Are you planning to have a much-needed vacation in Boracay? A world-renowned destination, Boracay Island has more than just its natural beauty to speak of. It has hordes of water and inland activities to keep you occupied. No vacation will be long enough on the island. Go ahead, hop on a plane and have your extended vacation in the most fitting place.

Booking the best accommodations

Boracay is famous for its vibrant nightlife and throbbing party vibe. If you want easy access to this scene while staying isolated enough to have your tranquil vacation, then Alta Vista de Boracay is the right accommodation for you. Perched on one of the highest peaks in Boracay, this posh condotel’s secluded location offers some of the island’s most breathtaking views. Combining the relaxing vibe of Southeast Asian design and the comforts of modern living, the luxurious hotel ensures a worry-free escape for travelers from all over the world.

The place gets lots of visitors all year round, so it’s best to book your room/s in advance, especially if you are planning to go during the summer season. The rates can go cheaper during off-peak season, which is from May to October. To avail the lowest reservation fees, book your room/s directly on Alta Vista de Boracay’s official website.

Photo courtesy of Holgi via Pixabay

Getting there

There are two ways to get to Boracay by air. You can take the first route by booking a flight from Manila to Caticlan in Panay Island. This will take about 50 minutes, and will be followed by a 15-minute ferry/boat ride to Boracay. You may opt for the second route which is via Manila to Kalibo. The flight will also take 50 minutes, but will be followed by an hour-and-a-half-long bus or van ride plus a 15-minute ferry/boat ride.

The second route will take you longer, but it is cheaper. Plane tickets to Kalibo will only cost you around Php1,300 to Php2,500, while the tickets to Caticlan can go up to Php7,000-Php10,000. The former is a preferred option for budget travelers who do not mind killing some extra time. Remember to factor in other fees, such as the ferry fare, terminal fee, and environmental fee. The Caticlan Jetty Port fee will be Php200, which will already cover environmental, terminal, cooperative and admission fees.

If the second route is still too steep for your budget, you can take the Roro ferry to Boracay instead. This option will only set you back around Php1,000, which will already include meals. It will cost you a lot of precious time though, as the travel can take around 17 to 20 hours, including the bus ride from Cubao (Metro Manila) to Batangas. You will be taking the boat trip from Batangas to Caticlan.

Upon arrival at the Boracay Jetty Port in Cagban, ask a shuttle or trike to drop you off at Alta Vista de Boracay. This will cost you around Php80 to Php150. The public transport will take you to the entrance gates where security guards will arrange for a resort shuttle to take you to the hotel lobby.

Photo courtesy of Junho via Pixabay

Water and outdoor activities

Boracay’s main draw is its beaches. Even if you choose to have a long vacation on the island, you will never run out of water activities to keep yourself busy. It is best to start with island hopping, which usually costs around Php1,400, inclusive of meals. You can go cliff jumping and snorkeling during the tours.

The island hopping tour will also include a stop at Puka Beach, which is the second most well-known Boracay beach after White Beach. Although the sand in Puka is not as fine as White Beach’s, you will love it for its pristine beauty and serene vibe. Puka Beach is also accessible from Alta Vista de Boracay via a tricycle ride.

Aside from island hopping, you must try the following:

Parasailing - One of the most popular outdoor activities in Boracay, this will give you a good dose of adrenaline rush and breathtaking views from above. The price usually starts at Php2,000 for two people.

Helmet diving - Also a popular activity on the island, this will have you donning a helmet and letting your body sink underwater. Unlike diving and snorkeling, you will not have to mind your breathing too much. You can do this activity for as low as Php600.

Paraw sailing - Those picturesque blue and white sailboats — you can actually take a ride on them. The price is usually at Php1,200 for a boat that can accommodate up to four people.

Fly fishing and banana boating - This will have you riding an inflated boat, which will be maneuvered and pulled at high speed. You can go flyfishing for Php400 and banana boating for Php250.

Those mentioned above are the popular ones, but there are hordes of other water activities in Boracay, including jetskiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, and swimming with a mermaid tail.

One popular land activity you must try is riding an ATV as far up to Mount Luho to enjoy breathtaking views of the island. Rates start at Php500. You can also go ziplining and zorbing or taking a ride inside a transparent ball.

Photo courtesy of Hani_Han via Pixabay

Night life

Boracay is known for its thriving nightlife and has many bars along White Beach. Some of the more well-known ones are the Exit Bar and Guilly’s Island and Epic. Go to the former if you want great music and to the latter of you are into parties. If you prefer a chill vibe, then Red Pirates Pub and CocoLoco Bar are great places to grab a beer or two. You can get your drinks for half the price by catching happy hour, which usually ends between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. You can also join a pub crawl so you can try different bars and make new friends. The rate is around Php900.

Photo courtesy of ShenXin via Pixabay

Food trip

Boracay has rich offerings of local and international cuisines. You are sure to find something to please your palate, whether it’s Asian, American or European cuisine that you prefer. Surrounded by the sea, Boracay offers the freshest of crabs, oysters, squids, fish, shrimp, lobsters, mussels, shellfishes, scallops, and sea urchins. If you want to experience all these on a budget, head over to D’Talipapa, a wet market where you can hire cooks to prepare your seafood meal for you. If you prefer upscale dining, then Alta Vista de Boracay’s in-house restaurant is a must-try. L’Altura is part of the esteemed Tamayo Catering and provides innovative and well-presented dishes prepared by talented cooks. It is poised to be your next favorite restaurant.

Gifted with a temperate climate, Boracay offers refuge throughout the year. It’s a great place to escape the brutal winter or harsh heat of your home country. Go ahead and book your flight and accommodations. You’re bound to have the time of your life!

Planning a Long Vacation in Boracay? What You Need to Know