Boracay
The Philippines' most famous white beach, now cleaner after its 2018 rehabilitation. Sunset sails, calm turquoise water and an easy short flight from Cebu.
Boracay is a small island off the northern tip of Panay, in the town of Malay, Aklan. It is only about 7 km long, but it is the Philippines' best-known beach destination, famous for the powdery sand of White Beach, clear turquoise water and some of the prettiest sunsets in the country. From Cebu it is an easy trip: a short flight, a quick boat ride, and you are on the sand.
Why go to Boracay
- White Beach, about 4 km of soft white sand with calm, shallow water for most of the year.
- Sunset sails on a paraw, the traditional outrigger sailboat.
- Puka Beach and quieter coves in the north, for a slower day.
- Easy island hopping, snorkelling and water sports, plus plenty of places to eat.
Boracay after the 2018 rehabilitation
In April 2018 the government closed Boracay to tourists for six months to fix serious environmental problems, especially sewage and building too close to the shore. The island reopened in October 2018 with stricter rules, and they still apply today.
- You need a confirmed booking at a DOT-accredited hotel or resort. Staff at the Caticlan jetty port check it before you can board the boat. Check that your place is on the Department of Tourism's accredited list before you pay.
- There is a daily limit on arrivals, so book ahead for holidays and long weekends.
- No smoking and no drinking alcohol on the beach, no littering, no loud parties on the sand and no fire dancing. Furniture and structures are kept back from the shoreline.
- Expect an environmental fee and a terminal fee at the jetty port, and possibly a small online processing fee if you pay through the official online system. Amounts change, so check the current fees before you go.
Things to do in Boracay
White Beach is divided into Station 1, 2 and 3, names left over from old boat stops. Station 1 in the north has the widest, softest sand and the photogenic Willy's Rock. Station 2 is the busy middle, close to D'Mall, restaurants and shops. Station 3 in the south is quieter and usually cheaper.
Go out on a paraw sunset sail late in the afternoon: boats leave from the beach, and the hour on the water as the sky turns orange is a Boracay classic. On the north tip, Puka Beach has coarser, shell-flecked sand, rougher water and a wilder feel. On the east side, Bulabog Beach is the base for kitesurfing and windsurfing, especially from about November to April.
An island-hopping trip usually takes you to snorkel spots, Crystal Cove and small beaches around the island. Agree on the price, the stops and what is included before you leave. For the views, climb Mount Luho, the island's highest point.
Where is Boracay?
Malay, Aklan
Directions open in Google Maps, starting from where you are. Its travel times are estimates, and ferries and island boats may not be included.
Getting there from Cebu
- Fly from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Caticlan (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport). Direct flights take about 1 hour and usually run daily; check the airlines for current times.
- Or fly to Kalibo, which often has more flights and lower fares, then take a van or bus to Caticlan jetty port. The road trip takes about 1.5-2 hours.
- From Caticlan airport, take a tricycle or shuttle to the Caticlan jetty port, a few minutes away.
- At the port, show your hotel booking and ID, pay the fees and board a boat to Cagban port on Boracay. The crossing takes about 15 minutes.
- From Cagban, take an e-trike or your hotel transfer to your place on the island.
Many resorts offer a transfer package that handles the port fees and boat for you. In the southwest monsoon season boats sometimes use a different port on rough days, so follow the signs and staff.
Getting around
Boracay is small. You can walk the length of White Beach on the sand, and the main road behind it has e-trikes (electric tricycles) for short rides. Agree on the fare first, or ask your hotel what a fair price is.
Where to stay and eat
Station 1 suits couples who want the best sand, Station 2 is handy for food and nightlife, and Station 3 is good for budget stays. Check the accreditation before you book. Food ranges from cheap local eateries off the main road to beachfront restaurants. Try fresh seafood at the market, where you choose your fish and have it cooked nearby.
When to go
The dry season, from about November to May, usually brings sunshine and calm water on White Beach. From about June to October, the southwest monsoon (habagat) brings rain and waves to White Beach, and some activities stop on rough days. Prices are lower then, and Bulabog side is calmer. Christmas, Holy Week and summer holidays are the busiest times.
Tips for a good trip
- Keep your booking confirmation, ID and fee receipts handy for the port.
- Never touch or stand on coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Respect the beach rules: no smoking, drinking or littering on the sand.
- Bring some cash for fees, e-trikes and small eateries.
- Watch for jellyfish in some months, and swim only where it is calm.
Flying out from Cebu? Read our guide to getting between Mactan Airport and Cebu City. Love white sand? Back in Cebu, try Bantayan Island or Malapascua.
Photo gallery
Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.
Watch before you go
Photo: "Boracay White Beach Station 2 sea view, paraw sailboats (Malay, Aklan; 04-06-2024)" by Patrickroque01, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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