The city of Boracay

1. Its more fun in the
Philippines
Module 6
B o ra c a y
The Isl a nd P a ra d i se

2. Boracay
The world-famous island of
Boracay is located in Aklan province
It is 345 km south of Manila
The island is accessible by air from
Manila or Cebu through two
principal gateways: Caticlan airport
or Kalibo Airport.

3. Boracay is packed with all the
elements of a tropical paradise-
crystal blue waters, powder white
sand, liberal doses of tropical palms
and flowering plants, and a healthy
marine life underneath the seas
Despite being one of the best
beaches in the world, staying on
this island is way less expensive
than other beaches in the world

4. About Boracay
‣ Only 7 km long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike
‣ As long as you visit during dry season, you'll agree this is one of the best beach destinations in the world
‣ Boracay is famous for its beautiful beaches, powdery white sand, and crystal clear waters
Boracay

5. ‣ The high season is from December to April. May to June is ideal but can sometimes be hot.
‣ July to November is the low season and therefore the cheapest time to go.
‣ October and November have the best sunsets.
Boracay

6. Reaching Boracay
To reach Boracay, you have to take a short
10-minute trip in a banca (outrigger boat)
from the jetty port of Caticlan, a small
town on mainland of Panay island
You can reach Caticlan directly by air, but
its airport takes only small planes
You can also reach Kalibo International
Airport by air and then reach Caticlan by
car
However, this drive to Caticlan's jetty port
takes about 80 - 90 minutes

7. White Beach
White Beach, its longest beach, is
divided into three sections named
after the former boat stations:
Station 1, furthest north, is home to
luxury resorts.
Station 2, in the middle, is a huge
commercial hub and home to
dozens of shops, restaurants, and
hotels.
Station 3, furthest south, is much
quieter and more relaxed.

8. Most visitors to Boracay stay on the
White Beach
It's a 1½ hour walk from one end of the
beach to the other
Motor vehicles are not allowed on the
footpath and beach
White Beach

9. As we discussed in Module 1, Philippines is a delight for tourists. We will now focus our attention on the
same elements. So let’s look at the main attractions that would appeal to the Indian tourists. Beaches and
Nightlife in Boracay are intertwined
Exploring Boracay
Shopping
Pubs,
Restaurants
and Eating Out
Amazing
Hotels
Beaches &
Natural Beauty

10. Shopping

11. D'Mall
The largest area for shopping is
called D'Mall, offering a central
market with fashion and specialty
shops, supermarkets and a fruit,
fish and meat department
There are several shops in the
Plazoleta selling native instruments
and crafts.

12. Boracay is also famous for its pearls and
various mementoes made from pearls
You can also buy bongo drums, flutes, pan
pipes and rain-sticks, and sometimes, the
musicians are around to give you a demo
Aside from the beautifully crafted
instruments, you can buy leather bags,
bamboo lampshades, wind chimes, and
many other trinkets
Pearls

13. There is a wide variety of little gift shops
in the mall selling almost anything you
can imagine, from the tacky to the
unusual
Some shops have a fixed price system,
whereas others will allow you to bargain
Souvenirs

14. This small market place is by no
means small as suggested by its
local name
There are many restaurants in this
marketplace, which will cook for
your palate’s needs
D'Talipapa

15. Pubs, Restaurants and Eating Out

16. Location: Station 1, beside Blue
Waves
Kasbah restaurant is about
enchantment, escape, and romance
Kasbah has established itself as one
of the best restaurants on Boracay
Island
It combines an exotic North African
souk vibe with a relaxed Boracay
beach front setting
Kasbah

17. Location: D'mall
Cyma serves Greek cuisine in Boracay
that you must try before leaving the
island!
Try the famous Spinach and Artichoke
Fondue or Flaming Saganaki appetizers,
or one of the mouth-watering lamb
dishes - but really anything you try will
lead your taste buds to flavor heaven
Its family style portions also makes it
great for group meals
Cyma

18. Location: Station 2
A complete indoor/outdoor
setting near the ocean, coupled
with expertly prepared and
presented Italian food
It was awarded as 2011 Philippines
Best Restaurant by Asia Tatler
Dining
Don Vito Ristorante

19. Red Pirates Pub
This is a pub where you can enjoy the
view of the lovely sunset while
sipping on your drinks
This place allows you to discover the
real and local atmosphere of the
Boracay Island
Red Pirates is known for excellent
music
Every Friday there is a BBQ on the
beach which is occasionally
accompanied by live music

20. Sand Bar Beach Club
Location: Station 1 Beach Side
Sand Bar Beach Club offers some of the
best the island could offer - fine dining,
yoga, beach lounge and fire dance
entertainment
This full-service beach club is committed
to creating an unforgettable Boracay
experience

21. Location: Station 1 Beach Side
Club Paraw is a happening place from
sunset to very early in the morning
There are beach seating areas, a full
bar and table seating inside, and a
sand dance floor that gets packed late
night, fueled by a live DJ and
reasonably priced drinks
Club Paraw

22. Location: Station 2
Formerly known as MO2 Bar, it is
located at the beachfront of Boracay
Regency
It has a spacious two floor design
with an open air lounge and air
conditioned club on the second floor
During the day, they also serve the
tastiest Tapas for a great dining
experience
Wave Bar and Lounge

23. Juice
Location: Station 2, next to Mandarin
Hotel
Juice is located in the Plazoleta, a small
arts and crafts and boutique shop area
with sand floor
It has a live DJ and plays RnB and dance
music
It has plenty of seating in the bar area at
the front, sand seating area with bean
bag chairs in the center, and tables with
seats at the rear

24. Location: D’Mall beachfront, Station 2
Exit Bar is a well frequented Boracay
bar that charges normal rates for
drinks, good lively atmosphere and
friendly staff
One of the only last places in the
island that you can dance barefoot
enjoying the famous white sandy
floor and affordable drinks.
Exit Bar

25. Cocomangas Shooter
Bar
Cocomangas Shooter Bar is the oldest
running bar on the island.
It has a special theme for which it is
famous, Still Standing After 15
This is a drinking challenge where
customers drink 15 different shots of
assorted drinks, and if they’re still
standing, they receive a number for
their country and win a free t-shirt,
and their name is also engraved on the
bar's wall of fame
Do it for your country! is the motto
here

26. Area 51
You’ve never really partied in
Boracay until you’ve been to Area
51, known for its distinctive island
vibe and incredible music by
resident DJs
During full lunar phase, Area 51’s
monthly Full Moon parties are a
time of renewal and liberation
Area 51 plays host to some of the
biggest parties in Boracay,
particularly on special holidays like
Halloween and New Year’s Eve

27. Sunset Party Cruise
Booty
Aside from its amazing parties,
Boracay is famous for its breath-
taking sunset
Hop on the island's 40 passenger
party vessel, Booty, and jam with
other travelers as you listen to great
music!
Not only that, the cruise includes
unlimited drinks of local beer and
rum.

28. Pub Crawling
Boracay is also famous for its night long
bar hopping events
The Boracay Pub Crawl is a great way to
meet new people
Everybody starts as strangers, with a
common shirt, walking along the
shoreline of Boracay from one bar to the
next
This presents a great opportunity to
meet amazing people from around the
world, drink welcome shooters, get
discounts on drinks, get free entrance in
bars and lots more

29. Beaches and Natural Beauty

30. Ariel’s Point
You can experience five different levels
of cliff diving at Ariel's Point
Ariel's Point is located in the fishing
town of Buruanga, a ½ hour boat ride
from White Beach
The excursion includes a feast of
barbecue buffet and bottomless drinks
of local beer and rum
A friendly tour guide will escort you to
the boat pick-up location

31. Ariel’s Point
This day trip package includes activities
like cliff diving, swimming, canoeing,
snorkeling and kayaking
This scenic trip to Ariel’s Point is a great
daytime activity for the whole family
The package trip usually includes a
Barbecue Buffet, afternoon snacks
(known as Filipino merienda), and
unlimited beverages

32. Glass Bottom Boat
The Glass Bottom Boat is perfect for those
who want to take a peek at Boracay's
underwater life but would like to feel safe in
the confines of a boat
The adventurous kinds can go swimming and
snorkeling
Drinks and snacks are included in the
packages, usually, and children are given
discounts

33. Island Hopping Trip
Your Boracay adventure experience
will not be complete without the
Island Hopping Trip
The island is home to more than a
dozen undeveloped beaches,
turquoise waters and colorful coral
reefs!

34. Island Hopping Trip
A boat trip is for 3 hours with a
stopover at some amazing places in
Boracay where you can go
snorkeling and swimming too
To get the most out of this trip, take
the 4-hour tour which includes a
lunch of seafood and barbecue,
served with a local beer!

35. White Beach
The White Beach is the chief
attraction
It is about 4 km long and is on the
western side of the island
The beach adds a charm to the bay
and makes it well recognized among
the trippers from all over the world

36. Massage on the Beach
A very unique experience to
Boracay is a massage on the beach
It is very popular among tourists
and is a highly recommended way
to relax
Though you can also get one at any
of the hotels and resorts nearby,
but the massage on a beach is truly
unique
The cost very low too, as low as
PHP 300 or about 425

37. White Beach
The crystal blue water of the beach
is the most striking feature of this
bay.
This is the reason for which this bay
is also called as the World’s Most
Beautiful Tropical Island

38. Crystal Cove Island
Enjoy a world class adventure
experience on the beautiful
neighboring island of Crystal Cove.
It is definitely one of the best places
to explore and take plenty of photos.
Experience breath taking views while
trekking to the coves and caves, and
get a chance to explore the natural
beauty of rock formations and
crystalline sea waters.
A must do adventure when visiting
Boracay!

39. Willy's Rock
Situated 100 meters off shore, in the
shallow water near Boat Station 1, Willy's
Rock is a castle-like volcanic formation
that dominates the seascape along White
Beach
Facing the beach are stairs leading to a
chapel at the top, which contains a statue
of the Virgin Mary
Willy's Rock is the most photographed
landmark on Boracay and offers an
excellent view of the island

40. Boracay Bike Tour
You can discover the hidden paths and
sights on the island with Boracay Bike
Tours!
Tours begin on Bulabog Beach at the
Funboard Center, where you can see
colorful kites adorning the blue sky
Next stops are Diniwid Beach, Puka Shell
Beach and Ilig-Iligan Beach
In Diniwid, you can go swimming,
snorkeling and play on its white sand
before proceeding to Puka Shell beach
where you can do a bit of souvenir
shopping

41. From there, you make a stop at
Grand Vista Resort, overlooking
Punta Bunga Beach and watch the
sunset while having snacks and
drinks
The tour ends by cycling back to
Bulabog Beach
Boracay Bike Tour

42. Mount Luho
This is the most impressive and the
highest elevation (100 meters above
the sea) on Boracay Island.
It's not an easy climb but the view
above Mount Luho is worth it
The best way to get to Mt Luho is to
hike or take your mountain bike up the
steep road going north from Barangay
Bulabog, on the Eastern side of
Boracay Island

43. Crocodile Island
It looks like a crocodile and once
you reach the Crocodile Island, you
can opt to feed the fishes and swim
along with them or stay in the boat
and feed them
The island is the favorite place for
snorkeling and diving activities
because the water here is very clear

44. Boracay Butterfly
Gardens
Boracay Butterfly Gardens is a beautiful,
netted, tropical garden that contains
hundreds of live butterflies of different
species, and more than 150 plant
species
In the nursery section, the caterpillars
and pupae can be closely observed

45. Amazing Hotels

46. Dave's Straw Hat Inn
A charming place, which offers a
serene and intimate tropical nirvana, it
is located less than a few minutes
walk from the White Beach
The helpful staff caters to your needs
while you enjoy the beauty of Boracay
Its has been referred to as the best
budget hotel in Boracay, but without
skimping on the comforts.

47. Boracay Regency Beach Resort & Spa is
perfectly situated on the White Beach
With the longest 125-meter beachfront
in White Beach, guests enjoy its location
This international class resort is located
minutes from the Caticlan Domestic
Airport
The resort is 1 km from the city center
and offers pristine shores, coral reefs,
and tropical jungles
Boracay Regency
Beach Resort & Spa

48. Hennan Regency
Beach Resort & Spa
The resort boasts 285 luxurious and
modern rooms with Asian design
It also offers a variety of facilities such as
a gym and fitness center, business center,
Kai Regency Spa, three swimming pools,
and a convention center

49. Boracay Convention Center
The Boracay Convention Center is also
known as Boracay Ecovillage Resort
and Convention Center
It is a private ecotourism venue
intended for trade events, industry
conventions, corporate functions,
concerts, and international exhibitions
The Center can accommodate about
3,000 participants on the first floor
and another 1,500 participants with
tables on the ground floor

50. You are received at the welcome lounge
of the resort in Caticlan, where a host
takes you to Shangri-La's private
speedboat. In about 30 minutes of
cruising along the White Beach, you will
reach the resort
The resort boasts of world class facilities,
ranging from 24-hour business center to
even babysitters
Shangri La Resort &
Spa

51. One of the premier beach resorts,
Shangri La’s Boracay Resort and Spa,
consists of 219 rooms, suites and villas
Chi, its large and spacious spa is a place
of peace, relaxation and rejuvenation
Located on a rocky peninsula looking out
over a private bay, the detached spa
village complex is designed to be a
sanctuary within the resort
Shangri La Resort &
Spa

52. Cohiba Villas
Cohiba Villas are private luxury condo units
that sit on a cliff top with stunning oceanfront
views and overlook the Bulabog Beach
The villas feature a master bedroom with a
master bath and Jacuzzi, modern kitchen, extra
bedrooms, beautiful private terrace and patio,
all in a sleek modern design
Cohiba Villas has a large infinity swimming
pool, bar clubhouse, and 24/7 van shuttle
service to white beach, which is just 7 minutes
away

53. Boracay Mandarin
Island Hotel
Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel is a
beachfront resort situated in the
heart of Boracay’s vibrant culturual
hub
The resort features luxurious rooms
and suites, an in-house restaurant
by the sea, hotel spa, swimming
pool, kiddie pool and convention
center

54. Discovery Shores
Discovery Shores has been
consistently voted by Travel + Leisure
readers as one of the Top Resorts in
Asia
It is listed among T+L's World's Best
Hotels for three years running and
also the first and one of three
Philippine resorts to be included in
the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of
the World Collection

55. Discovery Shores
Terra Wellness Spa is an award-
winning spa that attracts both in-
house guests and visitors from
neighboring resorts
It’s often seen as an excellent place
to unwind
The Sandbox keeps the kids busy
when parents are busy with stuffed
toys, an X-box, and various board
and computer games

56. Habagat Kite Village
- Aissatou Resort
Habagat Kite Village - Aissatou
Resort, located at the center of
Bulabog Beach, is a prime
kiteboarding location
The Kite Village is a great oceanfront
specialty resort ideal for watersports
enthusiasts
It has a European quality and style
with a tropical beach atmosphere.
All the rooms have a sea view, and
there is also a kiteshop, a restaurant,
as well as a palm tree shaded beach
front garden

57. Henann Garden
Resort
A well appointed resort to unwind in
the luxurious swimming pools, dine at
their food outlet, enjoy the cocktails at
the poolside bar, and indulge in both
land and water based activities
Located in Station 2, it is a perfect
place for a vacation for both leisure
and adventure lovers
It boasts of 200 rooms that are
complete with all modern amenities

58. Rieseling Boracay
Beach Resort
Rieseling Boracay Beach Resort is a
tropical beach resort located towards
the end of Bulabog Beach around 15
minutes from D’mall in Station 2
It has eight luxurious bedrooms, each
uniquely designed with handwoven
indigenous materials as well as
touches of other native materials in
its exterior, a swimming pool, a beach
bar and café
Rieseling Boracay Beach Resort gives
you a truly tropical experience.

59. Lingganay Boracay
Hotel Resort
This resort is just 5-minute drive from
D’mall
Guests will have an easy access to
Yapak Beach, Boracay Butterfly
Garden, Bat Caves, Mount Luho,
Diniwid Beach and Royal Park Hotel
Golf Range
Rooms are tastefully furnished and
equipped with modern amenities

60. Let’s Recap
‣ The world-famous island of Boracay is located in Aklan province
‣ You can either reach Caticlan directly by air or by road driving from Kalibo
International Airport by air and then reach Boracay by a banca
‣ White Beach is the longest beach in Boracay and most visitors here
‣ Motor vehicles are not allowed on the footpath and beach
‣ Willy's Rock is a castle-like volcanic formation that dominates the seascape along
White Beach

61. Let’s Recap
‣ The Crystal Cove on a neighboring island is one of the best places to explore and
take plenty of photos
‣ You can discover the hidden paths and sights on the island with Boracay Bike
Tours
‣ Aside from its amazing parties, Boracay is world famous for its breath-taking
sunset
‣ The Glass Bottom Boat is perfect for those who want to take a peek at Boracay's
underwater life
‣ Pubcrawling in Boaracy is a popular activity and is great way to meet people from
around the world