It’s graduation season! Many college students will be bidding farewell to their school along with all the textbooks and requirements. Wearing their toga and a diploma in hand, the fresh graduates will be embracing and experiencing a new and an even tougher life ahead.

But don’t let us spoil the fun! College graduation is one of the proudest and most exciting events in a person’s life and should be celebrated to the fullest. That is why you should reward yourself and your friends with something equally as valuable. Like maybe a graduation holiday?

If you’re looking for a great way to reward yourself, then the beautiful island of Boracay packs a number of exciting activities and beautiful sights. What more can you ask for? With new jobs, grad school, and other post-grad opportunities on the horizon, the batch of fresh graduates is ready for a graduation holiday with their best college friends in tow.

Here’s a guide on how to plan and make the most out of your Boracay graduation holiday.

Choose a good date

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With the academic year’s shift in schedule, many universities and colleges’ academic calendar start in August and end in May. Even though the calendar allows us to be in line with other universities abroad, this means that the summer months of March to May are spent in school studying. But don’t worry, this won’t ruin your graduation holiday plans.

Did you know that off-peak season from June to September is actually one of the best times to go to Boracay? The crowds are smaller, the rates are incredibly lower, and the deals just get better! Be sure to be on the lookout for affordable deals and take advantage of those graduation specials.

Book your tickets in advance

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Once you’ve chosen a date that can accommodate all of your squad’s schedule, time to find affordable graduation trip tickets to Boracay. Flying is the best option if you’re coming from Manila, since all major airlines have flights and schedules going to Boracay.

One thing to take note of is that Boracay has two airports: Kalibo and Caticlan. Kalibo has lower rates but requires 2 hours of travel time by boat. Caticlan, on the other hand, is much nearer to the island with a 15- to 30-minute travel time but at a higher cost. It’s up to you which airport you’ll be landing on. Either way, it will get you to your graduation holiday destination soon enough.

Book your accommodation early

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As part of the new regulations to keep Boracay clean, there is strictly a NO BOOKING, NO ENTRY policy when staying on the island. If you want to stay and enjoy the post-graduation holiday with your best friends, then you better find accommodation that can fit your whole squad.

If you’re looking for hotels that can fit at least 4 people in one room, Alta Vista de Boracay has rooms available for you. The hotel has the studio/deluxe suite with two queen-sized beds, a balcony, and minibar for only Php5,500 per night.

But if you and your 5 best friends are after space and relaxation, then Alta Vista de Boracay has a loft suite available at Php9,950. At 62 sqm, you can relax and finally not think of school finals and requirements with 2 comfortable queen-sized beds, a flat screen tv, and a private balcony with a view of the sea and mountains.

Enjoy Alta Vista de Boracay’s best offer yet! Book a 3D2N stay for as low as Php9,999 and get inclusive daily buffet breakfast, 15% of in The Stream Spa, and a 10% off on L’Altura restuarant meals. Hurry and book now! Booking period starts from June 18 to July 15, 2019. Stay period is from July 1-31, 2019.

Plan your itinerary

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As much as travel is more fun when spontaneous, having a list of things to do while in Boracay won’t hurt! With a variety of group activities you can do at Boracay, your friendship will definitely grow and deepen as you experience new things together. If you want an idea of what’s in store for you and your barkada, here are a few activities you might enjoy:

Cliff diving at Ariel’s Point

If you and your friends are ready for more challenges and are willing to take risks, then Ariel’s Point is a great start. This is the perfect spot for adventurers and thrill-seekers alike. Ariel’s Point has five different diving platforms ranging from three to 15 meters high. The famous attraction also offers snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Be mermaids for a day

Ever wondered what it would be like to be a mermaid for a day? Well, wonder no more as the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy has got you covered! A 90-minute class is Php2,300 per person, and by the end of the session, you’ll be swimming like you’ve got a real mermaid tail instead of feet. Word of caution though, during the Habagat season they hold classes in a pool for your safety.

Parasail into the sunset

Chase the sun with your college buddies through paraw sailing. It is one of the more relaxing water activities and the island’s most recognizable sights. If you’re bored sitting on the beach waiting for the sun to go down, upgrade the experience and get onboard the paraw. Experience this one-of-a-kind sailing experience for 30 minutes for Php3,000 (good for 2 people), Php3,400 (good for 3 people) and Php3,800 (for 4 people).

Join a pub crawl

Boracay isn’t called Asia’s 24/7 island for anything. Even after its rehabilitation, Boracay is still known for its nightlife. Although there are no more Laboracay events, the island’s clubs and bars are still alive and kicking! If you and your barkada want to party, drink, and meet new people then join the Haqqy Pub Crawl and make the most out of your graduation holiday. Priced at Php990, you’ll experience 6 hours of bar-hopping and partying with other travelers from around the world.

Go snorkeling at Crocodile Island

Just a 20-minute boat ride from the famous Boracay White Beach, Crocodile Island is considered one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Philippines. Though not as scenic and action-packed as its neighboring islands, Crocodile Island is rich in marine life. If you’re on an island hopping tour, you just need to pay Php20 for the environmental fee. But if not, the price of this amazing experience ranges from Php1,000 to Php1,750.

Soak in a hot kawa bath at Kayak Inn

Get rid of the college funk with a hot Kawa Bath in Tibiao River, Antique. This hidden gem will require a side trip to Antique, it’s the perfect Boracay graduation gift for yourself to cleanse out the toxins you have in your body. Filled with medicinal herbs that are said to contain healing properties, this might be the perfect side trip for you and your friends to take on your post-graduation trip. The Kawa Bath is priced at Php250, while other prices such as kayaking and trekking are priced differently.

Plan your dream menu

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While there are many engaging activities to do at Boracay, there’s also a bucket list that foodies would want to try while on the island! Alta Vista de Boracay has listed down the best Boracay eats for 2019, but here are a few more you should try out to make your graduation holiday truly delectable.

Two Season’s Barlo Resto Lounge

Located right at the beachfront, Barlos’s Resto Lounge serves up an excellent menu of eclectic dishes created by Chef Gene Gonzales and his son, Chef Gino Gonzales. As one of the top dining spots in Boracay, you and your friends need to try its Four Cheese Pizza and Sizzling Oyster Sisig. Prices start at Php300 per dish. Don’t worry, it’s definitely worth the price, the travel, and the hype!

Prisma Bar

A bar for the young and the hip, and is perfect for a group of fresh grads on a post-graduation holiday! If you want to have a night of cool and refreshing drinks, then try out Prisma Bar at Station X. The bar is known for its collection of Instagrammable yet refreshing signature cocktails that can both be enjoyed tableside or poolside. Their drinks menu includes a classic Pink Gin & Tonic for Php90, Frosé for Php240, while their Signature Drinks like Dessert Flower and Dark Tan are both at Php240.

Cha Cha’s Beach Cafe

Ever wondered what Ube Champorado tastes like? Then head on to Cha Cha’s Beach Cafe for an all-day breakfast buffet with prices starting at Php350 per meal. The cafe is known to be an ube heaven with Ube Taho, Ube Ganache, and even Ube-based halo-halo! More than their sweet desserts, they also have finger-licking seafood dishes that are perfect to eat by the beach. If you’re not up for food, then why not enjoy the sunset with cocktails and live music during their Sundown Sessions every Friday. You can check out Cha Cha’s menu and see in advance what you like.

Enjoy and have fun

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This is a must when planning for a graduation holiday. This is your special time to be with the friends who have been with you through long class hours, sleepless all-nighters, and college hell weeks. Make the most out of your post-graduation vacation by spoiling yourself to a Boracay graduation trip. To all fresh graduates, congratulations! See you in Boracay!

6 Easy Ways to Plan Your Graduation Holiday in Boracay