BORACAY

PUBLISHING DATE: 2011-09-07 | COUNTRY CODE: PH

Contents: The City, Do & See, Eating, Cafes, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping,
Sleeping, Essential Information, Maps
Copyright 2012 ArrivalGuides AB. All rights reserved. For more information visit: www.arrivalguides.com
Boracay is one of the most idyllic tropical islands imaginable.
Palm trees swaying in the wind, crystal turquoise seas and
seemingly endless stretches of talcom-powder-fine-white
sand beaches, plus a distinctively laid back way of life
characterise this pretty island. Despite being narrow and
only seven kilometres long, Boracay offers everything from
golf, trekking, sailing and watersports - such as windsurfing
and scuba diving - to great hotels, gourmet restaurants and
festivals. Plus, of course, its fabulous beaches - including
White beach, voted the finest in the world. By night, it turns
into one big tropical party venue, with nightclubs vying for
attention with discos held on the beach.
Population
12 000
Currency
Philippine peso (PHP), PHP 1 = 100
centavos
Opening hours
Shops: from around 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 8
p.m. on Saturdays. Smaller shops stay
open well into the evening. Banks: from 9
a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.
Internet
www.boracay.com
Newspapers
Daily tribune, Philippine daily inquirer,
Philippine star, Today, Mindanao times
Emergency numbers
Police: 166
Hospital 141
Tourist information
Department of Tourism Office
Boracay Main Road, Balabag,
Boracay Island Malay Aklan,
Zip Code 5608,
Tel: +63 36 288 3689
THE CITY
anjoom
One of the Philippiness most popular
tourist destinations, Boracay island lies
just off the coast of Panay in the western
Visayas region. It comprises of thirteen
areas, known by their filipino name of
Barangays, including Manoc-manoc and
Balabag. It became an independent state
in the 1950s, and was something of a
secret until, it is said, a film crew
discovered the island while filming in the
area in the 1970s. The secret was out:
tourists began arriving and have done
ever since.Boracay is probably most
famous for its beaches, especially White
beach - at around four kilometres long, it
is the islands main tourist beach and
known the world over. The sea is
especially shallow here and safe for
watersports. The beach is lined with hotels
and restaurants. Some are, literally, right
on the beachside, while others are
separated by a long esplanade known as
the beachfront path. Since the White
beach is sheltered from the winds, it is
ideal for relaxing.There are other beaches,
too, including the quieter Diniwid beach
and the second largest Bulabog beach
which, because it catches the wind, is
popular with windsurfers, kitesurfers and
kiteboarders. In fact, the brightly coloured
sails give Bulabog beach its identity.
Boracay is also famous for its nature and
eco-trekking, its bargain shopping in
markets, diving, parties and the many
spas found in its holiday resorts.
DO & SEE
bren
Relaxing on the beautiful beaches is,
perhaps, the top choice of many tourists
who visit Boracay, but there are many
other attractions and things to do.
Boracay, for instance, is a magnet for
festivals and sport event
enthusiasts.Special events include the
Philippine Dragon Boat Federations
dragon boat races held on Boracay, which
attract teams from around Asia, along
with the international sailing race the
Paraw regatta, and the Philippine Ultimate
Associations Boracay open Asian beach
ultimate tournament held every summer -
a frisbee event, it is the top event for
Boracays own top ranking team, the
Boracay Dragons. Golfing enthusiasts can
enjoy the world-class 18-hole par 72
Fairways & Bluewater Resort Golf &
Country Club course
(www.fairwaysandbluewater.com/), while
WITH US, YOURE ALWAYS NO. 1 | WWW.PHILIPPINEAIRLINES.COM
Destination: Boracay
Publishing date: 2011-09-07
nature lovers and walkers can explore the
natural areas of rice terraces, water falls
and lush plantation around the Tibiao
whitewater river. The adventurous can
even take a whitewater ride. Boracay is all
about relaxing and having fun - and
doing `a little bit of everything, Mambo
number 5 style.
White Beach
White Beach is considered to be one of the
best beaches in the whole world. The four
km stretch of cool and sugary fine white
sand and the crystal clear coral blue water
is the first thing that comes to mind when
you picture what paradise would look
like. This is where most of the islands
hotels, restaurants and bars are located.
White Beach is divided into five areas:
Area 1: Boracay Teracces - to Willys Rock
Area 2: Willys Rock - Red Coconut Resort
Area 3: Red Coconut - Boat Station 2
Area 4: Boat Station 2 - Station 3
Area 5: Boat Station 3 - Angol Point
Address: Balabag
Funboard Cup - Windsurfing
Every January, Bulabog beach is abuzz
with locals and visitors who come to see
or even take part in the Boracay
International Funboard Cup Competition.
The date for the 2012 International
Funboard Cup in Boracay will be January
16 to January 21, 2012.
Address: Bulabog Beach
Internet: www.boracaywindsurfing.com
Ati-Atihan Festival
Around the same time, theres the
two-week long Ati-atihan festival, when
the people throughout the Philippines will
do the most elaborate fancy dress
costumes and make-up, and party with
music, dance and carnivals. The religious
festival is held in a nearby municipality
and is in honour of the Santo Nio de
Cebu (the Holy Infant Jesus), a patron
saint of the Cebu region.
Address: Kalibo
Opening hours: The Ati-Atihan takes place every
third Sunday of January.
More Info: Municipality of Kalibo, capital of Aklan
Province. Kalibo is a town about 2 hours travel
by bus or van from the port town of Caticlan.
Bat Caves
These caves have become a globally
renowned tourist sight. People from all
over the world come here to see these
fascinating creatures. The area Barangay
Yapak is home to the special breed of bats
called "the golden flying fox" or " "the
Philippine flying fox", these giant fruit bats
can reach a wing span of more than four
feet.
The best time to visit is in the afternoon,
when you can see them take flight into
the stunning sunset.
Address: East of Yapak 5608
Butterfly Garden
The Boracay Butterfly Garden is a very
popular attraction. This attractive
landscape garden is home to rare species
of exotic tropical butterflies as well as rare
trees and plants. It is estimated to
contain between 200-300 live tropical
Philippine butterflies at any one time.
Address: Bulabog Beach, 5608
WITH US, YOURE ALWAYS NO. 1 | WWW.PHILIPPINEAIRLINES.COM
Destination: Boracay
Publishing date: 2011-09-07
The Dead Forest
Despite the spooky name, there is nothing
to be afraid of here. This unique forest
sprawls across a network of tiny fish
ponds. Even though the trees are dead,
their silhouettes have managed to stay
alive, and some people say it is because
of evil spirits. Another more scientific
theory is that the high humidity and the
nutrition carried by the surrounding ponds
help the trunks to remain suspended long
after life leaves them.
More Info: Near Bolabog Beach 5608
Banana Boats
This is a lot of fun and a very popular
activity among tourists. The boats come in
different sizes and you can fit 3 to 10
people on one banana boat per ride.
Mountain Biking & Hiking
What better way to discover the island
than to put on your hiking shoes and get
out there? You are sure to find remote
places and scenery granted few people.
There are paths crisscrossing the whole
island and if you prefer renting a
mountain bike, you can do so pretty much
any where along White Beach.
EATING
digiputz
Boracay has a huge choice of restaurants
to suit all tastes and pockets - from local
eateries that barbecue on the beach
releasing tempting aromas into the air to
lavish gourmet style venues. The hotels
and resorts tend to have a selection of
restaurants too, serving both Filipino and
International cuisine. Often they are
presented buffet style, with an endless
array of colourful dishes. The tradition in
Boracay, though, is to keep it tasty and
simple. Dishes like chargrilled chicken or
meat cooked to perfection over the coals
accompanied by salads and local
vegetables, or fish caught fresh from the
sea, marinated and grilled, can be found
on most tables. Try grilled prawns with
bacon and avocado, fresh Oriental-style
spring rolls or delicacies like seared tuna
with soy sauce.
Andoks Boracay Restaurant
Typical Filipino food is chicken, they cant
get enough of it! If you would like to try
traditional Filipino food, then you should
try this restaurant. Their chicken and pork
dishes include tasty treats such as litson
kawali, crispy pata, sisig and of course
roasted and fried chicken.
Address: Balabag, Malay Aklan
Phone: +63 2 372 4033
Internet: www.andokscorp.com
Jay Jays Boracay Restaurant
This restaurant is all about Hollywood!
They have a consistent movie theme from
the menu with dishes named after movie
titles to the Hollywood flicks being shown
at the huge television while you eat.
Address: 0660 Balabag, Malay, 5608 Aklan
Phone: +63 36 288 6010
WITH US, YOURE ALWAYS NO. 1 | WWW.PHILIPPINEAIRLINES.COM
Destination: Boracay
Publishing date: 2011-09-07
Aria Restaurant
Aria is an Italian restaurant with great
food at affordable prices. Their pizza is
baked in a wood-fire oven which makes
the crust perfectly chewy and crunchy.
Another thing to try is the appetizer
platter containing olive tapenade, caprese,
peppers and more.
Address: White Beach Manggayad, Philippines
Phone: +63 36 288 5573
Prana Restaurant
"Prana" is a sanskrit word meaning "life
force", and that is the lifestyle philosophy
of the owners Karen Reina and Dieter
Schrottmann. They believe that
vegetarian food, when prepared correctly,
delivers vitality, and we could all use a
little bit more of that!
"To eat right is to celebrate life"
Address: Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan 5608
Philippines
Opening hours: Daily, from 7 am to 10 pm
Phone: +63 36 288 5856
More Info: Prana Restaurant at Mandala Spa
Cyma Greek Restaurant
This greek restaurant has been popular
ever since it opened and it is not hard to
understand why. The menu is perfect for
vegetarians and meat lovers alike with
vegetables, seafood, soup, pasta and
lamb. The atmosphere is typically
"beachy" cozy, relaxed and casual.
Address: dMall, Station 2, Boracay Island
Phone: +63 36 288 4283
CAFES
chewychua
Between partying and relaxing, Boracays
locals and visitors take a little time to
enjoy an informal lunch at one of its cafs.
There are plenty to choose from. Some
sell international style burgers, pizzas and
kebabs, and also local delicacies like
spring rolls and light rice dishes that are
ideal as a light snack. Salads, often with
fruits like mango or pineapple diced in
amongst the lettuce, are eaten as light
meals too.In Angol, the Nene Ball Food
House and The Honey Bee are two of the
best to find light Philippine food. For
something a little different and more
European, try the English bakery and tea
room which has outlets in Angol,
Manggayad and Balabag. Here you will be
able to enjoy pastries, cooked meats and
preserves, great coffee and a good
selection of tea for a modest price. Look
out for The Golden Bamboo in Balabag,
which does Chinese fare, Fridays at White
beach for buffet lunches and True Food for
some Indian cuisine. Crpe lovers should
head for Goris, on the White beach path
at Balabag, and if Mongolian food is a
favourite, try nearby Wahine caf
Mongolian Bbq for a buffet.Most of the
hotels and resorts have their own cafs
for guests and non-residents, such as The
Sea Breeze Caf and The Caf Christina,
both of which offer great international
dishes.
WITH US, YOURE ALWAYS NO. 1 | WWW.PHILIPPINEAIRLINES.COM
Destination: Boracay
Publishing date: 2011-09-07
Real Coffee
This beach front caf run by mother and
daughter is well known on the island and
appreciated for a wide selection of cakes,
sandwiches, fresh juices, loose leaf teas,
homemade yoghurt, omelettes, pancakes,
brownies and more. You should try the
mango or banana french toast!
Address: White Beach, Boracay Station 1
Opening hours: 7am to 7pm
Artista Boracay Caf
Artista Resort in Boracay has a lovely
rooftop caf / restaurant overlooking
Diniwid Beach. The atmosphere is very
laid back and relaxing, and if you wish,
they can even put on some classical music
for you.
Address: Diniwid Beach
Phone: +63 36 288 5960
Internet: www.artistaboracay.ph/cafe.htm
Jonahs Fruit Shake & Snack Bar
A must when visiting a tropical island is
definitely to enjoy a fresh fruit shake. A
good place to do that is Jonahs Fruit
Shake & Snack Bar. They also serve
breakfast, lunch, fruit bowls and other
snacks.
Address: White Beach Balabag
Heidiland Deli
Were you to get tired of the tropical
Filipino cuisine, you can visit this little
place. European treats such as fine wines,
chocolates, fresh baked breads, deli cuts
and cheese platters are their specialties.
Address: DMall, Station 2, Aklan
Palomaria Restaurant
Palomaria Restaurant is named after the
large tree that grows over restaurant and
garden. There is a peaceful ambiance
here, hanging shell mobiles and a
platform with comfortable cushions. Come
here for a tasty lunch and a cup of coffee.
Address: Bulabog Beach
BARS & NIGHTLIFE
storm-crypt
Boracay is famous for its nightlife. There
are bars, pubs and nightclubs that offer all
night dancing and drinking, usually to
loud music and much laughter. It is the
party capital of the Philippines.Some of
the most popular venues are the
Moondogs Shooter Bar in the
Cocomangas Beach Resort in Balabag that
stays open until late, along with the
Beachcomber Club not far away, the
Bazura Disco and the Baracuda Bar. In
Manggayad, try the Titay Theater for
entertainment, while in Angol head for the
Sulu Bar or the Jungle Bar. Some venues
tailor their entertainment to visitors
looking for a quieter way to spend an
evening with more romantic music and
outside seating, like the Blue Mango Inn
on White Beach.Taking a stroll along the
seafront during the evening will almost
always mean stumbling on impromptu
dance parties taking place on the beaches.
Always informal, they attract locals as
WITH US, YOURE ALWAYS NO. 1 | WWW.PHILIPPINEAIRLINES.COM
Destination: Boracay
Publishing date: 2011-09-07
well as visitors. Bars are dotted inside the
resorts too, and are generally open to
non-residents. Look out for the futuristic
MO2 Wave Bar and the Gazebo Bar inside
the Boracay Regency hotel, which are two
of the most popular, along with the
Sandbar Beach Bar in the Discovery
Shores Boracay resort at Balabag, and the
Pearl Bar inside the Pearl of the Pacific
Resort Boracay at Brgy.
Summer Place
Summer Place is a fun open bar facing the
beach. Dance around barefoot in the sand
and enjoy life and love under the full
moon. Tourists, locals and expats all
gather here and have a good time.
Address: Boat station 2
Phone: +63 36 2883144
Internet: www.summerplaceboracay.com
Club Paraw
To sit on the white sand and watch the
sunset while drinking a tasty tropical drink
is a dream to all of us. Here is the place
to fulfill this dream, chill out to acoustic
reggae and folk songs, and as the night
progresses, feel the vibe change into more
party music like house, hip hop and rnb.
Address: Front Beach Station 1, Balabag
Phone: +36 288 6151
Red Pirates Club
Sometimes you just want to go crazy and
party like theres no tomorrow - and
sometimes you feel like having a quiet
night, hang out and have a good time, but
rather go with the flow than lead the
way. This is the place for the latter.
Comfortable, relaxed, chill music and ice
cold beer, thats what you get at Red
Pirates Club.
Friday evenings mean BBQ!
Address: Angol, station 3, White Beach, Angol
Phone: +36 288 5767
Internet: red-pirates.blogspot.com
More Info: This place has renatl sailing boats!
Juice Bar
Juice Bar is known for cool and refreshing
drinks and nice music, mostly rnb. Soft
beanbags and comfortable cushions
makes a cozy sitting area, right in the
sand.
Address: White Beach, Boat Station 2
Bom Bom Bar
Despite the name, there is not much Bom
bom music going on here. This is actually
one of those places where you can get a
break from the loud hip hop and party
music happening at so many other
venues. A mix of reggae and ethnic
sounds, and often live music is what youll
find here. The large garden with chairs
and tables made of driftwood is a quaint
detail.
Address: White Beach
More Info: Between boat stations 2 and 3
SHOPPING
t-train
WITH US, YOURE ALWAYS NO. 1 | WWW.PHILIPPINEAIRLINES.COM
Destination: Boracay
Publishing date: 2011-09-07
Shopping in Boracay revolves around its
fabulous markets and speciality shops. As
befits a colourful community that spends
most of its time on the beach, there are
shops on what seems every corner selling
items of beachwear, clothing for
watersports, swimming costumes and
beach shoes. Hats, T-shirts, sarongs and
shorts too.Boracay is an informal
destination and as such has few shops
that might be termed designer boutiques,
other than those found in the hotel and
resort complexes. Here you can find most
items from party frocks for the ladies to
dress shirts for the men. Boracay has
plenty of delis though, with speciality food
imported from around the world, and
supermarkets for more day-to-day goods.
The island has many markets, especially
the large central market, Talipapa, which
have stalls selling local crafts. They offer
the chance to find the perfect souvenir to
take home. Look out for intricately carved
woodcarvings that are the work of local
artisans, along with lamps, leather bags
and belts, antiques, musical instruments,
unusual clothing, furniture and jewellery.
Visiting a market is a chance to
experience local life. Residents not only
buy their meat, fish, fruit and vegetables
at the markets, but also take the
opportunity to meet up with friends and
catch up on gossip.
SLEEPING
chewychua
Boracay has long been a popular
destination for backpackers and a number
of hostel-style venues are dotting the
island. In recent years these have been
complemented by some of the worlds
most luxurious hotels and smaller
establishments where you can, literally,
step out of your room, take a few short
steps and be on the beach! Most are in
the towns of Angol, Manggayad and
Balabag. The island is home to around
350 holiday resorts where tourists flock
from around the world. Most of the resorts
and hotels have swimming pools,
restaurants, bars and childrens play areas
among their amenities. The island is
divided into zones, so if a tourist wishes to
be near the liveliest bars he or she should
head for station 2. There are areas zoned
for top-notch hotel development, as well
as zones for resorts and cheaper
accommodation.
Calypso Resort
Calypso Resort lies on the beautiful and
world famous four km wide White Beach.
The water is a perfect turquoise and the
sunset views are spectacular. Each room
is beautifully styled and has its own
balcony. There is also a pool side bar and
restaurant, beach beds right by the ocean
and diving, if youre feeling adventurous.
Address: Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan 5608
Phone: +63 36 288 2038
Internet: www.calypso-boracay.com
Bamboo Bungalows
Right in the Middle of White Beach, close
to D Mall and the vibrating beach and
nightlife, lies Bamboo Bungalows. They
offer four native type bungalows built
from coconut lumber, amacan-mats and
nippa-roofs, with spacious verandas facing
the tropical garden and six airconditioned
WITH US, YOURE ALWAYS NO. 1 | WWW.PHILIPPINEAIRLINES.COM
Destination: Boracay
Publishing date: 2011-09-07
bungalows. This place is perfect for
families with children.
Opening hours: Coffee shop open from 07:00 to
16:00
Internet: www.bbboracay.com
More Info: Hot and cold shower in aircon rooms
and bungalows only. There is a badminton court
here!
Pearl of the Pacific Resort & Spa
This is a contemporary resort with an
invigorating spa with breath taking views
of lush forest, hills, garden and the white
sandy beach. Scenic walkways and
bridges connect the beachfront with the
poolside and hillside guest rooms.
Address: Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan,
Philippines 5608
Phone: +63 36 2883220
Internet: www.pearlofthepacific.ph
Boracay Regency Beach Resort &
Spa
The Boracay Regency is a luxurious resort
with no less than 285 world-class rooms
and excellent service.Restaurants,
swimming pools, landscaped gardens -
they have it all.
Address: Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
Phone: +63 36 288 6111
Internet: www.boracayregency.com
More Info: Located at Station 2, in the middle of
Boracays long stretch of white sand beach
Boracay Private Mt. Casitas
If youre looking to get away and have a
little bit of privacy, this would be the place
for you. Casitas is overlooking a beach
commonly visited for windsurfing and
kiteboarding. It takes about 15 minutes to
walk to White Beach so youre close to
the action, yet staying at a tranquil resort.
You can feel safe here, knowing that
youre guarded by five dogs, which are
protective and reliable.
Address: Bulabog Mountain, Balabag, 5608
Phone: +63 9173347484
Internet: www.facebook.com/pages/Boracay-Priv
ate-Mt-Casitas-Philippines/71448931443?ref=sha
re
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
storm-crypt
Airport
Boracay can be reached best from Cebu or
Manila to Caticlan by air. Flights arrive
into the small Caticlan Airport on Panay
Island regularly from other islands or the
mainland. Services are operated by
Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines.
Caticlan is minutes away from the jetty
port from where banca boats leave for
Cagban Beach, the jetty port for arrivals
and departures on Boracay island,
throughout the day. Flights to Kalibo are
available and passengers may take a bus
ride from Kalibo Airport to Caticlan.
Internet: www.caticlan-mph-airport.webport.com
Public Transport
Other than motor-tricycles, mountain
bikes or quad bikes, all of which can be
hired from many outlets around the
WITH US, YOURE ALWAYS NO. 1 | WWW.PHILIPPINEAIRLINES.COM
Destination: Boracay
Publishing date: 2011-09-07
island, the main way to explore the island
is on foot. Pedicabs are popular for those
that do not fancy the long walk along the
Beachfront Path beside White Beach.
Boracays coastline can be seen from the
decks of sailing boats or motorized
bancas.
Post
Post offices are dotted around the island
and clearly identified by signage. They are
open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays
only.
Pharmacy
There are pharmacies in most of the
islands communities, which are open from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For emergencies head
for the Boracay Medical Centre which is
open 24 hours.
Phone: +63 36 288 3147
Dentist
There are many dentists on the island.
Telephone 141 for the nearest or contact
the Boracay Medical Centre which is open
24 hours and handles dental emergencies
as well as general health issues.
Phone: +63 36 288 3147
Telephone
Country code: 63
Area code: 36
Electricity
220 volts, A.C. 60 cycles. Most hotels
have 110-volt outlets.
WITH US, YOURE ALWAYS NO. 1 | WWW.PHILIPPINEAIRLINES.COM
Destination: Boracay
Publishing date: 2011-09-07
BRGY YAPAK
BRGY BALABAG
BRGY MANOC-
MANOC
Sibuyan Sea
Tablas Strait
Tabon Strait
Crocodile
Island
Bulabog
Beach
Calirojan
Beach
Cagban
Beach
Manoc-Manoc
Beach
Tambisaan
Beach
Lapuz-
lapuz
Beach
Ilig-Iligan
Beach
Bael-At
Beach
Puka Beach
Banyugan
Beach
Punta-Bunga
Beach
Diniwind
Beach
0 1 km
Malabunot Reef
Crocodile
Reef
Shark Cave/
Channel Steps
Baling
Hal Wall
Punta
Bunga
Santos
Place
Yapak 1
Yapak 2
Yapak 3
Yapak 4
Bat Caves
Gateway
Arch
Live Coral
Beds
Boracay
Rock
Mt Luho
View Deck
Willys
Rock
Crystal
Cave
Bat
Cave
Kalikugan
Cave
Cave
R
d
9
T
a
mbis
s
a
n
R
d
B
a
n
t
u
d
-
M
a
l
a
b
u
n
o
t
R
d
T
u
lu
b
h
a
n
R
o
a
d
L
a
g
u
n
ta
n
R
d
M
a
n
o
c
M
a
n
o
c
-
A
n
g
o
l
R
o
a
d
R
d
8
B
u
la
b
o
g
R
d
Diniwi d
R
o
a
d
Ilang-ilang Roa
d
P
a
l
m
Ave
n
u
e Main Road
M
a
i
n
R
o
a
d
M
a
i
n
R
o
a
d
M
a
i
n
R
o
a
d