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.

The most popular and practical way to get to Boracay is by plane. You still have to catch a 20 minute banca ride across from Panay island where the airports are but it’s pretty stress free. Two other ways to reach Boracay are via ferry from practically anywhere in the Philippines to the port of Caticlan, or Iloilo in the south of Panay from where you catch a 6 hour overland bus ride that is quite scenic and bearable if you take the VIP bus that runs once or twice a day.

But those jetting in for a relaxing week on the beach, and not on a really tight budget simply arrive on a 45 minute flight from Manila to Caticlan airport, there you are met by moto-taxis (all properly organised, with a queue and fair rate) for the 2 minute ride to the ferry terminal (you could probably walk it if you had no luggage), then you buy a ticket for about 50 pesos and jump on the next departing banca. There’s no touting and rip offs, but when you arrive at Boracay you do have to haggle a bit to get  a fair price from a taxi to your resort.

The other airport is Kalibo which is actually a two hour bus ride from Caticlan, so not too practical. In the high season you might have to settle for this option. Also, for some strange reason we’ve found that budget flights from Cebu-Mactan island really aren’t budget at all, with the cheapest being about 4,000 pesos on any airline, while Cebu Pacific and others had plenty of seats from Manila for about 1000 pesos.

Bikinis of Boracay

The gem in the Philippines tourist crown, Boracay boasts one of the most perfect stretches of tropical tourist beach anywhere in Asia. Not-surprisingly it is the most popular destination in this archipelago though it’s tastefully developed and not overly crowded. The whole beach-feel has been retained since the access roads are kept away from the water front and the low-rise beachfront resorts provide a great experience where you can literally get sand between your toes while eating breakfast!

This blog will gradually reveal the best of Boracay and those things to watch out for, in short how to get the most out of your visit here. By the end of 2009 this will all be upgraded into a 100 page website that is part of a large established guide series to Southeast Asia, with sister sites on the Visayas, Manila and the Philippines. Everything you need to know about Boracay will soon be found here.

The island centres around the stunning White Beach, which runs for several kilometres of perfect white sand, aqua coloured water and plenty of coconut palms. The ends of the beach offer an private and quite island experience while the central beach area is where you will find many restaurants, bars, shops and services. It all adds up to a great experience of sunbathing, sailing, snorkelling and diving, water sports, relaxing and partying.

Hotels and accommodation: Boracay has plenty of fine hotels right on the beachfront to suit all budgets on room rates. Some are cheap, others cost the earth, and if you intend to stay during a busy period it’s worth booking well in advance online to secure the cheap hotel room rates.