Traveling From Manila to Boracay

Traveling from Manila to Boracay can be a bit of a challenge, specially of you don’t have an idea how the system works (that is how many transfers you may have to take). And it will depend where you fortunately or unfortunately land. If you land in Caticlan, you’re in luck. But if you land in Kalibo, consider yourself sleeping another 2 hours inside a van before reaching Caticlan.

Then from Caticlan, you may have to ride a tricycle to reach the port (it seldom happens now, though. But still..). Line up to pay some fees, then get on a boat for a 15 to 30 minutes ride (depending on the sea condition) to reach the port in Boracay. Then… you have to transfer to another vehicle to reach your accommodation.

You don’t have to worry much if you booked in a place where they pick you up at the airport and make sure you arrive less harassed to your hotel. But if you’re DIYing it, better make sure you packed smart.

Here are the other things you should know about Boracay Island

Putting in prices in a blog is something of a gamble as prices can suddenly change. But to have some amount you can work on (make sure to allot some extra amount!), here’s the travel requirements and expenses you should expect.

Here are the different ways to get to Boracay Island from Manila:

1. Flying from Manila to Boracay:

   You can choose to travel to Boracay via either Kalibo Airport or Caticlan, which is otherwise known as Boracay Airport. Caticlan is 30 minutes from Boracay, making it the most convenient option. Flights to Kalibo are usually a bit cheaper, but from Kalibo, it takes about 2 hours to reach Boracay.

2. Caticlan Airport to Boracay:

   Getting to Boracay from Caticlan Airport is relatively quick and painless. Your travel time will consist of a 10-minute tricycle ride and a 15-minute boat ride. The costs involved are:

   • Airport to jetty port tricycle: ₱50/~$1

   • Jetty port terminal fee: ₱100/~$2

   • Jetty port environmental fee: ₱75/~$1.5

   • Boat ticket to Boracay: ₱25/~$0.5

3. Kalibo Airport to Boracay:

   Getting to Boracay from Kalibo Airport takes about 2 hours. You can transfer via a van, a bus, a taxi, or a helicopter. The costs and benefits for each transfer option are:

   • Van transfer: ₱250/~$5 (boat ticket included)

   • Taxi transfer: ₱1000/~$20 (a bit faster, more comfortable)

   • Helicopter transfer: ₱57,000/~$1085 (superfast, amazing experience)

4. Boracay to Your Hotel:

   Getting from the Jetty Port in Boracay to your hotel will take about 30 minutes on average. You can choose to either take a private ride, or a join-in ride if you're on a budget. The costs for these rides are:

   • Private tricycle hotel transfer: ₱100/~$2 (for as many people that will fit)

   • Join in tricycle ride: ₱20/~$0.40 (per person)

Now you know how a bit complicated it could be to travel from Manila to Boracay, I’m sure that you are more than ready to be in this place called by many as a tropical paradise. Now, just be ready to shoo away the scammers in the beach.