Beautiful beaches may be Boracay’s main attraction, but these stretches of white sand are not the only reasons why the island is one of the most visited destinations in the Philippines. There is also the island’s perfect weather, the eccentric cultural mix if offers, and of course, its very lively nightlife. Truth to be told, Boracay’s nightlife is as much of a tourist pull factor as its beaches.

The whole island of Boracay, which only measures nine kilometres long and one kilometre wide, is packed with an intoxicating mix of bars, restaurants, discos, and other afterhours venues. The beaches themselves are transformed to tropical party venues after the sun kissed the water at sunset.

Boracay bars are on top of the list when it comes to nightlife and entertainment in the island. These bars are open from sunset till sunrise, with their parties usually spilling out to the beaches. Given the wide variety of Boracay bars, you are sure to find a place with music, food, and a crowd that suits your taste.  Bar hopping is also a popular practice and is recommended if you want take a sampling of everything.

Live performances by the beach are another staple in Boracay. Live band performances, ethnic shows, cultural dances, and a variety of other shows are staged every night near and on the island’s beaches.  During peak seasons, these live performances usually include major shows featuring popular celebrities and performers from Manila, the country’s capital city.

Nightlife in Boracay, however, is not all loud and crowded. The island also has several night life venues where quiet and intimate is the name of the game. D’Mall, the main shopping district in Boracay, is lined with several international restaurants and quiet shops. There are also classical piano and guitar shows held nightly by the beaches. These spots are perfect for a moment of solitude and romantic dinners under the stars.

If you want to go on a holiday to Boracay but don’t want to create a huge dent on your bank account, don’t worry because there are lots of ways to travel to this hot summer destination on a budget. People seem to think that because the island is located on the southern part of the Philippines, it also costs a lot to get there considering that you have to travel by plane and use practically every form of public transport before you get to this piece of heaven.

There are lots of ways to get to Boracay. If you have a lot of time to spare, and I mean, 18 hours of travel time, you can use the Ro-Ro nautical highway from the Batangas port. This is by far the cheapest way to get to the island. It’s also taking a scenic route because you’ll get to pass by several provinces to get there.

Otherwise, you might as well head for the airport and book a flight to Kalibo. Cebu Pacific offers some of the cheapest airfares to Kalibo. From there, you can ride an air conditioned van to Caticlan which is 15 minutes from the island of Boracay. At the Caticlan Port, expect to pay Php100 per person to cover terminal, environmental and boat fees. From the Boracay Port, you can hire a multicab which can fit 11 people if you’re travelling in a group. Each multicab will set you back by Php250.

There are lots of accommodation options available in the island depending on your budget. If you want cheap lodgings, don’t hope to get one by the beach. Opt for something near the beach and just walk or ride a tricycle to get there. If you’re going on a low season, then you’re in luck because this is when the rates are relatively lower. It’s also better if you travel with a group because lodgings are cheaper then. Finally, don’t talk to middlemen. Go directly to the hotel staff if you want to get better rates. Fixers are usually working on commission, after all.