One of many hardest a part of planning a visit to Boracay is selecting a spot to remain. It’s true, however not as a result of there aren’t any respectable resort choices. Quite the opposite, what makes it a tough process is the sheer variety of selections you’ll be bombarded with whenever you begin looking for one. Alternative paralysis realness.
The place is the very best space to remain in Boracay? There isn’t a short-and-sweet reply to this. However no worries, on this article, we’ll break down the important thing areas in Boracay and spotlight the professionals and cons for every, so you could possibly make a extra knowledgeable choice. We’re additionally together with a listing of the properties we’ve tried ourselves and the highest choices as ranked by on-line customers.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Geography of Boracay
Earlier than you go on the lookout for lodging, it is very important be conversant in the geography of Boracay, or no less than the very primary of it. Boracay is kind of small — a lot smaller than Bali or Phuket or Palawan. However it’s bursting on the seams with potential lodging choices.
Check out this map:
The landmass protruding from the decrease proper nook is Caticlan, a part of mainland Aklan. Caticlan serves as the first gateway to Boracay. Right here, you’ll discover each the Caticlan Worldwide Airport (aka Boracay Airport) and the Caticlan Jetty Port (sea port). Each vacationer in Boracay passes by means of Caticlan.
Naturally, the passenger ports in Boracay — Cagban Port and Tambisaan Port — are alongside the sting closest to Caticlan.
You’ll additionally discover that Boracay is split into three barangays (villages): Yapak, Bulabog, and Manoc-Manoc. You’ll encounter these barangay names when trying out resort and resort addresses. However for vacationers, it’s extra sensible to divide the island not by barangay however by seaside. In the event you discover, Boracay’s shoreline is glazed with over a dozen seashores, essentially the most well-known of that are White Seaside alongside the southwestern coast, Bulabog Seaside on the east, and Puka Seaside on the northernmost tip.
Probably the most noteworthy right here is White Seaside, which harbors the best focus of lodges and eating places as a result of it’s the most beautiful seaside in Boracay. If you Google photographs of Boracay, chances are high you’ll be introduced with pictures of White Seaside, because of its powdery white sand glistening beneath the solar and crystal waters swaying in numerous shades of blue.
White Seaside is additional divided intro three boat stations — Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3 — spanning two barangays. However all three share only one seaside. There isn’t a bodily border between them. Which means, you possibly can stroll alongside the shore from one station to a different with none drawback. And in case you do, you’ll rapidly understand that every station has a definite character and set of benefits and drawbacks.
STATION 1 (White Seaside)
Greatest for: accessible peace and quiet
Station 1 is essentially the most stunning a part of White Seaside. It’s right here that you simply’ll discover the long-lasting Willy’s Rock (grotto) and the row of blue-sailed paraw boats which have change into synonymous with the island.
However Station 1’s largest professional is its quietness. Take one other have a look at the map above. Station 1 is on the northern finish of White Seaside. Simply subsequent to it’s Station 2, the busiest space in Boracay. The farther you progress from Station 2, the calmer it will get. Therefore, the southern finish of Station 1 can nonetheless get a bit loud at instances, particularly within the morning. Station 1 is dwelling to one of many two leaping off factors for island hopping excursions. (The opposite one is in Station 3.)
However the northernmost tip, close to the so-called Lambros Level, is so silent, it’s virtually sedating.
The catch is, it’s additionally the luxurious facet of White Seaside. Many of the properties listed here are on the upper finish of the worth spectrum. However there are a couple of exceptions, particularly the hostels close to the border with Station 2.
We have been capable of strive the next:
- The Lind Boracay, an upscale resort that mixes the proximity to White Seaside and the facilities of luxurious properties. Test Charges & Availability!
- Henann Crystal Sands Resort, the very best of all of the Henann resorts in Boracay. The rooms are normal Henann, however its infinity pool is perched on the second flooring, overlooking the White Seaside and permitting an excellent view of the sundown. Test Charges & Availability!
Sadly, many of the funds locations we’ve tried right here have closed down after the clearing operations achieved in 2018. We’ve additionally tried Frendz Hostel, which is technically in Station 2 however close to the Station 1 border, so it’s not as hectic.
High Accommodations in Station 1
STATION 2 (White Seaside)
Greatest for: Nightlife, quick access to eating places and outlets, and total comfort
Station 2 is the epicenter of all of the motion in Boracay. It has the biggest variety of lodges, resorts, bars, eating places, and outlets. Why? In the event you take one other look on the map, you’ll discover that on this a part of the island, the space between the shoreline and the principle highway widens, accommodating way more institutions nearer to the seaside. In the event you stroll from the principle highway to the coast, you’ll in all probability cross by or by means of no less than 4 resorts.
The truth is, it’s right here in Station 2 that you simply’ll discover D’Mall, which might be the one busiest space in all the island. It’s additionally essentially the most accessible as most transportation providers decide up, drop off, or terminate round right here. In the event you keep in Station 2, virtually each important focal point is inside strolling distance.
However this accessibility and busyness are additionally its important cons. It will probably get loud and noisy right here, and it’s exhausting to discover a spot or second of tranquility. Strive strolling alongside the seaside and also you’ll be approached by touts numerous instances, providing an entire vary of providers from crystal kayak to henna tattoo to therapeutic massage.
In Station 2, we’ve stayed on the following resorts and lodges, and we suggest all of them:
- Henann Park Resort, the newest Henann property to open to the general public, so all the pieces nonetheless appears to be like, feels, and smells recent and model new. It’s not beachfront however alongside the principle highway so it’s accessible.Test Charges & Availability!
- Le Soleil de Boracay, improbable location — beachfront and near D’Mall — however surprisingly quiet contained in the rooms. It additionally stands alongside an alley, making it accessible by e-trike or different car from the principle highway. Test Charges & Availability!
- 8Colors Seaside Home, a small boutique lodge simply accessible from the principle highway and from the seaside. It’s not beachfront nevertheless it’s actually a stone’s throw from it. It’s additionally very budget-friendly. Test Charges & Availability!
High Accommodations in Station 2
STATION 3 (White Seaside)
Greatest for: Price range vacationers who need to keep near the seaside
Typically neglected, Station 3 occupies the southernmost finish of White Seaside. Station 3’s seaside is narrower and barely steeper.
Like Station 1, it is usually comparatively calm. Fewer outlets and eating places line the seaside and the streets, so the group additionally thins out. As I all the time say, in case you observe the group, you’ll by no means attain Station 3. That’s as a result of these coming from Station 1 get exhausted by the point they make it to Station 2. And people coming from Station 2 often flip proper, to Station 1.
Whereas outlets and eating places are sparser in Station 3, it harbors most of White Seaside’s funds lodging, from smaller inns, backpacker’s hostels, and impartial guesthouses. Years in the past, one may discover a room for less than PHP 500 an evening, however I’m unsure if that’s nonetheless potential today.
In Station 3, you’ll additionally spot a floating jetty, one of many two boarding spots for island hopping excursions. (The opposite one is in Station 1.)
High Accommodations in Station 3
STATION ZERO
Greatest for: Luxurious vacationers on the lookout for a extra personal expertise
Sure, Station Zero is a factor. Nevertheless it’s not an official identify. It’s only a nickname bestowed upon as a result of it’s technically on the identical facet as White Seaside’s three stations. However essentially, it refers to a very separate cove.
Confused? Okay, maintain on. I’ll attempt to clarify it. Past Station 1 on the identical facet of the island, you’ll discover a collection of smaller coves together with the famed Diniwid Seaside instantly after it. On the far finish lies Banyugan Seaside, which serves because the personal seaside for visitors of Shangri-La Boracay. In between these two coves is Punta Bunga Seaside, often known as Station 0, a strip of sand shared by three luxurious resorts: Shangri-La Boracay (sure, it sits between two coves), Crimson Resort and Spa, and Movenpick Resort and Spa.
These are all high-end resorts, so just a few individuals get to entry this seaside. Room charges right here play inside the five-digit vary, beginning at PHP 11,000 per evening. And that’s simply the usual room. Suites can value greater than PHP 30,000 per evening. Tremendous posh villas can set you again as much as PHP 70,000 per evening. Sure, these are principally for the wealthy and well-known, however the general public I do know who’ve stayed at any of those say that they’re value it, particularly in case you’re actually after luxurious, privateness, and impeccable service. It’s additionally nice for many who want to rejoice a particular or romantic event like honeymoon or anniversary.
High Resorts in Station 0
Bulabog Seaside
Greatest for: Price range vacationers and water sport fanatics on the lookout for an accessible beachfront place to remain
Whereas White Seaside glazes the western fringe of Boracay, Bulabog Seaside takes up a lot of its jap coast. However not like its extra well-liked counterpart, the sand right here isn’t one thing to write down dwelling about. It’s principally rocky and lined in sea grass, which isn’t supreme for swimming and solar bathing. Regardless, it’s nonetheless extremely scenic, because of its picturesque row of coconut timber which have been attracting Instagrammers left and proper.
Bulabog Seaside is definitely accessible from the principle highway and even from White Seaside. From D’Mall, you must have the ability to attain Bulabog Seaside ON FOOT in round 5 minutes, supposing you don’t have mobility points. The terrain is generally flat. Whereas some properties entail a little bit of strolling, e-trikes and multi-cabs can conveniently drop you off or decide you up within the space.
It’s additionally the principle playground for water sport fanatics. The seaside is lined by kitesurfing and parasailing workplaces. But, regardless of the intense actions and proximity to D’Mall, it stays quiet and fosters an environment that could be a far cry from the chaos in Station 2.
The most effective half, properties alongside Bulabog Seaside cost a lot decrease charges, typically half than these alongside White Seaside.
High Accommodations alongside Bulabog Seaside
Inland Areas
Greatest for: Price range vacationers who don’t thoughts staying away from the seaside
It’s exhausting to delineate what may be thought-about “inland”, for the aim of this text, we’re solely together with properties which can be situated within the space between Bulabog Seaside and the principle road. Which means, in case you’re coming from the port, it’s the realm to the fitting of the highway.
And yep, this space, though removed from the seaside, additionally hosts quite a few lodges, resorts and flats that received’t break the financial institution.
I’m the kind of traveler that doesn’t thoughts staying at non-beachfront properties, particularly in Boracay. The reality is, you don’t want to remain close to White Seaside to have the ability to entry it. The primary highway stems into a number of alleys that result in the seaside. One can merely waltz and sashay to the seaside.
The truth is, I’ve stayed a number of instances in an inland space close to Station 2. I don’t know precisely what this zone is known as however it may be reached by turning onto a steep road. It’s the place these two properties stand:
- Villa D’enghien, a residential advanced with a separate house constructing the rooms of that are being rented out to vacationers. A few of the rooms are outfitted with range, kitchenware and utensils. Sure, cooking is allowed (in some rooms). On our final journey, we booked a 1-bedroom house for less than PHP 1400 per evening.
- Dakong Amihan Dwelling, a Spanish colonial-style guesthouse that gives inexpensive bed-and-breakfast lodging. It sits simply subsequent to Villa D’enghien. It’s been years since I stayed right here, however I nonetheless keep in mind how heat the employees, particularly the proprietor was.
High Inland Accommodations and Guesthouses
Boracay Newcoast
Greatest for: Vacationers who want a extra quiet avoid the group
Boracay Newcoast is the most recent tourism and resort growth undertaking by Megaworld. Spanning 150 hectares of hilly landcape, it’s tucked within the northeastern coast of the island. Consider it as a township indifferent from all of the hustle and bustle of the island’s important vacationer spots.
Newcoast encompasses a 3 smaller now-private coves south of Ilig-Iligan Seaside and north of Lapuz-Lapuz Seaside. It additionally owns the land that serves as the principle entry level to the Cujo Keyhole, a postcard-worthy pure arch that has change into a significant vacationer attraction. All these coves face east, offering a front-row seat to the spectacular Boracay dawn. Visitors can even be a part of a FREE dawn tour that can take you to 2 of their personal seashores.
Extra institutions have additionally been sprouting alongside its lanes, essentially the most outstanding of that are Savoy Lodge and Belmont Lodge. Each Savoy and Belmont are well-appointed 4-star properties that may make your keep extra comfy, extra stress-free, and extra particular. For the standard room at both, you’ll must shell out PHP 4000-6000 an evening.
Boracay Newcoast additionally has a meals market and an enormous tent that may be a venue for conferences, company occasions, and even private ones like weddings.
Accommodations at Boracay Newcoast
What’s the very best space to remain?
The most effective space will depend on your funds and preferences. We’ve tried staying at all the areas talked about above, and every has its personal strengths.
- In the event you’re rolling in cash and would love a extra peaceable, extra personal keep, select the posh resorts at Station Zero.
- In the event you want to keep someplace secluded however you possibly can solely afford one thing mid-range, Boracay Newcoast is an effective various.
- In the event you’re after accessibility and proximity to all the pieces, select Station 1 or 2. These two boat stations are essentially the most handy, location-wise. They’re additionally the very best decide in case you’re in Boracay for nightlife.
- If funds is a important concern, think about staying at a spot in Station 3, Bulabog Seaside, or someplace additional inland. You may simply discover inexpensive lodges, inns, flats and guesthouses in these areas. Don’t fear about your resort not being beachfront. It’s straightforward to get round Boracay and most seashores are open to the general public. You don’t want to remain in White Seaside to get entry to it.
As for me, my private decide is Station 1 or Station 2 — beachfront or not — primarily due to comfort.
Updates Log
2023 • 7 • 26: First up
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