Wazzup Pilipinas!
Boracay 2.0 just opened and it is back for good. What happened? Well, last April 2018, Boracay was closed to all tourists, including the Filipinos. While it started a national debate, the closure was aimed to rehabilitate one of the
world’s best beaches. And after six long months of clean-up brigades and reconstructions, the island reopened for tourism on October 26, 2018. More importantly, to be aligned with the government’s goal of keeping the island clean, there are new rules and guidelines established for tourists to follow.
Here are some travel tips to guide you on your Boracay 2.0 adventure.
Get to Know the Island
Just like any other trip, it is important to know some facts about your destination. Here are some facts that can help you decide where to stay, dine, and relax during your Boracay escapade.
Location: Boracay is an island in Malay, Aklan.
Language: The locals are fluent speakers of English and Filipino. Their native dialects are Aklanon and Ati.
Currency and mode of payment: Philippine peso (PHP) is the main currency of Boracay. Most establishments accept cash-only, but some establishments accept US dollars and credit cards.
Geography: Boracay has three barangays - Yapak, Manoc-Manoc, and Balabag. Yapak is the northernmost barangay. It houses Diniwid Beach and the famous Puka Beach. Barangay Balabag is in the middle, where you can find Stations 1 and 2. Barangay Manoc-Manoc is in the south of the island, where you can find and hire jetties in the Cagban Port. It is also the main entrance to the island if you are coming from Caticlan Port. This southern barangay also has the newly developed Station 3.
Book Your Stay in An Accredited Hotel
Before the clean-up closure, you can go to the island and book your hotel when you get there.
Some even just find transient rooms from various local houses to stay for a day or two. Now, if you want to enjoy Boracay 2.0, you have to show proof of your hotel booking or reservation from a Department of Tourism registered and accredited hotel.
They have a strict NO BOOKING, NO ENTRY policy to ensure the safety of the guests. This is a way to control the population of flocking tourists who want to experience Boracay’s white beaches and amazing sunset.
Here are some of the well-loved accredited hotels according to various booking sites.
The Coast Boracay
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa
The Lind Boracay
Henann Palm Beach Resort
Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay
Discovery Shores Boracay
Henann Crystal Sands Resort
Hue Hotels and Resort Boracay Managed by HII
Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel
Astoria Current
Fly Cheaper Through the Kalibo Airport
Getting to Boracay is still pretty much the same. From Manila, you can either choose to land in Kalibo or Caticlan airport. Take note that Kalibo airport is two hours farther than Caticlan airport, but airlines carry much cheaper rates. Either way, you need to go to the Caticlan Port next. The Caticlan Port is the main gateway to Boracay Island. Upon arrival, you can take a tricycle or if provided, your private van going to your hotel.
Once you are on the island, getting around is usually via tricycle rides. The tricycle is like Boracay’s version of a taxi. Rides are now regulated and have fixed fare rates, which can range from 20 to 200 Philippine pesos depending on your destination.
Explore Coves and Smaller Islands Through Island Hopping
Aside from the main island’s white-sand beaches, Boracay also offers smaller coves and islands that are equally beautiful and stunning. Some of the famous destinations include the Crystal Cove Island, Crocodile Island, and parts of the Puka Beach. However, Crystal Cove Island is still closed at the moment.
Also, take note that you will not come down from your boat at Crocodile Island. You can take pictures and admire the view from your boat. The final stop is in Puka Beach, or you can ask the boatman to take you to a snorkeling site.
Enjoy Water Activities to Your Heart’s Content
Before the closure, the Philippine government said that most water sports activities would be banned. Fortunately, they reconsidered and still allowed most activities that tourists can enjoy. While scuba diving is no longer permitted, here are some of the water activities that you can try in Boracay:
Stand up Paddle
Parasailing
Jet Ski Rides
Freediving
Banana Boat Rides
Mermaid Lessons
Paraw Sailing
Fill Your Belly with Yummy Seafood Meals
Boracay Island always served the best seafood cuisine in the area. From fine dining restaurants to local shops, you can be satisfied with their food. Here are some of the best restaurants where you can choose the best crabs, lobster, and shrimp menus:
Forno Osteria Josper-Grilled Steaks at Discovery Shores Boracay
Indigo Seafood Platter
Prisma Cocktails and Drinks
Sands Dining
But if you are on a strict budget, D’ Talipapa never disappoints. D’ Talipapa is Boracay’s famous market in Station 2. You can choose and buy fresh seafood and have the nearest eatery prepare and cook them for you at an affordable cost. If you are in a hurry, you can pass by D’ Mall, Boracay’s version of a shopping center, and buy yourself a quick meal at Andoks.
Also, a Boracay escapade will not be complete without trying these popular local treats:
Jonah’s Fruit Shake
Halo Mango
Calamansi Muffin from Real Coffee and Tea Cafe’s
Merly’s BBQ Chori Burger
Follow The New Rules and Regulations Imposed By the Government
Following the clean-up and rehabilitation drive, Boracay also started to impose new rules and regulations to keep the island clean and safe. Here are some of the activities restricted or prohibited on the island:
No drinking of alcohol on the beach
No smoking
No illegal drugs
No pets
No loud music
No fire dancing
No umbrella pitching, beach beds, and chairs
Putting sand in containers as souvenirs is prohibited.
Fireworks are only up to 9:00 PM.
Drones should have special permits to be allowed.
Enjoy the fresh air, clean environment, and the magnificent view of the Boracay 2.0. Make memories and make sure to capture precious moments. Bask in the sun, relax, and most of all, have fun! If you want more great travel tips, you can visit travel sites such as touristsecrets.com.
About the Author
Rach is an author and an avid traveler. She loves writing about travel tips and updates on various famous destination sites around the world. This wanderer soul has already traveled to more than 10 countries, which are mostly in Asia. When she is not writing, you can be sure to see Rach shooting photos of wildlife animals or extreme sports events.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
