GENERAL INFORMATION

Boracay – is a beautiful tropical island in the Philippines, located at 40-minute flight from Manila. The most popular spot in Boracay is the White beach -  a 4-km long beach with a remarkable fine sand,  crystal clear blue water and is considered to be number 1 in the world! Boracay is one of the most popular travel and leisure destinations in the Philippines.

Boracay is 7 km in length and 1-4 km wide. Its perimeter is surrounded by different beautiful beaches. One of which is Bulabog Beach, which is considered the best in Asia for kite boarding and other water sports.

Boracay is a piece of heaven on earth! There are lots of hotels in the island to choose from, ranging from 3-5 star hotels to other cheaper accommodations, making the island suitable for every type of tourist. On the island you can find everything for an active holiday. The most popular activities are diving, kite boarding and windsurfing.

White Beach is the place where most of the fantastic restaurants are located, representing different cuisines from around the world! Boracay is also known for its nightlife, various pubs and bars, which are open throughout the night!

GEOGRAPHY

Boracay is located in the province of Aklan, while Aklan is located on the island of Panay. This is the central part of the Philippines, which is called the Visayas. The island of Boracay has the shape of a dog bone. The most popular beaches for the tourists here are White Beach along Zulu Sea, Bulabog Beach along Sibuyan Sea and Puka Beach on the northern part.

Boracay is located 2 km away from Caticlan, where there is a seaport (Caticlan Jetty Port) that could accommodate all ferries and boats going to Manila and other nearby islands. Here, arriving tourists are ferried from Caticlan jetty port to Boracay's Cagban port. Caticlan is also where Godofredo Ramos national aiport is located, connecting Boracay to Manila and other major islands and cities in the Philippines.

Boracay is divided into three valleys: Yapak in the north, Manoc-Manoc in the south and Balabag in the center. To identify their territorial borders, White Beach is divided into 3 boat stations: Station 1, 2 and 3. Today these boat stations are not used anymore to ferry passengers, since there is already an existing centralized boat station, which is called Boracay’s Cagban port. However, the names of these boat stations are preserved solely for the purpose of dividing White Beach into leisure zones.

All in all, Boracay have 12 beaches. White Beach is the most popular because in its’ 4-km zone is where all establishments, restaurants, bars, stores and pedestrian area are located. Bulabog Beach which is located on the eastern part of the island is surrounded by beautiful coral reef making it perfect for water sports and diving. There is also Puka Beach in the northern part of the island. Unlike other beaches, Puka Beach is a secluded area, with private villas and hotels, perfect for tourists seeking tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of central Boracay. You can relax at any of the island's beaches. They are accessible by road or by sea.

WEATHER

From September / October to May / June

25-32 ° C (78-90 ° F)

It's hot and humid, north-eastern or eastern winds blow, small chances of rain, or its absence.

From April to June

28 - 38 ° C

It's hot and mainly dry

Eastern or south-eastern winds blow

From May / June and September / October

25-32 ° C (78-90 ° F)

Cool, southwestern wind blows, from moderate to heavy rain

TOURISTS SEASON

Low season - is when east wind is blowing to White Beach. Moderate to heavy rain is expected during this time. Only few tourists are on the island. However, this is the time where hotels and services prices drop into very low rates. Low season starts in May and ends in October.

High Season - During the high season, the wind blows from Bulabog Beach, and White Beach is not windy during this time. On White Beach, the wind blows from the shore, leaving the beach clean and calm. Also, this is the time when it is winter in other countries, so tourists come here in search of sun, beach, entertainment and parties. High season starts in October and ends in May.

Peak season - Peak season is during Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Easter. Some hotels have promotional rates for long staying tourists during this time. In general, the island is full of tourists, therefore we recommend that you book ahead to guarantee your accommodation.

HOW TO GET THERE

Airport

Caticlan Airport is a small local airport, just 5 minutes away from Boracay. This airport could accommodate domestic flights from Manila and Cebu. From the airport, a national transportion called “Tricycle” could take you to Caticlan Jetty Port in less than 5 minutes! This is the preferred airport by most of tourists because it is the nearest airport to Boracay. Three airlines have flights to Caticlan: SEAIR, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific.

Kalibo Airport is bigger than Caticlan Airport and is a 2-hour drive away from Boracay. This airport could accommodate both local and international flights from China, Taiwan and Korea. There is a terminal of air-conditioned minivans at the airport which could transport you from Kalibo Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port for 250 pesos.

Seaport

From Manila, Caticlan can be reached also by ferries such as 2Go, Starlite and Montenegro Lines. The entire journey takes about 8-16 hours and cost about 800 - 1500 pesos depending on type of ferry and season. Therefore, the following route is possible:

By land: Manila to Batangas Port (2 hours)

By sea: Batangas Port to Calapan Port (2-3 hours)

By land: Calapan Port – Roxas Port (2-3 hours)

By sea: Roxas Port to Caticlan Jetty Port (4-5 hours)

By sea: Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay Cagban Port (5-10 minutes by pump boat)

AFTER LANDING: GETTING TO THE HOTEL

1. From airport (either Kalibo or Caticlan) take a ride to Caticlan Jetty Port: If via Kalibo, take the bus or mini-van to Caticlan Jetty Port (2 hours ride). Transportation fee is 250 pesos per pax. If via Caticlan, take the tricycle (5 minutes ride) to Caticlan Jetty Port. Transportation fee is 50 pesos per tricycle (good for 2-4 pax)

2. From Caticlan Jetty Port, take the pump boat to Boracay Cagban Port. Reminder: Local and foreign tourists should pay at the Cashier the following: 100 pesos terminal fee, 75 pesos environmental fee and 25 pesos boat ticket (30 pesos boat ticket from 18:00 and beyond – night rate). Boats are available in Caticlan from 05:00 – 22:00. It is a 6-10 minutes boat ride from Caticlan to Boracay. If you have heavy luggage, there are porters in Caticlan who could help you carry the bags. They charge 20 pesos per bag.

3. From Boracay Cagban Port, take the tricycle or multicab to the hotel. During rainy season, boats are docking to Tambisaan Port in the southeastern part of Boracay (a few minutes away from Cagban Port). Transportation fee depends on the location of your hotel or whereabouts. Use this simple guide for your reference:

By tricycle:

From Cagban Port to Ambulong = 15.00 per pax (100.00 if charter)

From Cagban Port to Stations 1 & 2 = 20.00 per pax (100.00 if charter)

From Cagban to Station 3 = 25.00 per pax (120.00 if charter)

From Cagban to Yapak = 30.00 – 40.00 per pax (150.00 – 200.00 if charter)

From Cagban to Eco-village or Puka Beach = 60.00 per pax (250.00 if charter)

By multicab:

From Cagban to Ambulong/Stations 1,2&3 = 250.00 per way

From Cagban to Yapak = 350.00 per way

4. White Beach - Motorcycles cannot drive up to the beach itself, but will drop you off on the main street that leads to the beach. There are also three-wheeled bikes that will take you to the hotel or you can walk 5 minutes to the beach. Be sure to inform the driver the exact location you will disembark.

Need airport transfer? We can help: boracay_traveltours@yahoo.com (Tel.: +63 36 288 1669)

EXPLORING BORACAY: Local transportation in Boracay

Most visitors stay on Boracay White Beach and explore the island by foot. Walking from one end of White beach to the other end takes about 1.5 hours.

Tricycle

Public transportation at White Beach is prohibited, they are only allowed on the main road that runs parallel to White beach. Tricycle fee one station to the next station costs 10 pesos for individual and 60 pesos for charter. Tricycles could be rented to explore Boracay along the main road (rental fee is 350 pesos per hour). This is a good and cheaper way to visit other beaches and attractions of the island.

Motorcycle and Bike for rent

At station 2, in front of D'mall Budget Mart grocery store, there are stalls for rental of motorcycles and bikes.

Sailboat

You can also explore the island riding on a “Paraw” which is a national boat, much more of a canoe.  Paraws dock along Station 1 and 3 of White Beach. Price ranges from 800 - 1500 per hour depending on the time of day and season. One paraw could accommodate 4 – 6 pax. This is especially romantic during sunset.

Pump Boat

If you would like to visit different places around Boracay, pump boat is the ideal option. You could take the pump boat to see other neighboring islands such as Crystal and Crocodile islands. Our center organizes sight-seing tours around Boracay by pump boat. The tour is about 3 - 4 hours and includes seafood lunch, boat, entrance tickets and guide. Please contact our center for reservations.

MONEY

The official currency is Philippine Peso (Php). The following are peso denominations: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos. There are ATMs at D' Mall (in Station 2, main road). Acceptable credit cards are Visa, Master and American Express.

Foreign currency is best to change in the exchange points (money changer) or banks. Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards for payment, although a 5% service charge on credit cards is standard. Personal checks are not accepted at all. Traveler's checks can be exchanged at Allied Bank (located in Station 3, main road) or at the Tourist Center Boracay (located on Station 3, front beach). Tourist Center also provides cash advances on credit cards (with 7% service charge) and safe deposit boxes for rent.

COMMUNICATION

Boracay Island is served by two mobile operators: SMART and GLOBE. They have good signal in most parts of the island, especially on the White beach. Visitors can buy a local SIM card with a phone number for 40 - 65 pesos in D’mall and cellphone loads. To call to Russia - 30 pesos/minute, to send text messages - 15 pesos/message. If the call is within the Philippines - 8 pesos/minute, to send text messages - 1 peso/message. For your convenience, SMART SIM cards and SMART cellphone loads could be purchased at our center: Russian Center, Station 2, front beach, near Lapu-lapu Dive Center. The official mobile telephone number of Russian Center is +63 920 969 2788.

If you prefer call collect, there are public telephone booths along the pedestrian lane in D'Mall where you can make international calls. Some hotels also provide international calls, check your hotels for prices. The Philippine country code is +63. The city code for Boracay is +36 (or 036 if you are using local SIM card). The official landline telephone number of Russian Center is 288-16-69.

There are internet cafes along White Beach and at the shopping center D'Mall. Half an hour rental is 25-35 pesos and one hour is 50-70 pesos. Internet is not very fast in some areas, but enough to surf the net or check your e-mails.

Many hotels and restaurants have connection to the Internet via WiFi. Check with your hotel for these services, because some hotels offer free of charge but others with fee. As for restaurants, they usually post signage for Wi-Fi hotspots, just ask the waiter for password.

There is a post office in Station 1. There are also courier service providers such as Fed Ex, Air 21 and LBC at the D'Mall.

EXTENSION OF VISA

You can renew or extend your visa in the Department of Immigration located beside Nirvana Resort in Station 2 main road. For the extension you should submit a copy of your passport and fill out the Visa Extension Application Form to be given by the immigration office. The cost varies depending on the desired type of visa and expiration. Extending a month will cost around 3,500 pesos. Reminder: the office of immigration requires their client to appear on casual attire. Therefore, do not go there in ort shorts and tank tops. They accept applications on the following schedule: Monday and Tuesday 8:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 17:00. Tel: 288 5267.

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