Backpacking: Top Favorite Activities in Boracay, Philippines

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Boracay is very famous island in the Philippines when it comes to white sand beaches and has received numerous awards from different travel publications as one of the world’s top island destinations. The island became popular as a budget destination for backpackers. It is part of the Aklan province and located in the northwest of Panay. Beyond the white sand beaches, you’ll surely enjoy watching the sunset, enjoying water activities, chilling out and there are also hotels, restaurants, bars, and dive shops that you may want to explore with.

Boracay activities & attractions must see.

Destination: Introducing Boracay!

Getting there and away: Please note prices, fare as of 2012.

Whether you go by plane or by boat, you will pass through the small town of Caticlan on the "mainland" of Panay Island. Boats or "bancas" leave every few minutes from Caticlan's jetty port. The short boat trip to Boracay's jetty port at Cagban costs 25.00 pesos. Tourists also have to pay a terminal fee of 100.00 pesos and an environmental fee of 75.00 pesos. Tricycles are available at Cagban to bring passengers to their hotels. Tricycle fare is from 20.00 pesos per person up to 150.00 pesos per trip depending where your resort is. If you have luggage, the standard fare is 100.00 pesos minimum.

After stepping off the boat in Boracay, you can see at least 10 tricycles waiting and offering to take you to your hotel. The trip usually costs up to 100.00 pesos. There are also several agents greeting you and offering hotels in case you have already not booked. If you don't mind sharing the tricycle with other tourists to your hotel, the most that you should pay is 25.00 pesos per head. And if you don't want to rent the tricycle and allow the driver to pick up other passengers along the way, say you just want the "Individual" price and not a "Special" journey.

Beware of the boat crews and workers at the ports. Some will aggressively rush to you and reach for your bags and belongings without explicitly asking if you would like help, and will all but demand a tip after carrying your things, even if it's only for several meters.

By plane

There are two airports located near to the island of Boracay. It is best to choose your flight direct to Caticlan so you can save time and it is very near to the island.

• Caticlan or Godofredo P. Ramos Airport. Only relatively small aircraft can land at this airport.

From Caticlan airport you can either take a tricycle (50.00 pesos fixed price for airport tricycle, or 10.00 pesos per passenger if you walk out to the main road and catch the shared ride on a tricycle passing by) or walk (10 minutes) to Caticlan Jetty Port. Due to short runway, only 10 kg of checked baggage is allowed on Caticlan flights.

• Kalibo International Airport. Compared to Caticlan's airport, the Kalibo Airport runway is able to land larger aircraft such as Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. However, it is further from Caticlan's jetty port which is 80 minutes away.

There are minivans, vans and buses that serve travelers between Kalibo International Airport and Caticlan Jetty Port. Be sure to ask if your ticket includes a ferry ticket to Boracay (200.00 pesos for a minivan or 300.00 pesos for a more comfortable bus and ferry), and additional environmental taxes will be (100.00 pesos for environmental fee and 75.00 pesos for jetty fee that you have to pay in Caticlan port, regardless of which airport you fly into). Minivans start moving when they are full of customers (usually about 10 seats) so be prepared to wait up to half an hour in some cases.

Boats back to Caticlan start at 5am and run all day – 25.00 pesos plus 50.00 pesos terminal fee. Avoid the "fast" boat, as it is only marginally quicker and you will end up waiting longer for it to fill up, just jump on whatever local boat is almost full.

Important note: People flying out of Kalibo aiport have to pay 500.00 pesos 'terminal fee'.

White Beach is composed of three sections.

·        Station 1 (northernmost section to Willy's Rock) – has the widest beachfront, where the best and most expensive resorts and hotels are located. Accommodations are pricier, but quality is generally the best as well. The area is usually relatively peaceful. 

·       Station 2 (from Willy's Rock to Red Coconut Resort). This is the commercial and geographical center of white beach. People come here to eat, shop, and party. This is the center of White Beach. If you like to party, there are plenty of places to choose from, the livelier bars are situated here, cocktails, draft beer, and imported ales flow nightly as live bands and pounding disco music entertain you. That means the beach here is also the most crowded, and the area the noisiest.

·       Station 3 (southernmost section; quieter than station 2). It is the least developed and also the lowest priced. If you’re looking for a quieter area and a more relaxed and peaceful vibe then this is for you. Accommodation is more reasonably priced, and there are some friendly little bars and restaurants where you can meet people and chat.

All of White Beach from the northernmost tip of Station 1 to the southernmost of Station 3 (4km) is open to the public, so one can relax and/or swim wherever you like, regardless of hotel location.

In every station, there are two lifeguards on foot patrolling equipped with whistle, life buoy and hand-held radio. The boat station 2 is the lifeguard and rescue command center.

Climate

·       During the dry season of November-May (also known as Amihan), White Beach is calm and very suitable for swimming, tourism is at its peak during these months.

·        During the rainy season of June-October (also known as Habagat), this is reversed, with a risk of typhoons (although this area of the Philippines is relatively protected by the mountains of Negros and Cebu to the south-east from the worst weather). White Beach often gets large winds and waves which sometimes make it unsuitable for swimming, kite surfing, windsurfing and other water activities.

Eat

Boracay has a wide variety of places to eat because it gets tourists from different parts of the globe, you’ll find a wide variety of food choices: Chinese, Indian, American, Mexican, French, Italian, Swiss —even Moroccan food! Fresh seafood is a given.

Leisure Activities:

There are many scouts with brochure at hand that offer better and inexpensive package deal. You can also haggle the price per activity. Booking thru a hotel means usually a higher price. 

1.     Scuba diving

For those interested in Scuba Diving and Diving Packages, there are literally dozens of Dive Centres along the White Beach; it is a good place to learn or to improve your skills, familiarize yourself with scuba equipment, and learn the basic lessons in diving although tech, cave, wreck and instructor level qualifications can be earned. Cost is typically 3,000 pesos per person which includes hire of all equipment. The dive centers operate a cartel and have agreed standard prices amongst themselves so prices will be the same at all centers. There are 25-30 dive sites within 10-15 minutes speed boat ride from the beach, suitable for beginners up to advanced level. The course only takes 3-4 hours and includes one dive.

Aquarium Scuba This is one of the newest activities to hit the island and is a must-try Boracay experience. Swim around with beautiful and amazing sea creatures living in a superb aquatic world below. From a variety of coral to the tiniest of sea creatures, you will see it all and in a safe environment enclosed in one of the Philippines largest aquariums. 3,000 pesos per person

Aquarium Ocean Walk. If you enjoy walking on Boracay's sugar-fine white sand beaches, how about walking deep in one of the Philippines largest aquariums. This facility will bring you to the underwater world where you can interact with amazing sea creatures. You will use a special full-face mask that lets you breathe so you can walk through this fascinating marine world and get up close and personal with the aquatic life. 1,500 pesos per person

2.     Island Hopping

You can rent a sailboat to go island hopping. The outrigger sailboats you can rent or charter are called Paraw which sail along White Beach every afternoon just before sunset.
It takes at the minimum three people to sail them.  The island is home to more than a dozen undeveloped beaches, turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs! Feast your eyes on the amazing scenery, snorkel and get a glimpse of the thriving sea life! The boat trip is for 3 hours with a stopover at some amazing places in Boracay where you can go snorkeling and swimming. Snorkeling gears will be provided for you.

3 Hours Private Island hopping
3,500 pesos for 1-6 Persons

6,000 pesos for 7-10 Persons

To get the most out of this trip, take the four hour tour which includes a lunch of delectable seafood and barbecue, served with a local beer!

4 Hours Private Island Hopping
1,800 pesos per Person Minimum 3 Persons

3.     Boat Tours

Glass Bottom Boat

See a colorful array of fish and corals without getting soaked! 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. There is also time for swimming and snorkeling for those who are more adventurous. Drinks and snacks are included, and children are given discounts.

750 pesos per Person
300 pesos for children 5 years old and below

Luxury Sailing Sail in style with the luxurious 42 ft Fountaine Pajot Venezia Catamaran. The lavish boat is fully-equipped with everything you need for a smooth and comfortable voyage on the island's open seas.

     

Day Sailing
6,000 pesos per Person

Late Day Sailing
6,500 pesos per Person

Sunset Cruise
3,800 pesos per Person

4.     Skim boarding

Skimboards are available for rent at several places along White Beach. But be sure to hire an expert to teach you to do the skills, 1-hour lesson from a local rider is usually around 300.00 pesos.

5.     Kiteboarding

Known as the best kite surfing location in Asia, Bulabog beach, or Boracay's "back beach", is home to shallow blue waters strong winds, and a reef making it a perfect place to learn how to kite surf! Prepare your kite gear, and take control of the wind, as you enjoy cruising along the surface of the water! The season runs from November through to April with onshore winds varying between 12-30 knots.

Introductory Price: 3000 pesos per Person 1 Hour & 30 Minutes
IKO Level 1: 6400 pesos per Person 3 Hours
IKO Level 2: 6400 pesos per Person 3 Hours
IKO Level 3: 6500 pesos per Person 3 Hours

6.     Banana Boat

One of the most popular water activities around the island for every member of the family. The Banana Boat is a great way for a group to have an exciting, speed-induced ride off Boracay's white beach! Enjoy the views and have some fun in the sun with a splash of the surf on the go.

300 pesos per Person (Minimum of 5 Persons) 15 Minutes 

7.     Fly Fish

Enjoy an exciting ride as you are pulled along by a speedboat while riding a huge inflatable fish! You can expect to get some airtime as the speed boat gains speed and launches you into the air! Gather your friends and family and have a wild ride in Boracay!

700 pesos per Person (Minimum of 3 Persons) 15 Minutes

8.     Jet ski

Your Boracay vacation wouldn't be complete without a fun jet-ski ride! Feel the adrenaline rush as you speed along the ocean's turquoise water! This is best enjoyed with friends that you can race with!

2,200 pesos - 30 Minutes per Unit Rental
3,850 pesos - 1 Hour per Unit Rental

9.     Massage

White Beach also has several "Massage Stations": collections of masseurs that have their mats set up. The stations are typically open as long as there are customers around but in general starts to shut down just after sunset. For Swedish, Acupressure, Shiatsu etc., usually cost 300.00-500.00 per hour.

10.  Shop for souvenirs

Along White Beach, there is a wide variety of gift shops and boutiques along the beach path and in D*Mall, (mostly concentrated, including D*Mall* at Station 2). It has also has several high-end stores including clothing, art, household items and shell jewelry, the jewelry made of shells is popular as for the most part it is made locally from shells found on Puka Beach.

Some places will permit you to haggle, others have a fixed pricing system with price tags. An alternative to D'Mall is D'talipapa at station 3, between the main road and White Beach, which features a number of shops, vegetable merchants and a large meat market also selling a large selection of live seafood. Prices at D'talipapa (including those for basic necessities such as milk, vegetables and meat) are about 25% below those of D'Mall, which seems like a rip-off in comparison.

11.  Helmet Dive

Ever wonder what it feels like to walk on the ocean floor? Helmet Diving allows you to climb down a ladder until you reach a sea bed (around 10 ft. below the surface) while wearing a helmet made of glass plates. The helmet makes it possible for you to breathe underwater while marveling at Boracay's colorful sea floor with an abundance of tropical fish! 1,500 pesos per person.

12.  Parasailing

Imagine being whisked into the sky while strapped in a seat covered by a colorful parachute! Parasailing had been a popular activity where riders can view the beautiful shoreline of white beach from above while being pulled by a boat. This is a fun and exciting experience for those who love heights and want a birds-eye-view of paradise.

2,200 pesos per Person for Solo (15 Minutes)
1,650 pesos per Person for Double (15 Minutes)

13.  Wind Surfing

For water sports enthusiasts, Boracay is also home to windsurfing! Wind surfing is a combination of sailing and surfing, where you can ride the waves while sailing strong winds. So get your gear ready and discover why water sports can get so addicting!

Discover  Windsurfing
Guaranteed sailing in 15 minutes, with tacking and wind theory.
25 EUR 1 x 60-minute Lesson

Beginner Course
2-3 Day Program with simulator training and intensive water training.
85 EUR 5 x 60-minute Lessons

Intermediate Course
3 day program with training in beach starts, use of harness, foot steering, and use of foot straps.
95 EUR 5 x 60-minute Lessons

Tips:

·  Travelers need to withdraw cash prior to arriving in Boracay. Also, many establishments, including the tricycles, cannot break a bill (or refuse to) over 500.00 pesos, so it pays to always have small bills.

·   Foreign money (US dollars, Euros, Korean Won, Japanese Yen, etc.) can be exchanged at several locations around the island. It's worth checking around for the best exchange rate, as all places don't offer the same rate. You're best off heading away from the beach for better rates.

·    To explore around the island, rent a native sailboat (paraw) or motorized outrigger (banca) and visit the many beaches of Boracay. The best thing to do is to visit directly to the office of that tour/activity. Prices are usually negotiable except for scuba. Avoid paying for sailing trips in advance. Some tourists pay for a sailboat ride the day before only to be disappointed when the sailboat never shows up the following day.

·     Short rides on busy routes, say from D'Mall to Station 3 or from Station 1 to Station 3, are a standard rate of 20.00 pesos per passenger if you hire a vacant trike as they drive past. Trikes that are stationary and seeking passengers are seen as seeking a chartered fare and fares will start at 60.00 pesos. In short, if you wish to save money, you should flag down a moving vacant trike. Drivers often charge higher prices in the evenings.

·    Long rides, like Puka beach to D'Mall, should cost around 40.00 pesos. Drivers waiting near beaches, hotels, etc, generally ask a higher price like 150-200.00 pesos even if you're alone. May be worth bargaining if there are a few people with you and you want an individual ride - otherwise, better catch a passing-by tricycle on the main road.

·     Bring comfortable walking flip flops or open-toed sandals so you’ll absolutely enjoy walking in the fine white sand and board shorts, bikinis, tank tops, wet suit and shirts.

·      Bring also a camera so you can capture photos during your vacation.

Happy Travels!

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