1. Where is Boracay?
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Boracay is a small island located in the central Philippines , in the province of Aklan, about 315 km south of the capital Manila. With an area of only about 10 km², the small island of Boracay contains a captivating beauty, a perfect combination of wild nature and modern resort services.
What makes Boracay so special is its beautiful beaches and pleasant climate all year round. Not only White Beach – the most famous symbol of the island, but Boracay also has many other attractive beaches and attractions, bringing diverse experiences to visitors.
2. Must-see tourist attractions in Boracay
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Boracay is small but has many interesting destinations. Here are the most prominent places that you should explore :
2.1. White Beach
White Beach is the most famous beach in Boracay, divided into three areas: Station 1, 2 and 3. With powdery white sand, clear blue water and towering coconut trees, this is a paradise for you to relax, swim or watch the romantic sunset.
2.2. Bulabog Beach
This is an ideal destination for those who love water sports such as kitesurfing or surfing. During the windy season, Bulabog Beach becomes a gathering place for adventure sports enthusiasts.
2.3. Puka Shell Beach
If you are looking for a quieter and more secluded place, Puka Shell Beach is the perfect choice. It features a coastline filled with small shells, clear water and fresh air, making it a great place to stroll and relax.
2.4. Willy's Rock
One of the icons of Boracay, Willy's Rock is a unique rock located right next to the shore. On top of the rock is a statue of the Virgin Mary, attracting many tourists to visit and take pictures.
2.5. Crocodile Island
This is a small island near Boracay, named because of its shape resembling a crocodile. Crocodile Island is an ideal destination for diving, coral viewing and exploring the diverse marine ecosystem.
3. Unique experiences you must try in Boracay
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Boracay is not only attractive because of its beautiful beaches like paradise but also because of a series of interesting activities, giving visitors a feeling of both relaxation and excitement. Below are the experiences that you should not miss when coming to this beautiful island:
3.1. Watching the sunset on a Paraw sailboat
The sunset in Boracay is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, and the best way to enjoy it is on a traditional Paraw. As the sun sets behind the horizon, the sky changes from a brilliant orange to a soft purple, creating a romantic and poetic scene. Paraws do not use engines, just glide gently on the sea surface thanks to the wind, bringing a sense of peace and closeness to nature.
3.2. Island Hopping – Explore neighboring islands
Boracay is the center of an archipelago with countless smaller islands surrounding it, and an Island Hopping Tour is the way to explore its diverse beauty. Tours often include popular destinations such as:
- Crystal Cove Island: Small island with unique caves and clear blue beaches.
- Magic Island: Paradise for those who love adventurous cliff jumping.
- Crocodile Island: Great diving and snorkeling spot with rich coral ecosystem.
Each island has its own beauty, from fine white sand beaches to majestic cliffs, sure to please anyone who loves to explore.
3.3. Diving and coral viewing
Boracay is one of the best diving destinations in the Philippines , thanks to its crystal clear waters and rich marine life. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced divers, the island's dive centers offer professional courses and services.
- Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world with colorful coral reefs and unique fish species.
- Snorkeling: If you don't want to dive deep, you can just wear a diving mask and snorkel to admire the magical beauty under the water.
3.4. Kayaking or paddleboarding
For those who prefer a more peaceful feeling, kayaking or paddleboarding on the calm waters of beaches such as White Beach or Puka Shell Beach is a perfect choice. This is not only an opportunity for you to exercise but also to immerse yourself in nature and admire the beautiful scenery from a completely new perspective.
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3.5. Zipline – Fly over the island with thrill
If you are a fan of adventure activities, ziplining in Boracay will not disappoint you. Suspended on a long cable, you will "fly" over the green forest and admire the panoramic view of Boracay island from above. The feeling of thrill mixed with excitement will be an unforgettable memory.
3.6. Beachside massage and spa
After a day of fun, there is nothing better than relaxing with a traditional Filipino massage right by the beach. You can choose from massage therapies such as Hilot (a traditional massage method), hot stone massage or a full body treatment with coconut oil. The gentle sound of waves and the cool breeze will help you completely relax and recharge.
3.7. Participate in festivals and evening activities
Boracay is not only bustling during the day but also very lively at night with beach parties, fire shows and vibrant music. You can join the beach bars, enjoy tropical cocktails and interact with tourists from all over the world.
4. Eating in Boracay – Must-try specialties
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Boracay cuisine is not only famous for its diversity but also for its dishes that are imbued with the flavors of the Philippine islands. Here are some of the specialties in Boracay that you must try:
4.1. Fresh seafood at D'Talipapa market
D'Talipapa is a famous seafood market in Boracay where you can pick and choose the freshest seafood, from lobsters, crabs, squid, fish to scallops. Then, you just need to bring them to the restaurants near the market to have them cooked to your taste. Some popular ways to prepare them include steaming, grilling with garlic butter, sweet and sour sauce or making a spicy Filipino soup.
4.2. Chicken Inasal
Chicken Inasal is a traditional Filipino grilled chicken dish, especially popular in Boracay . The chicken is marinated in a mixture of coconut vinegar, lime juice, garlic, and turmeric, then grilled over charcoal until it develops a golden, fragrant crust. The dish is usually served with white rice, lime-soy sauce, and a dash of hot peppers.
4.3. Lechon (roasted pork)
Lechon is a famous roasted pig dish in the Philippines, with crispy skin and tender, sweet meat, fragrant with herbs. In Boracay, Lechon is often served in buffets at restaurants or street food stalls, attracting many tourists.
4.4. Halo-Halo
Halo-Halo is a signature Filipino dessert, perfect for cooling down after a long day at the beach. This unique combination of shaved ice, ice cream, condensed milk, fresh fruits (banana, jackfruit, mango), red beans, coconut jelly, taro, and shredded cheese. Every scoop of Halo-Halo is refreshing, sweet, and full of flavor.
4.5. Chori Burger
This is a signature sandwich of Boracay, with a filling of Filipino-style chorizo sausage that is seasoned and grilled to a crisp. Chori Burger is often sold at roadside stalls or on the beach, especially suitable for a snack while walking around.
4.6. Kare-Kare
Kare-Kare is a famous peanut beef stew, with a rich and fatty flavor. Beef or oxtail is stewed until tender, combined with smooth peanut sauce, served with vegetables such as eggplant, okra and cabbage. This dish is often served with white rice and Philippine shrimp paste, creating a unique and unmistakable flavor.
4.7. Buko Shake (Coconut Smoothie)
After all the fun, enjoy a glass of Buko Shake – a drink made from fresh coconut, condensed milk and crushed ice. This drink is not only a great thirst quencher but also an energy booster, perfect for the tropical climate of Boracay.
Suggested places to eat in Boracay
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- D'Talipapa: Located near Station 2, this is the ideal market to enjoy fresh seafood.
- Smoke Resto: A famous eatery serving Lechon and Kare-Kare.
- Jonah's Fruit Shake: A popular spot for smoothies, especially the Buko Shake.
- Andok's: Casual restaurant serving Chicken Inasal and other local dishes.
5. How to get to Boracay?
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Getting to Boracay isn't too complicated, but you need to know the steps to plan properly:
5.1. Fly to the Philippines
From Vietnam, you can fly to the two largest cities in the Philippines, Manila or Cebu. Airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia all have flights from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to here.
5.2. Getting to the airport near Boracay
Caticlan Airport (Godofredo P. Ramos): This is the nearest airport, just about 10 minutes by boat from Boracay .
Kalibo Airport: Located about 70km from Boracay, from here you will need to travel by bus or van for about 2 hours to reach Caticlan port.
5.3. Getting to Boracay from Caticlan
At Caticlan Port, you will buy a boat ticket and take about 10-15 minutes by boat to Boracay Island. Once on the island, you can use a tuk-tuk or tricycle to get to the hotel.
6. Shopping in Boracay – Don’t Forget Souvenirs
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When you visit Boracay, you can buy seashell handicrafts, Boracay-themed T-shirts, or specialties like Polvoron candy. D'Mall and the night markets are great places to look for souvenirs.
7. Things to prepare and note when traveling to Boracay
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Before coming to the paradise island of Boracay, you need to prepare carefully to have a complete and memorable trip. Boracay travel experience tells you some useful information and important notes:
Do I need a visa to travel to Boracay?
As a Vietnamese citizen traveling to Boracay, you do not need a visa to enter the Philippines if you stay for less than 30 days. However, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. You need to prepare the following documents: Valid passport; Round-trip air ticket or ticket to another country (this is a mandatory requirement when entering the Philippines); Hotel reservation confirmation or accommodation information.
Essential items when traveling to Boracay
Boracay has a tropical climate, so when traveling here, you should wear comfortable clothes such as T-shirts, shorts, maxi dresses, swimsuits, and bring a light jacket or scarf if you plan to participate in evening activities or travel by boat. Prioritize choosing sandals, flip-flops or light sneakers for easy movement on the sand and participating in sports activities. Don't forget to bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the harsh sunlight.
Prepare your finances to spend in Boracay
The main currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PHP). You should exchange some cash into Pesos before arriving in Boracay or at the airport. Some shops on the island accept credit cards, but small stalls and local markets usually only accept cash.
Note on environment and nature protection
Always dispose of trash properly. Avoid littering on the beach or in public areas. The Boracay government has banned the use of plastic bags and straws to protect the marine environment. You should bring your own reusable bags or water bottles. Especially do not take sand or coral - this is strictly prohibited to protect the marine ecosystem.
Boracay gets very crowded during peak season (November to April), so it is advisable to book your tours, diving services, or recreational activities in advance to avoid missing out. Careful preparation will not only save you time but also ensure that your trip to Boracay is comfortable and enjoyable. Keep these tips in mind to make your trip to this paradise island a memorable and fulfilling experience!
Boracay is truly a paradise. Whether you want to relax, explore or take part in exciting activities, this place has everything you need. Come and explore Boracay tourist attractions to enjoy a memorable vacation on this paradise island!
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/kinh-nghiem-du-lich-boracay-philippines-v16258.aspx
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