Frequently-Asked Questions & Answers about Boracay Island 2008

1. How I get to Boracay?
By plane – multiple flights daily via Caticlan Airport with Asian Spirit or Seair airlines.
By ferry, (Manila – Caticlan) every Monday, Thursday, Saturday @ 5 pm departure, Pier 8, Manila North Harbor.

2. How long is the trip by ferry or plane?
Plane - flight from Manila to Caticlan is 1 hour
Ship - 15 hours sailing (overnight trip)

3. How much is the regular fare?
Plane – Manila to Caticlan is approximately Php 4’000 one-way
Ship - MVRS shipping line: economy Php 850.00
deluxe Php 950.00
tourist Php 1,150.00

4. When I get to Caticlan, how do I go to Boracay?
From Caticlan Airport, take a 5 minute, 30 peso tricycle ride to Caticlan Jetty Port. From Caticlan Jetty Port, ferry bancas depart every 15 minutes for Boracay Island—ticket is approximately 50 pesos per person. Upon arrival at the Boracay Island jetty tricycles are available for rent to the various resorts at approx. Php 100/ tricycle. We can provide a private boat pick-up upon request.

5. What resort do you recommend?
If you prefer quiet surroundings: stay around Boat station 3. Station 3 is located in the south of the Island.
Boat Stations 1 and 2 are in the center of the Island. This area is full of bars and night life activities, also rather noisy.

6. What kind of restaurants are there on the Island?
There are over 50 restaurants serving all kinds of food: Filipino, International, German, Swiss, Korean, Japanese & Mexican.

7. How safe is Boracay for tourists?
There is no safer place in the whole of the Philippines for tourists. The local government takes its responsibility very seriously and there is a strong and active police presence as well as community awareness. Most establishments also have their own watchman or security guard.

9. What are the coolest places for bar hopping and nightlife?
Summer Place, Hey Jude, Pier One & Cocomangas are the perennial favorites.

10. Where can I get postcards, maps or souvenirs?
A lot of shops sell various kinds of souvenirs. Postcards and maps are easy to find anywhere, a few mini-supermarkets are open around the clock.

11. How can I get a massage?
Relaxing (oil) massages are offered right on the beach, on mats or lounge chairs by blind masseurs or massage-ladies. Price approx. 300 pesos/hour.

12. Are there spas on Boracay?
Mandala Spa is the original and most professional spa on Boracay. There are also a host of newer spas largely catering to the Korean market.

13. Can I make a call to my country from my hotel or a public phone booth?
There are numerous calling centers like RCPI, Bayantel, PLDTor SMART all over Boracay. Cell or mobile phone coverage is seamless throughout the whole Island.

14. Do you accept credit cards? Travelers cheques?
Most businesses here on Boracay accept VISA and Mastercard, with a bank-imposed administrative surcharge of between 5-10 %. Travelers cheques are sometimes but not always accepted. They can be exchanged for cash at money changers.

15. What is the weather like on Boracay?
From December until March is “Amihan”, the Northeast Monsoon. Perfect for windsurfers on the east side while the White Beach on the west side experiences a gentle offshore breeze. It is often cool and windy in Boracay at this time. April through June are the warmest months on Boracay with no wind and hot sunny days. Mid-June the southwest monsoon, called “Habagat” starts, which usually lasts until November. Although it is windy on the White Beach, the water is very warm and diving conditions are often good. All water sports activities are possible throughout the year in various locations around the Island.

16. What water sports activities can I do on Boracay?
Apart from scuba diving, sailing, jetskiing,  banana boat rides, speedboat rentals, parasailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and deep-sea fishing are all activities being provided.

17. How do the dive sites of Boracay compare to the rest of the Philippines?
There are over 20 different dive sites around Boracay from coral gardens to steep walls and channel drift dives. All levels of experience can be catered to! Additionally, a 30 m long steel wreck was sunk about six years ago right in front of white beach by the local dive operators association.

18. Are there overnight dive safaris going to remote Islands?
Yes, Maneguin Island & Pangatan Cays are favorite dive safari destinations during the months of April & May. These are deep wall dives with the fantastic 30 meter plus vis offering sightings of pelagics like tunas and hammerhead sharks. Ask us to arrange a trip for you!