Boracay Things to Do - 20 Tips and Activities

There’s plenty to do on the Philippine island of Boracay. Naturally, with so many tourists visiting, you’ll find countless activities and attractions on Boracay. In addition to the ever-popular beach activities, tours, and excursions, there are also a few unique experiences that you might not think of right away or stumble upon by chance.

20 Activities, Tips, and Attractions for Boracay

Here we’ll show you 20 great things to do and see on Boracay that you shouldn’t miss. A little inspiration for your Boracay trip.

Accommodation in Boracay – Our Hotel Tip

The Movenpick Resort & Spa is located on the picturesque Punta Bunga Bay and offers a peaceful, secluded setting away from the hustle and bustle of the island. It features a private sandy beach with crystal-clear water and expansive tropical gardens. The rooms are modernly furnished and offer either garden or sea views from a private balcony. The property stands out with a large swimming pool, a spa and wellness area, as well as several restaurants serving both international and local cuisine. A highlight is the exclusive Sol Marina Beach Club, which is located directly on the beach. The hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle service to the D’Mall Boracay shopping center at White Beach.

If you’re looking for other hotels, for example, directly in the center or near one of the stations at White Beach, then check out these hotels.

1. Explore the Beaches

If Boracay is famous for one thing, it’s definitely its postcard-perfect beaches. In particular, the long stretch of White Beach makes Boracay a true beach paradise for many travelers. But did you know that the island has many more beaches waiting to be explored? And the best part: many of them are still untouched by mass tourism, offering a few hidden gems to discover.

Most beaches are easy to find and can be reached by motorbike, bicycle, or tricycle. Listing them all here would go beyond the scope of this article. In our detailed Boracay Beach Guide, you’ll find all the important beaches on Boracay.

2. Willy’s Rock

Willy’s Rock is THE landmark at White Beach and therefore one of Boracay’s most famous attractions. Between Station 1 and Station 2, you’ll find a large rock in the water featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary. You really can’t miss it when walking along the beach.

You can climb Willy’s Rock to take the obligatory photo or selfie at the top and also get a great view of White Beach. From there, you’ll truly appreciate just how stunning the beach really is! Note that it’s easier to climb the rock when the tide is low. However, even at high tide, it’s no problem if you wade through the shallow water for a few meters.

3. Party and Nightlife

White Beach isn’t only known for its powdery white sand and turquoise water. At night, it transforms into Boracay’s party hotspot, and it doesn’t always have to be fancy or glamorous!

One of the most popular clubs among both locals and tourists is Cocomangas at Station 1 (behind the main road). They play Black Music and House/Electro. Cocomangas is also known for its famous “Still Standing After 15…” challenge, where you have to take 15 shots in a row for your country. If you win (besides earning fame for your nation, of course), you’ll receive a T-shirt and a lifelong spot on the Wall of Fame.

Also very popular is the Boracay Pub Crawl, a great way to experience the nightlife, visit several clubs and bars, and meet new people. For 990 pesos (pre-sale 690-790 pesos), you get a T-shirt and a shot glass, and off you go: you’ll move from bar to bar and club to club with a big group, enjoying a total of 10 shots at selected venues and sometimes discounted drink prices.

Other Popular Clubs and Bars at White Beach

• Guilly’s (Station 1)
• Sand Bar (Station 1)
• Club Paraw (Station 1)
• Bom Bom Bar/Pat’s Bar (Station 2)
• Epic (Station 2)
• Juice Bar (Station 2)
• Wave Bar and Lounge (Station 2)
• Exit Bar (between Station 1 and 2, see also Point 20 – Beach Bars)

4. G-Max Reverse Bungy

There’s also something for adrenaline junkies: on this ride, you can catapult yourself 50 meters into the air at 200 km/h. Whether you’ll really enjoy the view over Boracay and White Beach at the top is another question entirely!

You’ll find the G-Max along the promenade at Station 3. The current price per person is 1,500 pesos (as of March 2015, like all prices mentioned in this article).

5. Ariel’s Point

Here’s another one for adventure seekers and one of Boracay’s top attractions. At Ariel’s Point, you can go cliff diving from platforms as high as 15 meters into the water. There are also lower platforms available for beginners.

Ariel’s Point is not actually located on Boracay itself but on Panay. However, day trips are offered from Boracay for around 2,000 pesos. The tour includes a 35-minute boat transfer, a BBQ buffet with afternoon snacks, unlimited drinks, as well as kayaking and snorkeling. You can find more information on the official website.

6. Crystal Cove Island

Crystal Cove Island is a tiny private island located between Boracay and Panay that you can visit for a day trip or just a few hours. Since it’s privately owned, there’s an entrance fee of 200 pesos. In addition to some small, beautiful beaches, there are also several caves and rock formations with viewpoints (including views of Boracay) waiting to be discovered.

Boats to Crystal Cove Island depart from Cagban and Tambisaan. A round trip costs about 250 pesos. There are also full-day tours available that include lunch and a guide. If you don’t need lunch but still want to save some money, consider “Package 1,” which costs 449 pesos and already includes the island admission fee, drinks, and a guide.

7. Explore the Caves

In addition to the caves on Crystal Cove Island, Boracay also offers other caves worth exploring. Near the Ilig-Iligan Beaches, you can visit the so-called Bat Caves. There, you’ll encounter bats, flying foxes, and even (highly venomous) sea snakes.

Since the path to the caves leads through the jungle and the entrance can be steep and slippery in parts, you should never do this tour on your own. Also, make sure to wear sturdy shoes instead of flip-flops. A flashlight or headlamp will also come in handy.

A local guide, whether an official tour guide or just a local boy from the nearby village, can easily be found at Ilig-Iligan Beach. Either someone will approach you, or you can simply ask a local for help. Just remember to agree on the price beforehand, and don’t forget to haggle!

8. Dancing Chefs Show and Steak Barbecue

Every evening at the Sea Breeze Café of the Henann Regency Resort, you can enjoy an entertaining dance performance by the “Dancing Chefs” right on the beachfront promenade. The show is free, and if you like, you can join the fun and dance along or take photos with the chefs.

By the way, they also offer a Steak All You Can Eat Buffet, where you can enjoy as much freshly grilled steak as you want. On top of that, there’s a large buffet with plenty of other delicious dishes. But let’s be honest, we’re mostly here for the steaks, right?

9. Shopping and Dining at D’Mall

D’Mall is considered the tourist hub of the island and is often referred to as one of Boracay’s main attractions. In this open-air mall, you’ll find numerous restaurants and bars, souvenir shops, ATMs, a market, supermarkets, fast food chains (like McDonald’s), and much more. It’s located roughly between Station 1 and Station 2, directly connecting to White Beach.

D’Mall is also one of the biggest and most important stops for tricycle drivers, and many resort transfer shuttles drop off and pick up their guests here.

As a newcomer to Boracay, you’ll often find it difficult to locate affordable places to eat since prices are usually set at a very touristy level. However, if you’re looking for delicious and relatively inexpensive food, be sure to visit Smok. In my opinion, the best restaurant on Boracay where we ended up eating almost daily! Thanks to Sabrina from Just One Way Ticket for this great tip!

There are actually two Smoke restaurants in D’Mall. Since these small eateries can get quite busy and you might have to wait for a table, it’s convenient to have a second one to fall back on.

You can also grab a bite at Andok’s, a local fast-food chain that mainly serves meat dishes. It’s very popular among Filipinos.

The smaller Smoke Resto is located in a small circular alley surrounded by souvenir shops behind Andok’s (which you can’t really miss when walking through D’Mall). The other Smoke branch can be found on the “main street” running parallel to it, essentially on the opposite side.

10. D’Talipapa

Are you a fan of delicious seafood? Then this small fish market is the perfect place for you! First, the seafood here is among the freshest you can find on Boracay; second, the selection is huge; and third, it’s much cheaper than dining in one of the expensive seafood restaurants along White Beach. The special part about it is:

You buy your seafood at the market in the center and have it cooked for you in one of the surrounding restaurants. The locals call this “Paluto.” The cooking service prices depend on the type and weight of the seafood and are usually posted outside the restaurant. A great place to refuel after exploring Boracay’s attractions.

The D’Talipapa market is located roughly between Station 2 and Station 3. A must-visit for all foodies! By the way, you can also buy souvenirs and clothing at D’Talipapa, often at cheaper prices than in D’Mall.

11. Beach and Water Sports

Beach and water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do on Boracay. Whether it’s parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, stand-up paddling (SUP), “fly fish,” or banana boats. The options are endless.

The Bulabog Beach is particularly popular during the windy season when strong northeast winds (the northeast monsoon, or “Amihan,” typically from September/October to May/June) create perfect conditions for kitesurfers. You don’t even have to be a pro, as there are plenty of schools at Bulabog Beach offering courses. Once you get the hang of it, it’s an absolute blast!

12. Crystal Boat

A very cool way to explore the underwater world, especially for those who prefer to stay dry.

A Crystal Boat is a completely transparent paddle boat for up to two people, equipped with a removable sunshade. The cost per hour is about 1,000 pesos.

13. Snorkeling, Diving, and Helmet Diving

Of course, typical island activities like diving and snorkeling are also available on Boracay.

One of the best dive and snorkeling spots on Boracay is the area around Crocodile Island in the southeast (off the Tambisaan Beach). Ilig-Iligan Beach is also popular for snorkeling, but only when the sea is calm. While White Beach has crystal-clear water, there’s not much marine life to see, so it’s not necessarily the best place for snorkeling.

Another great option is helmet diving for those who can’t or don’t want to dive. Using a diving helmet, you’ll descend to the ocean floor, where you can walk among the fish, accompanied by professional divers. The price for a helmet diving tour is around 1,500 pesos per person, including the boat transfer to the dive site.

14. Massages and Spas

What would a vacation in a Southeast Asian country be without the obligatory massage?

Boracay has plenty of spas where you can treat yourself to some relaxation. You’ll also find outdoor massages directly on White Beach around every corner. As you walk along the beach promenade, you’ll definitely hear “Yes Sir/Yes Ma’am, massage?” at least once.

Prices vary quite a bit depending on whether it’s a simple beach massage or a luxury spa treatment. A one-hour massage at White Beach usually costs around 350 pesos, while a half-hour session costs about 250 pesos.

15. A Tour with the Boracay Explorer

The Boracay Explorer offers various trips around the nearby islands aboard its large charter boat, the “Maruja.” These include full-day island-hopping tours, sunset excursions with beach parties, multi-day trips with diving opportunities, and more.

One option is a day trip to Carabao Island, located north of Boracay. The island is slightly larger than Boracay but much quieter and more pristine. You can spend the entire day at a beautiful beach enjoying a barbecue, snacks, fruit, and unlimited drinks. In the evening, just before sunset, which you can admire from the “Maruja”, you’ll sail back to Boracay.

There’s also another tour that includes a sunset beach party on Carabao Island. The current price is about 2,000 pesos, all inclusive. You can find more information about tours and activities on the Facebook page of the Boracay Explorer.

16. Ride the Zorb!

An exciting activity, especially for kids, but also a fun experience for adults looking for something different!

Inside a giant inflatable ball, you can roll down a hill at full speed. There are different types of “zorbs,” and some are big enough for two people. If you’re with a larger group and not everyone can fit inside, the others can lie down on the track and let the zorb roll right over them!

17. Zipline and Cable Car

First, you can glide down a zipline several hundred meters in a Superman position, then ride comfortably back up in the cable car.

Up to two people can ride side by side. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Lapuz Lapuz and Ilig-Iligan beaches as well as the large golf course of the Fairways & Bluewater Newcoast Resort.

The return trip is a bit slower, taking you back up to the starting point on Mount Luho via gondola.

There are actually two zipline operators, “Happy Planet” and “Mt. Luho Zipline.” However, only Happy Planet offers the Superman position and the gondola ride back up. The ride there is also slightly longer.

If you don’t have your own, you can also rent a GoPro camera for a small extra fee to capture your adventure.

18. Mount Luho

Mount Luho, at just over 100 meters, is the highest point on the island. It features 360° viewing platforms (one older and one newer) that offer panoramic views of the entire island as well as Boracay’s neighboring islands. It’s definitely one of the must-see attractions on Boracay.

A visit is absolutely worth it and can easily be combined with other activities, such as those mentioned earlier (points 16 and 17). You can also take an ATV tour to Mount Luho. For the more active ones, a bike ride there is also a great option.

Just before the viewing deck, there’s a small zoo where you can see monkeys, eagles, birds, snakes, and a few other animals. However, this isn’t really a highlight. Some travelers have reported that the animals didn’t look very healthy. While that wasn’t my impression at first glance, the enclosures were quite small, which is definitely a downside!

That said, Mount Luho is still worth visiting for its amazing views alone. A tricycle ride there costs around 150 pesos (depending on your haggling skills) and takes about 10–15 minutes. You’ll also need to pay a 120-peso entrance fee for the viewing platform.

19. Sandcastles at White Beach

All along White Beach, from Station 1 to Station 3, you’ll find the famous Boracay sandcastles built by locals. Some of them are true works of art, which is why we count them among Boracay’s unique attractions. For a small tip, you’re welcome to take photos of them or pose in front of them.

It’s definitely worth a few pesos and always makes for a great photo opportunity!

20. Beach Bars

The Philippines are among the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia when it comes to drinks! On Boracay, you’ll find plenty of beach bars where you can enjoy a cold “SMB” (San Miguel Beer) or “SML” (San Miguel Light). Most of them are located along White Beach, but other beaches like Puka Beach also have some great little bars.

The best part? Almost all these bars offer a Happy Hour when drinks are either incredibly cheap or you get two for the price of one.

A real insider tip is Shantal’s Resto Bar along the beach promenade at Station 3. You’ll hardly find a cheaper spot to drink directly on White Beach, especially during Happy Hour, when prices are unbeatable. For example:

A San Miguel beer, a Caipirinha, or a rum and coke for just 30 pesos (around €0.60)! Sure, the glasses aren’t huge, but they’re strong, and even a Mai Tai, served in a bigger glass, costs only about €1.50!

It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink (or two… or three) right on the beach while watching a stunning sunset. You can also get great food there at any time of day. We went to Shantal’s almost daily, and we can’t recommend this lovely little bar enough!

Another great spot, though not directly on the beach, is the Exit Bar between Bom Bom Bar and Red Coconut (roughly between Station 1 and 2). There’s no Happy Hour here, but the drinks are still cheap and the staff is super friendly! The rum and coke mixes are about 70% rum and 30% coke.

The small Exit Bar also hosts regular live music and awesome parties with DJs playing great tunes. We celebrated New Year’s Eve 2014 there and had an incredible night! Definitely one of our favorite bars on Boracay.

These were our 20 Boracay attractions to give you a little inspiration for your Boracay trip or vacation. And that’s not all, the island has even more exciting activities waiting for you!

Boracay Things to Do: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Boracay in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Boracay.

How to Get to Boracay

The best way to get to Boracay is by airplane and there are two airports. Boracay Airport in Caticlan and another one in Kalibo. Both airports are on the mainland and include a ferry ride, from Kalibo even a bus ride to the pier. You can find combined tickets from the airport to the hotel at 12go.asia.

Within the Philippines you can e.g. fly from Manila or Cebu to Boracay. International flights, for example, go directly from Singapore. You can find tickets, prices and connections on Skyscanner.

Another option would be to travel by ferry from Manila. However, this is very time-consuming and takes up to 17 hours. These boats leave from the North Harbor in Manila on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to Caticlan. Arrival is always the next day.

Have you ever been to Boracay? How did you like it, and which Boracay things to do are not to be missed? Tell us in the comments below!

Photos: Photo 7 (Crystal Cove Island): dr_tr/Flickr (CC BY 2.0), Photo 14 (Helmet Diving): Flair Candy/flickr (CC BY 2.0), Photo 15 & 16: Boracay Explorer