One of the big draws for many travelers who want to travel to the Philippines is getting to know the island of Boracay or Borácay (yep, it’s pronounced with the stress on the “a”!). Known worldwide as the “Ibiza of Asia” because it’s almost the only island destination in the country with a real nightlife scene (though Siargao has taken the party crown in recent years, to be fair), what will truly win you over is its fabulous White Beach, one of the best beaches in the Philippines. It’s mainly a sun-and-party destination, but there are tons of things to do in Boracay.
Stay with us, we’re going to tell you the best secrets of the most famous island in the Philippines.
Is Boracay worth it?
This is one of the questions we get most when travelers start planning their itineraries in the Philippines. They’ve heard mixed opinions about Boracay and the doubt is completely normal. No wonder, the island closed on April 26, 2018 and remained closed to the public until October 26 of the same year.
The closure was carried out to rehabilitate it, as fecal bacteria had been detected in the waters of the famous White Beach and Bulabog Beach, and the phenomenon of green algae on the beaches was increasingly common. Although the latter is something natural that occurs every Philippine summer, it’s said that the increased frequency is a sign of poor water quality and pollution. Be that as it may, the exponential increase in tourism, which in 2017 reached 2 million in Boracay (an island of just over 10 square kilometers), and the unbridled growth of the tourism industry with little regard for the environment led the former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, to make statements in which he described Boracay as a sewer.
For 6 months the island was completely closed to tourism and only residents could enter. Businesses that didn’t manage their waste properly were shut down and other rehabilitation projects were carried out to make the island more sustainable. Even so, several years later, the rehabilitation works are still ongoing and the island is still a bit “all over the place.” However, nothing really significant to keep you from enjoying it to the fullest.
This, together with the fact that in 2023 the figure of 2 million visitors was surpassed again, should give you an idea of the level of tourism in Boracay, right?
We’ve visited the island several times over the last 14 years and we’ve been able to see the change. While it has always been the most touristy island in the Philippines, what we saw around 2010 has nothing to do with what we saw after the pandemic. In these years, lots of large resorts have sprung up on the beachfront, along with clubs and bars (though fewer than before, to be fair) aimed mainly at tourists coming from China and South Korea.
By 2022, with the pandemic in between and without Chinese visitors (who, together with South Koreans, are its largest market), it’s true that Boracay was more geared toward local tourism. Station 2 of White Beach remains the busiest area, especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the sun hits harder. Beyond that, it’s an island you can visit peacefully if you want and you look for it. We’re sure that throughout 2024 (now with direct flights to Kalibo from different Asian countries), the number of tourists will continue to increase.
We’re not trying to scare you or tell you not to go. Boracay still has gorgeous beaches, but we do want to warn you about the type of tourism you’ll find on the island—very different from other places in the country such as Malapascua, Port Barton, or Camiguin.
Is Boracay worth it? Well, it depends on your tastes and your travel style.
For example, we think Boracay is an ideal destination if you’re traveling to the Philippines with kids, in a large group of friends, or on your honeymoon. That said, the island still has several beaches that almost no one visits and even on White Beach itself, except early in the morning and at sunset, you won’t find crowds. To paint an even clearer picture, keep reading and discover what to see and things to do in Boracay, the Philippines’ party island.
How many days do I need for Boracay?
Being primarily a beach destination, you could spend many days in Boracay. If you’re not a big fan of the sunlounger, our advice is to give the island at least 3 days: 1 to see all the beaches and go out at night, another to relax on White Beach or visit Carabao Island, and another to do some activity or an island hopping and then chill for a bit.
Things to do in Boracay
1. Stretch out at one of White Beach’s Stations
You’ll probably spend most of your time on the island at White Beach—and we don’t blame you, it’s a spectacular beach. 4 kilometers of ultra-fine, dazzling white sand lapped by crystal-clear waters so calm they often look like a swimming pool, especially during the dry season months when the Amihan winds blow (which we talk about in When to travel to the Philippines). It’s also one of the few beaches in the Philippines that isn’t so affected by the tides and is perfect for a swim at any time of day, without having to walk too far.
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Boracay is to enjoy White Beach in every way:
- Early in the morning,
- At midday, when the water looks more turquoise and there’s hardly anyone because the sun is strong,
- At sunset, when the sky turns epic and gifts you one of the most photographed sunsets in the Philippines, with the silhouettes of the paraws (this is also when there are the most people—heads up),
- At night, when fire shows and parties take center stage.
Although it’s a very long stretch of sand, White Beach is divided into 3 sections or “stations”, and when it comes to choosing the best hotels in Boracay you’ll want to consider your preferences. While the boundaries aren’t exact, you can talk about a few characteristics of White Beach’s Stations:
- Station 1: this is where you’ll find more luxury hotels. It’s usually quite calm during the day, although at sunset the happy hours bring more people. This is where Willy’s Rock is, a formation you’ll see on almost any Boracay postcard. There’s a statue of the Virgin Mary on it and you can reach it when the tide is low.
- Station 2: the liveliest. There are resorts here, but also mid-range hotels and loads of restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs.
- Station 3: the one we’ve almost always chosen for sleeping in Boracay. It’s usually quieter, though there are bars and restaurants too.
“EXPERT” TIP: if you don’t like crowds, avoid early morning hours and from 4:00 p.m. onwards. Filipinos (and most Asian visitors) don’t like strong sun, so those are the times when you’ll see the beach the fullest. Outside those hours, we love the stretch between Station 1 and Station 2, which has fewer hotels and you’ll find (almost) empty. Seriously, it’s a wonderful beach.
2. Go island hopping
While it’s a beachy destination, one of the things to do in Boracay to get moving a bit is island hopping. It’s nowhere near comparable to the island hopping in Coron or the island hopping in El Nido, but it’s a good option to see other parts of the island, nearby islets, and especially to do some snorkeling.
Island hopping tours in Boracay usually include Crocodile Island (take a look at the photo and you’ll know why), Tambisaan Beach, several snorkeling spots, and other beaches like Puka Beach. Prices range between 900 and 3,500 pesos, depending on the size of the boat and the season. Heads up: booking online gets you great discounts and you don’t even need to haggle:
Book your Boracay island hopping on KLOOK
Book your Boracay island hopping on Civitatis
3. Go kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach
Can you do kitesurfing in the Philippines? Absolutely! Boracay is the best-known destination for kitesurfing and Bulabog Beach offers loads of opportunities for both beginners and advanced riders. There are several kitesurfing schools where you can hire instructors and rent gear, if you didn’t bring yours, for about $45 per day.
If it’s your first time with this sport, you can book your lesson here (in season).
The best time for kitesurfing in Boracay is during the Amihan, the wind that blows from mid-November to March. Even so, during the Habagat, it’s possible to practice it on the other side of the island (White Beach), as the wind changes direction. Keep in mind that Christmas, Chinese New Year, or Easter will be extremely crowded.
4. Unwind at Puka Shell Beach
White Beach gets all the spotlight, but if there’s one thing you must do in Boracay it’s to spend a few hours at nearby Puka Shell Beach.
Located in the north of the island, the beach takes its name from the “puka” shells, beautiful spiral-shaped shells you’ll find everywhere. Remember, don’t take them. You won’t just be damaging the environment; it’s also forbidden to remove shells or coral from the Philippines. Be a responsible traveler.
Puka Shell’s waters are usually quite calm, although it also depends on the wind. Here, since there are no hotels, only a few stalls serving drinks, the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed (except when island-hopping tours arrive). If you see a lot of people, no worries—walk toward the opposite end from the road; you’ll likely have the beach to yourself.
How to get to Puka Shell Beach? Take a tricycle. From White Beach it’s about 20 minutes. Prices are around 100–150 pesos. If you want to save, you can take the “line” tricycles. They cost 30 pesos to the “City Mall” from any point on White Beach and another 30 to Pukka.
There’s now a new hop on hop off bus that’s super convenient and takes you to this beach and also another of our favorites (Ilig-Iligan). It’s a way to avoid negotiating tricycles and the price is very good, as it also takes you to the port; trips are unlimited and you can choose 1, 2, or 3 days starting from 250 pesos. If you book online it’s a little cheaper.
5. Explore lesser-known beaches like Diniwid Beach or Ilig-Iligan Beach
We’ve already mentioned 3 beaches to see in Boracay: White Beach, Bulabog, and Puka Shell, but there are even more places to explore.
Diniwid Beach is one of our favorites because it has a more backpacker vibe and it’s usually quieter. In reality, Diniwid is a set of small coves, but we love the cliff scenery around it. The thing to do is walk to a spot called Lambros Point, where natural pools form and where you also get a cool view of White Beach. Although it’s getting more popular, you may not find many people around here.
We also recommend Ilig-Iligan, on the opposite side of Boracay. Although the sea is usually rougher from November to May, it’s much quieter and offers snorkeling opportunities at the little islet you’ll see in the middle. We went by habal-habal (motorbike with driver) from City Mall for 300 pesos round trip for the two of us, after visiting Diniwid. You can also take the bus we mentioned above.
6. Have one of the best shakes in the Philippines at Jonah’s
Yes, you read that right. Located at Station 1 of White Beach, don’t forget to try one of the famous Jonah’s shakes, the best-known shake spot in Boracay. The mango ones are our favorites. Please, if you want to help keep the island (and the planet) in good shape, ask them to serve it in a glass and without a straw (they already use paper ones).
7. Enjoy nightlife in what they call the “Ibiza of Asia”
Party in Boracay? Of course!
If you’re traveling to the Philippines with friends, want to meet people, or are up for a big night out, Boracay is your place. That said, let’s keep the comparison with Ibiza in perspective. You’ll find bars and clubs where you can have a super fun night, but without the fame or level of the Spanish island’s venues.
If you want to go out on your own in Boracay, these are the best-known bars, discos, and clubs:
- Bars: for a drink before midnight, Exit Bar, Aplaya Beach Bar, or Coco Bar are good choices.
- Clubs: livelier after midnight are Epic, Summer Place, or Paraw Beach Club.
Many of them offer happy hours during the day.
Another idea for a blowout or to meet people is to join a sunset boat party. What could be better than taking in the island and the sunset while sipping a few cocktails? Not much! There are different options to choose from, depending on how much you want to spend.
Join a sunset boat party in Boracay
8. Feast to your heart’s content
One of the perks of visiting such a touristy island as Boracay is that you’ll find delicious food of every kind you can imagine. In this corner of the Visayas you’ll see street stalls and very affordable restaurants, but also high-end spots perfect for a special dinner. For that reason, one of the best things to do in Boracay is to explore its food scene.
Here are some interesting places to eat in Boracay:
- D’Talipapa: this is a predominantly seafood and fish market located at Station 2 and a Boracay institution. The cool thing is that you buy the food yourself and then you can go to one of the neighboring restaurants and choose the cooking methods. For a modest fee, you’ll eat fresh seafood.
- D’Mall: in this mall you’ll find loads of restaurants from typical Filipino chains like Jollybee, but there are also cool options like Cyma (a Greek we love) or Smoke Resto. Must-try: Coco Mama—coconut ice cream with mango on top. Amazing!
- Station X: at Station 2 they’ve opened this food court but deluxe version where you can find some of the island’s best restaurants. We personally prefer Nonie’s, right next door, which has pretty good vegetarian and vegan options.
The good thing about Boracay being a tourist spot is that there are discount passes for many activities—even for eating. For example, you can buy one to get 10% off at Nonie’s or other popular places like The District, Muchos, or Aplaya.
9. Enjoy the sunset on a paraw
Heads up, you’ve got a daily date: Boracay’s sunsets! Seriously, the sunsets on this island have their own personality and every day they’re different and incredible.
A good place to watch it is by Willy’s Rock at Station 1, as the play of colors with this lovely formation makes for a beautiful postcard. If you want a different plan, hop on a paraw, Boracay’s traditional boats.
You’ve also got other kinds of boat trips like this one or this one. There’s also the party boat we mentioned.
10. Treat yourself
Besides high-end restaurants, Boracay is a divine place to indulge. So, if you’re traveling to the Philippines on your honeymoon, it’s the best island to splash out—along with El Nido.
For example, you can stay at the Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, which has the island’s best facilities and, very importantly, a beautiful private beach. For a “heavenly” experience, get a massage at Upperhouse Spa at The District Hotel, at Tirta Spa, or at Mandala Spa. If you want to surprise someone, gift them a helicopter ride over the island!
And yes, you can also get married in Boracay—weddings are the best! Just look at this setting:
11. Try some adventure activities
Another advantage of Boracay being so touristy is that the variety of activities is huge. Prices are also very good. So if you’re the type who gets bored lying on the beach, you won’t run out of options.
Here are some things to do in Boracay to get your adrenaline pumping:
- Parasailing: see Boracay from above with a friend while a jet ski pulls you.
- Paddle board: a nice way to see the beach and get some exercise.
- Jet ski: something you can do all over the world, but taking in this amazing beach from the jet ski is incredible.
- Banana boat: the classic banana that speeds across the sea.
- UFO or Hurricane: basically like a banana boat but a different shape. Something fun to do in Boracay if you’re in a group.
- Diving in Boracay: we haven’t dived there, but many travelers have told us it’s a good spot for a try dive or a couple of fun dives. If you don’t want to take a course or the tank makes you uneasy, Boracay is one of the few places that offers diving with a kind of helmet. Check it out here.
Heads up: online prices tend to be a bit cheaper than on-site. KLOOK is the largest online agency in the Philippines and has very good discounts.
Practical info for Boracay
Where to stay in Boracay
Which station is best to stay in? Is it possible to sleep in Boracay on a budget? In Where to stay in Boracay and Best resorts in Boracay we tell you everything, but here are our two recommendations:
- Great value for money: Agos Boracay
- For a splurge: Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa
⭐ Remember that to enter Boracay, you need to show your booking at the port.
How to get to Boracay
The easiest way to get to Boracay is with a flight to Caticlan, but there are cheaper options. In How to get to Boracay, How to go from Bohol to Boracay and How to go from El Nido to Boracay you’ll find much more.
Tips to enjoy Boracay
With the reopening of Boracay on October 26, 2018, a set of rules was established. They are as follows:
- Entry is limited to 19,000 tourists per day and they must present a booking at hotels authorized to operate.
- Smoking, eating, and drinking alcoholic beverages are not allowed on White Beach.
- Sunloungers cannot be placed directly on the beach. Some hotels have them, but only in the area farther from the sea.
On the other hand, here are some of our tips, traveler to traveler, to enjoy Boracay:
- Stay around Station 3 or in other lesser-known areas of Boracay like Bulabog Beach to avoid the crowds.
- Avoid visiting Boracay at times like Christmas, Easter, Chinese New Year, or the May holiday.
- Check in advance the state of the algae on White Beach. It’s a natural phenomenon, but many people get disappointed seeing such a beautiful beach like that. Thanks to Instagram you can see live images.
- You’ll find ATMs everywhere, but you already know they charge fees. In Money in the Philippines and Best card for traveling to the Philippines you’ll learn how to avoid them.
- If you have to work or need good internet, you won’t have problems—even for video calls. Wi‑Fi networks tend to work well, as does Smart or Globe’s 4G. You’ll find more information about this in Internet in the Philippines.
- Please, if you’ve enjoyed all these things to do in Boracay, help keep it in good shape. Don’t leave trash and if you see any litter, pick it up. Be a responsible traveler.
- Although you probably already know this, don’t travel without medical insurance. There are a few clinics in Boracay, but no good hospitals. If something happens to you (hopefully not), you’ll have to be transferred urgently and it can be expensive. Get the travel insurance for the Philippines we use and don’t risk it.
Map of Boracay
Here are all the places we’ve mentioned in this article about things to do in Boracay so you can plan your visit more logically:
Do you have any questions about this list of things to do in Boracay? Ask us in the comments and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
