How to get to Boracay

2009-05-03T01:02:00.000-07:00

1. Landing At Caticlan

While waiting for your bags to be brought down from the plane, fill up the tourist information sheets at the counter.. This will save you some time at the jetty port where it tends to be more chaotic.

2. Caticlan Airport – Jetty Port

If landing in Caticlan, another way to get to the jetty port from the airport is to simply walk. As you get out of the airport, you will have to turn right and make a u-turn when you reach the end of the railing. Walk to the end of the street and onto the highway where you will turn right. When you see the hardware store on the left, turn left on the road there and that will lead you straight to the jetty port. Alternatively, you can also flag down a tricycle at the highway for P7.00 per person.

Either way is cheaper than the P50/tricycle fee at the terminal near the airport!

3. Kalibo- Caticlan

If landing in Kalibo, an alternative to the vans (which are often hot and break down easily) are the air-conditioned buses operated by South Star or Island Star Express. They cost slightly more (P220-P250 vs P200 for the vans) but they are usually cooler and travel time is faster because they don’t make a lot of stops. The only downside is that they may wait for the bus to be filled before leaving and this obviously takes longer than the vans.

Upon exiting the terminal,, look for the South Star or Island Star tables or representatives.

4. At The Jetty Port

Prepare the necessary fees early. You will need to pay the following per person:

Boat Ticket: P25
Environmental Maintenance Fee: P50
Jetty Port Terminal Fee: P50

TOTAL : P125

Before entering the jetty port, security guards will search your bags. Be prepared to open your bags quickly and show them the contents.

And finally, before boarding, you will have to list down your name and details for the boat’s manifest.

5. Boracay Jetty Port to White Beach

If you pay the “individual” fare, it is only P20 per person to most points on the main road near the beach. You can also choose to get the whole tricycle all to yourself for P100. These are the same when you are leaving the island (just say “Cagban” if you want to get to the port)

Fares may be different when you want the tricycle to turn from the main road (and take you directly to the beach, for example) and when you ask it to go beyond Friday’s. So make sure you clarify the rate before getting on.

6. Boracay Tricycles

Unfortunately, Boracay tricycle drivers will take advantage of you whenever they can. Keep in mind that the rate is only P7.00 per person for the “individual” fare (mention this when you get on and state your destination). Don’t be afraid to complain and find the baranggay hall if you encounter any problems.

Remember:
- the fare becomes more expensive when it’s late at night
- the fare is higher when you get on or get off on the side roads that branch out from the highway. Take a short walk to the highway and get on there instead
- Get the tricycle number and (as much as possible) driver number when you encounter any problems
- Count your change!

7. In General

Travel times will be more difficult during the very peak periods (Holy Week and Labor Day Weekend) so try to allow more time to get to your destination (such as from the island to the airport).

(Source: Ourawesomeplanet.com)

About Boracay

2009-04-30T23:50:00.000-07:00

From: The Philippine Department of Tourism

For many certified sun-worshippers the world over, paradise goes by the name Boracay. For indeed, many visitors have come back to Boracay year after year. Some have even chosen to live in this paradise island.

Sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons, Boracay can be found at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. Boracay has managed to pack its thousand-hectare area 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.

Boracay is made up of these little communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manocmanoc in the south. Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manocmanoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages together but many sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles. Electricity and public transportation remain relatively scarce.

Boracay would have remained a national secret if not a few foreign travelers who accidentally stumbled upon the place. Some say it was a movie crew which spread word about Boracay to other sun worshippers. Others swear it was German traveler Jens Peter's book, which included rave reviews about Boracay, that sent tourists on their way.

Whichever tale is true, Boracay has become a melting pot for beach lovers. At any point in the islands, visitors can hear English, German and French spoken fluently. More importantly, visitors respect the serene quality of the place, and pay tribute to native Boracaynons by behaving according to local behavioral codes- which means no nudity, no fighting, and no loud commotions.

Not surprisingly, the culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Australian, Belgian, Spanish and Thai - they're all here side by side the native cuisine. Lending ample support to this virtual rainbow of gastronomic pickings are Boracay's famous selection of fruit shakes: from sweet yellow mango, green tart mango, to pineapple, coconut milk, cantaloupe and banana. Don't go home without a sip.

ATTRACTIONS

WHITE BEACH-- Probably the most famous stretch of beach in the country, White Beach lies on the west coast, between the villages of Angol and Balabag. Acclaimed as one of the finest beaches in Asia, White Beach features bright, fine sand and clear, shallow waters. Over 100 beach resorts can be found on its 3.5 kilometer stretch.

YAPAK-- To the bat cave! Explore the bat caves of Yapak preferably with an experienced guide in tow. You can even take photos of these night creatures. To the bat cave! Explore the bat caves of Yapak preferably with an experienced guide in tow. You can even take photos of these night creatures.

PUKA SHELL BEACH-- Blissfully deserted, Puka Beach boast of fine white sand and millions of puka shells. Blissfully deserted, Puka Beach boast of fine white sand and millions of puka shells.

KAR-TIR SEA SHELL MUSEUM-- Located at the village of lli-lligan, Kar-Tir features an interesting collection of sea shells, wood carvings, pottery, hand-woven articles and traditional costumes from all over the Philippines. Located at the village of lli-lligan, Kar-Tir features an interesting collection of sea shells, wood carvings, pottery, hand-woven articles and traditional costumes from all over the Philippines.

THINGS TO DO

WATER FUN. The beach beckons for some serious swimming, or just wading by the shore.For the more active vacationer, windsurfing and parasailing gear are readily available. Go sailing with the help of local sailors who are acutely attune to the rhythm of the sea. You can also try diving off Laurel Island.

STAR GAZING. In Boracay, there's plenty of room to sit back and look to the heavens for inspiration. Whether you're mooning over a sea of stars, watching the parade of white clouds, or basking in moonlight, be sure to keep your eyes open for a falling star. The visual delights never end specially at every setting of the sun, when the sun cries out in blazing, flaming colors, before it is finally laid to sleep.

BEACHCOMBING. There are over a dozen beaches dotting the islands. Bamboo outriggers ferry guests for a small fee. The choices are many: White Beach, Diniwid,Balinghai Beach, Manoc-manoc Beach, and Cagban Beach among others. Work on your tan, read a book, relax.

SADDLE UP. Stables are located near White Beach. Head towards the caves of Yapak, or just go where the horses take you. Bicycles are also up for rent. Riders are advised to stay on inland paths.

NIGHTLIFE. Spend the last hours of the day at any of Boracay's bars or discos. Beer in hand, you can dance in the sand with a few brilliant fireflies. If this seems too rowdy for your taste, take a stroll in the beach by the moonlight.

Boracay Travel Guide

How to get to Boracay

About Boracay