The 10 Best Things To Do In Boracay, Philippines
There are many reasons why to travel to Boracay. The island was named the “World’s Best Island” by Condé Nast Traveler in 2016 and 2017 and landed in second place in 2018. Despite its small size, there is a lot to do on Boracay, both on land and in water. Here is a list of the best things to do in Boracay!
Boracay is as close to a tropical idyll as you’ll find in Southeast Asia, with gentle coastlines and transportative sunsets. Fold in a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the top tourist spots in the region. – Condé Nast Traveler
Relax at White Beach
The majority of travelers coming to Boracay are attracted by the island’s white beaches and crystal clear waters. There are quite a few beaches to choose from on the island but none is as beautiful as White Beach. Located on the western coast of the island, it’s Boracay’s prestige beach lined with 5-star resorts, restaurants, and entertainment. While it might get crowded at certain parts of White Beach, head to the northern section and you’ll find pure relaxation. This is also where our 5-star honeymoon resort “The Lind” is located.
Watch The Sunset at Station 2 – D’Mall
If you are looking for some more action and entertainment, D’Mall at Station 2 of White Beach is the place to go. Filled with local and international restaurants, massage shops, clubs, beach bars and shops, D’Mall is the lively heart of Boracay. Head here for cheap massages at the beach and happy hour cocktails while watching the sunset.
Pick up Souvenirs and Seafood at D’Talipapa
If you are a seafood lover, D’Talipapa will be your paradise! I’ve been to a fair share of seafood markets around Asia but haven’t seen anything like it. There are tables of fish with the brightest colors imaginable, prawns as big as your forearm, tanks of lobsters and crabs, and piles upon piles of clams, oysters, and other shellfish. It’s a paradise for trying exotic Filipino street food! Besides seafood, you can also pick up quirky souvenirs and your regular Boracay or Philippines T-shirts right here. Haggling is a must if you don’t want to get ripped off.
Go Island Hopping
You haven’t been to Boracay if you didn’t do some island hopping. There are dozens of smaller islands scattered all around Boracay offering unique activities. Magic Island has some of the craziest Cliff diving and Crystal Cove is great for snorkeling or scuba diving. You can easily book a good island hopping tour online for as low as US$17 on Klook.
Explore Boracay’s underwater world
One of the best things to do in Boracay is scuba-diving. Whether you’re a first-time diver or PADI certified, you will find some of the best underwater wildlife right here in Boracay. Some of the local highlights include clownfish, colorful starfish, pufferfish, parrot fish, and many more. We took our dive session with the Paradise Dive Center located at Station 3. Their beginner diver experience includes all gear, as well as videos and photos on a CD or via email for PHP 3,000 (EUR 50, USD 60) per person. All diving instructors were fluent in English and were with us at all times during the dive. It was a fabulous experience.
Eat at Station X
Probably the most modern commercial area on Boracay, Station X is not to be missed. We actually found our favorite eatery on Boracay right here. The restaurant is called Nonie’s and offers Filipino classics like arroz caldo, a rice porridge with grilled chicken, boiled egg and calamansi (entrees from $8). I especially enjoyed their healthy bowls and fresh juice sampler! After filling your tummy with delicious food, you can pick up high-quality local gifts and have some of the best coconut ice-cream right here at Station X.
See Boracay from above
What better way to get a bird’s eye view of the island than parasailing? This exciting activity is offered all over the island for a cheap price. Parasailing is often included in island hopping packages, which are great value for money. Being both scared of heights, my husband and I really overcame our fears and had a great time (even though it was a little bumpy at times…). I definitely recommend the experience and we’re happy we did it.
Try your Luck at the Casino
Since gambling is illegal in a lot of Asian countries, casinos are becoming more and more important for tourism in Boracay. Many tourists from South Korea and China are seeking the “forbidden” thrill when on vacation here. My husband and I visited AG International Casino Boracay, the largest casino on the island, and had a great time. The casino is located inside the Crown Regency Resort, very close to Station 2 and D’Mall. Be warned that the minimum bets for table games are quite high compared to casinos in the states, for example. You need to bet a minimum of 20 USD for most games and don’t forget to bring your passport!
Take a Mermaid Class
As soon as I found out there’s a mermaid school in Boracay, I had to sign up. The Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy is offering various types of mermaid swimming classes and photo shoots for men and women of all ages. I booked their “Private Intro to Mermaid Swimming Lesson”. This package includes mermaid tail rental, safety briefing, mermaid lesson (you’ll learn the four basic swim strokes and breathing techniques), a directed photoshoot and an IMSIA Certificate card to be sent by mail. The high-quality tails make for the perfect vacation photo and it’s an experience you truly will never forget.
Get A Traditional Hilot Massage
One of the best things to do In Boracay is getting massages – loads of them! While you can get anything from Swedish to Shiatsu, you should definitely try the local Hilot massage. This ancient Filipino art of hands-on healing involves intuition and massage. Many Filipinos still seek the advice and therapy of a Manghihilot (Hilot practitioner) as an alternative to a medical doctor today. Hilot involves raw coconut oil and banana leaves that are wrapped around your body. It is as gorgeous as it sounds. You can get a luxurious Hilot massage at The Lind Boracay, or a cheaper version anywhere near D’Mall.
Recommended Hotels in Boracay
The hotels recommended below are hotels I have personally stayed at and recommend to other travelers.
More Hotel Deals on Boracay Island
What are you waiting for? Head to Boracay!
We absolutely loved our honeymoon in Boracay and couldn’t recommend the island enough. There’s so much to do, it’s cheap and the locals are so friendly and helpful. If you are looking for a great beach getaway, Boracay should be on your list.
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