Hotels in Boracay (Visayas, Philippines)

Boracay: Paradise Found

Boracay is ready to satisfy even the most beach savvy tourist. But you don’t have to be a beach connoisseur to recognize heaven on earth when you see it - sand that looks like sugar and water so clear it doesn’t seem real make the beaches of Boracay appear like a picture out of a magazine. It’s an island that has changed a lot over the years, but paradise can still be found, including charming beachfront hotels that are in the running for having some of the prettiest scenery in the world.

Every Day is a Beach Day in Boracay

There’s a beach for every personality in Boracay, and whether you want to be in the middle of the action, or prefer a quieter spot to collect your thoughts, there are a surprising number of options on this small island. And at only 7 km long, you won’t have to go far to reach your own private paradise. White Beach is at the heart of it all, and chances are that your hotel will be located somewhere along this magnificent stretch of sand. With romantic sunsets, pulsating nightlife, and outrigger sailboats bobbing in the distance, this beach is hard to beat. But it can also get crowded during the dry season, and you owe it to yourself to explore some of the less travelled options. You have a good shot at peace and seclusion at Diniwid Beach. This beach has a semi- private feel, and with only a handful of boutique hotels and smaller villas, people who visit are almost exclusively hotel patrons. There are some rocks in the water to be aware of, but there is a long, shallow walk into the ocean before the water gets deep. Balinghai Beach and beautiful Ilig Iligan Beach also provide a respite from pedestrian traffic, plus close proximity to attractions like the bat caves. Tambisaan Beach is said to have the best snorkeling on the island, so get your goggles ready and dive on in!

Do Some Exploring

When you’ve had enough of laying on the beach, there are a few nearby islands worth checking out. Crystal Cove Island is a private island that can be reached in 15 minutes by boat, and is open to tourists during the day. There are definitely pristine beaches to be found here, but other worthwhile activities include exploration of the natural landscape and the many coves that can be appreciated both above and below the water. Lots of coral makes for great snorkelling, and you can walk the whole island while being treated to amazing panoramic views. There is also a small shell museum showcasing the various shells found in the Philippines, and even a place to see the elusive lotus flower. Crocodile Island is another destination where you’ll want to remember to pack the underwater camera. It’s popular with divers for the abundance of fish and marine life, but you can see a lot with just a snorkel and mask. If you fancy yourself a photographer, or just want to take some unique pictures, head on over to Willy’s Rock for one of the most photographed land formations in the Philippines.

Learn Something New

Mount Luho is an excellent place to start or finish any trip to Boracay. If you visit at the beginning of your stay, you can get the lay of the land and see the many beaches waiting to be discovered. If you visit before leaving, it’s a nice way to say goodbye to such a magnificent island. You can squeeze in some exercise by walking to the top, or cut the time in half by riding an ATV to the viewpoint. Other excursions that won’t cut into your beach time too much are a stop at the Butterfly Gardens and the Mangrove Nursery. Healthy mangroves are important to Boracay’s ecosystem, and at the nursery, you can walk on a raised boardwalk to see the reforestation efforts first hand. At the Butterfly Garden, you’ll be introduced to over 150 plant species and hundreds of native butterflies, all just a 7-minute walk from White Beach. If you feel like learning even more about the area, a ferry ride to the Motag Living Museum could be a good idea. Located on Cataclan Island, it takes about 30 minutes to get to this small but interesting museum. The museum aims to show local life before the throngs of tourists through interactive exhibits that depict traditional farming, cooking, and handicraft making. It’s a sharp contrast to the life of leisure of the average Boracay tourist, but it will give you food for thought as you are sipping your next drink on the beach.

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