🌴 DIY Boracay Island Ultimate Travel Guide (2025 Edition)

📍 Quick Overview

• Location: Malay, Aklan, Philippines
• Best Time to Visit: December to May (dry season)
• Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
• Languages: English, Tagalog, Aklanon

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✈️ GETTING TO BORACAY

1. Fly to Caticlan (MPH) – Closest airport (5 mins to jetty).
2. Fly to Kalibo (KLO) – Cheaper fares, but 1.5–2 hr van ride to jetty.
3. Jetty Port Transfer:
   • Environmental Fee: ₱150
   • Terminal Fee: ₱150
   • Boat Fee: ₱50–₱100

📌 Total transfer cost from Caticlan: ~₱400

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🏨 ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

Station	Vibe	Ideal For	Budget Range (₱)
Station 1	Quiet, upscale	Honeymooners	4,000+
Station 2	Central, busy	First-timers	2,000–4,000
Station 3	Laid-back	Backpackers	500–2,000

DIY Tip: Use Agoda, Traveloka, or Facebook Groups (Boracay Budget Travel, etc.) to find last-minute deals.

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🍽️ EAT & DRINK LIKE A LOCAL

Must-try:

• Chori Burger – beachfront grills (₱60–₱100)
• Paluto (D’Talipapa) – buy seafood, have it cooked (~₱300/head)
• Jonah’s Fruit Shake – iconic mango-banana
• Andok’s/Smoke Resto – budget rice meals (₱80–₱150)

🍻 Budget Bars:

• Exit Bar (Station 2)
• Coco Bar (happy hour deals)
• Nigi Nigi (Station 2 beachfront)

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🏖️ DIY ACTIVITIES

Activity	Estimated Cost
Beach bumming (White Beach, Puka, Ilig-Iligan)	Free
Island hopping (private or joiner)	₱700–₱1,500
Helmet diving / Snorkeling	₱800–₱1,200
Paddleboarding / Kayaking	₱300/hr
Sunset sailing (Paraw)	₱300–₱500
Mount Luho viewpoint	₱120
E-scooter or bike rental	₱250–₱500/day
Fire dancing shows	Free with drink/dinner

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🛍️ LOCAL FINDS

• Souvenirs: D’Mall, Station X, or Local Night Market
• Unique Products: Boracay woven bags, Aklanon Piña cloth, dried mango, calamansi muffins

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🧳 PACKING TIPS

• Light clothes, rash guard, slippers
• Dry bag, power bank, mosquito lotion
• Reusable water bottle
• Snorkel mask if you prefer your own

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💡 MONEY SAVING HACKS

• Walk instead of trikes (short distances)
• Stay in hostels with free breakfast
• Haggle when doing island hopping or water activities
• Ask locals for affordable food spots
• BYOB from the mainland if you’re into nightlife

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✅ SAMPLE DIY ITINERARY (3D2N)

Day 1:

• Arrive via Caticlan
• Check-in Station 2
• Sunset @ White Beach + Paraw Sailing
• Dinner at D’Talipapa Paluto

Day 2:

• Island Hopping (Crystal Cove, Magic Island)
• Lunch on the boat or beach
• Mount Luho + Puka Beach chill
• Fire Dance Show + Local Beer

Day 3:

• Early swim or paddleboarding
• Brunch @ Real Coffee
• Souvenir shopping
• Head back to airport

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📱 MUST-HAVE APPS

• Grab / Joyride: (For Kalibo or Caticlan)
• Klook / Traveloka: Activity deals
• Google Maps / Maps.Me: Offline access
• Gcash / Maya / Coins.ph: For cashless payments
• Messenger / Facebook Groups: Real-time local tips

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🛑 THINGS TO AVOID

❌ Littering (strict rules and fines)

❌ Touching or stepping on coral

❌ Illegal transport/boat tours (go with DOT-accredited providers)

❌ Buying endangered shells, sea turtles, or starfish souvenirs

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🚨 EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Tourist Police (Station 2): 0939-936-3623
• Malay Tourism Office: (036) 288-8774
• Boracay Clinic: (036) 288-3041