Travel tips · Boracay · Philippines
Boracay travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Boracay belongs to the province of Aklan, and its residents include the Ati, an indigenous people among the island's earliest inhabitants, alongside Aklanon families and Filipinos from across the country. Tourism has shaped the island since the 1970s, and since its 2018 rehabilitation it has stricter environmental rules on beach use and building.
Key facts
- Language
- Filipino, English and Aklanon
- Currency
- PHP
- Plugs
- Type A, B and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered refill water is widely available.
- Emergency
- 911 (national emergency hotline)
Things to know
- Respect beach rules: smoking and some activities are restricted on White Beach, and building sandcastles or leaving rubbish can bring fines.
- Use 'po' and 'opo' as polite markers when speaking to older Filipinos.
- Dress modestly away from the beach, and cover up when entering churches or shops.
- Bargain politely with vendors and boatmen; aggressive haggling is frowned upon.
- Do not touch or stand on coral while snorkelling or diving.
- Stay at Station 3 or Bulabog for lower rates, and walk to Station 1 for the best sand.
Tipping
Many restaurants and resorts add a 10% service charge. Where none is included, leaving about 5–10% or rounding up is appreciated, as are small tips for boat crews, guides and housekeeping.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Salamat po | Thank you (polite) |
| Magandang umaga | Good morning |
| Magkano? | How much? |
| Masarap | Delicious |
| Ingat | Take care |
What to wear
Swimwear is fine on the beach, but wear a cover-up or shirt when walking in D'Mall, on the main road and in restaurants away from the sand.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A, B and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered refill water is widely available.
- Emergency number
- 911 (national emergency hotline)
- Phone and internet
- Mobile data from Philippine networks covers the island, and most resorts and cafés offer Wi-Fi, though speeds vary.
- Time zone
- Asia/Manila
Boracay is generally safe and relaxed. The main risks are the sea and sun: follow flag warnings, especially at Puka and during the habagat season, watch for sea urchins on rocky areas and use strong sunscreen. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded Station 2 at night.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Philippines's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Boracay?
Many restaurants and resorts add a 10% service charge. Where none is included, leaving about 5–10% or rounding up is appreciated, as are small tips for boat crews, guides and housekeeping.
+Can you drink the tap water in Boracay?
Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered refill water is widely available.
+What plugs are used in Boracay?
Type A, B and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Boracay?
Filipino, English and Aklanon.