Boracay Island Travel Info
Tourist Information Offices
Since just about the whole island is geared towards tourism, information is available from almost anywhere. The Boracay Island Tourist Centre located near Boat Station 2 gives official unbiased advice. Get your Boracay Maps here. You might be able to buy better maps in Manila or Cebu.
Getting to Boracay Island and Going Around
Part of Boracay's appeal is that there are no buses, jeepneys, cars, taxis or planes on the island. None are really required ñ the whole island is only 7km long. White Sand Beach provides for most needs with facilities within easy walking distance.
The closest things to taxis are the tricycles that nip back and forth along the main road of the island. Wisely, they've been banned from the beachfronts.
Boracay Island Central Market, Talipapa
Pedicabs, the bicycle equivalent, take guests anywhere on the island and are handy way for the really lethargic visitor to saunter along White Beach. Both tricycles and pedicabs tend to charge much higher rates for longer distances or at night.
Hiring a bicycle is a useful way to traverse Boracay Island if you have the energy. Horseback riding is available at the stables located near white beach. Motorbikes can be hired but are only worth it if you really want to explore Boracay in depth. Rates vary with the season and bargaining is suggested.
Caticlan, Panay
Boracay Island is a 20-minute ride by outrigger boat or banca from the Caticlan jetty on Panay. During high season, boats stop at 3 boat stations along White Beach. The boat stations have no piers and involve wading ashore or paying a porter for a piggyback. From here it's a walk or quick ride to the hotel. Getting to Boracay takes longer off-season as rough waters prevent mooring at White Beach - bancas stop at on the other side of the island.
Note : touts pounce on guests boarding or leaving Bancas, snatch their luggage and aggressively charge for 10 seconds porterage but refuse firmly if you don't require their services.
Flights to Boracay Island
Most visitors arrive nearby at Kalibo Airport, a 50-minute flight from Manila. A 2-hour transfer by coach or jeepney takes passengers to the Caticlan jetty before banca to Boracay.
The pricier and quicker alternative is an 80-minute flight from Manila directly to the Caticlan Airstrip. The jetty is minutes from the airstrip.
Sources:
Philippine Dept. of Tourism
Boracay Foundation
Wikipedia and Wikitravel
HotelClub.com
World66
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