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PLACES TO SEE
can be found on the north East coast of Yapak. This is the home of small cave bats and giant fruit bats (better known as flying foxes due to their cute fox like features) with a wingspan of up to four feet. Naturalists, photographers, spelunkers and brave souls willing to bear the intense stench in the cave can hire local guides, usually young children from the village, to lead them through the jungle-paths to the caves. Environmentalists, however, rather leave the fruit bats to their daytime sleep and wait for the sunset at the White Beach as hundreds, sometimes thousands, of bats take their nocturnal flight right over their heads.
This is the highest peak on the island. Visitors are given a grand view of the east coast of the island and its lesser known but equally fabulous beaches. It is accessible by motorcycles and tricycles thru a snaking treacherous rocky road. It is quite an adventurous ride to the summit but the rewards are great. Don't forget to pay your respects to the monkey by the foot of the stairs.
It is a privately developed island that boasts of good underground snorkeling. It requires skills in balancing and body twisting as you snake yourself through low and narrow caves and holes through rocks and paths submerged in the water. It is a treat for those with the spirit of adventure. If too late in the afternoon, watch out for the tiny jellyfish with their annoying tiny little stings. Entrance to the island is 75 pesos per head.
is product of ecological disturbance, the Dead Forest was created when a dam that kept off the saltwater broke down, destroying the swamp and killing off the mangroves that grew in it (mangroves thrive in brackish water). With dead tree trunks sticking out of stagnant water, the Dead Forest presents a highly romantic scene surrounded by old folk tales about ghosts and goblins. Local folk believe supernatural occurrences take place here, particularly on full moon nights.
Although slightly overrated, this is probably the most photographed piece of rock on the island. It has made its way onto travel guides (this site included) and even magazine covers. On low tides, one can walk up to it and climb a short ladder to grotto of the Virgin Mary.
Anywhere along the west coast of the Philippines you can experience a beautiful sunset and Boracay is no exception. Magnified by the magic of the island itself, it is a must see. Better yet, get on a paraw, one of those signature Boracay sailboats that ply its waters.
Located at the village of Ilig-Illigan, Kar-Tir features an interesting collection of sea shells, wood carvings, pottery, hand-woven articles and traditional costumes from all over the Philippines. There is a small entrance fee.
This dive is for the experienced only. It is usually visited for excitement when the weather is too rough for Yapak 2 and is best dived on a flood tide. A wall rises to 100 ft running east-to-west all the way to Yapak 1. Divers must quickly descent to the wall and get into its shelter. The wall itself has plenty of interesting soft corals, gorgonians and stony corals, together with a myriad of reef fish; but the main object of the dive is to look out into the blue water where, in a strong current, almost anything could pass by. Schools of jacks, surgeonfish, Rainbow Runners, seetlips and batfish are common; but larger animals are not often seen, including large groupers, Napoleon Wrasse, turtles, Whitetip Reef Sharks and Grey Reef Sharks.
By common consent, this is the most exciting diving off Boracay and the site that all the divemasters head for when they have a strong enough group. A rich wall, rising to 100 ft runs north-to-south except for the southernmost 165ft which goes west-to-east. At the southern end there is a chimney to descent and exit at 130ft. This dive requires a fast descent to the shelter of the wall, regardless of surface conditions. The wall itself is covered with large barrel sponges, Linchia starfish, soft corals and gorgonians, and is home to a vast quantity of reef and pelagic fish; but the main object of the dive is to look out into the blue. Here, Grey Reef Sharks and Whitetip Reef Sharks are common and Hammerhead Sharks, Manta Rays and Eagle Rays have been seen. There are large schools of surgeonfish, pennantfish, bannerfish, barracuda, jacks, tuna, snappers, sweetlips and Rainbow Runners, as well as the occasional large grouper and Napoleon Wrasse.
There are over a dozen beaches dotting the islands. Bamboo outriggers ferry guests for a small fee. The choices are many: White Beach, Diniwid, Balinghai Beach, Manoc-manoc Beach and Cagban Beach among others. Work on your tan, read a book, relax.
A little shallow for swimming but ideal for windsurfing or parasailing. A reef effectively shields the beach from the sea swell forming a calm, shallow lagoon. Located on the rear-side of the island, it experiences reliable on-shore winds in fine weather. Windsurfing equipment and lessons are available as are kite surfing (kite boarding lessons).
Close to White Beach and separated by a rocky outcrop is Diniwid Beach. It is small, rocky and private and is a quiet retreat from White Beach.
Probably the most famous stretch of beach in the country, White Beach lies on the west coast, between the villages of Angol and Balabag. Acclaimed as one of the finest beaches in Asia, White Beach features bright, fine sand and clear, shallow waters.
Located close to the shell museum and is a rather isolated stretch of sand that tends to have rather rough waters - unsuitable for weak swimmers or children.
Situated near the southernmost tip of the island, Manoc-Manoc Beach is a good place for swimming and a panoramic view of Caticlan against a backdrop of serenely blue mountains. A pier at the eastern end is used by boats bearing heavy cargoes of food and other supplies, but the western end is usually deserted and quiet. To get here, take a tricycle to the end of Boracay Main Road, then walk down to the shore. Along the way you can catch glimpses of local village life in one of island's earliest settlements.
Often blissfully deserted and boasts of fine white sand and millions of puka shells. It has suffered from intense sand quarrying and shell harvesting and looks a little weathered but it’s still a great place to escape and get some private quiet moments to you.
A little further around the island from the main area you will discover Balinghai Beach and Punta Bunga Beach. Generally both beaches are pleasantly quiet with only a few sunbathers.
is fun for children of all ages (even adults will get a kick out of this one). Find one hermit crab for each person participating. Draw a large circle on the beach sand. Place each hermit crab in the middle of the circle and then race them to the edge. The first crab to the outer ring of the circle wins. Please remember to put the crab/s back where you found them though, as its vital to keep the ecological balance of the islands intact.
are another excellent activity for the whole family. Find a half coconut shell (the husk is best), these are often found near the high water mark...or you can ask at the resort restaurant for one, use a twig or something similar for a mast, thread the stick through a piece of paper or a medium sized leaf (or tie a handkerchief around 2 masts) and 'voila' you have a sailing boat. Race them in the shallow water or just enjoy for the sake of playing with a boat. It'll keep kids amused for hours. To keep them going on a straight course, fit a keel to the underside of the coconut shell (husk). Again, ask at the resort kitchen for the top of a tin-can or something similar to use as a keel, then simply push it into the bottom of your boat, being careful not to bend it and go racing!
Most of us know how to build an ordinary sandcastle, but there are plenty of ideas along the same vein that will keep your kids happy for ages. Build them or better still get them, to build, a car or a boat out of sand...nothing fancy is needed...just a hole in the sand with a sand seat, use a twig or piece of broken coral (found on the beach NOT BROKEN OFF A CORAL BED) for a steering wheel, and if it's a boat, you'll need one for the outboard engine. You can elaborate on this idea, but you'd be surprised that most kids seem to prefer the 'make and break' variety.
Without a Snorkel To do this activity you need to arrive in Botracay prepared. Buy a plastic bucket, cut the bottom out of the bucket. Replace the bucket bottom with a piece of round Perspex cut to fit and seal the edges with silicone. This is perfect for those kids too small to don a pair of goggles and they will be thrilled by the 'life' viewed through this 'home-made' aquarium.
are always a popular beach activity around the globe and here in Boracay it is no different. This is a game for all ages and even the very littlest kids will love joining in.
are available at a number of resorts and this is an exciting way to travel across the water. Thrill to the feeling as one is dragged across the water's surface on a slippery bouncy banana boat, behind a powerful speed boat. This is a must for those that can swim as falling off, is all part of the action.
and Other Beach Sports Boracay is a haven not just for aqua-sports enthusiasts but for inland sports buffs as well. Among the sports, which Boracay has become famous for internationally, are beach volleyball and soccer. Annual tournaments are held to promote these sports on the island.
A trip to Boracay is made more exhilarating and relaxing by drifting around the island aboard a banca (outrigger) yachting or speed boating. Boats and equipment is available for rent at a number of resorts at reasonable rates.
is available at a number of hotel, resorts and a few bars on the island.
is another way to traverse the waters around the island and is a great all in the family, fun way to spend a few hours splashing about the coast.
The underwater world of Boracay is particularly interesting because of its rich marine life which is highly visible against the pure, white sand. Coral reefs still continue to thrive around the island. Diving and snorkelling gear (including diving trips for the seasoned diver and lessons for the novices) are available at the many diving centres on the island. Among the notable ones are Calypso Diving and the Red Coral Diving School.
Boracay has two championship golf courses on 131 hectares. The courses are situated in a former mango orchard planted some 65 years ago. The "Palmer Course" and "Player Course" are designed by Arnold Palmer and Gary Player respectively.
Stables are located near White Beach. Head towards the caves of Yapak, or just go where the horse takes you. Riders are advised to stay on inland paths and not frequent the beaches where possible.
can be done off the beaches of Bocaray and is popular. Do be aware of swimmer, particularly divers in the water though and keep well away from busy beach areas.
Although there are no mountains cycling can be done throughout the island and in fact it lends itself to this form of transport. It’s a great way to get around and the leisurely pace fits in with the mood of the place.
Spend the last hours of the day at any of Boracay's bars or discos. Beer in hand, you can dance in the sand with a few brilliant fireflies. If this seems too rowdy for your taste, take a stroll in the beach by the moonlight.
high over the waves as you whoosh through the air being pulled along by a speeding boat far below. This is a great way to view the island and surrounding seas while enjoying yourself a lot.
Some guests prefer to bask in the sun, lie under the cool shade of coconut trees, and watch the colourful beach activities or read their favourite book. Whether you stay out in the sun or keep your cool in the shade, don't ever forget to slather on sunscreen to avoid any sun burn. Remember, sand and water can also reflect those scorching rays.
can be played at a number of resorts and a few will allow non-guests to play if you book in advance or play as a guest of someone already staying in a hotel or you can play a game at either Club Panoly Tennis Courts, or TNT Tennis Courts.
can be done at one of two bowling centres on the island namely Twin Eagle Bowling Centre or Datu's Bowling.
has recently become famous as one of the country's prime windsurfing venues. The annual Boracay International Funboard Cup is held every January or February of the year to promote this sports in the island. Boards can be hired
The most important shopping items on Boracay Island are beach-related things, such as beach wear, beach towels, slippers, T-shirts, sun lotion and so on. There is not much in the way of ethnic souvenir items bar the odd coral necklace or similar items although a few items can be found at the open air market to the north of the island. Here you will discover antique furniture, lamps and native woodcarvings for sale. The central market, called Talipapa, offers a variety of beach wear fashion shops, specialty shops, small to medium sized supermarkets and a fruit and fish / meat department as well as there being a few places selling souvenirs. Haggling is expected. Spread out over the island are more specialty shops such as delicatessen shops, a huge convenience store for shopping, changing money and confirming flights, pharmacies and Internet coffee shops.
offers an extensive choice of cuisine that rivals many large cities in the country. There are multi-national restaurants that offer a fine diversity culinary fare - Indian, Caribbean, Japanese, French and Italian to name but a few. Superb seafood is plucked fresh from the sea and dining is reasonably priced and casual, often set in relaxed open-air restaurants dotted along the shoreline.
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Boracay
