Traveling with the Tita's of Manila
Like others, I’m wondering also if Boracay has really changed. The last time I was in Boracay before it closed was February 13, 2018. From what I have seen Boracay was congested with many tourists and stores/vendors along the shoreline which made it difficult while walking. Also, the ocean had many algae. The algae issue was also reported by the news. So last November 17, 2018, my friends and I decided to go there to see if Boracay has really changed
How to get to Boracay + Travel Expenses
1: How to get to Boracay from Manila
If you’re coming from Manila there are two airports servicing Boracay.
First is Kalibo International Airport which is 2 hours away from Boracay.
Second is Caticlan Airport which is 15 minutes away from Boracay.
In our case, the Philipine Airlines had a promo going to Kalibo when we booked our ticket, so we picked Kalibo which cost us PHP 2,000 each per round trip ticket.
From Manila its 1 hour to Kalibo. When we arrived in Kalibo there were many options for getting to Boracay. You can take a bus which will cost you PHP 200, but it slower since you need to wait for the bus to fill up with passengers. The second option was a van. Travel via van cost between P200-P250 per person and Van is usually faster.
2: Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay Island + Fare
From Caticlan Jetty Port it’s a 15-minute ferry ride and you'll need to get 3 tickets.
Environment fee: PHP 75
Terminal fee: PHP 100
Ferry: PHP 25
***Fees mentioned were from November 2018.
3: Book your accommodation(s) early
If you want to save some money and have more options when booking your accommodations, do it early! Regardless if your budget is small or large, there are many hotels in Boracay to choose from. Beachfront will be more pricey vs hotels on the main road. There are also many luxury resorts on the island.
4: Where to stay in Boracay?
- Boracay Holiday Resort
We stayed at Boracay Holiday resort for 3 nights. The hotel is on the main road but it's only a 5-minute walk to the beach and cheaper than beachfront Hotels.
The staff was very helpful and kind to us. After we booked our trip to Boracay I had an accident and fractured my knee cap. The room we originally booked is on the 2nd floor of the building which is the deluxe room and I was having a hard time using the stairs so they upgraded our room from deluxe to an apartment at no extra cost. The apartment was on the ground floor and had 2 bedrooms. Each having their own bathroom, sala, and kitchen.
Pros:
Cheap rates
Good breakfast
Big rooms
Swimming pool
Nice staff
Cons:
Globe cellular signal was poor. I couldn't even send a text message if you want to signal you need to go out. Bring a Smart sim card if you really need a signal, that's the only service that worked there.
Mosquito in the room
Hotel Accommodation cost - PHP 8,759
If you want a beachfront hotel I would recommend staying at Boracay Haven Resort, but make sure you book the new one in beachfront as they have two branches, one in the main road and the new one at the beachfront, they have good breakfast and an ocean view room at affordable price.
5: Boracay itinerary
Here’s our DIY Itinerary
Disclaimer: When we went there the activities were still limited. Also, we couldn't do these since I had a fractured knee. Below is an updated list of activities as of 2019 approved by DOT (Department of Tourism)
Day 1
2:00 pm - Arrive in Boracay Island
2:30 pm - Checked in
5:00 pm - Watched Sunset
6:00 pm - Roam around the beach front and see the new nightlife of Boracay
Expenses:
Airline ticket - PHP 2,000 per pax
Van to Caticlan jetty port - 250
Caticlan jetty port to Boracay - 200 ( includes an environmental fee, terminal fee, ferry)
Tricycle from Boracay port to the hotel- PHP 150
Food 300-500 per day (estimated expenses)
Day 2
5:00 am - Wake up time
5:30 am - Go to the beach and enjoy the sunrise and take photos. This is the best time for taking your photos! First, it's early and not many people yet. Secondly, your stomach is not that bloated yet from eating so the photos will look better!! Finally, the lighting is beautiful and is great for photos. :)
7:00 am - Went back to the hotel for breakfast, shower, changed clothes and more pictures! :)
10:00 am - Went back to the beach and ??? You guessed it, more pictures!!!
12:00 pm - Go explore D’mall and have lunch.
3:00 pm - Hair braid time
5:00 pm - Chasing the Sunset :) We never got tired of sunset. Also, more pictures.
Expenses:
Food for the day - 300-500 (estimated cost)
Hair braid- PHP 150 (depends on the style you like) they do room service too :)
Day 3
9:00am - 1:00pm - Explore Puka beach
( If you’re not that hungry find other places to eat because the food at Puka beach are a little pricey and wasn't that good)
2:00 pm - Buying Pasalubong (Pasalubong is a Filipino term of buying souvenir and food delicacies to bring home)
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Explored more of the white beach: walked from station 2 to station 1 to go to Willy’s Rock you're Boracay trip won't be complete without taking photos of the most photographed landmark on the island.
Expenses:
Tricycle to Puka beach- PHP 150 4pax
Food - 800 (an estimated cost that day) like I said the food at Puka Beach is pricey
Tricycle going back to the hotel- PHP 150 4pax
Day 4
5:00 am - Checked out of room
7:00 am - Traveled back to Kalibo
9:00 am - Arrived at Kalibo
11:00 am - Flight departed back to Manila
Boracay Nightlife
Boracay is known for its nightlife and parties; that's changed with the new Boracay. Before there was loud music, many tables, and chairs at the beach, and a lot of night parties. Now it’s so quiet at the beach at night and also dark, we need to use flashlight when we’re there before, but you can still enjoy your night coz’ there still many restaurant and bars open at night they just not at the beach anymore as one of the policies now are “dining at the beach is prohibited”.
6: Places to eat:
-Jeepney Stop (Filipino Restaurant) - D’mall
Affordable and the food is good.
-Spicebird (Portugues, barbeque, grill) - D’mall
Affordable and the chicken is tasteful and the serving is big.
-Don Vito Ristorante Italiano (Italian) - Station 2
Food is ok, but we always go here for the free wifi :) The wifi signal is good, and their staff is very nice.
PauPatri Restaurant( Filipino) - Station 2
The Design of restaurant is unique and very relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the beach, the food is good and they serve it hot.
Ngi Ngi Nu Noos (live music and bar)- Station 2
Affordable drinks, good live band.
HaloMango - A famous dessert in Boracay, you should try it but be patient with the long line as they always have many customers.
We went right after the Boracay re-opening, so some of the activities were still suspended or some of it was not included like the Island hopping. That's why we decided to just go to Puka beach.
Here are some Do’s and Dont’s for the New Boracay
-You need to present a hotel reservation before they will let you enter the island. They are very strict with the new policy of “no booking, no entry”.
-No smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages along the beach.
-Sandcastles will be regulated.
-Dining by the beach will be prohibited.
Here is the updated 2019 list of activities you can do in Boracay
Island Hopping
Banana boat
Helmet Diving
Paraw Sailing
Parasailing
Snorkeling
Jet-ski
As of January 10, 2019, there are now a total of 305 establishments accounting to 10,515 rooms are now accredited according to the DOT (Department of Tourism).
See the list below.
So, has Boracay improved? Is Boracay worth the visit?
Definitely Yes!
From a point of view of my friend - a working mom: The time there was so peaceful now. Not much going on at the beach, and you can just sit at the shore and enjoy the serenity of the island now
As for me who’s younger and see how bad Boracay is before and someone who likes the nightlife parties at Boracay, I still enjoyed my trip to Boracay. Why? The shoreline is cleaner and wider now, allowing you to walk freely unlike before. Prior to closing, there were so many stalls in the way. The only downside I'm seeing now is how dark it is at night. When you walk around the beach you might feel unsafe. The darkness, however, didn't bother me that much since we had a flashlight. Unsure if lighting is still an issue or not.
I recommend you to try and visit Boracay, you won't regret it.
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Some Photos from our Boracay trip
