There are a ton of things to do and experiences in Boracay. It can be overwhelming at first, so I’ve put together a list of must-do things to do on the island if you’re visiting for the first time.

Learn more: Now is the time to visit the Philippines

Walk the white beach from one end to the other

As soon as you finish settling into your hotel room, put on your clothes and head straight to Boracay White Beach. Spanning approximately 4 km, this is where the heart of Boracay beats. La Plage Blanche is divided into three main resorts:

There are a wide variety of options to explore on the beach, but for your first day I recommend just walking barefoot in the soft sand and enjoying the view. Early in the morning it is quiet and peaceful, while in the afternoon tourists flock to admire the beautiful warm sunset together. Depending on the season, artists will entertain guests with music or fire dancers will play with fire in the sand.

Pro tip: Both Boracay and Caticlan have strict rules when it comes to preserving the beauty of the islands. Be careful with your waste and don’t drink alcohol or eat food near water to avoid paying a fine.

Embark and explore the islands

Even though White Beach is a wonder, most people don’t move here. Maximize your time in the archipelago by visiting the neighboring islands accessible by a 10 to 30 minute boat ride. Some of the most popular islands to visit are:

Besides swimming in the crystal clear waters, there are a variety of things to do on the small islands. You can buy accessories made from shellfish, enjoy ice cream in the shade or buy a fresh product. buko (coconut) directly from sellers. If you want a more adventurous time, tour operators offer water activities alongside your island hopping experience to make the most of your day.

Pro tip: Book a trip with a local tour operator to get a free Filipino buffet lunch. Plus, if you’re lucky, you can go snorkeling with a local guide who will dive for fresh seafood, like tayom (sea urchin) or halan (clams), to taste – literally from the sea to your mouth.

Land activities

If water activities aren’t for you, there are a myriad of land-based activities you can try. On the one hand, you can take a land tour to visit the other beaches of Boracay, either in a DIY way via the Hop On, Hop Off (HOHO) bus which has 19 designated stops, or a private and guided tour by renting the one of the electric tricycles. you see all around the island. If you prefer convenience over time, I suggest the electric tricycle tours, as the drivers will also provide a brief history and anecdotes about Boracay during the trip (plus they take great photos). But if you want to visit the beaches and spend more than an hour on each one, opt for the HOHO bus. Just make sure you know the times and stops so you don’t miss your return trip.

If you are ready to leave Boracay Island for some fun, you can also book a land-based activity package in Caticlan that will include an ATV ride, zip line, sky bike and a lake visit.

Pro tip: Swim at the lake. I swear by it so much that I would even say it’s better than the sea.

Find your own local food tour

Discovering good food is one of the most important parts of traveling for me. When I visited Boracay again this year, I knew I wanted to spend time finding the best places to eat and cafes scattered around the island, since I hadn’t had the opportunity to do so during from my last visit. There are many food and drink options in Boracay. Too many, in fact, that it might be difficult to choose one. I’ve narrowed down three main categories for you to check off: Seafood, Filipino, and Coffee.

Boracay has many restaurants specializing in seafood. You can opt for fancier restaurants like Muni Muni or Nalka Seafood, but I recommend going to the local restaurants. paluto restaurants, where you’ll choose fresh seafood straight from the tank, then hand it off to chefs who will cook it just the way you want it. Many restaurants specialize in paluto experiences, but the one I recommend is at the Seafood Restaurant and Pub at Station 3. You just have to enter the souvenir aisles to find it, but experience the best seafood bilao (platter) is a treat you don’t want to skip.

When it comes to Filipino cuisine, I would challenge tourists to move away from the fancier choices at Station 2 and explore more of the island. There are tons of local restaurants hidden in the back streets of Stations 1 and 2, it would be remiss to ignore them. I recommend trying one inasala combo of grilled chicken and rice, perfect after a long day of swimming.

And yes, eat with your hands to be full Kamayan experience.

Pro tip: There is a hidden cafe near Din-Iwid beach that serves the best Boracaynon coffee and breakfast plates. Find the local store and ask the seller where Kape Drip is located.

Try a sunset cruise

Filipinos love a good party and we bring that spirit wherever we go, especially if it’s in the middle of the sea. Sunset cruises are a relatively new activity in the area, but one of the most fun. You will sail either on a large boat or on a yacht in the early afternoon. Large boats usually have large mesh hammocks on the wing so you can lie down and enjoy the breeze while sailing, while yachts usually have large slides. Tour guides will prepare a platter of snacks, alcohol and mocktails to share.

While waiting for the sunset, you can enjoy an hour of water activities like kayaking, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. At the peak of sunset, the captain will position the boat in the middle of the sea, providing a picturesque view of the sunset and the island. Once night falls, the party intensifies. Loud party music fills the boat, the main area will turn into a dance floor and everyone will be dancing and having a great time. You can even enjoy the iconic pass-the-mic Filipino karaoke experience on board.

Pro tip: This is the best time to try Filipino beer. Grab a can of San Miguel or Red Horse.

Talk to the locals

Nothing beats Filipino hospitality. The Philippines is recognized as one of the most welcoming countries in the world, committed to providing visitors with the best possible experience during their stay. Filipinos just like to be social. They love sharing their culture and appreciate it more when tourists and foreigners explore it with them.

When traveling to Boracay (or anywhere in the Philippines), try to mingle with the locals. Start a conversation and they will join wholeheartedly. Ask for recommendations and they’ll reveal the best hidden gems they know.

Invite them for a drink and they will show you a good time.

Check-list

BORACAY ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

GETTING THERE

Fly from Auckland to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport with a stopover with Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Air NZ (with Philippine Airlines) and China Southern.

Several airlines offer direct flights from Manila to Boracay Island, which take about an hour.

TOP TIP: The new Qantas route from Brisbane to Manila took flight on October 28, 2024. The route operates four days a week on an Airbus A330.

DETAILS

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