The island of Boracay was always described to me as one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is known as a tropical paradise, full of, out of this world resorts, pristine Sandy beaches, and fresh Bluewater. And I was very fortunate to be on the island when I was. They had just recently opened it back up, after a full shutdown of the island due to the drainage system that was non-existent before. I think by the time I got to Boracay it had been open for roughly 1 month. Yes it is luxurious, but can also be enjoyed by the budget backpacker like myself.
How to get to Boracay, the Philippines
Getting to Boracay via Caticlan Airport
Boracay is a small island and only accessible via boat, It doesn’t have its own airport on the island. The quickest way is to fly into Caticlan Airport, and then get the boat to Boracay via the Caticlan Ferry port, which is only around 10 minutes in the car. There are plenty of vans and tricycles outside of the airport which will take as many people to the ferry port at the one time, and shouldn’t cost you any more than 50 PHP. However the port to catch the ferry is literally a 10 minute walk from the airport, so you can easily walk if you are on a budget.
Okay here is the cost of the boat trip from Caticlan Ferry port to Boracay:
Port Fee = 100 PHP
Environmental fee = 80 PHP. TOTAL COST = 210 PHP / £3
Actual boat ticket = 30 PHP
The boat trip itself takes no longer than 15 to 20 minutes, and then hello paradise!
Where to stay in Boracay, the Philippines
Okay guys, I can’t even lie to you right now. Whilst I was in Boracay, it was my 25th birthday and my parents paid for me to stay in a bougie, luxurious, five star, six swimming pooled, 18 holed golf course, mega mega resort. And yet, somehow, I still managed to SOIL myself just as I was leaving my room on my birthday night. Guys it really does happen to the best of us, and I just wasn’t that used to the food yet, I really don’t know how else to explain. Anyway. Am I really going to post this? Oh well it’s too late now ha ha ha ha ha ha, and the worst part is I’m not even embarrassed. Okay enough about my worst moments in life, I’m trying to give good advice!
For those wondering I stayed at fairways and Bluewater Boracay, and it is one of the best birthdays ever! For the remainder of my time, I stayed in hostels and I’m going to recommend some of the best hostels on the island.
Best hostels to stay in, in Boracay
Frendz Hostel
Frendz hostel really go out of their way to organise events, and special nights, to bring everyone together and make the hostel a really special place. You have no problem making friends and meeting people. They have Live music, Pasta nights, and organised boat trips! Not just a place to sleep! There location is spot on, just a few minutes walk from white beach.
Chill out Hostel, Boracay
For me I love a budget hostel, and they are some of the best places I’ve ever stayed. And I’ve had the most amazing times staying at some of the cheaper option hostels. And chill out hostel is amongst those. Absolutely perfect for budget travellers. They offer mixed dormitories, with air-conditioning, huge lockers to store your backpacks, as well as hot and cold showers (which by the way, If you have never been to the Philippines, a hot shower is luxury). They also provide free toiletries such as shampoo, Conditioner and soap. I mean when you really think about it, what else do you even need?
My Hostel, Boracay
My hostel, Boracay, is another budget friendly backpacking hostel that offers so much to its travellers from all over the world. They offer dormitories as well as private rooms, and is very pretty with a BOHO style. They also offer all of their guests a free continental breakfast. Honestly guys, you have no idea how much I relied on a free breakfast, and I would make it keep me going until dinner. Not that I ever went hungry, but you save so much money over a long period of time, by picking places that give free breakfast.
Boracay Backpackers
Boracay Backpackers are a fresh, new, modern style hostel situated very close to White beach. They also very good on the price, and offer dormitories and private rooms. They have very good areas for socialising, big open planned lounge areas and a pool table. Pool tables are a brilliant way for meeting new people if you are solo backpacking.
Best things to do in Boracay, the Philippines
Okay another little bit of honesty from me. During my time in Boracay, I sunbathed on the beach, swam in the oceans all day looking at the sea life, hung out at the resort whilst I was there, and partied in the hostels. I don’t think I done one bit of sightseeing, apart from white beach. I had the time of my life and wouldn’t change it for the world. But don’t worry, I’m not gonna leave you hanging, with no options of things to do!!
Here are some top things to do whilst visiting the Island of Boracay.
White beach, Boracay, the Philippines
I mean, you can see where it gets it’s name. The beach is literally white. I really don’t think you can miss this one out, it kind of feels….. Illegal. And I doubt you want to miss this one out!
Ariel's point, Boracay
I always love throwing in one for the adrenaline junkie’s. Ariel’s point is located on the island next to Boracay and is a day trip. At Ariel’s point you can cliff jump off the rocks into the turquoise water, climb up the bamboo ladder and do it all over again. And equally if you don’t want to jump you can climb down the ladder and have a swim. They also offer other water activities such as snorkelling and kayaking, and there is usually a barbecue included for lunch. Boats leave daily from white beach, and return around 5 pm.
Willy's rock, Boracay
Another popular landmark to visit is willy’s rock formation. Talk about the perfect picturesque Photo shoot. Inside is a statue of the Virgin Mary, And the rock foundation is in the middle of the white beach, and half in the ocean.
Island hopping tour, Boracay, the Philippines
You can go island hopping, to the small Islands that surround Boracay. Including Crystal Cove island, crocodile island, Magic island, and puka beach. There are many companies offering these tours, and will provide snorkel gear, guides and a lunch.
Mount Luho, Boracay, the Philippines
Who doesn’t love a good view point, and a mini workout at leaves you so thirsty, you have no choice but to enjoy a cold beer after. Mount Luho is roughly 100 m above sea level and a short hike up for a stunning view. You can barter the taxis to take you, for around 150 PHP.
Puka shell beach, Boracay
Puka beach is gorgeous and not as busy as the famous White beach. Also the beach is sand and mixed crushed shells, it’s still soft on your feet so don’t worry about hurting yourself! If you love a swim, you will love Puka beach as you don’t need to go far out to get a good swim, it’s get fairly deep quite close to the shore!
Snorkelling, Boracay, the Philippines
Honestly, I spent most of my time in the Philippines underwater somewhere. The sea life and oceans are just out of this world. If you don’t particularly fancy going to far from your accommodation, you will have an amazing time chilling on the beach and snorkelling in the ocean! You can buy snorkel gear from so many stalls in Boracay, and sometimes your accommodation will have some spare you can borrow.
Whatever you get up to in Boracay, I know for a fact it will be a beautiful time! By the way, the make amazing cakes! I’m pretty sure this has been the best birthday cake I’ve ever received.
Thank you Yaneza for my birthday cake. Also whilst I was staying at Fairways resort, I met some lovely guys from Israel that I met on my birthday night out who bought me THREE cakes at the restaurant we were drinking at. Literally three cakes came out with everyone singing happy birthday to me. It was one of the best birthday’s I’ve had! So if your worried about meeting people whilst solo backpacking, please DON’T worry! You will meet the most kindest, lovely people!
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Palawan Island has become something of a celebrity in recent years. With their outstanding boat tours, crystal clear turquoise oceans, green natured
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