Boracay is located in Panay island in the Western Visayas. From Manila airport, there are many airlines that fly to Boracay. You can either take the Manila-Caticlan route or the Manila-Kalibo. Flying in Kalibo airport is cheaper, but from here you’ll have to take a van or bus to still get to Caticlan. From Caticlan, here is where you can ride a boat going to Boracay island.
Once you arrive at Boracay island’s port, you may take a multi-cab going to your hotel or hostel. Most accommodations in the island offer shuttle services, which you may arrange with your hotel/hostel before in advance.
READ: Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan Festival: Memories from a Festival First-Timer
The island gained its popularity back in early 2000 for its pristine powdery white sand, crystal clear beach, and the party scene. Since then, many people have been going here for vacations—including families, celebrities, and tourists from around the globe.
There are so many things you can do in Boracay; activities for adventure seekers, go on your own food crawl hopping from one awesome restaurant to another, and, for some who just want to relax, you can have a spa or massage.
READ: 4 Thrilling Activities to Try When in Boracay
It’s been three years since I last set foot in Boracay, and over the years many establishments came and went. There are many new ones now, from accommodations, to restaurants, and shops. And so here is a fresh guide on where to stay, eat, and shop when in Boracay this 2016.
Where to Stay?
Mad Monkey Hostel
One of the newest hostels here in Boracay is Mad Monkey Hostel—a popular hostel chain in Cambodia. They are located at Bulabog beach, a 10-minute walk from White Beach Station 1. They opened the first week of July 2016 and offer an introductory affordable room rate with AC and private bathroom from 500 PHP (11 USD) for a mixed dorm room, and 1,600 PHP (34 USD) for a private queen/twin bedroom. Guests are free to use the swimming pool and can join their Booze Cruise happening every week for a minimal fee.
Mad Monkey gives great comfort with a feel of luxury in a hostel set-up. And all party-goers will have the time of their life when they join the weekly Booze Cruise. For inquiries just visit their website www.madmonkeyhostels.com
Where to Eat?
From the most affordable to lavish restaurants on the island, there is an abundance of Filipino, Mexican, Spanish, and Western cuisine options to satisfy your tummy in Boracay. Here are my top choices:
6. Mayas Filipino and Mexican Restaurant
From the name itself, Mayas Filipino and Mexican Restaurant offers Filipino and Mexican cuisine on the island. They are one of the pioneer restaurants on the island.
Lechon Kawali and Kilawin are few of their best sellers. Both are faves of Filipinos and even foreigners as well.
Two of my fave Mexican food are nachos and quesadillas; I almost finished the whole serving of nachos! They are really good and the dip is so awesome. All their dips, salsa-like tomato bases, and guacamole are freshly home made by their resident chef.
5. Lemoni Cafe
Lemoni Cafe offers all-day breakfast and healthy variations of known Western and Filipino food. They also serve good quality fruit shakes, juices, and salads. Located at D’ Mall, Lemoni Cafe is open every day from 7 in the morning till 10 in the evening.
Their dishes Grilled Pork Chops with Sautéed Vegetables and Yogurt Mint Sauces, and Herb Nicoise with Fresh Pan Seared Tuna are two of my faves here at Lemoni Cafe. A balance of healthy veggies and pork meat to satisfy my cravings.
Aside from healthy options of salads and fresh fruit shakes/juice, they also offer great choices of meat cooked and prepared for health conscious individuals.
4. Dos Mestizos
This restaurant, which offers Spanish cuisine, has been on the island for many years now. Over the years, they’ve expanded their restaurant and are now able to cater more customers daily and for special occasions. Located at Station 3 near the police station, Dos Mestizos is open every day Monday to Sunday 10 am till 11 in the evening.
Seafood Paella and Gambas are two of the the must-try dishes here. I’m not really a fan of paella because I find it too heavy, but I could not resist having two servings of this in Dos Mestizos. It’s served with a generous amount of seafood and veggies, and it’s really good.
Even if you’re not a fan of Spanish food, you will be a convert, that’s for sure!
3. The Pig Out Bistro
The Pig Out Bistro is a new restaurant located at Balabag Boracay and is an associated restaurant of Mayas Filipino and Mexican Restaurant.
They offer one of the best Seafood Platters and Beef Sirloins on the island. You can really taste the freshness of the seafood and you know that they use good quality, fresh ingredients. Every meal will give you seafood and meat lovers the satisfying taste you seek.
What I love about this new restaurant is they offer great quality meat and big servings. Definitely a huge saving for group of friends who are on a budget.
