How to Spend 48 Hours in Boracay

After its half-year closure, world-famous Boracay island is scheduled to reopen in late October of this year. Its reopening is highly anticipated after the Philippine island underwent rehabilitation to restore its natural beauty. Here’s a handy guide on how you can get the most out of your trip within 48 hours.

Jump start your day by enjoying Boracay’s famous White Beach. At this time, the sun’s heat won’t be harsh on your skin and the water temperature is cool enough to keep you refreshed. While this one-kilometer stretch of fine powdery white sand is what everyone raves about, there are many beaches on the island you can explore! Venture out to Puka Beach and see the crushed Puka shells mixing in with the white sand. If you don’t want to go that far yet value some peace and quiet, take a 15-minute walk from Station 1 to reach the serene Diniwid Beach.

Pro tip: Eat like a local and grab lunch at the wet market. Buy fresh seafood ingredients then have it cooked at nearby restaurants in whatever way you prefer!

Because Boracay has been a favorite destination for sun worshippers from all over the world, there are tons of activities readily available on the island. There’s plenty of scuba diving/snorkelling alongside exciting activities that will get your heart pumping! Challenge yourself to try the thrills of parasailing, flyfishing, or the reverse bungee. If you’re looking for something more chill, try helmet diving or mermaid swimming – you won’t regret saying hello to the vibrant marine creatures underwater.

Boracay is not only for beach lovers, but for foodies too. With so many beachfront displays, buffet promos and eye-catching food choices, deciding on where to eat has become quite a challenge. Should you go for something cheap or indulge in some unreasonably priced Western food? While no one wants a hit-and-miss affair, don’t limit yourself by only eating food you’re familiar with. Have a taste of local dishes, find out the signature desserts on the island, and don’t leave without having a boodle feast!

Once the island reopens, government officials are pushing for the idea to prohibit smoking and drinking on the beach. While it may be bad news for some partygoers and tourists, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun on the island at night. There are still music performances, events, and other activities that organizers are scheduled to bring to the island. If all else fails, you can always head over to the clubs and bars to meet fellow tourists and dance the night away. Since the government is planning on banning such activities, it’s expected that restaurant and club owners will get pretty creative with what they can offer to night owls.

Your trip to Boracay Island won’t be complete without going on an island-hopping adventure. Its neighboring islands are quite the natural gems in their own right. You’ll discover unspoiled beaches, vibrant marine life and breathtaking landscapes/seascapes.

Find your way to Crocodile Island, which is beaming with colorful corals and rare fish species (no crocodiles in sight!). Afterwards, ask your boatman to take you to Crystal Cove Island, a trekker’s paradise where you’ll find lush vegetation, caves and stunning rock formations. And for your last stop, head to Ariel’s Point where you can experience five levels of cliff jumping!

Pro tip: Plan your itinerary in advance and be sure to check available tours that suit your preference. Leave your valuables behind, keeping in mind you’ll mostly be in the water during your trip.

While the island might be all about water adventures, there’s just so much to see and discover inland. See attractions that you never thought existed in this former party island. For instance, visit Ati Village and see how the local tribe lives and thrives in modern times. Alternatively, check out the 220-hectare Mangrove Park – a reclaimed area turned into a lush mangrove forest that started with only 50 hectares. Before the tour ends, you’ll get a quick stop at Mt. Luho. As the final highlight (and reward), this is where you get an amazing panoramic view of the island.

Pro tip: Check the schedule of the available land tours. It’s highly preferred you take the tour towards the late afternoon when the weather’s not too hot.

If there’s a rule you shouldn’t break, it’s this one: Don’t leave the island without seeing the picture-perfect sunset view of Boracay. Apart from the spectacular sunset view seen along Manila Bay, Boracay’s also a top Philippine destination where you can catch sight of a stunning sunset view. For those who prefer to watch the sunset from an elevated point, you can head over to Diniwid Beach. If you want to get a gorgeous backdrop of Caticlan’s mountain ranges, Manoc-Manoc Beach should be your destination. White Beach won’t disappoint either, offering you a silhouette of boats and people while the sun sinks below the horizon.

It’s your final night on the island and there’s no better way to end your trip than indulging in relaxation. There are a number of spas and wellness centers where you can get massage treatments, depending on your budget and taste. You can opt for the complete spa experience, native hilot, or a foreign specialty such as Japanese-style pampering. There’s also the cheaper option where you can get a massage on set-up loungers under the coconut trees.