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 first rate lodge choices. Quite the opposite, what makes it a troublesome job is the sheer variety of selections you’ll be bombarded with while you begin looking for one. Alternative paralysis realness.
The place is the very best space to remain in Boracay? There isn’t any 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 might make a extra knowledgeable resolution. We’re additionally together with an inventory of the properties we now have 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 in search of lodging, it is very important be conversant in the geography of Boracay, or not less than 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 testing lodge 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, 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 lodges and eating places as a result of it’s the most gorgeous seaside in Boracay. If you Google photographs of Boracay, likelihood is you’ll be introduced with photos of White Seashore, due to 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 any bodily border between them. That 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)
Greatest for: accessible peace and quiet
Station 1 is probably the most stunning a part of White Seashore. 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 develop into synonymous with the island.
However Station 1’s greatest 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 occasions, 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 nearly sedating.
The catch is, it’s additionally the luxurious aspect of White Seashore. A lot of the properties listed here are on the upper finish of the worth spectrum. However there are a number of exceptions, particularly the hostels close to the border with Station 2.
We have been in a position to strive the next:
- The Lind Boracay, an upscale resort that mixes the proximity to White Seashore and the facilities of luxurious properties. Examine 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 ground, overlooking the White Seashore and permitting an excellent view of the sundown. Examine Charges & Availability!
Sadly, a lot of the funds locations we now have 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.
Prime Motels in Station 1
STATION 2 (White Seashore)
Greatest 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 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 primary highway widens, accommodating far more institutions nearer to the seaside. In the event you stroll from the primary highway to the coast, you’ll most likely move by or by means of not less than 4 resorts.
In truth, it’s right here in Station 2 that you simply’ll discover D’Mall, which might be the one busiest space in your entire island. It’s additionally probably the most accessible as most transportation companies choose up, drop off, or terminate round right here. In the event you keep in Station 2, nearly each major focal point is inside strolling distance.
However this accessibility and busyness are additionally its major cons. It could possibly get loud and noisy right here, and it’s arduous to discover a spot or second of tranquility. Attempt strolling alongside the seaside and also you’ll be approached by touts numerous occasions, providing a complete vary of companies from crystal kayak to henna tattoo to therapeutic massage.
In Station 2, we now have stayed on the following resorts and lodges, and we advocate all of them:
- Henann Park Resort, the most recent Henann property to open to the general public, so every part nonetheless seems, feels, and smells contemporary and model new. It’s not beachfront however alongside the primary highway so it’s accessible.Examine Charges & Availability!
- Le Soleil de Boracay, implausible 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 primary highway. Examine Charges & Availability!
- 8Colors Seashore Home, a small boutique lodge simply accessible from the primary 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. Examine Charges & Availability!
Prime Motels in Station 2
STATION 3 (White Seashore)
Greatest for: Funds vacationers who need to keep near the seaside
Usually neglected, 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 outlets and eating places line the seaside and the streets, so the group additionally thins out. As I at all times say, should you comply with 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 Seashore’s funds lodging, from smaller inns, backpacker’s hostels, and impartial guesthouses. Years in the past, one might discover a room for under 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 opposite one is in Station 1.)
Prime Motels in Station 3
STATION ZERO
Greatest for: Luxurious vacationers in search of a extra personal expertise
Sure, Station Zero is a factor. But it surely’s not an official identify. 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 if truth be told, it refers to a very 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 collection 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 company of Shangri-La Boracay. In between these two coves is Punta Bunga Seashore, also referred to 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 night time. And that’s simply the usual room. Suites can value greater than PHP 30,000 per night time. Tremendous posh villas can set you again as much as PHP 70,000 per night time. Sure, these are largely 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 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
Greatest for: Funds vacationers and water sport lovers in search of an accessible beachfront place to remain
Whereas White Seashore glazes the western fringe of Boracay, Bulabog Seashore takes up a lot of its japanese coast. However not like its extra fashionable counterpart, the sand right here isn’t one thing to jot down dwelling about. It’s largely rocky and lined in sea grass, which isn’t supreme for swimming and solar bathing. Regardless, it’s nonetheless extremely scenic, due to its picturesque row of coconut timber which were attracting Instagrammers left and proper.
Bulabog Seashore is well accessible from the primary highway and even from White Seashore. From D’Mall, it is best to be capable of 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 primary playground for water sport lovers. The seaside is lined by kitesurfing and parasailing places of work. 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 very best half, properties alongside Bulabog Seashore cost a lot decrease charges, typically half than these alongside White Seashore.
Prime Motels alongside Bulabog Seashore
Inland Areas
Greatest for: Funds vacationers who don’t thoughts staying away from the seaside
It’s arduous to delineate what may be thought of “inland”, for the aim of this text, we’re solely together with properties which might be positioned within the space between Bulabog Seashore and the primary road. That means, should you’re coming from the port, it’s the world to the precise 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 Seashore 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.
In truth, I’ve stayed a number of occasions 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 road. It’s the place these two properties stand:
- Villa D’enghien, a residential advanced with a separate condominium 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 condominium for under PHP 1400 per night time.
- Dakong Amihan Residence, 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 bear in mind how heat the workers, particularly the proprietor was.
Prime Inland Motels and Guesthouses
Boracay Newcoast
Greatest for: Vacationers who want a extra quiet steer clear of the group
Boracay Newcoast is the most recent tourism and resort improvement challenge 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 major 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 primary entry level to the Cujo Keyhole, a postcard-worthy pure arch that has develop into a serious vacationer attraction. All these coves face east, offering a front-row seat to the spectacular Boracay dawn. Company can even be a part of a FREE dawn tour that may 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 comfy, extra stress-free, and extra particular. For the standard room at both, you’ll should 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 very best space to remain?
The very best space is dependent upon your funds and preferences. We’ve got 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 luxurious resorts at Station Zero.
- In the event you want to keep someplace secluded however you may solely afford one thing mid-range, Boracay Newcoast is an effective various.
- In the event you’re after accessibility and proximity to every part, select Station 1 or 2. These two boat stations are probably the most handy, location-wise. They’re additionally the very best choose should you’re in Boracay for nightlife.
- If funds is a major concern, take into account staying at a spot in Station 3, Bulabog Seashore, or someplace additional inland. You possibly can simply discover reasonably priced lodges, inns, flats and guesthouses in these areas. Don’t fear about your lodge 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.
Updates Log
2023 • 7 • 26: First up
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