Prepare yourself for a Boracay vacation filled with sunshine, laughter, relaxation and exciting discoveries.
Visitors all over the world trek to this tropical island about an hour’s flight from Manila to enjoy the beach, watersports, and a lively nightlife.
Before traveling to Boracay, you must first download required documents and fill up a variety of forms.
As safety protocol, only travelers from MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) and GCQ (General Community Quarantine) areas can travel to Boracay. They must also meet travel requirements (effective February 2022) listed below.
- Proof of Vaccination (For Fully Vaccinated Tourists) You must present any of the following: VaxCertPH Covid-19 (Vaccination Certificate with fully vaccination status from the vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or you can download your vaccination certificate at https://vaxcert.doh.gov.ph. You must fill up all the blanks to get your vaccination QR Code.
- For Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated Tourists and Those with Negative RT-PCR Test Results:
Present your RT-PCR test results (done within 72 hours) Check accredited COVID testing centers here https://hfsrb.doh.gov.ph.
- For tourists below 12 years old – Certificate of Undertaking Traveling with Minors (https://aklan.gov.ph/travel-details-template/certificate-of-undertaking-traveling-with-minors/). Travelers aged two and below are not required to undergo RT-PCR tests.
- The health declaration card form from the Department of Health can be downloaded at https://touristboracay.com/health-declaration-going-to-boracay.aspx. Tourists must register at touristboracay.com. They must email travel requirements to touristboracay@gmail.com prior to their visit. They must also apply for a QR Code three days prior to their arrival date. The subject of their email must be OHDC-Family Name, First Name. The following must be attached to the e-mail: Health Declaration Card (HDC); Vaccination Card or Copy of RT-PCR Negative Result test (taken within 72 hours before the travel date) or Proof of Vaccination; a copy of the hotel booking confirmation and government-issued IDs with Philippine residency. Once your application is approved, you will receive an e-mail with a copy of your health declaration card (HDC) and QR Code (save this on your phone or print it). Remember, no QR code, no entry.
- You also need your airline roundtrip flight/travel ticket and confirmed hotel booking ( save them in your cellphone or print them out).
Hotels
Couples or family members from the same household can share one room. Guests are required to present a company ID with complete residential address, or a government-issued ID.
Hotels may impose other guidelines for safety purposes. You can also check out the list accredited hotels from the DOT (Department of Tourism) website.
Getting there
The fastest way is by plane. Visitors have the option of landing at one of two airports: Caticlan or Kalibo. Travel time from the Manila airport (terminal 3) to the Kalibo Aklan Airport is one hour and 10 minutes . It takes almost two hours to reach Caticlan pier from the Kalibo Aklan airport.
The island is an affordable two-hour drive and a boat ride away from the Kalibo Airport. Caticlan Airport offers higher prices, although it is just a 30-minute boat journey away.
The best time to go
Peak season is the summer months of late March to May. But the price of airline tickets and hotel accommodations is high at this time. If you want privacy, February is a good time because there are less tourists. The rainy months of August to November is also low season, when the price of airline tickets and accommodations plunge. You must be mindful of your safety, however, by checking out weather updates through the Windy or CLIME apps and other reliable sources.
- ATM facilities
Short on cash? No worries! There are BPI, BDO, PNB and Metrobank ATMs as well as money exchange centers. Some hotels accept major credit cards, but almost everything is on cash basis.
- Things to bring
- Camera, cellular phone, charger, waterproof phone pouch, underwater case cover and power bank.
- Extra money
- Swimsuit
- Swim gear
- Alcohol and face mask
Things to Do
- Explore White Beach
This four-kilometer beachfront dotted with resorts, hotels and eateries, is a tourist favorite. It is the busiest spot in the island is a stone’s throw away from Boracay’s amazing white sand and turquoise waters.
- Go island hopping
One of the coolest things to do in the island is exploring its pristine beaches, walking on the soft white sand and swimming with friends and family
- Ride the banana boat
These large yellow inflatable boats can seat ten to 20 people. It is a great way of enjoying speed, the wind on your cheeks, and the water. The boats are clean and are equipped with life vests, so you don’t have to worry about losing your balance and falling on the water as the boat twists and turns. Rental for a six-seater is P2,000.
Go underwater Helmet Diving
This breathtaking experience allows you to see fish of all shapes and colors swim right past you. Divers who ensure your safety will hand out pieces of bread you can feed to the schools of fish. You can also get your underwater photos within the day or the very next day.
Jet Ski
This thrilling water sports lasts roughly 15 to 30 minutes. You’ll be instructed how to use the brake system, operate the throttle, turn it off in an emergency, and others. It’s a fantastic way to explore the island!
Go paddle boarding
You don’t have to be a pro surfer to enjoy this thrilling water activity. All you need do is learn how to operate a paddle board while enjoying Boracay’s beautiful beaches. You may join a paddle boarding excursion and work on your balance.
See you in Boracay!
You can check my Boracay Adventure to my youtube channel. Please Like, Share and Subscribe.
Text and photos by: Miller Achurra
