Boracay · Philippines
This travel guide will hopefully contain all the info you'll need to book flights and accommodation, and answer any questions you may have about traveling to and staying in Boracay for our wedding!
Before you go
Everything you need to book and arrange before you arrive. Each item links to the relevant section below for more detail.
International flight
Book Melbourne (MEL) → Manila (MNL). Direct flights are available with Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.
Note: Cebu Pacific is the more budget-friendly option.
Domestic flight
Book Manila (MNL) → Caticlan (MPH)
Note: Baggage is not automatically included on domestic Philippine flights - please remember to add it when you're booking the flights.
Accommodation
Feel free to stay wherever you like, but we recommend staying somewhere in Station 2 as it's central and is near D'Mall and many restaurants.
Caticlan Airport → Boracay transfer
This will take you from the airport to your accommodation in Boracay. Book through your hotel or via Southwest Tours on Klook.
eTravel PH registration
All visitors to the Philippines must complete the free eTravel registration before arrival. It only takes about 5-10 minutes.
Note: Download the app and screenshot the QR at the end to show the immigration officers at the airport.
Travel SIM or eSIM
Purchase an eSIM before you leave Australia so you have mobile data when you arrive or alternatively, you can buy a SIM card during your layover at Manila Airport.
Prepare cash
We recommend withdrawing some Philippine Pesos during your layover. You'll need the cash for your accommodation security deposit, porter tips, and spending money.
Important: You'll need the cash for your hotel security deposit if you don't have a credit card.
Note: Make sure to buy something while at the airport to get smaller notes for tips.
Step one and two
For our guests flying in internationally, you'll need to book a flight to Manila (MNL) then take a short domestic flight from there to Caticlan (MPH).
Cebu Pacific is the airline we would recommend for those looking to fly a bit cheaper.
MEL
Melbourne
~8–9 hrs
MNL
Manila
Philippine Airlines & Cebu Pacific fly direct. You'll want to book early for the best fares.
MNL
Manila
~55 min
MPH
Caticlan
Cebu Pacific & Philippine Airlines both serve this route. Caticlan is the closest airport to Boracay.
Step three
White Beach is divided into three stations, each with a different vibe and price point. Boracay is relatively small so walking from station to station can be done by following the beach path. We recommend booking directly with hotels.
$$$ – $$$$
Station 1 is the most upscale stretch of White Beach and is where all the expensive and more private resorts are at.
$$ – $$$
Station 2 is where we recommend all our guests stay. It's where most of the restaurants, bars, shops, and nightlife are. Best location for variety and convenience.
$ – $$
The more budget-friendly and local experience.
Note: We recommend arriving at least a few days before the wedding to settle in. Staying for three to four nights is the sweet spot to explore Boracay.
Our recommended hotel for guests staying in Boracay. It's our favourite place to stay when we visit due to the beachfront location and the free buffet breakfast every morning. It's also a short walk away from restaurants and shops.
Our wedding venue. Stay here if you'd like to enjoy a luxurious beachfront experience with a special rate available for our wedding guests. Contact us for more details if you're interested.
Step four
Once you land at Caticlan airport, you're just a short transfer away from Boracay. Here's exactly what to expect when you hop off the plane.
Head to the baggage carousel inside the terminal. Caticlan Airport is small, so the process should be quick and straightforward.
Booked via your hotel
Once you leave the airport, follow the path around the carpark where you'll find various hotel representatives. Approach them and provide your name and they'll take care of the rest.
Booked via Southwest Tours / other companies
Once you leave the airport, go through the carpark or follow the path around where you'll find the booths for SouthWest Tours and other companies. Speak to a representative and provide the name for the booking and they'll look after you.
Note: You will need some small change here to tip the porter that helps carry your luggage on and off the boat (₱100 per porter).
Your transfer will take you by van or bus to Caticlan Pier - a short 5-minute ride.
At Caticlan Pier, you'll be guided on where to wait before boarding a boat bound for Boracay. The boat ride takes about 10-15 mins.
Note: For those going via SouthWest Tours, the porter that helps you with carrying your luggage on and off the boat will expect a tip (₱100 per porter).
From Boracay Jetty Port, you'll be guided onto another van or bus which will take you to your accommodation.
After you have landed and gone through immigration, you will need to collect your luggage from the carousel. Both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have transfer desks that can help you with transferring your luggage to your connecting flight.
Note: You will need your boarding pass for your connecting flight otherwise you will need to check in.
You can find ATMs throughout the airport. Withdraw enough cash to cover your accommodation security deposit, porter tips, and spending money.
Most ATMs have a ₱10,000 withdrawal limit. For larger withdrawals we used Union Bank, located near Currency Exchange, just before the security and screening area.
Note: Make sure to buy something while at the airport to get smaller notes for tips.
Eat & Explore
Note for vegetarians: Many Filipino dishes that look vegetarian are still cooked with shrimp paste (bagoong), fish sauce or oyster sauce for flavour. When asking a restaurant for vegetarian options, please specifically ask them to leave these out.
Philippines' most popular fast food chain, known for its fried chicken, Filipino-style spaghetti and burgers.
Filipino Chargrilled chicken. Must visit as it's absolutely delicious but be prepared to line up at the restaurant.
View on Google Maps →A Filipino restaurant that serves a variety of classic Filipino dishes, drinks and desserts.
It really doesn't get anymore local than this. You pick the skewers and how many you want and they cook them for you. Most skewers are less than $1 each.
Gerry's is a popular restaurant that serves traditional Filipino comfort food, grilled seafood, and sizzling plates.
All day brunch, bowls - lots of vegan and vegetarian options. They've also taken some Filipino dishes and made them vegan.
These Falafel pita pockets are the perfect snack when you're feeling peckish.
View on Google Maps →Up a windy, dodgy staircase is Meze Wrap, a restaurant that sells mediterranean dishes like kebabs, shawarmas and hummus.
View on Google Maps →Boracay Beach Truck specialises in rice, noodle and soup bowls inspired by various countries around the world.
View on Google Maps →Beachfront cafe that sells a few vegan dishes like the mermaid vegan patty burger, sesame tofu macro bowl and the mango avocado toast.
A cute beachfront cafe that sells a variety of dishes including Filipino breakfasts like vegan champorado and ube and cereal milk pancakes.
For when you're looking for something cool and refreshing to eat or drink. Shaved ice and mango icecream topped with fresh fruit.
Mix of Filipino and Mexican food - lechon (slow-roasted pig over charcoal), tacos, seafood, rice dishes.
View on Google Maps →Vegan mango coconut and black rice icecream on top of warm sticky rice and mango cubes.
Juice, iced tea, milk teas, shakes, coffees. Claudette recommends the Mango Graham Cheesecake Shake.
Slip, slop, slap
Watch the famous Boracay sunset from the water on a traditional paraw sailing boat.
How to book: Book through your hotel, on Klook, or with the vendors along the beach.
If you're interested in other water-based activities, try out the parasailing, snorkeling, helmet diving or the banana boats.
How to book: Book through your hotel, on Klook, or with the vendors along the beach.
Looking for a more guided experience? Land and island hopping tours are available via Klook for those interested in snorkeling and beach-hopping around Boracay.
How to book: Book through your hotel, on Klook, or with the vendors along the beach.
Looking for some relaxation? For a foot massage, try Tiger Foot Spa or Spa Wars. For a full body massage, we liked Kabayan Spa Massage.
Want a souvenir to remember the trip? Why not get a $30 mystery tattoo that'll last a lifetime.
If you're looking for some places to take some holiday snaps, here's a few:
How to book: For the crystal kayak, you can book through this through Klook, or with the vendors along the beach.
Good to know
Important: Keep your deposit receipt safe, otherwise you won't be able to get your deposit back at check-out.
Important: All travellers entering the Philippines are required to complete the Phillipines eTravel registration. It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete so please ensure you complete this before leaving Australia.
Note: Make sure to screenshot the QR after completion or have the app installed on your phone to present it to the immigration officers once you arrive in the Philippines.