Boracay Transportation / Getting to and around Boracay / Arrival to Boracay

How to get to Boracay?
The fastest and easiest way of getting to Boracay is traveling by aircraft via Manila or Kalibo.

Arrived in Manila, airline carriers as Airphil Express and Cebu Pacific Air operates the route Manila - Boracay (Caticlan) - Manila several times a day with propeller-driven airplanes. The daily flight schedule between Manila and Boracay begins early in the morning and ends late in the afternoon. The flight time from Manila to Caticlan is one hour.

Alternatively, there is an air traffic between Kalibo International Airport (KLO) and Manila with South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR), Zest Airways (previously Asian Spirit) and Philippine Airlines. The transfer from Kalibo airport to Caticlan (Boracay) takes about two hours by van or bus. Public vans and buses are driving to Caticlan every half an hour after an aircraft has landed at Kalibo Airport. The last van, bus from Caticlan to Kalibo-Airport runs against 4:00pm. The fare from Kalibo airport to Caticlan Jetty Port amounts 175 PHP.

Cebu Pacific Air, Airphil Express and Zest Airways depart and arrive from Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. All SEAIR flights operate from Manila Domestic Airport. Manila Domestic Airport and "NAIA Terminal 3" are just a few km apart. The journey time between those terminal takes 20 minutes up to one hour - based on the traffic volume in Manila. Metered Taxi in that case "Coupon Taxi" connect NAIA and Manila Domestic Airport. The fare per way amounts around 200 PHP. A public shuttle service by the airport operator does not exist.

In this context it should be mentioned that online flight bookings on the website cebupacificair.com sometimes fail, if customer trying to pay with credit card. Then, it is possible to arrange reservations with: http://www.cebupacific.de

Further options getting to Boracay are by bus and ferry.

The bus company "Philtranco" maintains regular connections from Manila via Roxas (Mindoro) and Caticlan to the southern part of the Philippines - ferries included. For further information visit their website: http://www. philtranco.com.ph

Ro-Ro ferries of the Shipping company "2GO Travel" (before Negros Navigation) are serving twice a day the direct route from Port of Batangas (110 kilometers south of Metro Manila) to Caticlan. The travel time takes approximately nine hours. Each ferry can transport up to 1000 passengers. Information about the ferry service from Manila/Batangas to Boracay (Caticlan) are available on the website: http://www. travel.2go.com.ph There you can also book tickets online.

Getting around Boracay is quite uncomplicated. In order to be mobile on the Island of Boracay motorized tricycles are an excellent mean of transportation. Fares are usually reasonable - depending on negotiating skills. Those who prefer more independence in Boracay will find plenty of offers to rent a motorbike (scooter) or mountain bike. Rental periods can be hourly, daily or weekly. In Boracay it is compulsory to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Almost all streets are paved with asphalt on the island.

Cebu Pacific Air ATR 72-500, Caticlan Airport

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Caticlan & Cagban Jetty Port / Boracay Ferry Service

In general, the island of Boracay has no airport. Air crafts with the aim to Boracay are landing at the domestic airport "Godofredo P. Ramos" in Caticlan on Panay Island.

Transportation to and from Boracay is well organized. From Caticlan Airport it takes only three minutes by tricycle to the passenger terminal "Caticlan Jetty Port", where boats are leaving to Boracay Island. Many motorized tricycle-drivers are waiting in front of the airport building to transfer passengers to "Caticlan Jetty Port".

Arrived at the passenger terminal "Caticlan Jetty Port" visitors need to buy three different kind of tickets for the trip to "Cagban Jetty Port" in Boracay. One ticket "Environmental Fee" (75 pesos), another ticket for the "Terminal Fee" (100 pesos), as well as a ticket for the ferry of your choice. Children over six years of age are charged the same rates as adults. Cash dispensers (ATMs) are available at the passenger terminal in Caticlan.

There are two alternatives for the crossing to and from Boracay. Firstly, motorized outrigger boats/bangkas (25 pesos). Numerous of those bangkas operate in very short time intervals to Boracay. Second option is the ferry crossing with Shipping company "Montenegro Lines" (30 pesos). This vessel has an air-conditioned section. Before entering "Caticlan Passenger Terminal" all luggage will be screened through an x-ray machine.

The ferry service between Caticlan and Boracay is frequently during operating hours. The first boat leaves Boracay early in the morning at 5:00am. The last trip from Caticlan to Boracay is around 10:00pm. The ferry crossing of Tabon Strait from "Caticlan Jetty Port" to "Cagban Jetty Port" takes about 10 minutes. A sufficient number of life jackets are available on the boats. Depending on the weather conditions in Boracay between June and October (Habagat season) and strong westerly winds, ferries to Boracay can arrive at "Tambisaan Jetty Port".

Some 5-star hotels, such as the Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, Boracay Regency and Shangri La Boracay Resort & Spa are equipped with their own boats for their guests.

Cagban Jetty Port, Boracay

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Boracay Beaches

White Beach Boracay
Boracay's biggest attraction is probably 4 km (2.5 miles) long White Beach located on the western side of the island. Fine white sand and turquoise water makes this unique place to a feast for the eyes. The gently sloping seabed is being ideal for swimming and snorkeling. On the beach is numerous service providers that offer a big selection of water sport activities. A promenade with sandy subsoil runs parallel to White Beach. Plenty of restaurants, bars, clothing shops, massage studios, hotels and guest houses line the promenade. WIFI, internet access is available all over White Beach.

Diniwid Beach
Diniwid Beach is in the northwest of Boracay Island between White Beach and Balinghai. Diniwid´s fine white sandy beach has a length of about 200 meters. The turquoise shimmering water is being well suited for swimming and snorkeling. Accommodation facilities are provided in form of small hotels, guest houses, bungalows and cottages. Diniwid beach can be reached by boat from White Beach, or by tricycles following the main road in northerly direction.

Balinghai Beach
Balinghai Beach measures about 100 meters in the northwest of Boracay Island. This beach is a wonderful and exclusive place to relax in the immediate vicinity to the Philippine sea - away from tourist events. A small beach bar, which belongs with Balinghai Beach Resort, offers beverages, snacks and meals. Balinghai Bay is difficult to find, because only a small side path leads to the beach. It is best to ask local people for the exact direction. A further option to reach Balinghai is by boat coming from White Beach or Puka Beach.

Puka Shell Beach
Puka Beach is located at the northern end of Boracay. This beautiful beach reflects the most spectacular colors nature can produce. At the main path to Puka Beach some refreshment and souvenir shops are taking place. Apart from that, Puka Beach has got a settled and distinctive character.

Bulabog Beach
Bulabog Beach, in the east of Boracay Island, is a top address for kite surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts in Asia. Bulabog Beach is a shallow water lagoon that is protected by an outer reef. The period between November and April offer good weather conditions with steady winds for beginners and advanced surfers. The best and most consistent wind blows from December to February. From Bulabog Beach to Boracay White Beach it takes a 20 minutes walk.

Tambisaan Beach
Tambisaan Beach is a small stretch of beach in the southeast of Boracay Island. It has an original character nearby a small village with some local shops. Tourism has not developed as much as along the west coast. Tambissan beach is directly across Crocodile Island, which is one of the most popular diving spots around Boracay. Tambisaan has coarse sand in the south and in northerly direction sand is getting fine. It is an ideal place to snorkel between multi-colored fish and to admire some corals. Due to the strong current, snorkeling-fins are an advantage. Furthermore, Tambisaan is seasonally point of approach of ferry boats from Caticlan.

Boracay White Beach

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Boracay Nightlife / Bars & Clubs in Boracay

Club Summer Place (Station 2)
Club Summer Place in Boracay is a great place for partying until the early morning hours. Summer Place locates directly on Boracay´s White Beach with plenty of seating in and outside the club. The bar extends almost through the whole location with two dance floors in the center. DJ plays house and chart music. Clothing is casual, beach wear. Admission is free until about midnight then an entrance fee is charged up to 300 pesos. From about 1:00am it becomes usually really crowded and Summer Place vibrates.

EPIC Bar (Station 2)
Epic was opened in December 2010. During the day Epic is a restaurant. Late evening and at night Epic transformed into a discotheque with a very good sound system. The interior is decorated in light tones. Epic is located right beside White Beach next to D´Mall entrance.

Club Paraw (Station 1)
Club Paraw is located directly at Boracay's White Beach opposite to Cocomangas Shooter Bar. Paraw has two dance floors. One dance floor has a sandy bottom, the second dance floor a wooden surface. The entire club is spread over two levels. In the upper level you will find a VIP area. Admission to Club Paraw is free.

Cocomangas Shooter Bar (Station 1)
Cocomangas, established 1987, is at the main road on the right hand side driving to the north at Station 1. Actually Cocomangas Shooter Bar stands for still standing after drinking 15 different liquor shots. Who has survived this tragedy gets a free t-shirt, a point for the home country and on the wall, the name will be engraved. Shooter Bar was one of the first party bars in Boracay and it is now the oldest original running bar on the island. DJ plays hip hop, house and chart music. Cocomangas is ideal to meet local people, but it´s also visited by many tourists. Admission is free all night.

Juice Bar (Station 2)
The Juice Bar in Boracay is found directly opposite White Beach, in walking distance to Club Summer Place. With its colorful lights and relaxed atmosphere visitors can either chill out on floor cushions, or dance to R&B and Club music. Flaming cocktails, barbecue meals and beverages are being offered. Juice Bar is open all night and frequented by local and foreign tourists. No entry fee is being charged.



Guilly's Island (Station 1)
Guilly's is a bar with ample seating and large dance floor. Guilly's Island is located in the north of White Beach. It is in walking distance to Club Paraw and Cocomangas. Visitors are locals and tourists. Admission is free all night.

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Boracay Activities / Things to do in Boracay

Boracay offers a variety of activities to entertain yourself. Activities can be many different kinds of water sport, for example: scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite surfing, jet skiing, para sailing, cliff diving, fishing, banana boat riding or a Glass bottom boat cruise. Windsurfing, kite surfing and scuba dive equipment can be hired if required.

Island hopping tours are a good alternative to explore Boracay from seaside. Traditional outrigger and sailing boats can be rented at White Beach. Crocodile Island and Crystal Cove Island are just a short drive away. These islands are also ideal for snorkeling. Recommended is a day trip to Carabao. Getting to Carabao Island takes 40 minutes by boat. Travellers with more time should not miss to visit Tablas Island. Tablas is much larger as Boracay and impresses through its beautiful nature.

If you want to see the entire island of Boracay from its highest point, then you might trek up the peak of Mount Luho. With just about 100 meters over the sea level it is easy to reach the top. Mt. Luho is located in the northeast of Boracay. Visitors on the peak will have spectacular views over the island and surroundings with its beaches and the deep blue ocean around. In the north of Mt. Luho is the 18 holes and 72 par designed golf course (Fairways Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club) of Boracay. The entrance fee to Luho is 50 pesos per person.

In the northwest of Boracay, directly beside the main road, it is possible to charter buggy cars. These unique vehicles can be rented for a whole group, as well as for single drivers. A buggy car offers space for a maximum of two people. It is also possible to rent bikes or motorcycles in Boracay.

Who likes excessive shopping, should not miss to visit D´Mall. It is the main Shopping Centre in Boracay located right in the middle of the tropical island. D´Mall extends from White Beach up to the main street between Station 1 and Station 2. Numerous small shops offer beachwear, casual wear, shoes, bags, sarongs, handicrafts, arts, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, seafood, fruits, vegetables and much more. In addition, there are travel agencies, money changers, pharmacies, dive shops, delicatessen shop, supermarkets and a lot of restaurants. Fast food is available at Andoks and McDonald´s. In most of the shops it is possible to pay with credit card.

After an eventful day, when it becomes dark and the sun has sunk into the Sulu Sea, enjoy Boracays great culinary delights from around the world and its amazing nightlife in bars and clubs full of atmosphere.

Boracay beaches are perfect to relax from the stressful job at home. Reading a book under palm trees in the warm breeze of the tropics, or visiting a massage parlour will make the holiday to a re-creative stay beyond the equator.

Banana boat in Boracay

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Boracay Dive Sites

This is a listing of dive sites in Boracay. Diving spots are listed clockwise starting in the southwest of the island.

Angol Point

Location: in the southwest of Boracay | Access: about 15 minutes by boat | Experience: beginner, training dives, advanced diver | Depth: 5-15 meters | Visibility: 10-30 meters | Current: low-moderate | Best months: November-May | Characteristics: reef with see grass, soft corals, hard corals, stony corals, leather corals, sea cucumbers, anemones | good for night dives and snorkeling

Coral Garden
Location: in the southwest of Boracay | Access: just a few minutes from white beach | Experience: all divers | Depth: 5-12 meters | Visibility: 30 meters | Current: low | Characteristics: reef, shoals with plenty of colourful fish (are used being fed there), soft corals, hard corals | excellent place for snorkeling

Camia Wreck

Location: opposite White Beach, Station 2 | Access: about 10 minutes by boat from White Beach | Experience: advanced divers | Depth: 18-29 meters | Visibility: 10-25 meters | Current: low | Characteristics: artificial reef by a 30 meters ship wreck | good for photography and night dives

Virgin Drop

Location: opposite White Beach, Station 2 | Access: about 10 minutes by boat from White Beach | Experience: advanced divers | Depth: 18-36 meters | Current: moderate-strong | Characteristics: wall, reef dive with soft corals, hard corals, sea fans, nudibranchs, moray eels

Friday`s Rock

Location: opposite White Beach, Station 1 | Access: about 10 minutes by boat from white Beach | Experience: all divers | Depth: 7-18 meters | Visibility: up to 25 meters | Current: low-moderate | Best months: November-May | Characteristics: two dive sites fridays rock and fridays reef with many fish species, soft corals, hard corals, sea cucumbers | good for photography while fishes are being fed

Balinghai

Location: in the northwest of Boracay | Access: about 15 minutes by boat from White Beach | Experience: experienced divers | Depth: 8-40 meters | Visibility: 10 meters | Current: can be strong | Characteristics: two walls, reef with a wide diversity of fish, possibility of tuna and sharks; soft corals, leathery corals, hard corals

Punta Bunga

Location: in the northwest of Boracay Island | Access: about 15 minutes by boat from White Beach | Experience: all divers | Depth: 7-24 meters | Visibility: up to 20 meters | Current: low | Characteristics: series of walls which are connected to Yapak with sea cucumbers, sea stars, soft corals, stone corals, moray eels, stingrays

Yapak

Location: north, northeast of Boracay | Access: about 25 minutes by boat from White Beach | Experience: advanced divers and technical divers | Depth: up to 70 meters | Visibility: 10-30 meters | Current: strong | Characteristics: 3 dive sites - Yapak I and Yapak II, two different reef walls begin at 30 meters and drop down to 70 meters at Yapak III, wide diversity of fish, tuna, barracuda, snapper, jacks, sharks, and manta rays have been seen, sea turtles, sea snakes, sponges, nudibranchs, corals

Bat Cave

Location: in the north of Boracay, easterly from Puka Beach | Access: either by land, or underwater | Experience: experienced divers | Depth: 6 meters | Current: moderate-strong | Characteristics: series of small caves followed by the actual bat cave with sea snakes, soft corals, hard corals, tropical fish | good for photography (with flash)

Laguna de Boracay

Location: about 600 meters easterly of Bulabog Beach | Access: only a few minutes from Bulabog Beach by boat | Experience: all divers | Depth: 5-20 meters | Visibility: up to 25 meters | Current: usually low | Best months: June - October | Characteristics: relaxing drift dive with rock formations, plenty of soft corals and hard corals, clams, nudibranchs, feather stars, sea squirts, tropical fish | good for underwater photography

Tulobhan Reef

Location: about 600 meters opposite to the southern end of Bulabog Beach | Access: either by boat or from the shore | Experience: all divers | Depth: 5-20 meters | Visibility: up to 20 meters | Current: low-moderate | Characteristics: reef drift dive with sea snakes, sea cucumbers, sea stars, moray eels, nudibranchs, anemones, soft corals, hard corals

Crocodile Island

Location: in the southeast of Boracay | Access: about 20 minutes by boat from White Beach | Experience: all level | Depth: 5-24 meters | Visibility: 10-30 meters | Current: moderate-strong | Best months: November-May | Characteristics: wall, reef with a wide diversity of fish, sea snakes, sea stars, sea cucumbers, nudibranchs, anemones, soft corals, leather corals, stony corals | good for snorkeling with fins

Laurel Islands

Location: southeast of Boracay, in the Tabon Strait | Access: about 25 minutes by boat from White Beach | Experience: advanced divers | Depth: 5-20 meters | Visibility: up to 30 meters | Current: strong | Characteristics: 2 dive sites (small Laurel and big Laurel) with walls, tunnel, reef, many fish species, sponges, sea cucumbers, sea stars, sea snakes, nudibranchs, soft corals, hard corals, black corals, leathery corals | good for photography

Channel Drift

Location: south of Boracay, between Boracay and Aklan in the Tabon Strait | Access: about 30 minutes by boat from White Beach | Experience: advanced divers | Depth: 10-35 meters | Visibility: 5-10 meters | Current: very strong | Characteristics: drift dive with canyons, rock formations, shark caves, sandy seabed, stingrays, shoals of fish, beautiful corals, sponges

Dive sites around Boracay Island on Boracay Map

Return from Crocodile Island

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Boracay Immigration / Visa / Visa Extension in Boracay

Tourist visa extensions can be done on location in Boracay.
In principle, citizens with valid passports and outbound ticket of e.g., Germany, Switzerland, Austria, South Korea, United Kingdom, Australia, United States, citizens from a nation with diplomatic relations to the Philippines are given with entry into the Philippines a free of charge tourist visa for 30 days. (Visa on arrival)

A visa extension until maximally 59 days are possible with the Bureau of Immigration or in a regional office. For this a valid return flight ticket is necessary. The fee for the first visa extension amounts 3,040 PHP. Each additional month of visa extension after that 59 days will cost 500 PHP.

The Bureau of Immigration in Boracay is located next to Nirvana Beach Resort at Station 2. The office entrance is directly at the main road, driving in northerly direction on the left hand side. (about 300 meters before "Crafts" and "D´Mall" area) Staff require the passport, a photocopy of the passport including a copy of the entry stamp to the Philippines, plus a processing fee. Then, the extended visa can be picked up on the same day. Visa extend at least one or two weeks before expiration date.

Boracay Immigration Office is open from Monday to Friday.
Office hours: 7:30am - 05:30pm

Contact:
Bureau of Immigration Boracay Field Office
Villa Camella, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
Melita C. De Asis - Acting Alien Control Officer
Phone: +63 (036) 2885267

Bureau of Immigration Kalibo Field Office
Muncipal Bldg. Office, United Veterans Ave, Kalibo, Aklan
Melita C. De Asis - Acting Alien Control Officer
Phone: +63 (036) 5007601

Extension of Non-Immigrant Visa

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Money & ATMs in Boracay

The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine peso (PHP).
Bank notes are circulating in following denominations: 20 Peso, 50 Peso, 100 Peso, 200 Peso, 500 Peso, 1000 Peso. Coins: 1 Peso, 2 Peso, 5 Peso, 10 Peso.

1 U.S. dollar = 44 PHP (March 2014)
1 EURO = 62 PHP (March 2014)

In Boracay is a large number of ATMs of following banks:
Allied Bank, Metrobank, BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands), PNB (Philippine National Bank) and BDO (Banco de Oro). In all these banks it is easily possible to get money with common credit cards. VISA Card, MasterCard, American Express, etc., partly Cirrus and Maestro are being accepted. ATMs in Boracay are almost all along the main road (Manggayad, Balabag Road), some at D´Mall area, or at the beachfront in front of White Beach. The current maximum amount per withdrawal is 10,000 Pesos. Banks are charging a fee of 200 Pesos per withdrawal at ATMs.

In addition there are numerous exchange offices in Boracay where foreign cash like Euro, Korean Won, Japanese Yen, U.S. Dollars and other currencies can be exchanged into Filipino pesos. Travelers checks are also accepted.

In order to carry out money transfers to a Philippine bank account it needs SWIFT code, account number and the international routing number of the recipient. Remittances from the U.S. or Europe will take about five to ten days until the amount is credited to the Philippine recipient. For money transfer from a Philippine bank account to a European, it needs SWIFT code and IBAN code (International Bank Account Number). Furthermore, money transfers are possible through Western Union and Palawan Pawnshop, of which there are several branches in Boracay.

Below the SWIFT codes of resident banks in Boracay:
Allied Bank: ABCMPHMM
Metrobank: MBTCPHMM
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI): BOPIPHMM
Philippine National Bank (PNB): PNBMPHMM
Banco de Oro (BDO): BNORPHMM

Philippine Peso

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Boracay Climate / Weather in Boracay

Boracay has a tropical climate. Temperature and humidity are high throughout the year. The weather in Boracay is divided into two main seasons:

The South-West monsoon (Habagat) from June to October is characterized by rainy weather. In the Habagat season hotels offer lower rates for their accommodations in Boracay. On the other hand, the North-East monsoon (Amihan). It occurs from November to May and is dominated by little rainfall or no rain. This is the peak season in Boracay.

The best time to visit Boracay is from end-November to April. Temperatures are between 25°C and 32°C and it is mostly dry apart from some rain showers. During this period wind comes from easterly direction. The hottest time of the year in Boracay is from May until about mid-July. Temperatures can reach up to 38°C.

The phase between June to October is known as the rainy season in Boracay. It does not mean that it must rain consistently in these months, but prolonged heavy rain is likely. The temperatures and humidity are high with strong winds to blow from the west over the island.

Sometimes typhoons and tropical cyclones (bagyos) move across the Philippine archipelago. From June to November tropical storms and typhoons can afflict the island of Boracay.

The Climate chart below contains the average monthly temperatures and precipitation amount in Boracay, Western Visayas.

Climate Chart - Boracay	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dez
Daytime Temperatures °C	29	30	31	32	33	33	31	30	30	31	30	30
Night-Time Temperatures °C	22	22	23	24	25	24	24	24	24	24	24	23
Ø Rain Days / Month	5	3	3	5	8	15	15	16	15	14	11	9

Thunderstorm in Boracay

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Crystal Cove Island

Crystal Cove Island (formerly Tiguatian Island) is a two hectares small island, which lies just a short boat ride away between Boracay and Caticlan. It is in close proximity to Laurel Island. To reach Crystal Cove, boats can be hired at White Beach and Caticlan Jetty Port.

The Island consists primarily of grey-brown rocks overgrown with deep-green vegetation and is surrounded by clear turquoise water. Crystal Cove Island is ideal for walking, relaxing and picnicking. In the evening, such as early morning visitors can follow sunset and sunrise from the isle. The main attraction of Crystal Cove are two caves, in which the Sibuyan Sea flushes its waves into. In the south of Crystal Cove you will find a beautiful sandy beach that invites to swim. From there you can snorkel along the coastline and admire the remarkable beauty of the Philippine underwater world.

The entrance fee to Crystal Cove Island amounts 200 pesos per person.

Cave on Crystal Cove Island

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Boracay Map

Below a map of Boracay Island with its surroundings and markers of interest. The blue dots on the map provide information about the location of dive sites, jetty ports and beaches in Boracay.


Map of Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Enlarge Map

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Tablas Island

Tablas Island is centrally located in the Philippine archipelago, between Mindoro and Sibuyan Island, and belongs to the region MIMAROPA. It is the largest island of Romblon Province with 64 km (40 mi) from north to south and 17 km (11 mi) at its widest point. Boracay is a three-hour boat trip away in southerly direction. Tablas captivates by its beautiful natural landscape with plenty of options for outdoor activities. The best time to visit Tablas Island is from November to April. In that period the weather should be relatively dry and calm. Additionally, the sea swell is not as strong and the rivers are not flooded.

The Island of Tablas is subdivided into nine municipalities: Odiongan, Alcantara, Calatrava, Ferrol, Looc, San Agustin, San Andres, Santa Fe, and Santa Maria. Each municipality is subdivided into Barangays. Odiongan is the largest municipality in Tablas. The town includes a university along with government and private hospital (Tablas Doctors Hospital and Medical Center). Furthermore, there are many small shops, a commercial center, some restaurants and a large market. Fresh groceries and articles of daily use can be bought here. A local branch of Allied bank with an ATM is located in the center of Odiongan. The maximum cash withdrawal is limited to 10,000 PHP per transaction. Foreign credit cards are accepted. Small hotels and pensions offer a limited selection on accommodation. Internet cafes and WiFi-access are available in Odiongan. But there is no remarkable nightlife on the entire island. Tablas inspires those looking for original nature and simplicity.

Tropical Tablas has retained its original character. Farmers use the side of public roads to dry their rice seeds and coconut husks. The Wildlife and landscape appears untouched as deep-green vegetation is crossed by rivers and streams. Tablas Island provides a wide variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore wonderful waterfalls and caves surrounded by tropical nature. Sig-Kop Cave, Mablaran Falls, Garing Falls, Mainit Falls, or turquoise colored Linao D Victo are natural attractions in Tablas. In the middle of the island scenery becomes hilly and mountainous. The highest mountain is Mt. Payaopao with 665 meters (2182 feet) located in the municipal of San Augustin. But it is not necessary to climb mountains to get stunning views. Through partial winding roads arise magnificent outlooks on surrounding nature. Roads are mostly paved with asphalt some are covered with gravel. Tablas is not nearly as frequented by tourists compared to Boracay. Therefore, the beaches are deserted. Beautiful and picturesque beaches in Tablas are: Aglicay Beach in Alcantara, beaches west of Looc, the bay in Barangay Libertad, the coast in Adpudlos north of San Andres. Odiongan beach has a natural character with darker sand and driftwood from the nearby river.

About 153.000 people live on Tablas Island. Most of them are Catholic Christians. The main spoken languages (dialects) are Romblomanon, Tagalog and Bisaya. English is understood and spoken by almost everyone. Tourism as a source of income and employment has no great significance in Tablas. A large part of inhabitants live on agriculture, such as rice cultivation, fruit and vegetable farming. Fishery and small animal breeding are important revenue streams of local Tablas residents.

Tablas Island, Romblon

Getting to Tablas Island

By air:
Tablas Island will be approached by Fil-Asian Airways. The airline company plans to fly three times a week with a propeller-driven airplane (NAMC YS-11) from Manila to Tugdan and return (Monday, Thursday, Saturday). The flight time takes about 40 minutes. For more info check their website: http://www.filasianair.com
Tugdan Airport (THB) is located in the southwest of Tablas in the municipality of Alcantara. From the airport all municipalities can be reached with public transportation. Jeepneys, tricycles and motorbikes are being offered to continue the journey. SEAIR and ZestAir currently offer no flights to Tablas Island (status as of May 2013).

By sea:
Caticlan (Boracay Island) - Looc (Tablas Island)
Motorized outrigger boats (bangkas) operate daily from "Caticlan Jetty Port" to "Looc Port" in Tablas. Usually, the first ferry crossing starts at 8:30am. Sometimes there will be even two trips per day to Tablas Island. If a second trip taking place, then the boat will leave Caticlan around 9:30am. The passage from Caticlan to Looc takes about three hours depending on weather conditions. Boat tickets can be bought at the port of Caticlan and costs 300 PHP one way. Public transportation is available in Looc (e.g. jeepney, tricycle) so that all municipalities of Tablas Island can be achieved.

Batangas (Manila) - Odiongan (Tablas Island)
Shipping company "Montenegro Lines" runs daily (except on Tuesdays) the route Batangas - Odiongan to Tablas Island. Departure time in Batangas is 5:00pm. The journey takes about nine hours. Arrival time in Odiongan (Poctoy Pier) will be around 2:00am. Time of travel from Poctoy Pier to the town center in Odiongan is appr. ten minutes by tricycle or motorbike. All kinds of ferry tickets can be purchased at the respective port. The full fare for a single ticket to Tablas amounts between 800 and 1200 PHP based on cabin category. Discounted fares apply for pensioners, students and children. For more information about the ferry service to and from Tablas Island as well as schedules and rates, see the website of Montenegro Lines: http://montenegrolines.com.ph

San Jose (Carabao Island) - Santa Fe (Tablas Island)
A motorized outrigger boat operates daily from Port of Said in San Jose/Carabao Island to Santa Fe in Tablas. Carabao Island is also known as Hambil. The ferry crossing takes about 45 minutes and costs 100 PHP per person. The daily departure time from Carabao is at 6:00am. The daily crossing from Santa Fe to San Jose starts at 9:30am.

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Boracay Related Links

Boracay Weather Station
Boracay Weather Station shows the current weather in real-time, including forecast, tide and wind prediction.
 

Webcam Boracay 
This webcam is located at "The Red Coconut" Beach Hotel (Station 1) in Boracay. A live stream from White Beach and its seafront.

  

Radio Boracay
Radio Boracay 106.1 FM. Live Radio from Boracay Island.

Partners:

Boracay Beach Real Estate

Star Palace 
Delicious food at the Star Palace Restaurant in Odiongan, Tablas Island, Romblon.

Dmegs

Willgoto

Reiselinks

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