfect for work sessions. For those seeking a beachfront workspace, the Sunny Side Café offers stunning ocean views along with a variety of healthy dishes and freshly squeezed juices to keep you fueled throughout the day. Additionally, The Ruf Resto Bar provides a laid-back atmosphere and a menu featuring both local and international cuisine, making it a great choice for those looking to mix work with leisure. Whether you prefer a quiet corner or a vibrant atmosphere, Boracay’s cafes and restaurants cater to all types of remote workers seeking a productive yet enjoyable environment.

Where to stay?

If you stay in Boracay just for a night or two:

Boracay, Philippines, is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and array of accommodation options catering to various budgets and preferences. For a luxurious stay, consider the upscale resorts along White Beach, such as Discovery Shores Boracay or Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, offering unparalleled comfort and amenities amidst breathtaking views. Travelers seeking a more budget-friendly yet still enjoyable experience can opt for cozy guesthouses or boutique hotels nestled in Station 2 or Station 3 like The Tides Hotel. If you prefer a centrally located accommodation with modern amenities, this is an excellent choice. Situated in the heart of Boracay’s bustling Station 2, The Tides Hotel offers stylish rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, and easy access to the island’s vibrant nightlife and dining scene, making it ideal for guests looking to immerse themselves in the island’s energy.

Station 2 and Station 3 offer proximity to the beach, restaurants, and bars, ensuring convenience without breaking the bank. For a serene retreat away from the bustling crowds, the secluded beaches of Diniwid or Puka Shell Beach provide a tranquil escape, with boutique resorts and charming villas dotting the coastline. Whether indulging in luxury or seeking a laid-back atmosphere, Boracay offers an array of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs, promising an unforgettable stay in this tropical paradise.

Stay for a week or longer:

For longer stays I recommend staying in Station 3 as it is where more of the affordable accommodations are, and also where there are less of a crowd meaning it will be more peaceful here and the best place to fully relax during your stay.

Although, if you prefer to stay in the more luxury hotels and resorts, Station 1 is the best area for that as they have more upscale accommodations.

If you go further up the north of the island, you can find the private resorts that have their own private beach past Station 1 – this is where you’ll most likely to find the finest hotels and resorts if it is within your budget.

There are also plenty of hostels and apartments that you can book if you plan to stay for a while, most being around Station 2 along the coast but the more affordable ones are in the inner part of the island. They are still near the beaches, they just won’t be right outside your doorstep.

Consider 7 Stones Boracay, a luxurious beachfront resort offering spacious and elegantly furnished accommodations. With its serene ambiance, infinity pool, and proximity to the famous White Beach, 7 Stones provides a tranquil retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Alternatively, Banna Bay Boracay presents a charming boutique hotel experience, perfect for those seeking a more intimate and personalized stay. Nestled amidst lush tropical gardens, Banna Bay offers cozy rooms and personalized service, creating a cozy home-away-from-home atmosphere.

 

What to do?

Stay in town:

If you want to go underwater, Tambisaan Beach is the place to go for underwater activities. This is one of the best spots on the island to go snorkeling; there are also diving spots around this area where you can rent gear and/or take lessons for 2,400-3,500 Pesos.

One of the things that Boracay is known for is its abundant amount of watersports that you can try. From banana boats, to fly fish, and even parasailing – if you have the guts for it – and more! There are so many water activities that you can try all over the island, will you even have enough time to try them all during your stay?

Puka Beach is one of the famous places that tourists go to while on Boracay as it is one of the untouched beaches on the island. Although it is a go-to spot, there are only a few people that bother going there as it is separated from the three main stations. I recommend going to this specific beach so you can catch a glimpse of Boracay’s flying fox which really are just fruit bats, but when do you get a chance to see a bat up close that’s not in a cave.

By Ferry:

Malay: Before you can arrive at Boracay you have to take a ferry from Caticlan port so you have the option to go around Malay before crossing over, on your way back from Boracay or cross back over for a day during your stay in Boracay (which I won’t recommend with the hassle of paying the extra fees again onto of the boat fare). One of the highly recommended places to go to in Malay is the Motag Living Museum which isn’t like your typical museums full of artifacts and reading; in this museum, you get to interact with locals as they teach you their way of life and history, getting you to try I bet you will learn a thing of two during your 1-2hrs tour, if not a new skill, at least something educational.

 

Where to eat?

Of course, that highly depends on where you stay.

I will focus on the west side of the island as that is where most of the eateries are.

A nice hub I can recommend going around is at Station X; they have new dining places within the lifestyle hub that are must-try locations that will get you wondering where to eat. Not only do they have a wide variety of international cuisine to choose from, but they also have restaurants that can meet your dietary requirements.

D’Talipapa located in Station 2 is a great place to go if you want some fresh seafood to eat. Here you get to go around the wet market to choose the seafoods you’re craving and when you’re finished, you can pop over to one of the restaurants in the market and get them to cook it for you into any dish you want – they will charge an small fee for their service but at least you get to eat that fresh seafood without the hassle of cooking it yourself.

If you don’t know what you want to have, D’Mall is the best place to go. This is an outdoor ‘mall’ that has all kinds of shops, cafes and restaurants all in one place; located between Station 1 and 2, it is a convenient and accessible place to look for somewhere to eat.

For vegans / vegetarian diets:

Located in Station X, is a cosey eatery called Nonie’s that serves local and other asian dishes. Here, they like to advertise being healthy so all their products are sourced locally from family owned farms and produced from scratch which is surprising considering how budget friendly their menu is. With their seasonal menu, they are able to give you a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian and even gluten free options that will suit your taste like bao buns, veggie rolls and many rice dishes to choose from.

Like a local:

Maya’s Filipino and Mexican Cuisine is a restaurant by the beach on Station 1. As the name states, they serve Filipino and Mexican dishes that you get to enjoy in the open space of the restaurant or on the white sand beach itself. With a mid price range, you get to enjoy the combination of local Filipino food and Mexican dishes.

For a date / with a view:

One of the famous spots to eat in Boracay, and one we recommend – if you don’t mind going slightly over budget – is Cha Cha’s Beach Cafe located in Station 2. They are located on the beachfront giving you an amazing view of the sea while you enjoy your well presented food and drinks. They frequently have live performers for their guests to enjoy while they choose between the Filipino and other asian dishes on the menu which might take you a while since they offer such a variety of drinks and dishes.

How to get to Coron from: MANILA!

  1. Flight: The quickest and most convenient way is to take a direct flight from Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport, NAIA) to either Caticlan Airport or Kalibo International Airport in Aklan province. Caticlan Airport is closer to Boracay and has shorter boat transfers, while Kalibo Airport often offers cheaper flights but requires a longer transfer time.

  2. Flight + Ferry: If you fly into Kalibo Airport, you’ll need to take a shuttle or van from the airport to the Caticlan Jetty Port (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours) and then take a ferry or boat to Boracay Island (around 15 minutes). From Caticlan Airport, the transfer to the jetty port is much shorter.

  3. Land + Ferry: Another option is to take a bus or van from Manila to Batangas Port (approximately 2 to 3 hours) and then catch a ferry to Caticlan Jetty Port (around 9 hours). From there, you’ll transfer to a boat to reach Boracay Island.

 

How to get to Coron from: CLARK!

  1. Flight from Clark to Caticlan or Kalibo: Check for direct flights from Clark International Airport to either Caticlan Airport (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport) or Kalibo International Airport. Several airlines operate flights between these destinations, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines. Flight durations are typically around 1 to 1.5 hours.

  2. Transfer to Boracay from Caticlan: If you fly to Caticlan Airport, you’ll need to take a short transfer to the Caticlan Jetty Port. From there, you can catch a boat to Boracay Island. The boat ride to Boracay’s Cagban Port takes around 10-15 minutes. Upon arrival at Cagban Port, you can take a tricycle or van to your accommodation on Boracay Island.

  3. Transfer to Boracay from Kalibo: If your flight lands in Kalibo, you’ll need to take a shuttle or van from Kalibo International Airport to the Caticlan Jetty Port. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From the Caticlan Jetty Port, follow the same process as mentioned above to catch a boat to Boracay Island and then proceed to your accommodation.

 

How to get to Coron from: CEBU!

  1. Flight: The quickest and most convenient way to reach Boracay is by taking a flight from Cebu Airport to either Caticlan Airport or Kalibo International Airport. Caticlan Airport is closer to Boracay, but flights there may be more limited and slightly more expensive. Kalibo International Airport is about a 2-3 hour land and sea transfer from Boracay but may offer more flight options and sometimes cheaper fares.

  2. Ferry and Land Transfer: If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a ferry from Cebu to Boracay. You’ll need to take a taxi or a shuttle from Cebu Airport to the Cebu City Pier, where ferries depart for Boracay. This option involves a combination of ferry rides and land transfers, usually with a stopover in Iloilo or Batangas, depending on the ferry route.

  3. Bus and Ferry: Another budget-friendly option is to take a bus from Cebu City to Dumangas Port or other ports in Iloilo. From there, you can catch a ferry to Caticlan or Kalibo, followed by a boat ride to Boracay.

 

How to get to Coron from: DAVAO!

  1. Flight from Davao to Caticlan or Kalibo: Start by booking a flight from Davao Airport (Francisco Bangoy International Airport) to either Caticlan Airport (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport) or Kalibo International Airport. Caticlan Airport is closer to Boracay, but flights might be limited or more expensive compared to those to Kalibo.

  2. Transfer to Jetty Port: Upon arriving at either Caticlan or Kalibo Airport, you’ll need to transfer to the Jetty Port. Most airlines offer shuttle services that can take you directly to the Jetty Port. If not, you can easily find tricycles or vans outside the airport terminal that can transport you to the port.

  3. Boat to Boracay: From the Jetty Port, you’ll need to take a boat to Boracay Island. The boat ride typically takes around 10-20 minutes, depending on weather conditions and sea traffic. Ensure you have the necessary documents and fees ready, as there might be environmental and terminal fees to pay.

  4. Land Transport to Your Accommodation: Once you arrive at Boracay Island, you can take a tricycle or a van to your accommodation. Tricycles are the primary mode of transportation on the island and can easily take you to various parts of Boracay.


Once you arrive:

Regardless of your chosen route, once you arrive at Caticlan Jetty Port, you’ll need to pay environmental and terminal fees and take a boat to Boracay Island. From the Boracay Jetty Port.

  1. Hotel Transfers: Many hotels and resorts in Boracay offer airport or port transfers as part of their services. It’s advisable to inquire with your accommodation beforehand if they provide this service. If they do, they will likely have a representative waiting for you at the arrival area with a sign bearing your name. f you want to book this through an agency, you can search up ‘PPS to El Nido Van Transfers’ on Facebook or on Google. Generally this costs between 500-650 Pesos per person or 5,000-6,000 Pesos if you want the whole van to yourselves. Most often, representatives will be waiting at the airport exit with a signboard displaying the hotel’s name.

  2. Tricycle/Motorcycle Taxi: Tricycles and motorcycle taxis are the primary modes of transportation on the island. You can easily find them waiting outside the port or airport. Negotiate the fare with the driver before getting in, as prices can vary depending on your destination and the time of day. Tricycles are suitable for short distances within the island. While this option is cheaper than a private transfer, it may not be as comfortable, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

  3. Public Transportation: Boracay has limited public transportation options, but you can take a multicab or a jeepney for longer distances. These are less common than tricycles but offer a more affordable option for budget travelers. You might need to transfer to a tricycle for the final leg of your journey if your accommodation is in a more remote area. If you have availed a Hop-on-Hop-off pass, you are able to take a shuttle around the island for the validity of your pass.

  4. Walking: If your hotel is located near the port or airport and you don’t have much luggage, you can also consider walking to your accommodation. This is a great way to soak in the island’s atmosphere and get a feel for the surroundings.