Last updated on at 06:02 am
If you’d ask me to describe Boracay in a word, I’d say—in a heartbeat—stunning.
Because truly Boracay is stunning! The oh-my-gosh-can-this-be-real kind of stunning. Pristine, unbelievably clear turquoise waters that you don’t want to leave forever, blue skies, miles and miles of the best and finest white sand (like sugar!)—it’s an absolute paradise on earth! No wonder it landed the #1 spot in Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Islands of 2012 and #2 on World’s Best Islands of 2013.
Boracay is without a doubt one of the top destinations in the world. It’s one of the places I’d like to go back to again and again. It is also where the rich and famous enjoy the sea, sand, and sky, and flock to see and be seen.
But no matter how famous and widely visited Boracay is, you can still enjoy it on a budget. I’ve been to Boracay twice and on both occasions, I’ve gone on the cheap.
Here are some ways you can do Boracay without breaking the bank.
How to Get to Boracay
Boracay is a small island around 315 kilometers south of Manila, the Philippines’ capital city. To get there, you must take a flight from Manila or Cebu, a city in the south. If you’re coming from another country, chances are that you’ll be landing in Manila, so you need to book a flight from there to Caticlan, a town that is closest to Boracay. From there, take the almost one-hour boat ride to reach the island of Boracay.
Watch out for Low-Priced Airfares
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Direct flights from Manila to Caticlan Airport are served by local carriers like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air. To get the best deals, regularly check their websites for low fares.
Related Reading: White Beach Boracay in Aklan, Philippines – A Tropical Odyssey
Travel During Low Season
Boracay’s peak season occurs from mid-December to the end of May, while the low season starts from June to December 20. Avoid going there from December 26 to January 2 (Christmas season) and during the Holy Week when it’s the most crowded.
During the peak season, the island is specially packed, and airfares and accommodations are at their all-time highest. You cannot even successfully haggle for low hotel rates with rooms being in demand.
Now I like going to Boracay during the low season. Not only do I have the feeling of having the island to myself (no crowd to contend with), but I get good deals on airfares and at times half the price on rooms as well.
Don’t worry that it’s not summertime because most of the time it’s sunny and warm in the Philippines and what little rain it gets won’t ruin your trip. Besides, the weather is unpredictable these days, so what’s supposed to be the rainy season could just be the opposite.
Cheap Boracay Resorts
For only $14, you can already stay in a standard double room with a fan in Boracay. In Philippine Peso, the country’s currency, that’s only P700. You can find some of the cheapest hotel rates below:
Booking.comMuch cheaper rooms can be found when searching on foot as some small mom-and-pop hotels are not found on the Internet; these accommodations, however, still offer comparable great rooms and friendly service. But if you want to make a hotel booking before arriving on the island, cheap hotels and great deals are also available online.
Boracay Areas
Boracay is divided into 3 areas known as Stations 1, 2, and 3. Passenger boats from the Caticlan dock at these stations. Station 1 is where the luxury resorts are located. Station 2 is a bit busier and livelier than Station 1 since it’s crawling with shops and restaurants. Station 3 is less crowded than Station 2 and where the cheaper resorts are located.
During both our visits, we stayed at a hotel in Station 2, just off the shores. We like staying in this upbeat area because we’re a fan of its lively scene.
Cheap Eats in Boracay
For as little as $1.25, you can already enjoy a filling meal in Boracay. Andok’s in Station 2 offers 2 pieces of pork barbecue with rice for only $1.17. If you have a higher budget, plenty is available around.
If you want to eat big, eat-all-you-can buffets are also available. For P550 pesos, you can already partake in the wide selection of food from appetizers to soups to desserts. Plus, drinks (soda or juice) are free most of the time. Try Paradise Garden Buffet when you’re in the mood for an eat-all-you-can spread.
For a fresher variety and a more unique experience, you can pick out fresh seafood at D’Talipapa in Station 2 and have it cooked by one of the surrounding restaurants. D’Talipapa is a wet market with vendors selling fresh fish of different varieties, crabs, shrimps, lobsters, seaweeds, and other sea harvests. This is a bit on the pricey side since aside from paying for the seafood, you also have to pay the restaurant for cooking it. But it’s a different kind of experience that’s worth a try.
Walking along Boracay’s 7-mile stretch, you’ll pass by plenty of take-out or takeaway food stalls that offer quick eats at reasonable prices. I found several to be good for their prices.
Free Activities in Boracay
The best things to do in Boracay are free and there are plenty, so rest assured that you don’t have to splurge to enjoy the island.
1. Watch the Sunset
Boracay has one of the most beautiful sunsets around. It’s a joy to watch. Be sure you take the time to see this magnificent spectacle before you leave the island.
2. Keep Swimming
Of course, there is swimming—the ultimate way to enjoy Boracay’s magnificent clear turquoise waters. Whether you frolic during the day or at nighttime, it doesn’t matter as both offer an equally fantastic—yet differently unique—experience.
3. Soak in the Sun
Bask in the warm sunshine and give yourself a really good tan. Plus, there’s no better way to get a good look at the paradise-like beauty of Boracay than by just lounging in the breeze and taking in all those magnificent views.
4. Go Cliff Diving
Cliff diving is free. Just be sure that the water isn’t shallow to be safe. Many spots along the shore are great for cliff diving. All you need to do is ask the locals where these sites are located as they would be happy to direct you to some.
5. Create Sandcastles in Boracay
Building sandcastles is fun but if you’re not keen on the idea, you can watch others do it. Scattered along the shoreline are plenty of artful sandcastles built with care. They’re very creative and seeing them get created is entertaining.
6. Watch Free Shows
There are some shows in the evening that you can watch for free. Station 2 is especially popular with this. To get a good view, you can order a drink to get to sit at a table. A fun way to while the night away.
7. Walk the Island
A wonderful way to get up close and personal with the island is to walk the entire shoreline. It’s around a two-hour walk from Station 1 to 3. We found lots of interesting nooks and crannies when we made this trek. We even came upon an interesting cave.
8. Watch Fire Dance shows
Dancers with burning fires put their talent on display to the tune of lively music at night. You can catch these shows along the beach as they’re done in an open area on the beachfront. These shows are free, but if you want to take pictures with the performers afterward, money donation is appreciated.
9. Talk with the Locals
I love talking with the locals wherever I go because it’s one of the most effective ways of learning about their culture. It’s fun to hear stories about things I’m not familiar with or know nothing about. It gives me perspective and broadens my horizons. Try it in Boracay.
10. Play Volleyball
Volleyball on the beach is one great way to soak in the sun. Plus, you get some exercise. If you feel too hot afterward, just take a dip in the inviting waters to cool down.
Wrap Up
You don’t need to splurge to enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful islands. You can do it within a budget when you’re creative.
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