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BORACAY, PHILIPPINES


 

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BoracayLocated 2 km off the northwestern tip of Panay Island, Boracay Island is just 345 km south of Manila. While the topography of the island is as stunning as it is diverse, it's the wide range of activities above and below the surface of the Sulu Sea that brings visitors back time and time again.

With volleyball, sailing, windsurfing and kite-boarding, swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, and of course, sunbathing all available on Boracay's seemingly never-ending powdery white beaches, there's something for all the family — including a golf course! Further inland, visitors can also try horse-riding and trekking. The fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down, as pulsating rhythms break the stillness of night and the island takes on a party groove!

Boracay Island also offers a wide range of dive sites suitable for all levels of expertise. The rich hard and soft coral reefs with its abundance of marine life will provide divers the opportunity to encounter manta rays, turtles, and even sharks — especially along the drop-offs at one of the most popular sites, Yapak, which is also a perfect place for diving on Nitrox. The more experienced divers can also check out this heart-pumping and exhilarating dive, which comes with plenty of big fish action. Divers of all levels should not miss Crocodile Island, where an abundance of critters will wow you, both day and night!

Visitors can choose to stay in anything from bamboo beach huts to Five-Star hotels and resorts. There's also a range of great restaurants, coffee shops and snack bars offering a broad spectrum of international flavours.

Getting there

There are no airports on Boracay Island. The most convenient route by air is to fly with Sea Air from the domestic airport in Manila or Cebu to Caticlan, an airport on the neighbouring island of Panay. Alternatively, you can fly with Philippine Airlines from Manila domestic airport to Kalibo airport, then take an air-conditioned bus from Kalibo to Caticlan. Once you reach the port of Caticlan, you can then take a boat to Boracay.

Dive season

There are two main seasons, wet and dry. The dry season falls between late October and May, and this is the preferred season for diving when light winds blow over calm and warm seas. A 3mm suit or equivalent should be sufficient. During the wet season, Boracay experiences slightly lower air temperature, but watch out for typhoons, which can occur during this season but only last around 3 days.

Document and taxes

Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports must acquire special permits in order to enter the Philippines. These are obtainable from the Philippine Embassy and Consulate. Visitors from most other countries are permitted to stay for up to 21 days without a visa, but it's best to check the list of applicable countries prior to your departure.

Departure tax from Manila is 100 Peso to Boracay, and 20 Peso from Caticlan Airport. These are all payable in cash only, but the amounts are subject to change, so it's advisable to check current rates before travelling.

Communications

Domestic GSM network and international roaming. Internet access is widely available.

Electricity

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220V, 60Hz

Currency

Philippine Peso, but US Dollars are also widely accepted. Major credit cards are accepted in most places. (Exchange Rate)

Tipping is optional. The standard practice is 10% for an appreciated service.

Health and safety

There are no recommended vaccination requirements. However, a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for visitors coming from infected areas. Malaria and dengue fever is not uncommon in the area, so mosquito repellent to keep biting insects away might be a good idea.

Timezone

GMT + 8 hrs