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White Beach Boracay is a tropical island about an hour's flight from Metro Manila in the Philippines. It has superb long white sand beaches, as good as any anywhere, and is one of the country's most developed tourist destinations.

Facilities are available to suit different levels of activity. Facilities for the usual water sports activities such as sailing, wind surfing, snorkelling, diving and jet skiing are also widely available for those in search of more active pursuits. The fun in Boracay also doesn't end when the sun sets. Boracay nightlife is pulsating with many bars and restaurants serving food, drink and fun until the very late evening.

Boracay is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a full range of facilities in a prime tropical location and can pay for it. However, it is not a good bet for bargain hunters; prices are relatively high by Philippines standards, though moderate by Japanese or Western standards and lower than many places in the Mediterranean, Caribbean or South Pacific.

Since reopening in October 2018, there are new rules and regulations, and a limit to the number of tourists allowed on the island. You must have a hotel pre-booked before they will let you get on the boat to Boracay. There is no eating or drinking on the beach, no smoking, no fire dancing, and no commercial sandcastles. In addition, no chairs, loungers or umbrellas are allowed on the beach, so think carefully about whether to visit if you are disabled, elderly or just want to avoid direct sunlight and sit on the beach. Be prepared to be offered a massage, boat ride, parasailing, kite surfing, sail boating, hair braiding, island hopping, and henna tattoo every 20 steps on the beach's "sidewalk" path.

There are dozens of beaches on the island, and White Beach being the longest and the most popular of them, where all life goes on, it occupies roughly all western part of the island. On the opposite side of the island (eastern) there is a main kitesurfer's beach - Bulabog. Other beaches are much smaller and tranquil. All parts of Boracay are interconnected with the help of the Main Boracay road which runs from South to North through all island.

White Beach is several kilometers long and thus it's divided into three parts (from south to north): Station 1, Station 2, Station 3.

During the dry season (November-April; the northeast monsoon or amihan blows from December to March), White Beach is calm and very suitable for swimming, etc. The other side of the island has large winds and waves making it suitable for wind surfing, wave running, etc. During the rainy season (June-October), when the southwest monsoon (habagat) blows, this is reversed, with a risk of typhoons. White Beach often gets large winds and waves which sometimes makes it unsuitable for swimming. Current weather conditions can be found online.

White Beach

White Beach. This is what most people are here for, but there are environmental rules and the beach is a challenge for people with disabilities. It is a lovely stretch of powdery white sand against azure water, it's also the commercial center of the island. The long beach is divided into three sections, Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. Station 1 is the northernmost and has the widest beachfront, where prime hotels and resorts are located. Accommodations are pricier, but quality is generally the best as well. Station 2 is the commercial and geographical center of white beach. This is the center of it all for shopping, eating, partying, and etc. That said, the beach here is also the most crowded, and the area the nosiest. Station 3 is the southernmost section; quieter than station 2, it is the least developed, and also the lowest priced. All of White Beach from the northernmost tip of Station 1 to the southernmost of Station 3 (~4 km) is open to the public, so one can relax and/or swim wherever they like, regardless of hotel location.In every station, there are two lifeguards patrolling on foot equipped with whistle, life buoy and hand-held radio. The boat station 2 is the lifeguard and rescue command center.
Puka Beach. A quiet stretch of white sand along the northern tip of the island, Puka Beach is an image of what most people expect on a tropical island: white sand, azure water, and relatively empty. This is where locals gather the small puka shells for some of the jewelry that is sold on the island so expect the sand to be more coarse than on White Beach. The water tends to be a little rougher on this side of the island but it is much quieter. Similarly, there are fewer services—there are only a couple of restaurants, but you likely won't have a problem getting a cold drink or an ice cream as there are a few vendors that patrol the beach. The main road in Boracay terminates at Puka Beach therefore you'll be able to hire a tricycle to get there in less than 10–15 minutes from central White Beach. Make sure you arrange a pickup if it is a quiet day and no tricycles are hanging around the beach. Most people experience Puka as one of their sailboat or banca stops during a day trip. This is a good spot for a picnic, but be sure to bring your trash home with you.
Baling Hai Beach. This is a quiet little cove just north of Diniwid Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and dining in a relaxed, peaceful environment. There are some fantastic views from the clifftop restaurant. Baling Hai is often included as a stop-off on an island boat tour.
Bulabog Beach. Come there on a windy days to see kiteboarders doing high jumps and crazy tricks.
The Bat Cave. You will see in several tour guides and maps of Boracay something called the Bat Cave, which houses many small insectivorous bats (the larger fruit bats roost in the trees on the hillside above Punta Bunga Beach), and locals will be more than happy to accompany you there for a fee, or "tip". The cave is on the western-end of the island and down several dirt roads. The guide will then take you on a short hike through the forest to the mouth of a cave, which drops down at a very steep angle. The mouth of the cave is littered with large boulders, and is extremely difficult to enter and walk down. There is no visible path, no handrail, and the stones are extremely slippery with slime and bat guano, as well as extremely dangerous, since the cave is at such an extreme angle. Also, the air inside the cave is very warm and humid, and in addition to the amount of guano, is very difficult to breathe. Additionally, several snakes live inside the cave. Caution should be taken by those visiting and entering the cave. There are bats in the cave, but down at the bottom of it in the dark, and unless you have a flashlight or are there at dusk, you won't see them. The ceiling of the cave is interesting, however, with multiple, small stalactites. Just nearby, you can find another cave, called "crystal" cave which has a lot of stalactites and a hole on the opposite site of the entrance, from which you can watch out to the sea if you dare to climb up to it. You will have to pay entry-fee to visit both caves for the family that owns the land, in addition to paying your guide. Visiting both caves can cost up to for the guide, but this is the "rich tourist price", so try to bargain if you like.

White Beach. This is what most people are here for, but there are environmental rules and the beach is a challenge for people with disabilities. It is a lovely stretch of powdery white sand against azure water, it's also the commercial center of the island. The long beach is divided into three sections, Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. Station 1 is the northernmost and has the widest beachfront, where prime hotels and resorts are located. Accommodations are pricier, but quality is generally the best as well. Station 2 is the commercial and geographical center of white beach. This is the center of it all for shopping, eating, partying, and etc. That said, the beach here is also the most crowded, and the area the nosiest. Station 3 is the southernmost section; quieter than station 2, it is the least developed, and also the lowest priced. All of White Beach from the northernmost tip of Station 1 to the southernmost of Station 3 (~4 km) is open to the public, so one can relax and/or swim wherever they like, regardless of hotel location.In every station, there are two lifeguards patrolling on foot equipped with whistle, life buoy and hand-held radio. The boat station 2 is the lifeguard and rescue command center.

Puka Beach. A quiet stretch of white sand along the northern tip of the island, Puka Beach is an image of what most people expect on a tropical island: white sand, azure water, and relatively empty. This is where locals gather the small puka shells for some of the jewelry that is sold on the island so expect the sand to be more coarse than on White Beach. The water tends to be a little rougher on this side of the island but it is much quieter. Similarly, there are fewer services—there are only a couple of restaurants, but you likely won't have a problem getting a cold drink or an ice cream as there are a few vendors that patrol the beach. The main road in Boracay terminates at Puka Beach therefore you'll be able to hire a tricycle to get there in less than 10–15 minutes from central White Beach. Make sure you arrange a pickup if it is a quiet day and no tricycles are hanging around the beach. Most people experience Puka as one of their sailboat or banca stops during a day trip. This is a good spot for a picnic, but be sure to bring your trash home with you.

Baling Hai Beach. This is a quiet little cove just north of Diniwid Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and dining in a relaxed, peaceful environment. There are some fantastic views from the clifftop restaurant. Baling Hai is often included as a stop-off on an island boat tour.

Bulabog Beach. Come there on a windy days to see kiteboarders doing high jumps and crazy tricks.

The Bat Cave. You will see in several tour guides and maps of Boracay something called the Bat Cave, which houses many small insectivorous bats (the larger fruit bats roost in the trees on the hillside above Punta Bunga Beach), and locals will be more than happy to accompany you there for a fee, or "tip". The cave is on the western-end of the island and down several dirt roads. The guide will then take you on a short hike through the forest to the mouth of a cave, which drops down at a very steep angle. The mouth of the cave is littered with large boulders, and is extremely difficult to enter and walk down. There is no visible path, no handrail, and the stones are extremely slippery with slime and bat guano, as well as extremely dangerous, since the cave is at such an extreme angle. Also, the air inside the cave is very warm and humid, and in addition to the amount of guano, is very difficult to breathe. Additionally, several snakes live inside the cave. Caution should be taken by those visiting and entering the cave. There are bats in the cave, but down at the bottom of it in the dark, and unless you have a flashlight or are there at dusk, you won't see them. The ceiling of the cave is interesting, however, with multiple, small stalactites. Just nearby, you can find another cave, called "crystal" cave which has a lot of stalactites and a hole on the opposite site of the entrance, from which you can watch out to the sea if you dare to climb up to it. You will have to pay entry-fee to visit both caves for the family that owns the land, in addition to paying your guide. Visiting both caves can cost up to for the guide, but this is the "rich tourist price", so try to bargain if you like.

For those interested in scuba diving, there are literally dozens of dive centers along White Beach; it is a good place to learn or to improve your skills. Cost is typically per dive for certified divers which includes rental of all equipment. The dive centers, under the Boracay Business Administration of Scuba Schools (BBASS), have agreed on standard prices amongst themselves so prices will be the same at all centers. This is to ensure that dive centers could focus on quality and scuba diving safety rather than price wars. There are 25-30 dive sites within 10–20 minutes boat ride from the beach, suitable for beginners up to advanced level. Dives range from 'Angol Point' (10m), through 'Crocodile Island' (22-25m), a straightforward wall dive, up to 'Yapak'- a deep wall dive suitable for only the most experienced divers due to strong currents, although there is the possibility of seeing sharks and stingrays.

Boat trip on a sunset The best way to see the beauty of Boracay and its various beaches is by Paraw (native outrigger sailboat). You will be constantly asked if you want to take a boat trip, as there are literally dozens of companies offering this service. It is better to go with a reputable and established group such as Allen Fun Tours (motorized banca boat tours) or Red Pirates (paraw sailing) to ensure your safety and avoid being overcharged.

Kites on Bulabog beach Boracay's Bulabog beach claims to be the best kitesurfing destination in Asia. The season runs from November through to April with onshore winds varying between 12-30 knots. A small lagoon (2 km wide) is protected from waves by a coral reef. The water becomes almost flat at low tide, making it easy to start learning kitesurfing and continue with freestyle tricks. Because of its nice conditions, the spot becomes overcrowded with riders in high season. A serious disadvantage is sewage pollution of the lagoon, so smell from water and infections from even small injuries are common.

Freestyle Academy Kitesurfing School, Bulabog Beach, +63 9155593080. Offers lessons from beginner to advanced. All instructors are IKO-certified.
Graykite, Ibabaw Street, Pinaungon, Balabag, +63 928 397 6249. Graykite provides kitesurfing lessons in Boracay to kitesurfers of all levels. Advice on travel, accommodation, etc., on request. US$80-200.
Hangin Kite Center, Bulabog Beach, +63 36 288 3766. The island's first kite center. Offers lessons from beginner to advanced. All instructors are IKO-certified.
Isla Kiteboarding school, Bulabog Beach, +63 362885352. Offers courses from beginners to advanced level. All instructors are IKO-certified.
Pinas Kite Boarding, Bulabog Beach, +63 9182574658. Locally owned kite-boarding shop, offers courses from level 1 to 3. All instructors are IKO-certified.

Freestyle Academy Kitesurfing School, Bulabog Beach, +63 9155593080. Offers lessons from beginner to advanced. All instructors are IKO-certified.

Graykite, Ibabaw Street, Pinaungon, Balabag, +63 928 397 6249. Graykite provides kitesurfing lessons in Boracay to kitesurfers of all levels. Advice on travel, accommodation, etc., on request. US$80-200.

Hangin Kite Center, Bulabog Beach, +63 36 288 3766. The island's first kite center. Offers lessons from beginner to advanced. All instructors are IKO-certified.

Isla Kiteboarding school, Bulabog Beach, +63 362885352. Offers courses from beginners to advanced level. All instructors are IKO-certified.

Pinas Kite Boarding, Bulabog Beach, +63 9182574658. Locally owned kite-boarding shop, offers courses from level 1 to 3. All instructors are IKO-certified.

Skimboarding in Boracay has been a new fun sport for kids and entertainment for older for people for several years. It is a welcome new attraction and a pleasure to watch. Skimboards are available for rent at several places along White Beach. But be sure to hire an expert to teach you the skills; a one-hour lesson from a local rider is usually around .

Along White Beach you will be approached frequently by women offering to give you a massage, which they will do on the spot or on a towel laid out on the beach - your choice.
A bit more organized, White Beach also has several "Massage Stations": collections of masseurs that have their mats set up. The stations are typically open as long as there are customers around but in general start to shut down just after sunset.
For Swedish, Accupressure, Shiatsu, etc., visit Abe (pronounced Abby) the blind masseur who operates outside Cocoloco restaurant in Angol (south of boat station 3). Only per hour.
There is a great outdoor massage station in the beach area of Nigi Nigi Beach Resort, where they have two tables set up. The booth is draped with curtains which they will close if you wish, or leave open if you want to watch the people on the beach. They offer every massage in the book, and charge for one hour.

Bella Isa Salon & Spa. A little spot on the beach in Station 3 with upscale decor and professional staff. They provide a full range of services including massage, facials, foot spa, and hair services.
There are several smaller/mid-range spas in Boracay that offer a menu including massages, scrubs and facials but don't quite have the facilities to be considered a full spa. Most hotels in Boracay offer a limited spa menu that falls into this category.

Bella Isa Salon & Spa. A little spot on the beach in Station 3 with upscale decor and professional staff. They provide a full range of services including massage, facials, foot spa, and hair services.

Caesar's, found along the main road near boat station 3, specializes in Thai massage and uses two masseurs simultaneously to deliver the service. A 90-minute massage is priced at US$50.
Tirta SPA. — found in Sitio Malabunot, Manoc-Manoc, area. Indian treatments in a stunning environment. Friendly and helpful staff. It is a good idea to compare prices between Tirta Spa, Mandala Spa, and Shangri-La Boracay to find the best deal.

Caesar's, found along the main road near boat station 3, specializes in Thai massage and uses two masseurs simultaneously to deliver the service. A 90-minute massage is priced at US$50.

Tirta SPA. — found in Sitio Malabunot, Manoc-Manoc, area. Indian treatments in a stunning environment. Friendly and helpful staff. It is a good idea to compare prices between Tirta Spa, Mandala Spa, and Shangri-La Boracay to find the best deal.

Ariel's Point. Ariel’s Point is an affordable eco-adventure destination for Boracay travellers who want to experience the natural splendor of the Philippines and meet fellow travellers. Located 30 minutes away from Station 1 by outrigger boat, Ariel’s Point allows travelers to enjoy a wide array of adventurous activities such as cliff diving (the destination has five different platforms ranging in height from 3 meters to 15 meters), snorkeling, and paddling in an unspoiled setting with volcanic caves, mangrove forests, turquoise coves, and remote beaches. Visitors can reach Ariel’s Point by purchasing tickets at Ariel's House (along the White Beach in front of the Boracay Beach Club) before 11AM on the day of departure. for round-trip boat transfer, a BBQ buffet, unlimited drinks (bottled water, beer, soda, rum), and access to cliff diving, snorkeling, kayaking.
Parasailing. Take a parasailing tour around the island, to explore quiet beaches and snorkel sites. Ask your crew to organize a romantic BBQ on the beach with fresh grilled seafood, if you like. Cruise back at sunset to experience breathtaking views.
Motorbiking. It is worth hiring motorbikes or scooters out to explore the island, as there are other beautiful beaches on the other side of the island that are even better for snorkeling that will be completely deserted. Hire them for a couple of days and you should get a discount. The roads are a bit dodgy, and some are still being constructed, but it's a good laugh and better than plunking yourself on a patch of white sand and seeing nothing.
Horseriding. Horse riding is a fun activity in Boracay. Get off the beaten path and experience villages and scenery most other visitors don't get to see. All levels of experience are catered to. Ask a tricycle to take you to the Boracay Horse Riding Stables.

Ariel's Point. Ariel’s Point is an affordable eco-adventure destination for Boracay travellers who want to experience the natural splendor of the Philippines and meet fellow travellers. Located 30 minutes away from Station 1 by outrigger boat, Ariel’s Point allows travelers to enjoy a wide array of adventurous activities such as cliff diving (the destination has five different platforms ranging in height from 3 meters to 15 meters), snorkeling, and paddling in an unspoiled setting with volcanic caves, mangrove forests, turquoise coves, and remote beaches. Visitors can reach Ariel’s Point by purchasing tickets at Ariel's House (along the White Beach in front of the Boracay Beach Club) before 11AM on the day of departure. for round-trip boat transfer, a BBQ buffet, unlimited drinks (bottled water, beer, soda, rum), and access to cliff diving, snorkeling, kayaking.

Parasailing. Take a parasailing tour around the island, to explore quiet beaches and snorkel sites. Ask your crew to organize a romantic BBQ on the beach with fresh grilled seafood, if you like. Cruise back at sunset to experience breathtaking views.

Motorbiking. It is worth hiring motorbikes or scooters out to explore the island, as there are other beautiful beaches on the other side of the island that are even better for snorkeling that will be completely deserted. Hire them for a couple of days and you should get a discount. The roads are a bit dodgy, and some are still being constructed, but it's a good laugh and better than plunking yourself on a patch of white sand and seeing nothing.

Horseriding. Horse riding is a fun activity in Boracay. Get off the beaten path and experience villages and scenery most other visitors don't get to see. All levels of experience are catered to. Ask a tricycle to take you to the Boracay Horse Riding Stables.

Along White Beach, especially around Station 2, there is a wide variety of gift shops and boutiques along the beach path. In addition to the crowded stalls that you expect in Asia, Boracay also has several high-end stores including clothing, art and household items. Some places will permit you to haggle, others have a fixed pricing system with price tags. Shop around as prices vary. Outside of White Beach, the shopping becomes sparse or non-existent. D*Mall at Station 2 and D'talipapa at station 3, between the main road and White Beach, have many shops. D*Mall is larger but D'talipapa features a number of shops, vegetable merchants and a large meat market also selling a large selection of live seafood. Prices at D'talipapa (including those for basic necessities such as milk, vegetables and meat) are about 25% below those of D'Mall.

While walking or laying on the sand, anywhere on Boracay, you'll be approached to buy a variety of items including jewelry made of shells, fresh fruit, ice cream, sunglasses or a nice massage.

Shell jewelry — similar to what you can find elsewhere in the world, the jewelry made of shells is popular as for the most part it is made locally from shells found on Puka Beach.
Paulo Collection BodyWear, D'Mall,Bamboo Beach Resort,PC Main -Fish eye diving shop,Island Magic near cocomangas beach Resort, +63 36 288 3448. Variety of beach wear and other souvenir items.

City Mall Boracay, Tambisaan Jetty Port road. 8AM-10PM. A new shopping mall with a big Savemore supermarket and many fast food outlets.

City Mall Boracay, Tambisaan Jetty Port road. 8AM-10PM. A new shopping mall with a big Savemore supermarket and many fast food outlets.

There are about 10 ATMs of the following banks: PNB Bank, Metro Bank, BPI bank, RCBC Bank, on the entire island for the 16,000 inhabitants plus tourists, and when they run out of cash, they are not refilled until the next business day. On weekends and holidays ATMs might go several days without being refilled. Almost all of them accept Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay cards. Maximum one time withdrawal is with compulsory fee for overseas cards of .

Many establishments, including the tricycles, cannot break a bill over, so it pays to always have small bills.

Foreign money (US dollars, UK pounds, euros, Korean won, Japanese yen, etc.) can be exchanged at several locations around the island. It's worth checking around for the best exchange rate, as all places don't offer the same rate. You're best off heading away from the beach for better rates.

Shell jewelry — similar to what you can find elsewhere in the world, the jewelry made of shells is popular as for the most part it is made locally from shells found on Puka Beach.

Paulo Collection BodyWear, D'Mall,Bamboo Beach Resort,PC Main -Fish eye diving shop,Island Magic near cocomangas beach Resort, +63 36 288 3448. Variety of beach wear and other souvenir items.

Because of its wide draw of international travelers, Boracay has a wide variety of places to eat, including a surprising number of bakeries. Majority of the restaurants are located on the White beach and a short pedestrian street called D'Mall., nearly all of these places are quite expensive (average meal costing ). Cheaper options can be found near D'Talipapa Market, at the D'Mall Palenke. (street run parallel to D'Mall in 50 m of it), and perhaps about half of the restaurants along the Main road.

As a side note, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy one of the best mangoes in the world. Climate in Philippines is perfect for mangoes, so you always get them mellow and sweet.

Kolai Mangyan Fudhaus, Main Road. Good local cafe serving Filipino cuisine. The price asked for this kind of good quality food is unbeatable on Boracay. Good reviews. Majority of meals.
Andok's. Andok's, which has 5 locations, sells rotisserie and fried chicken as well as favorite Filipino dishes. .
Sunset View Restaurant and Hotel, near Station 3, serves a 3-5PM snack buffet (soup, ham and cheese sliders, fried fish, pasta, meatballs, pancit, and macaroons) for ₱189 per person in a relaxed beachfront setting.

Kolai Mangyan Fudhaus, Main Road. Good local cafe serving Filipino cuisine. The price asked for this kind of good quality food is unbeatable on Boracay. Good reviews. Majority of meals.

Andok's. Andok's, which has 5 locations, sells rotisserie and fried chicken as well as favorite Filipino dishes. .

Sunset View Restaurant and Hotel, near Station 3, serves a 3-5PM snack buffet (soup, ham and cheese sliders, fried fish, pasta, meatballs, pancit, and macaroons) for ₱189 per person in a relaxed beachfront setting.

D'Talipapa Market. Fresh seafood market with relatively cheap prices. Around the place are a variety of food stores that offer to cook for you. You can buy fresh seafood, etc., right near the stores, then have the stores cook it for you however you like. For example, you can get crabs for for 1 kg opposed to buying in restaurants that charge per 100 grams. However, most of the seller are quite pushy and anyone buying needs to be prepared to bargain hard to get a good deal. scallops /kg, lobster, fish steak . Cooking prices.
Bamboo Bar Buffet, near Station 3, serves a 6-9PM Filipino buffet with pineapple juice for ₱295 per person in a relaxed beachfront setting.
Blue Jade Cafe, in D'Talipapa. Offers Asian and European cuisine. Customers can also shop in the market for fresh seafood and have it cooked for them at the restaurant. per kilogram grilled.
Smoke, down one of the alleys opposite Lemon cafe in D'Mall. A very good budget eatery. Local dishes, meat and seafood dishes, omeletes and excellent sandwiches are on offer. Most meals cost around and are all cooked fresh. If you are around between 11AM and 2PM you get a free drink of iced lemon tea with every rice meal. .
Jammers, on the front beach of D'Mall. Open 24/7. Up and running for more than 8 years, amazing burgers, hotdogs, fruit shakes, etc. A lot of negative reviews, people say it's overrated. Food, shakes.

D'Talipapa Market. Fresh seafood market with relatively cheap prices. Around the place are a variety of food stores that offer to cook for you. You can buy fresh seafood, etc., right near the stores, then have the stores cook it for you however you like. For example, you can get crabs for for 1 kg opposed to buying in restaurants that charge per 100 grams. However, most of the seller are quite pushy and anyone buying needs to be prepared to bargain hard to get a good deal. scallops /kg, lobster, fish steak . Cooking prices.

Bamboo Bar Buffet, near Station 3, serves a 6-9PM Filipino buffet with pineapple juice for ₱295 per person in a relaxed beachfront setting.

Blue Jade Cafe, in D'Talipapa. Offers Asian and European cuisine. Customers can also shop in the market for fresh seafood and have it cooked for them at the restaurant. per kilogram grilled.

Smoke, down one of the alleys opposite Lemon cafe in D'Mall. A very good budget eatery. Local dishes, meat and seafood dishes, omeletes and excellent sandwiches are on offer. Most meals cost around and are all cooked fresh. If you are around between 11AM and 2PM you get a free drink of iced lemon tea with every rice meal. .

Jammers, on the front beach of D'Mall. Open 24/7. Up and running for more than 8 years, amazing burgers, hotdogs, fruit shakes, etc. A lot of negative reviews, people say it's overrated. Food, shakes.

True Food, Station 2. 11 AM–midnight. Offers fiery Indian cuisine that will awaken the tastebuds. The place is cozy with straw mats and over-sized cushions. The staff is polite and very accommodating. For those who enjoy the spicier side of life, try the tandoori chicken. Mains from.
The Sunny Side Cafe Restaurant. Good place to have a breakfast. Very high ratings on rating sites. Pancakes around.
Lemon Cafe, D' Mall. This place serves a variety of breakfasts, lunches and light meals. The service and presentation is excellent. Cakes.
Dos Mestizos. 10AM-midnight. This restaurant is the brainchild of respected Boracay chef & restaurateur Binggoy Remedios and his close childhood friend, Jose Ramon Valdes Nieto. Both owners have Spanish ancestors, hence the name "Dos Mestizos". This restaurant serves a selection of excellent tapas and is located between stations 2 and 3, behind the Tourist Center. From.
Aria. 11AM-midnight. Delicious Italian food. If they don't give you the spicy olive oil bottle on the side for your custom made pizza, make sure you ask for it. .
Hama. A Japanese restaurant located at the D'Mall and just across The Hobbit House. From.
Fridays Boracay, +63 36 288-6200. 6AM-10PM. All day dining, themed dinner, Friday night buffet, seafood grill, plus 3 cultural dance shows every week with fire dance.
Heidiland Deli. Next to the main plaza at the D'Mall Phase IV is a fully air-conditioned European style deli selling all kinds of deli food as cheeses, cold cuts, salami, yoghurt, wines, etc. Locally famous for reasonably priced sandwiches, other stuff is usually expensive.
The Hobbit House. With great food, drinks and live music, this place is the best of the Hobbit House chain. The main draw is the midget staff, however.
Valhalla Bar & Restaurant. 11AM-11PM. In the mall is a refurbished steakhouse with a varied and interesting menu.
Kasbah, Next to Discovery Shores, Station 1. Authentic Moroccan cuisine serving exquisite tagines and couscous.
Bamboo Lounge, Station 1. 6AM-2AM. Serves a good selection of Chinese food in a relaxed beachfront setting. Quite average reviews.
Manana, Station 1. Serves large portions of tasty Mexican food. Guacamole is only available when avocados are in-season despite what the menu says. Average reviews left by customers.
Obama Grill Bar-Restaurant, Beachfront & Main Road Frontage (across from Andok's Station 1 and Shore Time Hotel. Steak restaurant, opened April 2009. Some say it's expensive and the portions are small. .
Ole, D'Mall. A great place to go for Spanish tapas and other specialties. Beware - the main courses are enormous! .
Tilapia 'N Chips, G/F Kamayan Bldg. Station 2, Boracay (Beside Crafts, +63 36 288 2283. noon-10PM. Visit this place for good beer-battered fish and chips. They also serve Asian and Western style fish dishes, burgers, sandwiches and soup at this modern, airconditioned restaurant. Take out also available.
Titos (Resto & Grill), station 2. Serve modern Filipino cuisine that combines the casual comfort of a home cooked meal with the relaxed sophistication of fine dining. Drop by for a quick snack or a delicious meal and enjoy the live music coming from Pat's Creek and Bom Bom Bar. Price range.
Deparis Beach Resort, White Beach (beside Le Soleil and The Mandarin, +63 36 288-3233. One of the first European restaurants on the island, the first in fact to have chocolate mousse and Italian pizza when the island was without electricity in the early 1980s. Owned by the infamous and eccentric Frenchman Roger Deparis who has lived on the island since his backpacking days, it is a throwback to the old island style of mismatched decorations and heavy foliage.
Cowboy Cocina, Station 3. 7AM-11PM. Serves tasty steaks, ribs and other grilled dishes, and arguably the best burgers in Boracay.
Cyma, in the new part of the D'mall. Excellent food and service at this Greek restaurant. Try the mezedes combination, the spinach and artichoke fondue and the chicken souvlaki. Mezes, gyros, mains from.

True Food, Station 2. 11 AM–midnight. Offers fiery Indian cuisine that will awaken the tastebuds. The place is cozy with straw mats and over-sized cushions. The staff is polite and very accommodating. For those who enjoy the spicier side of life, try the tandoori chicken. Mains from.

The Sunny Side Cafe Restaurant. Good place to have a breakfast. Very high ratings on rating sites. Pancakes around.

Lemon Cafe, D' Mall. This place serves a variety of breakfasts, lunches and light meals. The service and presentation is excellent. Cakes.

Dos Mestizos. 10AM-midnight. This restaurant is the brainchild of respected Boracay chef & restaurateur Binggoy Remedios and his close childhood friend, Jose Ramon Valdes Nieto. Both owners have Spanish ancestors, hence the name "Dos Mestizos". This restaurant serves a selection of excellent tapas and is located between stations 2 and 3, behind the Tourist Center. From.

Aria. 11AM-midnight. Delicious Italian food. If they don't give you the spicy olive oil bottle on the side for your custom made pizza, make sure you ask for it. .

Hama. A Japanese restaurant located at the D'Mall and just across The Hobbit House. From.

Fridays Boracay, +63 36 288-6200. 6AM-10PM. All day dining, themed dinner, Friday night buffet, seafood grill, plus 3 cultural dance shows every week with fire dance.

Heidiland Deli. Next to the main plaza at the D'Mall Phase IV is a fully air-conditioned European style deli selling all kinds of deli food as cheeses, cold cuts, salami, yoghurt, wines, etc. Locally famous for reasonably priced sandwiches, other stuff is usually expensive.

The Hobbit House. With great food, drinks and live music, this place is the best of the Hobbit House chain. The main draw is the midget staff, however.

Valhalla Bar & Restaurant. 11AM-11PM. In the mall is a refurbished steakhouse with a varied and interesting menu.

Kasbah, Next to Discovery Shores, Station 1. Authentic Moroccan cuisine serving exquisite tagines and couscous.

Bamboo Lounge, Station 1. 6AM-2AM. Serves a good selection of Chinese food in a relaxed beachfront setting. Quite average reviews.

Manana, Station 1. Serves large portions of tasty Mexican food. Guacamole is only available when avocados are in-season despite what the menu says. Average reviews left by customers.

Obama Grill Bar-Restaurant, Beachfront & Main Road Frontage (across from Andok's Station 1 and Shore Time Hotel. Steak restaurant, opened April 2009. Some say it's expensive and the portions are small. .

Ole, D'Mall. A great place to go for Spanish tapas and other specialties. Beware - the main courses are enormous! .

Tilapia 'N Chips, G/F Kamayan Bldg. Station 2, Boracay (Beside Crafts, +63 36 288 2283. noon-10PM. Visit this place for good beer-battered fish and chips. They also serve Asian and Western style fish dishes, burgers, sandwiches and soup at this modern, airconditioned restaurant. Take out also available.

Titos (Resto & Grill), station 2. Serve modern Filipino cuisine that combines the casual comfort of a home cooked meal with the relaxed sophistication of fine dining. Drop by for a quick snack or a delicious meal and enjoy the live music coming from Pat's Creek and Bom Bom Bar. Price range.

Deparis Beach Resort, White Beach (beside Le Soleil and The Mandarin, +63 36 288-3233. One of the first European restaurants on the island, the first in fact to have chocolate mousse and Italian pizza when the island was without electricity in the early 1980s. Owned by the infamous and eccentric Frenchman Roger Deparis who has lived on the island since his backpacking days, it is a throwback to the old island style of mismatched decorations and heavy foliage.

Cowboy Cocina, Station 3. 7AM-11PM. Serves tasty steaks, ribs and other grilled dishes, and arguably the best burgers in Boracay.

Cyma, in the new part of the D'mall. Excellent food and service at this Greek restaurant. Try the mezedes combination, the spinach and artichoke fondue and the chicken souvlaki. Mezes, gyros, mains from.

Real Coffee, Station 2. 7AM-7PM, take away shop downstairs works till 9PM. Serves a variety of pancakes, sandwiches, omelettes, baked goods and salads as well as freshly brewed coffee. The mother-and-daughter owners also get repeat customers who have been going there for years. They are also famous for their lemon muffin cupcakes, which are very much in demand. Coffee, muffins & brownie cakes.
Starbucks, Station 1. 6:30AM-12:30AM. Of the coffee shops of this famous chain. On the other side, it's extremely small cafe without even places to seat. Coffee from.
Jonas Fruitshake, Station 1. Their fruit shakes are to die for! Shakes and juices.

Real Coffee, Station 2. 7AM-7PM, take away shop downstairs works till 9PM. Serves a variety of pancakes, sandwiches, omelettes, baked goods and salads as well as freshly brewed coffee. The mother-and-daughter owners also get repeat customers who have been going there for years. They are also famous for their lemon muffin cupcakes, which are very much in demand. Coffee, muffins & brownie cakes.

Starbucks, Station 1. 6:30AM-12:30AM. Of the coffee shops of this famous chain. On the other side, it's extremely small cafe without even places to seat. Coffee from.

Jonas Fruitshake, Station 1. Their fruit shakes are to die for! Shakes and juices.

If you like to party, there are plenty of places to choose from. The livelier bars are situated near boat stations 1 and 2. There are plenty of places to party all night! Boat station 3 has a more laid back and relaxed atmosphere, with small native bars and restaurants - popular with backpackers.

Expect to check your handgun with the security guard!

Bom Bom Bar, near D 'Mall. A native-style beach bar that often has live music. It's a popular hang out for artists and musicians.
Charlie's Steakhouse & Diner Restaurant, Station 2 (Right in the middle of the beach. This bar is a long-time favorite on Boracay with live bands that play covers. Customers are invited to sing with the bands.
Cocoloco Beach Resort, near boat station 3. An attractive beach bar and restaurant that also serves tasty food. You can enjoy your drink by the beach, under the coconut trees, and there's a pool table in the bar too. Several years ago it started offering bungalows for rent as well.
Cocomangas, station 1. Famous for its "Still standing after 15" challenge. Drink 15 ferocious shots and win a t-shirt and a plaque on the wall. This bar is popular with the younger crowd but a few "working girls" are around for lonely men. Try the Jam Jar, a pineapple and vodka cocktail.
Juice Bar, right between Boracay Regency and Boat Station 2. Offers top notch cocktails and a variety of "sneaky smoothies". with a wide open courtyard opening up to the beach it tends to fill up by around 11PM but still very comfortable. The crowd is a nice mix of locals and foreigners. Great staff and charming bartenders. There was a report in 2016 that it was closed.
Bei Kurt und Magz Restaurant, station 3. Run by friendly Bavarian Kurt and his wife Mags. It's a very popular spot to meet and chat, and one of the few places on the island serving draft beer. Serve German and Filipino food.
Nigi Nigi Nu Noos, between boat stations 2 and 3, three minutes walk north of the tourist center. A popular, centrally located spot to have a cool drink and enjoy a little people-watching. The manager is an expat. It is a hotel as well.
Red Pirates Pub. A native style beach bar (Angol, near boat station 3) with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and good selection of fruity cocktails as well as affordable ice cold beer. It's a good place to meet other travelers and chat, and on weekends, selected weekdays and full moon nights there is live music and an all-you-can-eat beach BBQ and buffet (Fridays).
Rumbas Sports Bar & Restaurant, D' Mall Plaza. An English-style pub that attracts a friendly crowd. The menu is pretty good too, especially the sirloin steaks, pies and other English-style dishes. Enjoy curry, fish and chips and sausage sandwiches while watching live sports on big screens. Mains.
Shantal's Resto Bar, Station 3 at the pathway to Dave's Straw Hat Inn, Morenos, and Escurel. Revered, family-owned cantina on the beach with great value homemade food. The menu offers a bit of everything and the friendly staff will go out of their way to make you feel right at home. Has a popular Happy Hour from 2PM-8PM, offers one of the best beachside and sunset views on the island, and bumps a non-stop soundtrack of the best in electronic, hip-hop, R&B/soul, and reggae music.

Bom Bom Bar, near D 'Mall. A native-style beach bar that often has live music. It's a popular hang out for artists and musicians.

Charlie's Steakhouse & Diner Restaurant, Station 2 (Right in the middle of the beach. This bar is a long-time favorite on Boracay with live bands that play covers. Customers are invited to sing with the bands.

Cocoloco Beach Resort, near boat station 3. An attractive beach bar and restaurant that also serves tasty food. You can enjoy your drink by the beach, under the coconut trees, and there's a pool table in the bar too. Several years ago it started offering bungalows for rent as well.

Cocomangas, station 1. Famous for its "Still standing after 15" challenge. Drink 15 ferocious shots and win a t-shirt and a plaque on the wall. This bar is popular with the younger crowd but a few "working girls" are around for lonely men. Try the Jam Jar, a pineapple and vodka cocktail.

Juice Bar, right between Boracay Regency and Boat Station 2. Offers top notch cocktails and a variety of "sneaky smoothies". with a wide open courtyard opening up to the beach it tends to fill up by around 11PM but still very comfortable. The crowd is a nice mix of locals and foreigners. Great staff and charming bartenders. There was a report in 2016 that it was closed.

Bei Kurt und Magz Restaurant, station 3. Run by friendly Bavarian Kurt and his wife Mags. It's a very popular spot to meet and chat, and one of the few places on the island serving draft beer. Serve German and Filipino food.

Nigi Nigi Nu Noos, between boat stations 2 and 3, three minutes walk north of the tourist center. A popular, centrally located spot to have a cool drink and enjoy a little people-watching. The manager is an expat. It is a hotel as well.

Red Pirates Pub. A native style beach bar (Angol, near boat station 3) with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and good selection of fruity cocktails as well as affordable ice cold beer. It's a good place to meet other travelers and chat, and on weekends, selected weekdays and full moon nights there is live music and an all-you-can-eat beach BBQ and buffet (Fridays).

Rumbas Sports Bar & Restaurant, D' Mall Plaza. An English-style pub that attracts a friendly crowd. The menu is pretty good too, especially the sirloin steaks, pies and other English-style dishes. Enjoy curry, fish and chips and sausage sandwiches while watching live sports on big screens. Mains.

Shantal's Resto Bar, Station 3 at the pathway to Dave's Straw Hat Inn, Morenos, and Escurel. Revered, family-owned cantina on the beach with great value homemade food. The menu offers a bit of everything and the friendly staff will go out of their way to make you feel right at home. Has a popular Happy Hour from 2PM-8PM, offers one of the best beachside and sunset views on the island, and bumps a non-stop soundtrack of the best in electronic, hip-hop, R&B/soul, and reggae music.

Sewage water pollution is one of the biggest problems of Boracay: lots of sewage pipes can be seen pouring water-carried waste directly into the sea. Some areas, like Bulabog beach, has been made completely unswimmable due to this problem. Other areas suffered less. However, it puts swimming safety of the entire island under the serious threat.

Power outages still happen pretty often (2016) and can last from several minutes to several hours. On a bright side however, substantial part of more expensive resorts have back-up generators which solve the problem almost entirely.

Internet connections are pretty slow anywhere on the island. Wi-Fi can be found everywhere from splurge hotels to small guesthouses but again it's pretty crappy. Small Internet cafes exist but not widespread.

3G/4G is provided by mobile operators Smart and Globe.

Bureau of Immigration, Villa Camella, Boat Station 2, Main Road (near Budget Mart and opposite Boracay Isle Hotel, +63 36 288 5267. Same-day visa extension is possible here. First 29-day extension costs . They require 2×2 cm photo and photocopies of several passport pages.

Tips:

Paperwork submission and payment cut off time is 3PM, so get there at least an hour before that.
Hold on to the paper receipt you are given - if you lose it, there is a fine.
Pickup on date given after 3PM-5PM or up to 5 days after (anytime). After that, there is a passport hold fee per day.
If you stay in the Philippines more than 6 months, you must get clearance to fly out.
It takes 10 working days to get it - for free, or 3 days processing for, or 1 day processing (actually 5 minutes) for .
Clearance is valid for 30 days but not exceeding last visa date (clearance is 1 month maximum if visa ends in 1 month from now).
You cannot get clearance when doing extension - only one transaction at a time (as you need submit a copy of your last visa extension & your passport, but in this office essentially you can get both done in 30 min if you pay extra).
You will need 3 photos - 2x2 inches - which can be done in marketing agency upstairs for pesos - includes DSLR shot and print of 8 photos. You also need copy front+back of your ACR card. Copies can be done upstairs at each.

Kalibo — the closest major airport located in this town
Iloilo