With its world-famous white sand beaches, turquoise-colored waters, and vibrant island life, Boracay is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a quick escape from the daily grind.
As the country’s borders reopen for tourism, visiting Boracay tops the list of many tourists for their revenge travel goals. While the pandemic has changed the way people take their vacations, it should not stop families, friends, or even colleagues from enjoying one of the best beaches in the world.
Whether you’re planning to take a last-minute summer vacation before typhoon season arrives or just looking to spend some quiet time at the beach, here’s everything you need to know before going to Boracay.
What are the travel requirements?
With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, traveling to Boracay is slowly returning to its pre-pandemic state, save for a few protocols that need to be followed. For one, tourists must register with the local government unit through this website and accomplish a health declaration form.
To do this, you must have a roundtrip ticket to and from Boracay, a prebooked accommodation in the island, and a proof of vaccination. Remember that you can only register your trip and accomplish the health declaration form within three days prior to your arrival.
Make sure that before registration, your accommodation in the island is accredited with the Department of Tourism. Here’s a list of these establishments.
If you are partially vaccinated or have not received a vaccine yet, a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before your flight is required. Minors aged 11 and below are exempted from this requirement.
Once you have registered and accomplished the health declaration form, a QR code will be issued to you which will you present at the Caticlan Jetty Port before entering the island.
While making your itinerary, it’s also recommended that you book a transport service from Caticlan or Kalibo Airport for a smoother ride to the island and back. This can be availed through Klook or Traveloka or through the transport services’ websites.
You may also opt to pay the terminal and environmental fee worth P350 per person in advance through your chosen transport service so you won’t have to line up for it at the Caticlan Jetty Port.
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What can you do in Boracay?
With Aklan under Alert 1, many establishments in Boracay can now operate at full capacity, which means the usual activities in the island have returned to their normal operations.
For those who will be visiting Boracay for the first time, here are some activities you can do and the COVID-19 restrictions in place:
Explore water activities
Boracay offers a host of water activities which you can enjoy by yourself, with a friend, or with your whole family.
From paddleboarding and jet skiing, to parasailing and even helmet diving, you can enjoy a variety of water activities which you don’t even need to book in advance, as the locals will approach you to avail them.
Just make sure though, that you will set aside a budget for these activities, as they don’t come cheap. Here’s the price list for some of the most popular water activities in the island:
- Paddleboarding – P300 for 30 minutes
- Crystal kayaking – P250 for 15 minutes
- Parasailing – P1,800 per person for 15 minutes
- Banana boat riding – P450 per person
- Helmet diving – P1,000 per person
- Jet ski rental – P2,300 for 15 minutes, P2,800 for 30 minutes, P4,300 for one hour
Feast on the island’s flavors
A trip to Boracay is not complete without trying out its seafood delicacies, many of which are cooked fresh as you order. From fish and crabs to lobsters and oysters, choose how you want your seafood served and the island’s local restaurateurs will do it for you.
Aside from seafood, you can also try other cuisines offered in the island, ranging from Japanese, Chinese, to Italian, and American which can be availed in restaurants lining the famous White Beach. Buffet meals are also now available in the island with lesser restrictions.
Remember to always bring your vaccinated card whenever you are dining out, as some restaurants require it before entry.
Enjoy the Boracay night life
Island life in Boracay reaches its peak at night when hotels, pubs, and other recreational areas light up for mini concerts, acoustic sets, and even parties. Many restaurants offer free concerts at dinnertime where you can sing along to your favorite songs stripped-down as you feast on your meal.
Some restaurants are open until midnight, so you will have the whole night to enjoy. Be sure to always wear your face mask when going out, as authorities in the island are quite strict with this protocol.
Shop for souvenirs
Of course, you don’t want to leave Boracay without a souvenir. In the middle of the island is a lifestyle center called D*Mall where you can find many restaurants and boutiques offering souvenirs from the island.
Shop for t-shirts, hats, pearl necklaces, and other memorabilia that will remind of your stay in the island. If you are short on budget, there’s another lesser-known “tiangge” at Station 3 called E*Mall where you can shop for items at a lower price.
Other things to remember
Boracay may be jampacked with tourists nowadays as people resume their travel plans after being postponed for two years.
In fact, the municipality of Malay logged its highest number of tourist arrivals last month, the Inquirer reported, beating the record in April 2017, just before the island was closed for a six-month rehabilitation.
Because of this, it’s better to plan your trip to Boracay weeks, or even months, in advance to avoid the hassle. Remember that you are going there to relax, not to be further stressed by all the rush.
Visiting Boracay is always a memorable experience. So plan your trip accordingly and make the most out of it.
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