Boracay Island
About White Beach Boracay. Boracay is a ten square miles island right in the heart of the exotic Philippine archipelago. Travelers from around the world awaits magnificent beaches, an excellent infrastructure, plenty of leisure activities and extensive shopping opportunities. A delicious dinner and the exciting nightlife ends the day.

The Island of Boracay is located about 300 km (186 miles) south of Manila, 1 km northwest of Panay Island and in 10 minutes distance to Caticlan Jetty Port by boat. It is surrounded by the deep blue water of the Sulu Sea westwards and the Sibuyan Sea in the east. These warm and clear waters around Boracay are awesome for snorkeling and scuba diving. Carabao Island and Tablas Island are only a short boat ride away and can easily be seen in a day trip.

Boracay is one of altogether 7,107 tropical islands in the Philippine archipelago. The isle is 7 km (4.3 miles) long, 1 to 4 km (2.4 miles) wide and divided into three Barangayas (communities). Yapak in the north, Balabag in the center and Manoc Manoc in the south. Boracay Island is a province of Aklan and belongs to the municipality Malay. The local time on Boracay is UTC/GMT +8 hours. Daily sunrise in Boracay is around 6:00am. 12 hours later, the sun going down the horizon.

Despite the relatively small size of Boracay it has much to offer. Boracay hotels comprise a wide selection of 1-5 star accommodation. Most hotels, resorts and guest houses are within a stone's throw to White Beach. Thus, in March 2013, Boracay's White Beach with its crystal clear water and fine white sand has been chosen by TripAdvisor users as the No.1 Beach in Asia.

The two main and largest beaches in Boracay are White Beach in the west and Bulabog Beach in the east of the island. The beach side of Bulabog is popular with kite boarding and windsurfing freaks. Meanwhile, visitors at famous White Beach finding excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling in shallow water. Boracay offers countless opportunities to practise water sports activities. The vast majority of service providers in that range are located along White Beach. Unfortunately, algae bloom may occur in the warm seat the west coast of Boracay between December and May.

Outrigger boat (bangka) on White Beach Boracay

About 12000 local residents most of them Catholic Christians are living in Boracay. The majority speaks the Filipino language Tagalog many also fluent English. The official national language in the Philippines is Filipino that is largely based on Tagalog. Residents in Boracay live primarily on tourism, which is the main source of income since the eighties.

From a health point of view Boracay Island is basically harmless. But the geographical location of tropical Boracay and the intense sun radiation has to be taken into account. Drinking plenty of water and consistent skin protection avoids dehydration and sunburn. Tap water should not be drunk in Boracay. Bottled drinking water can be bought everywhere for reasonable prices.

Following hospitals offer basic medical treatment in case of minor illnesses and injuries:
Boracay Island Hospital, Metropolitan Doctor´s Medical Clinic, Island Clinic Boracay and the Diagnostic Center. Hospitals in Kalibo, Iloilo or Manila provide care and treatment for those with serious injuries and illness. Certain vaccinations are not recommended, when traveling to Boracay.

The Tourist Center Boracay is located at the beginning of Boat Station 3 directly on White Beach. A variety of services are being offered here. E.g.: postal matters, telecoms and fax services; safe deposit boxes, money transfer with Western Union, internet, and basic shopping options. The Tourist Center includes also a travel agency where flights can be booked departing from Caticlan Airport to other countries in Southeast Asia and within the Philippines.

Please not: Smoking and littering are prohibited on the White Beach of Boracay and is punishable by a fine of 1000 PHP or imprisonment.

Sandcastle on White Beach Boracay

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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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