Boracay Island

Widely known as one of the finest swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay also boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches.

Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. The island is made up of 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.

Boracay is a paradise of plenty, providing everything the traveler could possibly want from a holiday. Dazzling beaches, crystal waters and azure skies supply the backdrop for relaxing or partying, solitude or company. With a seemingly endless list of sports and activities on offer, areas of outstanding beauty to visit and hundreds of places to eat, drink and be merry.

There are more than 200 restaurants and eateries on Boracay offering food from around the world and suiting every budget. Pork and chicken are the most popular meats, but fresh seafood is simply delicious and available everywhere.

For local colour, small market-based ihaw-ihaw (bar-b-q) restaurants are well worth a visit. For the adventurous and sturdy stomach, try balot, a boiled fertilized chicken or duck egg widely believed to be an aphrodisiac! All Filipino dishes are best served with the world-famous San Miguel Beer, ice-chilled!

Many night spots for drinks, dancing and karaoke with numerous bars and discos litter amongst the resorts. Some are open 24/7.

Where to Stay

Boracay Island has accommodations to suit all budgets, from the rustic "nipa hut" (bungalows made of bamboo and nipa palm leaves) to modern luxurious hotels with conference facilities and gyms through to spas to boutique resorts. Most are located along the four-kilometre White Beach in the West. A few more are interspersed along the North and East coasts as well as the island's interior.

To get to Boracay, one has to book a flight to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province. Air-conditioned coasters or public buses offer one-hour-and-a-half drive to Caticlan where one can board a motorized banca for a 30-minute trip to Boracay.