Boracay is shaped like a dumb-bell, it is 7 kilometers long and the narrowest spot is nearly 1 kilometer wide. Land area is approximately 1, 083 hectares with about 6,000 locals. Geographically speaking, the island is part of the municipality of Malay in the province of Aklan, which is located in Panay, one of a cluster of islands that constitute the central section of the Philippine archipelago.

Yapak is spread out over hilly terrain situated some distance away from the main tourist beat, but the shoreline is dotted with beautiful, non crowded beaches and coves such as Puka Beach and Balinghai Beach. This is also where the only golf course is located which is known as "Fairways and Bluewaters Golf Course". Access to the course is just a mere 3-5 minutes from Main beach located in the central part of the island. 

Boracay Philippines - Travel Tips

Boracay Travel: Let's start from the beginning of your trip.

Please take note that these are helpful hints and by no means - guidelines to follow. There simple tips given to travelonline by clients who have experienced boracay island and the means to get there.

1. Pack Light - You will find that you will be wearing shorts, light cotton shirt and sandals everyday. There is no need for pants! It is a good idea to pack 1 long sleeve shirt just incase it rains at night and gets kind of cold. Pack the basics, shorts, underwear, tank tops or T-shirts, No socks, toothbrush, sandals(flipflops) and some minor medication like headache pills, stomach pills but not necessary because there are many drug stores available.
2. Boracay Flights - It is smart to depart at 9am, because you don't have to get up to early and by the time you check into your resort its 12 noon - Lunch Time! Perfect way to start Boracay Island is with a nice meal on the beach with drinks. (we recommend Boracay Beach Resort restaurant on the beach - look for the large mermaid statues attached to the out door bar.) Return Time - 4:30 - 5:30 of course - last flight out of Caticlan.  See boracay flights for schedules.
3. Money - always be packing about 1000 peso because because there is airport tax which is PHP200 per person, then when you land and reach the boat jetty you will be hit up for environmental tax 50 peso per person and airport Terminal taxes 50 peso per person. If you are not on a package with guided transfers expect to pay high prices which will start with your transfer to boat jetty, boat jetty to island and boracay jetty by tricycle to your hotel. On your return home, you will pay the transfer fees accordingly (no boracay package) and there will be a departure terminal fee of PHP20 per head. Get your dollars converted to peso before you go, because peso is the money used on the island and conversion rate is horrible.
4. Boracay Package - It is wise to have a complete boracay package instead of trying on your own because you will pay more! You will hear locals saying it's easy but remember they are locals and not first timers who are easy pray for those who like to over charge. The land and sea transfers are guided in a package and you are transferred from airport to resort - resort to airport ------ NO HEADACKS! On your own - There is no help! If there is trouble, you have a local travel agency to call to help you out. If you are on your own and the resort does not wish to help you it is good to know someone can negotiate the problem for you who works with the resorts on a daily basis and is friends with all General Managers.
5. What cloths to wear to and from Boracay? - We suggest shorts, sandals (flipflops, slippers) and a light shirt. Reason, you may get wet during the boat crossing when loading and unloading. Your pants, shoes and socks will get dirty and wet plus it may rain which shelter on the boat is limited. You may want to have a little plastic bag for items you don't want to get wet, but it is rare that you will get completely soaked unless some one is caring you to shore on there back and they slip and fall  - you become soaked.
6. Departing Domestic Airport to Boracay - The airlines say be there 2 hours before but 1 hour is ok. Note: 1 hour advice is for those travelers that pack light, move fast and hate to wait. Too early and you will be hanging around the terminal for awhile being bored to death. It takes approximately 20 ins to get through the line and check in where you drop off all your check in bags to the airline you have chosen to fly. From check in to terminal, you will pass through a tax gate where you will be charge PHP200 per head for terminal taxes then through an X-ray machine and you are in the terminal. There is a small cafe, doughnut shop, book shop and massage area. (If you miss breakfast - no problem they serve meals all day.)
7. Which Airport? - Yes, there are 2 boracay domestic airports and if you choose the wrong one than you will know! There is the Caticlan Airport and the Kalibo Airport (boracay airports)  It is advised that you check this link out before you make a huge mistake where you comfort will pay dearly.
8. Getting off the plane - The plane will be off loaded and you will receive your luggage to proceed forward with the boracay transfers part of you Philippines Journey. Note: If anyone touches your bag and carries it more than 5 feet, they are expecting a tip. If you don't tip, expect an argument. They are looking for about a tip of PHP20 and above. If they are carrying your bag a long ways then raise the tip accordingly or they will tell you how much. Don't get nervous if you want a porter and your getting gouged, just look for another. (There are many porters willing to carry your bag for you.) If you have a boracay package, simply look for your name on a placard held up by the transfer company. If not, you are on your own so be ready for some heavy gouging.
9. YYou have transferred to the Caticlan Boat Jetty -  This point you will pay the PHP50 environmental tax and PHP50 terminal tax (no way out of this) and you will proceed onto a Banka Boat (local boat - small). It will take approximately 20 mins to travel to the Boracay Boat Jetty Port. Once you arrive, you will be swarmed by tricycle drivers who want to take you to your resort. If you have a boracay package, you are guided to a waiting van or tricycle which you will be on your way. Note: At this point your bags will be carried - Be ready to tip again!
10. Boracay Resort Drop Off: Go to front desk - give your name - Show some ID or your itinerary from your travel agency and you are immediately meet with a welcome drink and lead to your room by your convenience. Drop your stuff off and your good to go! Hit the beach for a swim!
11. Extra Boracay Activities - If you are going to scuba dive, look around there are shops everywhere - find the best price. As for jet ski, mountain bikes, para sailing, snorkeling, sail boat rides, motorcycle rental, boracay beach massages ----------anything. Price is usually the same (universally controlled) but try and haggle always and look around for the best price. Always use the local term, "give me your last price". They will respond with the lowest they will go then take that price and compare with other entertainment companies to see if you are really getting the best price or just getting ripped off. There is always room for haggling !!!! Don't be afraid to walk away in a haggling stand-off! Get the price you want or move on!
12. Dogs - You will see dogs on the beach from time to time. Some are just pets of locals that reside on the beach front and others are pets that run wild or abandoned. They wont hurt you, but don't touch them because you never know and usually they are filthy. (If you pet - wash those hands!)
13. Venders - If it can be sold, it will be offered on the beach. Vendors are everywhere! They are constantly trying to sell you stuff. Don't be rude - bad idea - instead just be nice and say no thanks or make a joke like is it free - they say, No. Than you say, Ok, let me know when it is free! You will find that if you are nice and approach them as a friend they will not bother you. Never say, "Next Time" which is a popular local expression because they will really expect you to buy, "next time". There is a control area for venders and there are not many from boat station 1 to boat station 2, but after boat station 2 there everywhere. (once you pass Boracay regency) Remember, venders will approach you no matter what you are doing, interrupt you, but don't loose your cool - their harmless! They are making very low wages and just trying to make a living to feed there family. If you are looking for watches, T-shirts, jewelry then these venders will bring you amazing stuff at a low price. Just never buy immediately, always shop around looking for the best price. Remember, haggle, haggle, haggle!!! It's fun!
14. Bars - There are many bars and its always fun. Just remember if you are prone to fighting when you drink, it's not wise to fight with the locals. It will not be a one on one fight. There friends will join in. It's ok to party, get drunk, act stupid but try not to fight or argue. It's not smart! Fights usually do not occur down on the beach but rather on the main street bars.
15. Invitations - You may pass by a group of locals drinking. They may offer you a drink. Just politely say, no and keep walking. (never be rude - never a wise choice)  If you except the drink, you better have money because you will probably be paying for the next round for everyone. Mostly, locals are very friendly, kind, generous, helpful, nice and willing to do anything for you but being safe is always smart.
16. Dining - There are many restaurants to choose from at Boracay D'Mall or beachfront between Boat station 1 and Boat Station 2. Near the mall entrance where "Hey Jude Bar " is located is many live bands and music to meet anybody's taste.
17. Departing Boracay: You will just reverse the process that you arrived by. It is recommended to leave resort 2 hours before flight for caticlan airport. Kalibo airport you loose a half day.
18. Departing Airport - Next to caticlan airport is the Asian Spirit lounge. Great place to hang out while waiting for your flight and there is a loud speaker to announce boarding times. (Just ask someone where it is when dropped off) Checking in - Just enter the front - go through x-ray - pay the PHP20 peso terminal taxes per person, check your bags and then leave the terminal and go to the lounge. The terminal waiting area has no food and is very boring. Why sit there for an hour when you can go out front and enjoy local foods and see souvenirs for sale. Note: passing back into the terminal just have your passport or ID, ticket and tax stub but usually the guards remember you.
19. Landing in Manila - get your luggage and head out the door. Immediately there will be someone trying to get you to rent a van. This is where you will get gouged! Simply walk past him and get a taxi constantly pass by the terminal looking for paxs. When you talk to the taxi driver (be careful) this is another gouging opportunity. He may tell you a price, but you say,  "NO, turn on your meter". By law, they must turn there meter on and if they do not just drop him and move to the next taxi or report him to a near by policeman who will give him a ticket. Taxies are very cheap in the Philippines. In America, to go 5 miles may cost you 20 bucks or more. In the Philippines it will cost about 1-2 dollars or about 40-80 peso. There is no need to tip a taxi cab driver, but they don't make much and it is highly appreciated. 20 peso tip (about 50 cents) is a nice tip. They will really appreciate it and be very happy! Please Note: With rising gas prices and long hours for taxi cab drivers, its always nice to receive a tip at any amount!
20. Manila Hotels - Don't have a clue where to stay?  You want cheap and close to the domestic airport or international airport?  You want a luxury hotel - 5 Star? Let us help you with our list of wholesale manila hotels.    

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