Boracay Island in the Philippines is a paradise of white sand beaches, clear blue waters, scrumptious Filipino cuisine, and most importantly, new and exciting experiences. From day to night, you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Boracay.
Located in the province of Aklan in the Western Visayan region, this seven-kilometer-long and one-kilometer-wide resort island has been one of the favorite travel destinations of travelers from all around the globe. It’s not surprising, considering the beauty and the fun the place offers.
How to Get to Boracay
Air
Travelers can fly from Manila or Cebu to Caticlan or Kalibo. Travelers who want to go to Boracay faster usually head to Caticlan, the closer airport. Those who want to save on airfare go for Kalibo, which is farther from Boracay island by 60 kilometers compared to Caticlan.
Land
After arriving in Caticlan airport, travelers need to ride a vehicle that will take them to Caticlan Jetty Port. From there, it will take at least three minutes to arrive at the port. There are many motor vehicles which travelers can hire to take them. From Kalibo, tourists can hire a van or bus to take them to Caticlan Jetty Port. Getting to port can take 1 hour and 45 minutes or longer.
Sea
Since Boracay is a separate island, travelers need to take ferry at the Caticlan Jetty Port to get there. The boat ride can take from 20 to 30 minutes to get to the resort island.
What to Do in Boracay
Whether you’re into extreme adventures, leisurely walks by the seashore, or partying all night, Boracay offers a bevy of activities for different kinds of travelers. The resort island closed for rehabilitation on April 4, 2018, but Boracay has since reopened beginning October 26, 2018. Now, the world-famous tourist destination is back better than ever.
If you’re planning a visit to Boracay island in the Philippines, here are 10 activities you should do while there.
Go Cliff Diving at Ariel’s Point
For thrill-seekers, here’s another must-try Boracay experience for you — cliff diving at Ariel’s Point. One of the most visited places in the island, Ariel’s Point has five cliff diving spots you can try. First-timers can try the lowest platform that’s three meters high and work up to the five-meter, six-meter, and seven-meter cliff-diving points before conquering the highest cliff, the 13-meter platform.
Explore the Underwater Scene of Boracay
No Boracay trip is complete without going scuba diving or snorkeling at least once at any of the 25 diving sites on the island. Prepare to be awed at the stunning seascape of underwater Boracay. You’ll see plenty of what the waters can offer, from colorful corals and sea creatures of all shapes and sizes to underwater tunnels and caves.
Try Island Hopping
One of the most popular things to do in Boracay, island hopping is a half-day tour on a boat around to visit several of the island’s gorgeous beaches. There are about 12 well-known beaches in Boracay, including White Beach (the main attraction), Puka Beach (the less developed and untouched), Tambisaan Beach (the snorkeling spot), and more.
Dare to Parasail
For adrenaline junkies and daredevils, see the island up in the sky. If you’ve got the guts, dare to parasail on! Head to Bulabog Beach and try their parasailing adventure. You can book an experience at one of the many Boracay water activities service providers. Or you can arrange it with your local travel agency. Make sure to bring your camera to get a photo or the video of the moment you fly on the parasailing chute.
Experience Paraw Sailing
Paraw is a double outrigger sailboat that was first used in the Visayas region of the Philippines. Traditionally, these sailboats were used for fishing and transporting goods and people between islands. Now, Paraw sailboats are mainly used for recreational sailing for locals and tourists.
There’s nothing more romantic thing to do in Boracay than sailing into the sunset with your SO (significant other) aboard a Paraw boat. If you’re the adventurous type, have fun controlling the sail and exploring some of the best places that the island has to offer.
Unleash Your Inner Mermaid
Want to try something different? Take mermaid swimming classes in Boracay. Travelers can learn to take monofin swimming lessons at the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy in Boracay. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a mermaid, here’s your chance because students get to wear mermaid tails while swimming!
Get a Relaxing Massage
A vacation isn’t complete without at least one pampering massage. (Getting one has tons of benefits!) In Boracay, you can find massage places everywhere along White Beach! Treat yourself to an hour (or longer!) of rejuvenating massage on a sea-side bed while listening to the soothing sounds of crashing waves to drive all your stress and worries away.
Indulge in Filipino Cuisine
From sinigang to adobong manok, there’s a feast of gastronomical offerings in Boracay. When you’re traveling in the Philippines, everyday is a cheat day because every dish is a must-try for those who’ve never eaten Filipino cuisine. A few dishes to add on your Filipino food must-try list are lechon, sisig, crispy pata, and of course, the abovementioned, sinigang and adobong manok.
Watch the Sunset
Boracay island has some of the loveliest sunset views in the world, and there are several ways you can enjoy it. You can try these different methods to enjoy Boracay sunsets throughout your stay in the island:
- Walking along the beach
- Cruising on a Paraw sailboat
- Relaxing on recliner with a cold drink
- Sipping sinigang on a seaside restaurant
- Taking in the view in your hotel room.
Those are only some of the ways you can watch the sunset on the island. Get creative and try something new you haven’t done before.
Go on a Pub Crawl
Just because the sun has set doesn’t mean that your day is over. In Boracay, the night ushers another set of fun activities. When the moon rises in the island, it means one thing: it’s time to partay! One of the main attractions of the resort island is its vivacious nightlife. Travelers can hop from one club or pub to another, witness fire dances, enjoy live music, and party all night in Boracay.
It’s More Fun in Boracay!
There’s no denying that Boracay is one of the best travel destinations in the world. There are tons of exciting experiences and spectacular places to visit in Boracay, despite its small size. If you’re thinking of going on a relaxing vacation in the next few months, you won’t regret choosing this paradise on earth.
