The Best Tropical Islands: Boracay

Boracay, only about 9km long and only 1km wide at its narrow midriff, is an intoxicating mix of sun, sand, surf and tropical drinks.  A typical day includes tropical cocktails, fruit shakes, tanning, the occasional beach game and a lot of relaxation.  Boracay offers fabulous resorts, sun kissed beaches, amazing diving, snorkeling, and seafood.  It’s considered one of the finest islands in Southeast Asia and Filipinos take a lot of pride in the island. A trip here and one will learn what paradise truly is.

Quick Facts About Boracay
Capital: —-
Population: 12,003
Size: 10.32 km²
Power Outlets: 220V 60Hz Official Languages: Tagalog, English
Currency: Philippine Peso
Time Zone: GMT +8
Religion: Catholic
Calling Code: +63

When to go: March to June are the summer months in Boracay, temperatures range from 28 to 38 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is between July and October and November to February has pleasant winds, cool nights, and occasional rain showers.

Cost and Budgeting for Boracay
Boracay is a very cheap island and you can get by on a budget of about $20 USD per day.


Things to See and Do in Boracay
White Beach- Most people are here for the beaches. Not only is it a lovely stretch of powdery white sand, it’s also the center of the island with lots of commerce.  The beaches are very spacious and not overly crowded. You can rent a reclining chair from one of the vendors who are happy to keep you satisfied with food and drinks.
Puka Beach- On the northern tip of the island, Puka Beach is what most people expect of a tropical island: white sand, azure water, and emptiness. This is where locals find the small puka shells for some of their handmade jewelry. The sand is more coarse than on the White Beach. The water tends to be a little rougher on this side of the island but it is much quieter.
Baling Hai Beach- This is a quiet little cove just north of Diniwid Beach and you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and dining in a relaxed, peaceful environment. There are some fantastic views from the restaurant that sits on the cliff. Baling Hai is often included as a stop-off on an island boat tour.
The Bat Cave- The Bat Cave is home to many giant fruit bats and locals will be more than happy to be your tour guide for a fee. To get there, you go on a short hike through the forest to the mouth of a cave, which drops down at a very steep angle. There are bats in the cave, but down at the bottom of it in the dark, and unless you have a flashlight or are there at dusk, you won’t see them.
Hire a Motorbike- Hire a motorbike to explore the other side of the island for better snorkeling and fewer people. If you are going to be there for a while, you can hire them for a few days, and you will get a discount.
Take a Boat Tour- Take a boat around the island for only a couple of hundred pesos for the afternoon. Lunch is usually included.
Ride a Horse - Get off the beaten path and experience native villages and scenery. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner of an expert. All levels of experience are catered to.
Scuba diving- For those interested in diving, there are approximately 20 Dive Centers along White Sands beach. Cost is typically $33 per dive which includes hire of all equipment. There are 25-30 dive sites within 10-15 minutes speed boat ride from the beach, suitable for beginners up to advanced level. Dives range from ‘Angol Point’ (10m), through ‘Crocodile Island’ (22-25m), a straightforward wall dive, up to ‘Yapak’- a deep wall dive suitable for only the most experienced divers due to strong currents. If you can’t dive, you can always go snorkeling!
Kiteboarding- Boracay’s Bulabog beach is known as the best kitesurf destination in Asia. The season runs from November through March with onshore winds varying between 18-30 knots.
Massage/Spa- Get pampered at the resort spas or get a massage on the beach. There will be many locals offering their massage services on the beach.

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