5 days in Boracay

Day by day

1. Day 1: White Beach and Island hopping

   White Beach, Island hopping and D'Talipapa market, then D'Mall in the evening.

   1. Morning

      White Beach

      Walk the full length early in the morning, when the beach is raked and empty, and claim your sunset spot at Station 1 by about 5pm. (Half a day or more, free).

   2. Late morning

      Island hopping

      Book through an accredited operator, wear reef-safe sunscreen and bring water shoes for rocky landings. (Half a day, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Fruit shakes

      Shake stands along the White Beach path and in D'Mall.

   4. Afternoon

      D'Talipapa market

      Agree the price per kilo and the cooking charge before buying, and choose two or three cooking styles such as grilled, garlic butter and sinigang. (1.5 hours, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      D'Mall

      Use it as a meeting point and for browsing in the evening; prices for souvenirs are often lower in the side alleys.

2. Day 2: Willy's Rock and Sunset paraw sailing

   Willy's Rock, Sunset paraw sailing and Puka Shell Beach, then Station 2 in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Willy's Rock

      Visit at low tide in the morning for easy wading and clear photos before the crowds. (30 minutes, free).

   2. Late morning

      Sunset paraw sailing

      Agree the price per boat and length of the trip before boarding, and leave valuables ashore, as you may get wet. (1 hour, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Calamansi muffins

      Cafés along White Beach, especially around Station 2.

   4. Afternoon

      Puka Shell Beach

      Go in the morning, take water and shade, and check the sea before swimming, as currents can be strong in the habagat season. (2–3 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Station 2

      The main strip of bars, live-music venues and late-opening restaurants along the beach path and in D'Mall.

3. Day 3: Mount Luho viewpoint and Kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach

   Mount Luho viewpoint, Kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach and Scuba diving, then Station 1 in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Mount Luho viewpoint

      Go in the late afternoon for softer light, then head to White Beach for sunset. (1 hour, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach

      Book lessons with a certified school, and come in December to March for the most consistent wind. (Half a day, expensive).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Chori burger

      Snack stalls along the White Beach path and in D'Mall.

   4. Afternoon

      Scuba diving

      Choose a shop with recognised dive certification and check the sea conditions; some sites are only diveable in certain seasons. (Half a day, expensive).

   5. Evening

      Station 1

      Cocktail bars and resort lounges for a quieter evening.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Bakhawan Eco-Park, Kalibo

   About 2 hours by boat and van each way. Getting there: Boat to Caticlan, then van or bus to Kalibo.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Bakhawan Eco-Park, Kalibo

      About 2 hours by boat and van (Boat to Caticlan, then van or bus to Kalibo); about 70 km.

   2. Day

      Bakhawan Eco-Park, Kalibo

      A mangrove reforestation park near Kalibo with a bamboo boardwalk of more than a kilometre through the mangroves to the sea. Best for families and quiet stays.

   3. Evening

      Back in Boracay

      Dinner: try Seafood paluto.

5. Day 5: Diniwid Beach and Ilig-Iligan Beach

   Diniwid Beach, Ilig-Iligan Beach and Tambisaan Beach, then Bulabog in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Diniwid Beach

      Walk over from Station 1 in the late afternoon and stay for sunset at one of the cliffside bars. (2 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Ilig-Iligan Beach

      Bring snacks and water; there are few facilities, which is the point. (2 hours, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Seafood paluto

      The restaurants surrounding D'Talipapa market at Station 2.

   4. Afternoon

      Tambisaan Beach

      Bring your own snorkel and ask locals about the tide; at low tide the reef is very shallow. (2 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Bulabog

      A few laid-back bars frequented by kitesurfers.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Station 1 keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Station 2 ($$$) suits first-timers, nightlife, food lovers, budget and shopping. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 25–30 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11.4 hours in December to 12.8 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Boracay
• 2 days in Boracay
• 3 days in Boracay

Questions travellers ask