Where is Boracay?

A dumbbell-shaped 7-kilometer speck off the northwest corner of Panay Island, Boracay is located in the Visayas island group of central Philippines in the Pacific. First rumored as a paradise isle in the 70s, it is now a favorite international vacation destination.

Prime among its beaches, White Beach stretches for 3.5 kilometers on the west side of the 'handle' of the dumbbell. A dazzling expanse of "talcum fine" white sand, it is considered by travel connoisseurs as the world's best tropical beach. Tiny Boracay, the Apple of our Isles, is big on everyone's lips.

Getting There

The easiest way to Boracay is to fly direct to Caticlan, which takes all of 36 minutes.

Via Kalibo: The next best way is to fly to Kalibo Airport. From there you take a two-hour (2-hour) ride to Caticlan.

For the ride between Kalibo and Caticlan, mini-vans, air-conditioned buses and rental vehicles run in both directions, direct from the airport and Caticlan Jetty Port.

By Land

From Iloilo or Bacolod on neighboring Negros Island, the only way to get to Boracay is by bus. Mini-vans or buses ply the 4 to 5 hour Iloilo-Caticlan route. The trip is split into two: a 3 to 4-hour drive from Iloilo to Kalibo, and, transfering to another vehicle, from Kalibo to Caticlan, for a one-and-a-half-hour drive. A non-stop, 3 to 4-hour taxi ride from Iloilo to Caticlan is always an option.

Tips

Travel Attire. From Caticlan, the only way to reach the Island is by boat. Be prepared to get wet, from the occasional splash, rain, or the quick wade to the beach. Shorts, T-shirts and slippers are de rigueur on boat trips.

Helpful Hands. If you're lugging heavy gear, porters at the Caticlan and Kalibo Airports, the Jetty Ports and the Boat Stations are ready to help.

"Human Baggage". If you don't want to get wet, the porters are more than willing to carry you (yes you!), via sitting on their shoulders, to and from the boat and shore. Important Reminder. Entrust your luggage/bags only to porters in proper uniform (men sporting a colored T-shirt/Polo with a "Porter" logo and wearing an I.D.).

The excitement begins right where you get down

Where you get down literally takes you where the happening is. Central Boracay, the White Beach, is informally divided into three sections that correspond to the three drop-off points popularly referred to as "Boat Stations" (Boat Stations 1, 2 and 3 at the Map ). From the Caticlan Jetty Port, you disembark at the Boat Station nearest your resort or your desired drop-off location. During off-peak or monsoon season, other drop-off points or docking stations around the island might be used for considerations of safety.

Getting Around

Boracay is criss-crossed with a network of roads with one Main Road traversing centrally the island's 7-km length. The many minor roads that intersect it lead you to any of the beaches, resorts and other points of interest. The ubiquitous "tricycle" (motorized pedicab) is the classic mode of transport. Daytime fare per passenger is P7 for any trip on flat area, or Main Road, between Boat Stations 1 & 3. Fares are higher for trips beyond these Stations. Nighttime rates are doubled, and often negotiable. If you don't want to be confined to the Main Road, you can rent a mountain bike to explore the Island away from the beaten path. Rentals vary.