Boracay: (Things to see and do) in the New Normal
Boracay Island in the New Normal
As the island of Boracay has further eased travel restrictions for travelers and tourists and only requires vaccination certificates for fully vaccinated individuals, exploring the island has never been more exciting. As I have visited Boracay for the third time (the first time since its rehabilitation in 2018), many things have changed, and many things have stayed quite the same.
Read also: Updated Boracay Travel Requirements
Nightlife has been much quieter now in Boracay and dining by the shore has been limited and all establishments (especially in White Beach) have been doing their activities on their own premises. It is way more different than it is when I last visited in 2017 where fire dancers are everywhere and dining by the shore is a must-try.
Things to see and do in Boracay
The island is more than just its famous White Beach! I tell you since it is my first time exploring much of the island, here are some of the places to see and things to do in Boracay! Since the island is relatively small, e-tricycles are the main mode of transportation. Fare ranges from ₱ 15 – 25, depending on the distance of your destination. There are also motorcycle taxis (habal-habal) if you want an added adventure exploring the island.
Popular Activities in Boracay
Island hopping
One of the most popular and sought-after activities in Boracay is its island hopping. This half-day activity would bring you to several nearby islands and far destinations in Boracay island itself. The tour usually comprises Crystal Cove Island, Carabao Island (where you get to have lunch), Puka Beach, Snorkeling Spot, Crocodile Island (if time permits), and Tambisaan Beach. The activity usually costs ₱ 800 per head.
Paraw Sailing (sunrise or sunset)
Paraw sailing is one of the more laid-back activities on the island. It is where you get to enjoy either the sunrise or the sunset while relaxing on the boat for 30 minutes while traversing the nearby waters. The sails are iconic, too, as they became one of the symbols of Boracay. Paraw sailing usually costs ₱ 600 (a sunrise sail) and ₱ 700 (sunset sail).
Parasailing
Aside from enjoying the other activities in mainland Boracay, Parasailing is also one of the activities you should try when visiting. It gives you a panoramic view of the island and the nearby islands and gives you a breath of fresh air for 15 minutes. For my third time in Boracay, it is my first time trying to parasail alone and it has never been more exciting than the first time I tried it. Too bad they would not allow you to bring gadgets up in the air, but the boat staff can take videos and photos of you while you are onboard. Rates are from ₱ 1200 (pair) and ₱ 1500 (solo).
Other Activities to Try
Pic of activities board
- Helmet diving = ₱ 500
- UFO Ride = ₱ 600 (minimum of 3 pax)
- Banana Boat Ride = ₱ 400 (minimum of 5 pax)
- Scuba Diving (introductory) = ₱ 2000
- Jetski = ₱ 2000 (15 minutes), ₱ 2500 (30 minutes), ₱ 3500 (1 hour)
*Will try these activities once I get back to Boracay!
Places to visit
Puka Shell Beach
The Yapak Shell Beach, popularly known as “Puka Beach” is one of the most sought-after shores on the island of Boracay. It is the northernmost beachline on the island and there are several things you can do and experience here. First is to take a picture with the “PUKA” letters with a nice background of the shore or in a makeshift hammock, perfect for that Instagram shot. You can also purchase fruit shakes (₱ 180 – 200) on the island and fresh coconut juice (around ₱ 150). They usually offer free ‘banig’ for you to sit on while enjoying your drinks. Other locals offer free photo services, too! You can reach Puka Beach via e-tricycle (₱ 25) or via the island hopping tour package.
Ilig-iligan Beach
This quite hidden beach is one of the most secluded of all the shores in Boracay. Mostly, only locals get to enjoy this pristine beach. When I got there, I was the only one visiting the area, then a group of riders came along. I hired an e-tricycle for around ₱ 100 for the ride and it also took me to Station 1 drop-off point afterward. There is nothing much to see here but if you want some peace and quiet, this is the place I would recommend.
White Beach
Boracay Island’s main beach, the White Beach is a 4-kilometer long stretch of what Boracay is known for – fine, white sand! I can never get tired of this place as almost everything can be found here! From shops to restaurants, and all stuff imaginable to buy, you can find it here. It is also a famous drop-off point for some of the activities that can be done on the island. If you are lucky enough, the sunset will conclude the day and is one of the best in the world, I can tell! It’s the perfect spot for you to just busk around and stroll while enjoying the warm breeze!
D’ Mall and D’ Talipapa
D’ Mall and D’ Talipapa is one of the places where you get to see some cheap finds and other food and souvenir establishments aside from those found along White Beach. This al fresco mall is one of its kind and has become one of the mainstays in Boracay. You get to enjoy shopping and dining while enjoying the sea breeze.
Other Places to Visit
- Diniwid Beach
- Boracay Keyhole
- Willy’s Rock (Station 1)
- Mount Luho
- Lugutan Mangrove Park
*Will visit these places once I get back to Boracay!
Places to Eat in Boracay
Sunny Side Café
If you are looking for a fancy place to eat your breakfast staples, I personally recommend Sunny Side Café along Station 3. Its beachfront location makes it ideal for you to munch that Sunny Side Chori Burger and fresh fruits! The view of the beach is just calming, and you could not ask for more. The price range is from ₱ 120 – 450.
| Address | Station 3 (near Astoria Current), White Beach, Boracay, Malay, Aklan |
| Business days and hours | Daily, 0700 H – 1830 H |
| Contact number/s | +63 36 288 2874 |
| Social media account/s | Facebook: @thesunnysideboracay // Website: www.thesunnysideboracay.com |
| How to get here | From D’Mall, walk south, Sunny Side is just a few meters from the Reverse Bungie ride and is right past Astoria Current Hotel |
Jasper’s Tapsilog and Resto
Jasper’s is probably one of Boracay’s icons and is home to the famous -silog meals on the island. Not only that, but they also offer it at an affordable price. If you are a budgetarian traveler (like me!), this is the place where you get to go back every single time because it is just Filipino! It is also located near D’ Mall in Station and is just along the main road. Their price range is from ₱ 35 – 480. I highly recommend that you try their -silog (fried rice and egg) meals! It is to die for!
| Address | Main Road, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan |
| Business days and hours | Daily, 0600 H – 2100 H |
| Contact number/s | +63 36 288 3435, +63 963 391 5940 |
| Social media account/s | Facebook: @jasperstapsilog |
| How to get here | From D’Mall’s entrance, Jasper’s is just located a few meters away and is near Balabag Lake. It can easily be accessed through e-trike or by foot |
Kolai Mangyan
Another budget-friendly restaurant on the island is Kolai Mangyan along the island’s main road. It features a mix of Filipino and Western cuisine and has a rustic provincial ambiance perfect for the island vibe. You get to enjoy the likes of Sinigang and Bulalo and other Filipino staples. I also recommend this restaurant to budgetarian travelers who want to experience cheap thrills. Their price range is from ₱ 60 – 325.
| Address | Main Road, Station 1, near PNB, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan |
| Business days and hours | Daily, 24 hours (might differ due to curfew hours in Boracay) |
| Contact number/s | +63 36 288 2267 |
| Social media account/s | Facebook: @KolaiMangyanBoracay |
| How to get here | From D’Mall’s entrance from the Main Road, walk south and Kolai Mangyan can be seen from the other side of the road. It is just across Ciriaco S. Tirol Hospital and Boracay Summer Palace |
Jonah’s Fruit shake
Jonah’s is probably one of the most celebrated fruit shake stands in Boracay. Ranging from their flavor to flavor, it has become one of the staple must-tries on the island. Talk about enjoying the tropical-ness of Boracay while enjoying your favorite fruit shake, eh?
| Address | Main Road (near Crown Regency Prince Resort), Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan |
| Business days and hours | Daily, 0800 H – 2000 H |
| Contact number/s | +63 36 288 1457 |
| Social media account/s | Facebook: @JonahsBoracay |
| How to get here | From Station 1, there is a narrow strip of pathway going to the Main Road. From there, walk north until you see the Crown Regency Resort. Jonah’s is just across |
Real Coffee and Tea Café
If you are in for a different treat, Real Coffee’s Calamansi Muffin is one to die for. Its unique and bestselling offer will make you keep coming back to Boracay for more. The sea is best viewed from its second floor! The café is just located along Station 2, and you can also have a nice view of the sunset at dusk. The price range is from ₱ 45 – 350.
| Address | Sea World Station 2, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan |
| Business days and hours | Daily, 0700 H – 1900 H |
| Contact number/s | +63 36 288 5340 |
| Social media account/s | Facebook: @RealCoffeeAndTeaCafe |
| How to get here | From White Beach, just walk along Station 2 and look for Club Manila East Boracay. Real Coffee is somewhere near as the place is just a small cafe |
The Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast
On the other side of Boracay island lies a hole-in-the-wall bed and breakfast along Bulabog Beach where you get to choose to lay down and be lazy or have a sumptuous meal at any given time of the day. The Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast literally will give you the laid-back vibes as their dogs would just lay down and watch you do your thing – as lazy as they can get. They have meals that are good to last for the day because of their huge servings. I can tell! You can try it when you get to the island! They are just beside 7Stones Hotel. The price range is from ₱ 60 – 320.
| Address | 1 Sesame Street, Bulabog Beach, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan |
| Business days and hours | Daily, 0800 H – 2000 H |
| Contact number/s | +63 920 945 4845 |
| Social media account/s | Facebook: @lazydogboracay // Website: www.lazydogboracay.com |
| How to get here | The Lazy Dog is found on the other side of Boracay, near Bulabog Beach. You can walk from the main road and go through Road 1-A. There are small signages leading to the place and you need to pass through a residential area. It is just beside the 7Stones Hotel |
Places to Stay in Boracay
As part of the New Normal rules of the LGU of Malay, Aklan where Boracay Island is a part of, only DOT-accredited hotels and other types of accommodations can be booked prior to your visit to the island. As of this writing, there are a handful number of accommodations to choose from while planning for your vacation. For a full list of DOT-accredited hotels, you can visit the link here and look for the one you like.
Here are some of the accommodations I have personally stayed in and would recommend for you to book when visiting Boracay:
The Lind Boracay
If you are in for a more upscale and luxurious type of accommodation on the island, The Lind Boracay is one of the best hotels for your stay. This 5-star accommodation in Station 1 is one of the more exclusive hotels in Boracay and is in the lesser crowded area of White Beach. Their pools and restaurant, alongside other facilities in the hotel (i.e., gym, conference rooms, infinity pool, and outdoor lounges, among others) are the main highlights of your stay in The Lind. Not to mention, their spacious 119 rooms view different types of views can make your stay in Boracay more memorable. Rates start at ₱ 10,844 ++.
Room types:
Garden Room // Sea Room // Beach Room // Garden Premier Room // Sea Premier Room // Garden Room with Private Pool // Sea Room with Private Pool // Presidential Suite
| Address | White Beach, Station 1, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan |
| Contact number/s | +63 02 8835 8888 |
| Social media account/s | Facebook: @TheLindBoracay // Website: www.thelindhotels.com |
| How to get here | From the Boracay Cagban Jetty Port, you can ride an e-trike for ₱ 25 and tell the driver to drop you off at The Lind Hotel. You can also access the hotel directly from White Beach |
Boracay Backpackers
If you are on a tight budget and looking for a cool and laid-back place to stay, Boracay Backpackers Hostel is the perfect place for you. Hidden in the outskirts of Station 1, this hole-in-the-wall hostel is a place where new friendships and new memories are made. Its common area features comfortable seats in its lobby, a bar where you can enjoy local drinks, and a billiards table if you just want to hang out. As the hostel culture would put it, this is the place where people would really have to socialize with one another in order to make their experience in Boracay more memorable. Rates start at ₱ 836 ++.
Room types: Family Bunk Bed // Native Fan Room // Twin Bunk Bed Private // Standard Room // Deluxe Standard Room // Fan Room // Private 4 Bunkbeds Room
| Address | Main Road, Station 2, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan |
| Contact number/s | +63 36 288 9080 |
| Social media account/s | Facebook: @boracaybackpackersinc |
| How to get here | Located near the border of Station 1, it can be accessed through the Main Road and through White Beach as well. You just have to pass through a small pathway as the property is in between other establishments. You can find it in your preferred navigation app and just follow the pathway inside |
7Stones Hotel
One of the more popular hotels on the other side of Boracay is 7Stones Hotel. Located along Bulabog Beach, I personally like its prime location because it has a direct view of the sunrise and its winds are just calming and quieter than in White Beach. There are only a few people going here and is one of the more peaceful places on the island. Rates start at ₱ 3000 ++.
Room types: 2-Bedroom Sky Suite with private pool // 2-Bedroom Ocean View Executive with Jacuzzi // 3-Bedroom Family Suite with Roof Deck // 1-Bedroom Beachfront Grand Suite Ocean View // Beachfront Honeymoon Suite with Jacuzzi // 2-Bedroom Family Suite with Jacuzzi // 1-Bedroom Premier Suite with Jacuzzi // 1-Bedroom Junior Suite // Superior Room
| Address | Center Bulabog Beach, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan |
| Contact number/s | +63 36 288 1601 |
| Social media account/s | Facebook: @7StonesBoracay // Website: www.7stonesboracay.com |
| How to get here | 7Stones is found on the other side of Boracay, in front of Bulabog Beach. You can walk from the main road and go through Road 1-A. There are small signages leading to the place and you need to pass through a residential area. It is just beside The Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast |
Sundown Resort and Austrian Pension House
This quaint resort in the suburbs of Station 3 is one of the simplest resorts I have ever been in Boracay. This accommodation has a generous view of the shore and mostly, their guests are foreigners. But fret not, the resort owners are friendly enough to assist you and will tour you for a bit in order to have a nice sight of the property. Their room rates start at ₱ 1200 ++.
Room types: Standard aircon room // Deluxe newly renovated // Deluxe Side Seaview // Deluxe Seaview // Studio apartment with kitchen (good for 2 and 3 available) // Sundown Beach Studios Deluxe room with Seaview // Sundown Beach Studios Premier room with Seaview
| Address | Sitio Angol, Station 3, Manoc-Manoc, White Beach, Boracay, Malay, Aklan |
| Contact number/s | +63 36 288 3406 |
| Social media account/s | Facebook: @SundownBoracay // Website: www.sundownresortboracay.com |
| How to get here | Located just past Station 3, Sundown Resort and Austrian Pension House can be located along White Beach. There is a small signage leading you to the resort and you can ask locals where the Pension House is. |
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For an updated list of itineraries in Boracay in the New Normal, I will post the link here soon and find out more about how you can spend your time on the island!
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
