Things You Should Know About Boracay Island
Boracay Island: A Paradise in the Philippines
Boracay Island is a tropical paradise nestled in the heart of the Philippines. Known for its pristine white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, it is a sought-after destination for both local and international tourists.
Located in the province of Aklan, Boracay is a small island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It's situated approximately 315 km (196 miles) south of Manila, the country's capital, and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island. The island is just about 7 km long and 1 km wide at its narrowest point, but despite its small size, it packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty and exciting activities.
Boracay Island is just a tiny speck in any map. It is so small that you have to pinch out several times the map in the smart phone screen to finally see it. But this tiny floating paradise already contributed 1.56% to the Philippines’ GDP before the pandemic hit hard.
History of Boracay - The Beginnings of Tourism
The history of Boracay is as fascinating as its natural allure. The island remained obscure for many years because of its sheer distance from any civilization. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, the roads were narrow, unpaved and powdery that it took a huge amount of self -convincing to visit the island. Beside, much of the Philippines was under-developed and the few that were easily accessible to large populations were already of high quality (during those years). And yes, it is true that the only inhabitants of the island were few families of indigenous people called Ati (Aeta or Ita in some places in the country). People who visited the island had to hire a fishing boat and bring their own beddings or tent and comfort food. They can easily buy fresh seafoods from fishermen. And they had to fight off sand flies which is very common in pristine beaches. I even had an elderly friend who was able to visit the island in those days and she shared her experience of standing on the sand at night, stretching out her arms, then fireflies would land on her and her stretched out arms. I cannot imagine how magical it must have been!
It was also in the 1970s when a German writer published a book about the Philippines, highlighting Boracay's untouched beauty, that the island started gaining attention. Since then, Boracay has undergone significant development and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Alas! The Martial Law, armed communist rebellion and breakdown of law and order and the country’s economy in the ‘70s towards the early ‘80s made it impossible for Boracay to take off as a major tourist destination. It remained bucolic and a backpackers’ paradise, almost exclusive to them. It remained something that is talked about, but few can attest to exist. When the country eventually gained relative peace in the late ‘80s, Boracay, along with other areas in the Philippines eventually became major tourist destinations attracting both developers as well as travelers seeking the beauty of white sands and blue waters.
The Unmatched Beauty of Boracay
The natural beauty of Boracay Island is truly a sight to behold. Its turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and lush greenery create a picturesque landscape that captivates every visitor. The island's charm lies in its ability to blend the serenity of untouched nature with the vibrancy of modern amenities.
The crown jewel of Boracay is undoubtedly the White Beach. Stretching over four kilometers, this beach is renowned for its stunningly white and fine sand that feels like powder under your feet. The beach is also lined with a variety of restaurants, bars, and resorts, making it the island's main hub of activity.
Beyond White Beach, Boracay is home to several other notable beaches. These include:
Puka Shell Beach: Known for its abundant puka shells, this beach offers a more tranquil atmosphere.
Diniwid Beach: A quiet and secluded beach perfect for those seeking peace and privacy.
Bulabog Beach: The go-to place for water sports enthusiasts, especially kiteboarders and windsurfers.
Ilig-Iligan Beach: A less crowded beach known for its caves and local wildlife.
Unique landmarks such as Willy's Rock and Mount Luho further add to the island's allure. Willy's Rock is a volcanic formation that serves as a natural sculpture, while Mount Luho offers panoramic views of the island.
The first resort in Boracay Island
The first known resort is, you would imagine as simple huts with super basic facilities, was the White Beach Resort that was built in the ‘70s. Lucky were the backpackers who were able to get a room and a bed to sleep on, and sorry for those who came in late and had to camp out in the open.
Now, even with the interference of the covid-19 pandemic, Boracay Island hosts more than 350 resorts and hotels are established in the area.
Boracay Hotels and Resorts
From simple huts to luxurious hotels and resorts, the two million yearly visitors of Boracay Island have a wide selection of places to stay. Simply put, the island is a real people’s paradise because no matter how much your budget is, there would be a corresponding place where you can stay.
To give you an idea what are some of the high-end Boracay resorts and hotels have rooted themselves on the island you can look at some of the establishments you can choose to spend your money on.
These are some of the often-recommended Boracay Hotels
Coast Boracay
Ambassador in Paradise Resort
Nami Resort
Activities and Attractions in Boracay
Boracay offers a plethora of activities and attractions that cater to different types of travelers. For those who love the water, activities such as scuba diving, parasailing, and island hopping are a must-try. These activities provide an opportunity to explore the island's rich marine life and stunning seascapes.
On land, adventurous travelers can enjoy an ATV tour or a zipline adventure. These activities offer a thrilling way to explore the island's interior and enjoy breathtaking views.
When the sun sets, Boracay transforms into a vibrant party hub. The island's nightlife and entertainment scene is one of the best in the country, with numerous bars and clubs offering live music and dance performances.
Foodies will also love Boracay for its local cuisine and dining experiences. From fresh seafood to local Filipino dishes, the island's culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious.
If you really want to find out the most comprehensive list of activities that you can do in Boracay. Just look at the items below:
White Beach - This 4-kilometer stretch of white sand beach is the main attraction of Boracay, and is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. You can just keep on walking, take a short dip in the sea, continue walking and tiring yourself witnessing how beautiful the sand and the sunset are (sunrise is also nice).
Island hopping - Explore the neighboring islands around Boracay and discover hidden coves, pristine beaches, and snorkeling spots.
Scuba diving - Experience the vibrant underwater world of Boracay and discover colorful corals, tropical fish, and other marine creatures.
Parasailing - Take in the stunning views of the island from above as you soar through the sky on a parasailing adventure.
Paddleboarding - Paddle through the clear waters of Boracay on a stand-up paddleboard and enjoy a peaceful and scenic view of the island.
Cliff diving - Brave the heights and jump off the cliff at Ariel's Point, a popular spot for cliff diving enthusiasts (this is not in Boracay Island, though. You have to join a tour to reach this place)
Sunset sailing - Enjoy the breathtaking sunset views of Boracay aboard a traditional sailboat or catamaran.
ATV riding - Explore the island's rugged terrain on an ATV adventure and discover hidden waterfalls and scenic vistas.
Nightlife - Experience the vibrant nightlife of Boracay at the bars and clubs that line the beachfront.
Spa treatments - Relax and unwind with a soothing massage or spa treatment at one of the island's luxurious spa resorts.
Kiteboarding - Boracay is one of the best kiteboarding spots in Asia, with ideal wind conditions and a shallow lagoon perfect for beginners.
Jet skiing - Enjoy the thrill of speed on a jet ski ride around the island's waters.
Zipline - Soar over the treetops and the beach on a zipline adventure.
Cliffside spa - Relax and unwind while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean at one of the island's cliffside spas.
Helmet diving - Experience walking on the ocean floor and get up close and personal with the island's colorful marine life.
Mermaid swimming - Learn how to swim like a mermaid with a mermaid swimming class.
Yoga - Take a yoga class on the beach or in a serene garden setting for a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.
Sunset cocktails - Sip on cocktails and enjoy the beautiful sunset views from one of the island's beachfront bars.
Food tours - Discover the island's vibrant food scene with a food tour that takes you to local eateries and markets.
Cultural tours - Learn about the island's rich history and culture with a guided tour of the local villages and landmarks.
Sailing - Charter a private sailboat and explore the island's coastline and nearby islands.
Golf - Play a round of golf at the island's only golf course, the Fairways and Bluewater Golf and Country Club.
Shopping - Browse through the island's souvenir shops and markets to find unique handicrafts and mementos.
Batcave - Take a guided tour to the Batcave, a natural cave formation with thousands of bats.
Sunrise watching - Wake up early and catch the stunning sunrise views from the island's eastern coast.
Beach volleyball - Join a game of beach volleyball on the island's popular White Beach.
Fish feeding - Go on a fish feeding excursion and witness schools of fish gather around you. You can actually combine this with helmet diving if you want to experience two activities ar the same time.
Seafood feasts - Enjoy a sumptuous seafood feast at one of the island's seafood restaurants.
Sunset dinner cruise - Experience a romantic dinner cruise as you watch the sunset over the horizon.
Eco-tourism - Participate in eco-tourism activities such as beach clean-ups, tree planting, and conservation efforts to contribute to the island's sustainable development.
Horseback riding - Go on a horseback riding adventure through the island's scenic trails (better ask around first if they still allow this. It was an issue whether horse riding should still be allowed on the island)
Massage on the beach - Relax with a traditional Filipino massage on the beach while listening to the sound of the waves.
Photography tours - Capture the beauty of the island with a photography tour that takes you to the best vantage points and hidden gems.
Island explorations - Rent a motorbike or bicycle and explore the island's less crowded areas, including scenic villages and local markets.
Cultural performances - Watch traditional Filipino dances and music performances at one of the island's cultural shows.
Beachcombing - Looking for interesting sea life on the beach while walking. You may find some sand dollars, tiny pieces of coral and even colorful shells. BUT… be sure to put them back in the sand. It’s illegal to bring out beach materials out of Boracay Island.
Cooking classes - Learn how to cook traditional Filipino dishes with a cooking class that uses local ingredients.
Sand castle building - Channel your creativity and build sandcastles on the beach with the help of local sandcastle builders.
Spa parties - Pamper yourself with a spa party with friends, complete with massages, cocktails, and snacks.
Relaxation - Simply lounge on the beach, soak up the sun, and take a dip in the clear blue waters for a relaxing tropical getaway.
Helicopter Tours - You can take a 15-minute (or more) ride inside a helicopter that gives you an exhilarating view of the island and makes you wonder in awe and not regret visiting Boracay Island to see its beauty.
Crystal Kayak - This is quite a new trend where tourists rent a see-through kayak not only to see the marine life from the comforts of the boat, but also to have some great instagram photos.
Boracay Travel Guide
The best time to visit Boracay is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for beach activities.
Getting to Boracay involves a combination of air and sea travel. Most visitors fly into either Kalibo or Caticlan airport, then take a boat ride to the island.
There are numerous accommodation options in Boracay, ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
For first-time visitors, it's important to respect local customs and environmental regulations. Remember to keep the beaches clean and avoid activities that could harm the local ecosystem.
Read this on How to Travel from Manila to Boracay, with prices.
The Impact of Tourism on Boracay
Tourism has had a significant economic impact on Boracay, creating jobs and contributing to local development. However, the rapid growth of tourism has also led to environmental challenges.
In recent years, efforts have been made to address these challenges and promote sustainable tourism. This includes the rehabilitation of Boracay in 2018, which involved a six-month closure of the island to tourists. During this period, major cleanup and infrastructure improvement activities were carried out.
Today, Boracay continues to balance its growth as a tourist destination with its commitment to environmental sustainability. It serves as a model for other destinations on how to manage tourism impact effectively.
There is a persistent issue in Boracay about the regular appearance of green algae in the white beach of the Island. I made a detailed article about that which explains why the yearly phenomenon happens and how it can be be properly addressed to help improve the quality of the beach area. You can read the article HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boracay Island
As a popular tourist destination, there are several common questions that visitors often ask about Boracay Island. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
What do Boracay people speak?
The local people in Boracay, known as Boracaynons, primarily speak Aklanon. However, due to the island's popularity as a tourist destination, English and Tagalog are also widely spoken.
What do people like about Boracay?
People are drawn to Boracay for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. The island is also known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse range of activities, and warm hospitality.
Why do people want to go to Boracay?
People want to visit Boracay to enjoy its beautiful beaches, engage in various water and land activities, experience its nightlife, and taste its local cuisine. It's a great destination for relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.
What best describes Boracay Island?
Boracay Island can best be described as a tropical paradise that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, relaxation, and cultural experience. Despite its small size, it offers a wide range of experiences that cater to different types of travelers.
Boracay Island is more than just a tropical paradise; it's a vibrant and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. From its stunning beaches to its thrilling activities, its rich culture to its delicious cuisine, Boracay truly has it all. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of local culture, you'll find it in Boracay. So why wait? Start planning your trip to this beautiful island today and experience all the wonders it has to offer.