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 are not any first rate resort choices. Quite the opposite, what makes it a tough activity is the sheer variety of selections you’ll be bombarded with once you begin looking for one. Alternative paralysis realness.
The place is the perfect 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 possibly can make a extra knowledgeable determination. We’re additionally together with a listing of the properties we have now 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 searching for lodging, it is very important be aware of the geography of Boracay, or a minimum of the very fundamental of it. Boracay is sort of small — a lot smaller than Bali or Phuket or Palawan. However it’s bursting on the seams with doable 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. If you happen to discover, Boracay’s shoreline is glazed with over a dozen seashores, probably the most well-known of that are White Seashore alongside the southwestern coast, Bulabog Seashore on the east, and Puka Seashore on the northernmost tip.
Probably the most noteworthy right here is White Seashore, which harbors the best focus of motels and eating places as a result of it’s the most beautiful seaside in Boracay. While you Google pictures of Boracay, likelihood is you’ll be offered with pictures of White Seashore, because of its powdery white sand glistening below the solar and crystal waters swaying in varied shades of blue.
White Seashore 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 may stroll alongside the shore from one station to a different with none downside. And should you do, you’ll shortly notice that every station has a definite character and set of benefits and downsides.
STATION 1 (White Seashore)
Finest for: accessible peace and quiet
Station 1 is probably the most stunning a part of White Seashore. It’s right here that you just’ll discover the enduring Willy’s Rock (grotto) and the row of blue-sailed paraw boats which have grow to be 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 Seashore. 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 1.)
However the northernmost tip, close to the so-called Lambros Level, is so silent, it’s nearly sedating.
The catch is, it’s additionally the luxury aspect of White Seashore. Many of the properties listed below are on the upper finish of the value spectrum. However there are a couple of exceptions, particularly the hostels close to the border with Station 2.
We had been capable of strive the next:
- The Lind Boracay, an upscale resort that mixes the proximity to White Seashore and the facilities of luxurious properties. Test Charges & Availability!
- Henann Crystal Sands Resort, the perfect 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 Seashore and permitting an excellent view of the sundown. Test Charges & Availability!
Sadly, many of the funds locations we have now tried right here have closed down after the clearing operations executed 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.
Prime Motels in Station 1
STATION 2 (White Seashore)
Finest for: Nightlife, quick access to eating places and retailers, and total comfort
Station 2 is the epicenter of all of the motion in Boracay. It has the biggest variety of motels, resorts, bars, eating places, and retailers. Why? If you happen to take one other look on the map, you’ll discover that on this a part of the island, the gap between the shoreline and the principle street widens, accommodating far more institutions nearer to the seaside. If you happen to stroll from the principle street to the coast, you’ll in all probability cross by or by means of a minimum of 4 resorts.
Actually, it’s right here in Station 2 that you just’ll discover D’Mall, which might be the only busiest space in all the island. It’s additionally probably the most accessible as most transportation companies choose up, drop off, or terminate round right here. If you happen to keep in Station 2, nearly each fundamental focal point is inside strolling distance.
However this accessibility and busyness are additionally its fundamental cons. It will possibly get loud and noisy right here, and it’s exhausting to discover a spot or second of tranquility. Attempt strolling alongside the seaside and also you’ll be approached by touts numerous instances, providing a complete vary of companies from crystal kayak to henna tattoo to therapeutic massage.
In Station 2, we have now stayed on the following resorts and motels, and we suggest all of them:
- Henann Park Resort, the most recent Henann property to open to the general public, so all the pieces nonetheless appears to be like, feels, and smells contemporary and model new. It’s not beachfront however alongside the principle street so it’s accessible.Test Charges & Availability!
- Le Soleil de Boracay, unbelievable 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 automobile from the principle street. Test Charges & Availability!
- 8Colors Seashore Home, a small boutique lodge simply accessible from the principle street and from the seaside. It’s not beachfront however it’s actually a stone’s throw from it. It’s additionally very budget-friendly. Test Charges & Availability!
Prime Motels in Station 2
STATION 3 (White Seashore)
Finest for: Price range vacationers who wish to keep near the seaside
Typically missed, Station 3 occupies the southernmost finish of White Seashore. Station 3’s seaside is narrower and barely steeper.
Like Station 1, additionally it is comparatively calm. Fewer retailers and eating places line the seaside and the streets, so the gang additionally thins out. As I all the time say, should you observe the gang, 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 normally flip proper, to Station 1.
Whereas retailers and eating places are sparser in Station 3, it harbors most of White Seashore’s funds lodging, from smaller inns, backpacker’s hostels, and unbiased 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 doable as of late.
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.)
Prime Motels in Station 3
STATION ZERO
Finest for: Luxurious vacationers searching for a extra personal expertise
Sure, Station Zero is a factor. Nevertheless it’s not an official title. It’s only a nickname bestowed upon as a result of it’s technically on the identical aspect as White Seashore’s three stations. However genuinely, it refers to a totally separate cove.
Confused? Okay, maintain on. I’ll attempt to clarify it. Past Station 1 on the identical aspect of the island, you’ll discover a sequence of smaller coves together with the famed Diniwid Seashore instantly after it. On the far finish lies Banyugan Seashore, which serves because the personal seaside for visitors of Shangri-La Boracay. In between these two coves is Punta Bunga Seashore, also called 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 only some individuals get to entry this seaside. Room charges right here play throughout the five-digit vary, beginning at PHP 11,000 per evening. And that’s simply the usual room. Suites can price larger 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 most people I do know who’ve stayed at any of those say that they’re price it, particularly should 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.
Prime Resorts in Station 0
Bulabog Seashore
Finest for: Price range vacationers and water sport lovers searching for an accessible beachfront place to remain
Whereas White Seashore glazes the western fringe of Boracay, Bulabog Seashore 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 put in writing dwelling about. It’s principally rocky and lined in sea grass, which isn’t excellent for swimming and solar bathing. Regardless, it’s nonetheless extremely scenic, because of its picturesque row of coconut bushes which were attracting Instagrammers left and proper.
Bulabog Seashore is definitely accessible from the principle street and even from White Seashore. From D’Mall, you must be capable to attain Bulabog Seashore 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 choose you up within the space.
It’s additionally the principle playground for water sport lovers. 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.
One of the best half, properties alongside Bulabog Seashore cost a lot decrease charges, usually half than these alongside White Seashore.
Prime Motels alongside Bulabog Seashore
Inland Areas
Finest for: Price range vacationers who don’t thoughts staying away from the seaside
It’s exhausting to delineate what might be thought of “inland”, for the aim of this text, we’re solely together with properties which can be positioned within the space between Bulabog Seashore and the principle road. Which means, should you’re coming from the port, it’s the world to the suitable of the street.
And yep, this space, though removed from the seaside, additionally hosts quite a few motels, resorts and residences that gained’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 Seashore to have the ability to entry it. The principle street stems into a number of alleys that result in the seaside. One can merely waltz and sashay to the seaside.
Actually, 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. Among 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 provides reasonably priced 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.
Prime Inland Motels and Guesthouses
Boracay Newcoast
Finest for: Vacationers who want a extra quiet steer clear of the gang
Boracay Newcoast is the most recent tourism and resort growth venture 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 fundamental vacationer spots.
Newcoast encompasses a 3 smaller now-private coves south of Ilig-Iligan Seashore and north of Lapuz-Lapuz Seashore. It additionally owns the land that serves as the principle entry level to the Cujo Keyhole, a postcard-worthy pure arch that has grow to be a significant vacationer attraction. All these coves face east, offering a front-row seat to the spectacular Boracay dawn. Visitors may be 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, probably 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 snug, extra enjoyable, and extra particular. For the standard room at both, you’ll need to 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.
Motels at Boracay Newcoast
What’s the perfect space to remain?
One of the best space is dependent upon your funds and preferences. We have now tried staying at the entire areas talked about above, and every has its personal strengths.
- If you happen to’re rolling in cash and would love a extra peaceable, extra personal keep, select the posh resorts at Station Zero.
- If you happen to want to keep someplace secluded however you may solely afford one thing mid-range, Boracay Newcoast is an effective various.
- If you happen to’re after accessibility and proximity to all the pieces, select Station 1 or 2. These two boat stations are probably the most handy, location-wise. They’re additionally the perfect choose should you’re in Boracay for nightlife.
- If funds is a fundamental concern, think about staying at a spot in Station 3, Bulabog Seashore, or someplace additional inland. You’ll be able to simply discover reasonably priced motels, inns, residences and guesthouses in these areas. Don’t fear about your resort not being beachfront. It’s simple to get round Boracay and most seashores are open to the general public. You don’t want to remain in White Seashore to get entry to it.
As for me, my private choose is Station 1 or Station 2 — beachfront or not — primarily due to comfort.
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2023 • 7 • 26: First up
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