Boracay is an island south of Manila in the Philippines and very popular with both tourists and locals alike. It’s grown in popularity over the past few years although for the most part, it’s not crammed with people like other well known Southeast Asian beach destinations. Boracay, which I visited back in 2006, is one of 5 popular tourist destinations that won’t disappoint you and one of my favorite places in the world.
These small boats shuttle people to and from the small airport (about an hour flight from Manila) to Boracay island. You’ll have to carry your bags over your head to get to the boats and the ride is about 10 minutes. To best avoid the crowds and get great deals on hotels and fights, plan your trip to Boracay right before the rainy season in the first week or two of May.
Here are some more images from Boracay and around the rest of the Philippines.
Are you sure it’s not become a real hot-spot? a lot can change in 2 years – not that I’ve been there myself.
It’s very possible – have spoken with a few people who’ve been since and say the peak season has really expanded although the week before the rainy season is still a good time to visit.
Would have loved to tried – so exotic to a Norwegian you know!
Btw dear blog friend: Sorry for being absent for a while. Of course I could have written a lot of excuses, but I guess the most important is to assure you I haven’t forgot you (and do appreciate all you’re nice comments on mine)!
Nice to hear from you again Renny 🙂 No worries, I know how hectic things can be. How are things in Norway?
Great advice on time of year to go – skirting rainy season will def. help avoid the crowds!
It was pretty deserted then; a wonderful time to be there.
I was in Manila for about 2 months and met a lot of Filipinos who would fly down to Boracay almost monthly to enjoy the beaches and nightlife. They informed me that I couldn’t leave the Philippines without going there, but I ran out of time and didn’t make it. I think it is quite busy and popular now, but is still a world class and entertaining destination.
Awesome pictures Anil!
It gives you a good reason to go back 🙂 There are so many beautiful Philippine islands though, if Boracay becomes too crowded, many other nice options.
Boracay is not crowded during rainy season. In case you really want to see a paradise like islands, try El Nido and Coron both in Palawan, Philippines. Excellent for diving and snorkeling because of its rich marine life.
This sounds absolutely relaxing- I especially like the idea of boats shuttling the visitors back and forth to the airport. It reminds me of when I was down in the Maldives.
It was a great way to arrive on that beautiful beach 🙂
Sounds great. I hoped to get to the Philippines with @TropicalMBA – they were looking for interns for three months. My bloody application ended up in their spam folder so I wasn’t even considered. I was gutted!
Adding Boracay to my list of places to see.
Ah man, terrible luck. Hope you get there sooner rather than later, great place to visit.
This is likely the same boat I have seen in Puerto Galera. Nice blog.
Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Great imagery though running too close to the rainy season sounds a little risky if the weather mistimes and the rain arrives early.
From what the locals told me it was definitely not a time you’d want to get caught there.
Tempting… until I read about carrying bags over my head 😉
Yeah, the boats never get too close to the shore 🙂
The boats now can get closer to the shore. There’s a new port now in Caticlan wherein there’s a docking station for the boats, so tourists won’t get wet in boarding and getting off the boat. I experienced what you experienced in the old pier before way back in 2006, the boatman even carried me “lovers carry” in order for me not to get wet. 🙂
Wow. I am envious that you’ve been to this place already. Honestly, I haven’t been to Boracay yet, and being more of a mountain person than a beach person doesn’t help!
I’m the same but Boracay had me thinking twice 🙂
Boracay these days may be a bit more touristic than it was in 2006 but it’s still a paradise. Funny because I also used the phrase “doesn’t disappoint to describe the island–it is pristine white, long stretch, wide, finer than sugar fine, and the water is gloriously aquamarine! Anyone coming to this part of the world should visit Boracay. Cheers for featuring Philippines =)
http://su.pr/2eNWOD
Whoa! There’s a Starbucks there now???
There’s a Starbucks now in Boracay. I was there again last October 2010 and I saw one between Station 1 and 2.
Oh boy, think I need to go back and see how different it is now just 5 years later…
Boracay is one of my favorite destinations here in the Philippines as well! I’ve been there three times already but i never get tired of it. I also love watching the fire dancers at night. Totally cool 😀
I want to go to Boracay next summer 🙂
I hope you get to!