Boracay

Overview

Covering about ten square kilometres, Boracay's White Beach runs for roughly four kilometres of fine pale sand, divided into Stations 1 to 3. Sailing on a paraw, parasailing, diving and kite surfing are all available, with windy Bulabog Beach on the east side the main kiteboarding venue. The island closed for six months in 2018 for environmental rehabilitation and now limits visitor numbers and shoreline building.

History

Once home to the Ati people, it grew famous through tourism in the late 20th century and reopened after the 2018 closure under stricter environmental rules.

Highlights

• •White Beach Stations 1-3
• •Sunset paraw sailing
• •Kite surfing at Bulabog
• •Puka Shell Beach

Practical tips

• •During seaweed season some areas are unsuitable for swimming — heed local advice
• •Smoking and drinking are restricted in many areas; follow the rules

Practical information

Best time

December-May

Tickets

Island and environmental fees about PHP 500

Opening hours

Beach open all day

Local food

Lechon, mango shakes, seafood

Getting around

About 15 minutes by boat from Caticlan airport, or 1.5 hours by road from Kalibo plus a boat.

Visa

A visa is required; holders of a valid US, Japanese, Australian or Schengen visa may enter for seven days visa-free.

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