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.