One of the toughest 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 first rate resort choices. On the opposite, what makes it a tough process is the sheer variety of decisions you’ll be bombarded with while you begin looking for one. Choice paralysis realness.
Where is the perfect space to remain in Boracay? There is not any short-and-sweet reply to this. But 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 choice. We’re additionally together with an inventory of the properties we’ve got tried ourselves and the highest choices as ranked by on-line customers.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Geography of Boracay
Before you go in search of lodging, it is very important be acquainted with the geography of Boracay, or a minimum of the very primary of it. Boracay is kind of small — a lot smaller than Bali or Phuket or Palawan. But it’s bursting on the seams with doable lodging choices.
Take a have a look at 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. Here, you’ll discover each the Caticlan International Airport (aka Boracay Airport) and the Caticlan Jetty Port (sea port). Every vacationer in Boracay passes via 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 testing resort and resort addresses. But for vacationers, it’s extra sensible to divide the island not by barangay however by seashore. If you discover, Boracay’s shoreline is glazed with over a dozen seashores, essentially the most well-known of that are White Beach alongside the southwestern coast, Bulabog Beach on the east, and Puka Beach on the northernmost tip.
The most noteworthy right here is White Beach, which harbors the best focus of motels and eating places as a result of it’s the most gorgeous seashore in Boracay. When you Google photographs of Boracay, likelihood is you’ll be offered with pictures of White Beach, due to its powdery white sand glistening underneath the solar and crystal waters swaying in varied shades of blue.
White Beach is additional divided intro three boat stations — Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3 — spanning two barangays. But all three share only one seashore. There is not any bodily border between them. Meaning, you possibly can stroll alongside the shore from one station to a different with none drawback. And when you do, you’ll rapidly notice that every station has a definite character and set of benefits and downsides.
STATION 1 (White Beach)
Best for: accessible peace and quiet
Station 1 is essentially the most stunning a part of White Beach. It’s right here that you just’ll discover the long-lasting Willy’s Rock (grotto) and the row of blue-sailed paraw boats which have turn out to be synonymous with the island.
But 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 Beach. Just subsequent to it’s Station 2, the busiest space in Boracay. The farther you progress from Station 2, the calmer it will get. Hence, 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 different one is in Station 1.)
But the northernmost tip, close to the so-called Lambros Point, is so silent, it’s virtually sedating.
The catch is, it’s additionally the luxury facet of White Beach. Most of the properties listed below are on the upper finish of the value spectrum. But there are a number of exceptions, particularly the hostels close to the border with Station 2.
We had been in a position to attempt the next:
- The Lind Boracay, an upscale resort that mixes the proximity to White Beach and the facilities of luxurious properties. Check Rates & 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 ground, overlooking the White Beach and permitting an excellent view of the sundown. Check Rates & Availability!
Unfortunately, many of the finances locations we’ve got tried right here have closed down after the clearing operations completed 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.
Top Hotels in Station 1
STATION 2 (White Beach)
Best for: Nightlife, easy accessibility to eating places and outlets, and general 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 outlets. Why? If you’re taking 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 street widens, accommodating way more institutions nearer to the seashore. If you stroll from the principle street to the coast, you’ll in all probability go by or via a minimum of 4 resorts.
In truth, it’s right here in Station 2 that you just’ll discover D’Mall, which might be the one busiest space in your complete island. It’s additionally essentially the most accessible as most transportation companies choose up, drop off, or terminate round right here. If you keep in Station 2, virtually each major focal point is inside strolling distance.
But this accessibility and busyness are additionally its major cons. It can get loud and noisy right here, and it’s arduous to discover a spot or second of tranquility. Try strolling alongside the seashore 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’ve got stayed on the following resorts and motels, and we advocate all of them:
- Henann Park Resort, the newest Henann property to open to the general public, so all the pieces nonetheless seems, feels, and smells recent and model new. It’s not beachfront however alongside the principle street so it’s accessible.Check Rates & Availability!
- Le Soleil de Boracay, incredible 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. Check Rates & Availability!
- 8Colors Beach House, a small boutique lodge simply accessible from the principle street and from the seashore. It’s not beachfront nevertheless it’s actually a stone’s throw from it. It’s additionally very budget-friendly. Check Rates & Availability!
Top Hotels in Station 2
STATION 3 (White Beach)
Best for: Budget vacationers who wish to keep near the seashore
Often missed, Station 3 occupies the southernmost finish of White Beach. Station 3’s seashore is narrower and barely steeper.
Like Station 1, it is usually comparatively calm. Fewer outlets and eating places line the seashore and the streets, so the gang additionally thins out. As I at all times say, when 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 these coming from Station 2 normally flip proper, to Station 1.
While outlets and eating places are sparser in Station 3, it harbors most of White Beach’s finances 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 undecided 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 different one is in Station 1.)
Top Hotels in Station 3
STATION ZERO
Best for: Luxury vacationers in search of a extra non-public expertise
Yes, Station Zero is a factor. But it’s not an official title. It’s only a nickname bestowed upon as a result of it’s technically on the identical facet as White Beach’s three stations. But essentially, it refers to a totally separate cove.
Confused? Okay, maintain on. I’ll attempt to clarify it. Beyond Station 1 on the identical facet of the island, you’ll discover a sequence of smaller coves together with the famed Diniwid Beach instantly after it. On the far finish lies Banyugan Beach, which serves because the non-public seashore for company of Shangri-La Boracay. In between these two coves is Punta Bunga Beach, 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 only some folks get to entry this seashore. 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 value increased than PHP 30,000 per evening. Super posh villas can set you again as much as PHP 70,000 per evening. Yes, 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 price it, particularly when you’re actually after luxurious, privateness, and impeccable service. It’s additionally nice for individuals who want to rejoice a particular or romantic event like honeymoon or anniversary.
Top Resorts in Station 0
Bulabog Beach
Best for: Budget vacationers and water sport fans in search of an accessible beachfront place to remain
While White Beach glazes the western fringe of Boracay, Bulabog Beach takes up a lot of its japanese coast. But in contrast to its extra in style counterpart, the sand right here isn’t one thing to jot down dwelling about. It’s principally rocky and coated in sea grass, which isn’t perfect for swimming and solar bathing. Regardless, it’s nonetheless extremely scenic, due to its picturesque row of coconut bushes which were attracting Instagrammers left and proper.
Bulabog Beach is definitely accessible from the principle street and even from White Beach. From D’Mall, it’s best to have the ability to attain Bulabog Beach ON FOOT in round 5 minutes, supposing you don’t have mobility points. The terrain is usually flat. While 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 fans. The seashore is lined by kitesurfing and parasailing places of work. Yet, 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 better part, properties alongside Bulabog Beach cost a lot decrease charges, usually half than these alongside White Beach.
Top Hotels alongside Bulabog Beach
Inland Areas
Best for: Budget vacationers who don’t thoughts staying away from the seashore
It’s arduous to delineate what might be thought of “inland”, for the aim of this text, we’re solely together with properties which are situated within the space between Bulabog Beach and the principle avenue. Meaning, when you’re coming from the port, it’s the realm to the fitting of the street.
And yep, this space, though removed from the seashore, 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 fact is, you don’t want to remain close to White Beach to have the ability to entry it. The major street stems into a number of alleys that result in the seashore. One can merely waltz and sashay to the seashore.
In truth, I’ve stayed a number of instances in an inland space close to Station 2. I don’t know precisely what this zone known as however it may be reached by turning onto a steep avenue. It’s the place these two properties stand:
Villa D’enghien, a residential advanced with a separate residence constructing the rooms of that are being rented out to vacationers. Some of the rooms are geared up with range, kitchenware and utensils. Yes, cooking is allowed (in some rooms). On our final journey, we booked a 1-bedroom residence for less than PHP 1400 per evening.
Dakong Amihan Home, a Spanish colonial-style guesthouse that gives 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 workers, particularly the proprietor was.
Top Inland Hotels and Guesthouses
Boracay Newcoast
Best for: Travelers who want a extra quiet keep away from the gang
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. Think of it as a township indifferent from all of the hustle and bustle of the island’s major vacationer spots.
Newcoast encompasses a 3 smaller now-private coves south of Ilig-Iligan Beach and north of Lapuz-Lapuz Beach. It additionally owns the land that serves as the principle entry level to the Cujo Keyhole, a postcard-worthy pure arch that has turn out to be a serious vacationer attraction. All these coves face east, offering a front-row seat to the spectacular Boracay dawn. Guests may also be a part of a FREE dawn tour that may take you to 2 of their non-public seashores.
More institutions have additionally been sprouting alongside its lanes, essentially the most outstanding of that are Savoy Hotel and Belmont Hotel. Both Savoy and Belmont are well-appointed 4-star properties that may make your keep extra snug, extra enjoyable, and extra particular. For an ordinary 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.
Hotels at Boracay Newcoast
What’s the perfect space to remain?
The greatest space will depend on your finances and preferences. We have tried staying at the entire areas talked about above, and every has its personal strengths.
- If you’re rolling in cash and would love a extra peaceable, extra non-public keep, select the posh resorts at Station Zero.
- If you want to keep someplace secluded however you possibly can solely afford one thing mid-range, Boracay Newcoast is an efficient different.
- If 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 perfect choose when you’re in Boracay for nightlife.
- If finances is a major concern, think about staying at a spot in Station 3, Bulabog Beach, or someplace additional inland. You can 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 Beach 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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