If you’re searching for things to do in El Nido, this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip. I visited El Nido in February 2026, and in this blog, I’ll share my full experience — from island hopping tours to logistics and what to expect on the ground.

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El Nido Travel Guide

Why El Nido is So Famous

Located in Palawan, El Nido is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and pristine white sand beaches. It is frequently listed as one of the top island destinations in the world, and once you see Bacuit Bay for yourself, it becomes clear why.

The scenery is incredibly diverse — from hidden beaches accessible only by swimming through narrow openings in limestone rocks, to calm emerald lagoons surrounded by towering karst formations. Whether you are kayaking, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the beach, El Nido offers a uniquely varied island experience.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit El Nido is during the dry season (November to May), when the seas are calm and visibility is excellent for island hopping. During my February 2026 trip, the weather was consistently sunny with ideal sea conditions almost every day.

How to Get to El Nido

There are two main ways to reach El Nido:

• Fly direct to El Nido Airport (Lio Airport)
  • Most convenient option
  • Approximately 10–15 minutes to El Nido town
  • Higher cost compared to other options
• Fly to Puerto Princesa + land transfer
  • More budget-friendly
  • Land transfer travel time: typically 5–6 hours, can extend to 6–8 hours depending on traffic and stops

How to Explore El Nido

The main things to do in El Nido revolve around its well-known standardised island hopping tours — Tour A, B, C, and D.

These tours follow fixed itineraries, and all tour agencies in El Nido offer the same routes and stops. This means that regardless of which agency you choose, the core experience of each tour will be largely the same.

Most visitors will typically complete 2 to 3 island tours, depending on the length of their stay.

In addition to island hopping, there is also a simple land tour option that allows you to explore beaches and attractions on the mainland by tricycle.

• Tour A/B/C/D: PHP 1,000 – 1,400 per person
• Land Tour: ~PHP 1,500 per tricycle (up to 2 persons)

How It Works (Island Hopping Tour)

• Easy to book via hotels or walk-in tour agencies in town
• Boats depart from El Nido Beach at around 8:30 AM
• Tours usually end around 4:00 PM
• Lunch is typically included at one of the island stops

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Things to Do in El Nido

Tour A — Big Lagoon and Classic Highlights

Among the island hopping routes in El Nido, Tour A is often considered the most popular and scenic. This tour focuses on the iconic limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons of Bacuit Bay.

The highlight is the famous Big Lagoon, where visitors kayak through calm emerald waters surrounded by towering karst formations. It is one of the most recognisable landscapes in El Nido.

• Cost: PHP 1,000 – 1,200 per person
• Duration: Approximately 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Tour A Stops

1. Seven Commandos Beach
   A large scenic beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. This stop offers ample space to relax, swim, and enjoy the tropical scenery.
2. Big Lagoon
   One of the most iconic locations in El Nido. Visitors enter by kayak and paddle through calm waters enclosed by dramatic limestone formations.
3. Shimizu Island
   A popular lunch stop where many tours serve meals on the beach. The surrounding waters are also ideal for snorkelling.
4. Secret Lagoon
   A hidden lagoon accessible only by swimming through a small opening in the limestone rocks.
5. Payong Payong Beach
   A smaller but picturesque beach commonly used for snorkelling, with coral and marine life close to shore.

Verdict: A must-do highlight, especially for first-time visitors.

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Tour C — Hidden Beaches and Adventure

Tour C is often regarded as one of the most adventurous routes, taking visitors to more secluded beaches and locations that require swimming through narrow openings in limestone cliffs.

This tour stands out for its dramatic scenery and sense of exploration.

• Cost: PHP 1,200 – 1,400 per person
• Duration: Approximately 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Tour C Stops

1. Cadlao Lagoon
   A stunning lagoon beside Cadlao Island, with calm emerald waters ideal for kayaking. The area also offers opportunities for aerial photography.
2. Helicopter Island
   Named for its distinctive shape, this island features a long stretch of white sand beach and clear waters suitable for swimming.
3. Hidden Beach
   One of the most famous spots in El Nido. Visitors swim through a narrow opening in the cliffs to reach a secluded beach enclosed by rock walls.
4. Talisay Beach
   A scenic stop where most tours serve buffet lunch. The calm waters and limestone backdrop make it highly picturesque.
5. Secret Beach
   A unique hidden beach accessed through a small hole in a limestone wall, revealing a concealed lagoon-like setting.

Verdict: Best for dramatic landscapes and a more adventurous experience.

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Tour D — Quiet and Relaxed Experience

Tour D is a more relaxed and less crowded route, focusing on calm lagoons and quieter beaches around Bacuit Bay.

Compared to other tours, it offers a more laid-back experience, ideal for those who prefer fewer crowds and a slower pace.

• Cost: PHP 1,000 – 1,200 per person
• Duration: Approximately 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Tour D Stops

1. Cadlao Lagoon
   A peaceful lagoon with calm waters, suitable for kayaking and relaxing.
2. Serenity Beach
   A quiet beach with clear water, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
3. Small Lagoon
   One of the highlights of Tour D, featuring narrow entrances leading into a beautiful enclosed lagoon.
4. Pasandigan Beach
   A relaxing beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. Note that drone flying is not permitted here.
5. Paradise Beach
   A scenic white sand beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming and unwinding.

Verdict: Best for relaxation and avoiding crowds.

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El Nido Land Tour

While island hopping is the main highlight, a land tour by tricycle is an easy way to explore the mainland.

This trip is simple to arrange — you can approach any tricycle driver in town or ask your hotel to organise one, and departures are usually immediate.

• Cost: PHP 1,500 per tricycle (up to 2 persons)
• Duration: Approximately half-day

Land Tour Stops

1. Nacpan Beach – One of the most famous beaches near El Nido, known for its long stretch of golden sand and relaxed atmosphere.
2. Lio Beach – A well-developed beachfront area near the airport, with restaurants and cafés.
3. Las Cabanas Beach – A popular sunset viewpoint overlooking Bacuit Bay.

Verdict: A simple and worthwhile addition if you have extra time.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to things to do in El Nido, island hopping is clearly the main highlight — but each tour offers a distinct experience.

A good approach is to combine Tour A or C for iconic scenery with Tour D for a quieter day, and add the land tour if your schedule allows.

El Nido consistently delivers on expectations — every lagoon, beach, and viewpoint feels like a postcard setting.

Our Other Blogs on Philippines

• Moalboal Sardine Run and Turtle Watching (Cebu, Philippines)
  
• Kawasan Canyoneering Adventure (Cebu, Philippines)
  
• Boracay 2024: Revisiting After 7 Years – What’s Changed?
  
• Things to Do in Boracay (2017)
  
• How to Get to Boracay (2017)
  

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The post Things to Do in El Nido: Complete Travel Guide appeared first on Balukoo Travel Blog.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable underwater adventure in Cebu, Moalboal Sardine Run and Turtle Watching should be at the top of your list. Imagine swimming alongside thousands of shimmering sardines moving in mesmerising formations, while just a short distance away, majestic sea turtles glide gracefully through crystal-clear waters. This experience is a must for snorkelers and divers alike, offering a breathtaking glimpse into Moalboal’s vibrant marine life. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to make the most of this incredible ocean adventure!

Date visited: Mar2025

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Why is the Sardine Run in Moalboal So Special? (Google Map)

The Sardine Run at Panagsama Beach is one of the rarest and most accessible natural wonders in the world! Unlike other places where sardine migrations are seasonal, Moalboal’s Sardine Run is a permanent, year-round phenomenon—and the best part? You don’t need a boat to experience it! The sardines are just a few meters from the shore, making it perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Pro Tip:

• Hiring a local guide (PHP 350) for a snorkelling session is worth it! They help you find the best spots and even free dive to capture amazing footage of you with the sardines and turtles.
• For an even more epic experience, try scuba diving! We did a shore dive (PHP 1,500, all gear included) for a completely different underwater perspective—being surrounded by millions of sardines at depth was absolutely surreal!
• Fly your drone over Panagsama Beach during the calm early mornings—such breathtaking views from above!

Conclusion

Moalboal is an Absolute Must-Visit! From swimming with millions of sardines to spotting graceful sea turtles and exploring the vibrant underwater world, this was an unforgettable trip! If you’re visiting Cebu, Philippines, Moalboal is a must-do destination for snorkelers and divers alike.

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Our other blogs on Philippines:

Things to Do in El Nido: Complete Travel Guide

Kawasan Canyoneering Adventure (Cebu, Philippines)

Boracay 2024: Revisiting After 7 Years – What’s Changed?

• Things to do in Boracay (2017)

• How to get to Boracay (2017)

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The post Moalboal Sardine Run and Turtle Watching (Cebu, Philippines) appeared first on Balukoo Travel Blog.

Looking for the ultimate adventure in Cebu? Kawasan Canyoneering is an adrenaline-pumping experience that takes you through turquoise blue waters, stunning limestone canyons, and thrilling cliff jumps—all leading to the breathtaking Kawasan Falls. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, this adventure offers the perfect mix of excitement and scenic beauty. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know, from what to expect on the trail to essential tips for making the most of your canyoneering experience!

Date visited: Mar2025

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Our Kawasan Canyoneering Adventure

Our adventure began with an early morning pickup from Moalboal by our trusted canyoneering operator. After gearing up with helmets and life jackets at the operator’s base, we opted for the zip-line to reach the canyon’s starting point – a choice that saved us a 30-minute walk and added an extra thrill to our day.

Over the next 3-4 hours, we navigated the canyon’s natural obstacles, including three exhilarating rock jumps, with the highest leap from a 10-metre cliff. The adventure concluded around 3pm, followed by a satisfying late lunch provided by our operator before we returned to our accommodation in Moalboal. This experience was incredibly fun and is a must-do for any adventure seeker visiting Cebu!

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Kawasan Falls (Google Map)

The waterfall is renowned for its mesmerising multi-tiered waterfalls and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it one of the most picturesque destinations in the Philippines. Nestled in the lush jungles of Badian, Cebu, it offers visitors a serene environment perfect for swimming, bamboo rafting, and photography. The natural beauty and tranquil ambiance have made it a favourite spot for both locals and tourists seeking a tropical paradise.

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Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls

The activity has gained immense popularity due to the unique combination of adrenaline-pumping activities set against a stunning natural backdrop. Participants traverse through lush canyons, jump off cliffs into refreshing pools, slide down natural water slides, and swim through clear streams, culminating at the majestic Kawasan Falls. This adventure offers a comprehensive experience that appeals to thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, providing an unforgettable way to explore Cebu’s natural wonders.

Cost (canyoneering): Php 2,500 per pax (include pickup/return from Moalboal accommodation, gears, entry fees, lunch, zipline)

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Additional Trip Details

Pickup Location:

Our canyoneering operator picked us up early in the morning from our accommodation in Moalboal.

Gearing Up:

Upon arrival at the operator’s venue, we completed the necessary administrative procedures and were equipped with essential gear, including helmets and life jackets.

Starting Point Options:

To reach the canyoneering start point, participants can choose between a 30-minute walk or an exhilarating zip-line ride. We chose the zip-line, which not only provided stunning aerial views but also saved us time and energy for the main adventure.

Canyoneering Experience:

The 3-4 hour journey through the canyon was filled with thrilling activities, including three major rock jumps—the highest being a 10-metre plunge—natural water slides, and swimming through pristine waters.

Conclusion

Our canyoneering experience concluded around 3pm. We then returned to the operator’s venue for a well-deserved late lunch, which was included in the tour package, before being transported back to our accommodation in Moalboal.

This canyoneering adventure at Kawasan Falls was an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of exploration with the beauty of nature—a must-do activity for anyone visiting Cebu!

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Our other blogs on Philippines:

Things to Do in El Nido: Complete Travel Guide

Moalboal Sardine Run and Turtle Watching (Cebu, Philippines)

Boracay 2024: Revisiting After 7 Years – What’s Changed?

• Things to do in Boracay (2017)

• How to get to Boracay (2017)

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The post Kawasan Canyoneering Adventure (Cebu, Philippines) appeared first on Balukoo Travel Blog.

Date visited: Nov2024

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Boracay 2024: Revisiting After 7 Years – What’s Changed?

Welcome to our travel vlog! =)

Today, we are revisiting Boracay, Philippines, a destination renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. This trip is particularly special because our last visit was in 2017, just before the island underwent a significant transformation.

In 2018, Boracay was temporarily closed for six months to address environmental concerns caused by over-tourism and pollution. Shortly after its reopening, the COVID-19 pandemic led to another extended period of reduced tourism. Now, in November 2024, we have returned to see how the island has evolved.

One of the most noticeable differences is how much cleaner and more organized Boracay feels. The beachfront is less crowded with vendors, the water appears clearer, and stricter regulations have been enforced. Yet, despite these changes, Boracay’s charm remains intact.

Many of the island’s famous activities, including island hopping, parasailing, helmet diving, and paddleboarding, are still available, and the breathtaking sunsets continue to be a highlight. While the nightlife has become more subdued compared to previous years, we can still enjoy performances, beachside dining, and lively bars.

In this video, we will revisit some of Boracay’s most well-known spots – White Beach, Willy’s Rock, Crystal Cove, D’Mall.

If you enjoy travel content, be sure to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts on Boracay. Now, let’s explore this island paradise together!

Boracay 2024

Boracay 2017

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Sights around Boracay in 2024

Our other travel blogs on Philippines:

Things to Do in El Nido: Complete Travel Guide

Moalboal Sardine Run and Turtle Watching (Cebu, Philippines)

Kawasan Canyoneering Adventure (Cebu, Philippines)

Things to do in Boracay (Philippines)

How to get to Boracay (Philippines)

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The post Boracay 2024: Revisiting After 7 Years – What’s Changed? appeared first on Balukoo Travel Blog.

With its pristine beaches, clear turquoise water and bustling nightlife, Boracay is the Philippines’ undisputed leading tourist hotspot. Boracay is a relatively small island (~10km²), and is nested in the middle of the Philippines’ archipelago, an hour’s flight from Manila.

As a testament to its natural beauty and entertaining night scene, Boracay has a long list of accolades over the years. Including:

• Voted into TripAdvisor’s “2017 Travelers’ Choice: Top 25 Beaches” list. Boracay is ranked 24th in the World category, while 2nd in the Asia category.
• Voted into Leisure + Travel magazine’s “The World’s Top 10 Islands” for 2017, Boracay ranked 3rd. 

Want to know what are the things to do in Boracay? Here, we’ll share with you the TOP things that you MUST do in Boracay! Go ahead and share this post with your travel buddies!

How to get to Boracay (Philippines)

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Layout of Boracay and White Beach

Boracay is a small and elongated island (~7km length). The center of the island is narrower (~700m width) and resembles a thin neck joining the northern and southern ends.

White Beach, the main beach of Boracay, is located along the southern coast of this neck. Most of the tourism related establishments on Boracay (e.g. food, retail, services and accommodation) are concentrated along here.

White Beach itself is split into three different zones (i.e. Station 1, 2 and 3). Station 1 being the northern end, Station 2 occupies the center, while Station 3 is the southern end of White Beach. In all, White Beach is approximately 4km and can be easily explored on foot.

Unsurprisingly, with such a high density of amenities within short walking distance, most visitors choose to stay around here. Consequently, White Beach can often be overwhelmed with visitors, especially during peak seasons. Expect to see throngs of Asian tourist, with Chinese and Koreans especially in higher numbers.

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Things to do in Boracay

Below is the list of things to do in Boracay, listed in random order.

#1: White Beach

White Beach is the star attraction of Boracay. It is famous for its powder-like white sand, crystal-clear water and a long and wide shoreline. Such is White Beach’s perfection; it is consistently a top contender for the world’s best beaches.

During the day, White Beach is filled with beachgoers enjoying the sand and sea. Expect to see scores of tourist flooding it. Interestingly, many appear to be more interested in taking the mandatory selfie as compared to enjoying the beach.

White Beach is also the main launching point for most of the sea activities in Boracay. Activities include island hopping cruise, sunset cruise, parasailing, jet skiing, helmet diving, paddle boarding, scuba diving etc. (See below for typical pricing)

During the evenings, White Beach transforms into a bustling party scene. After a tiring day of sun and water sports, most visitors would spend their evenings here. The entire beachfront is lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, massage salons, retails stalls, travel agents etc. Hotels and bars routinely put up street performances or live bands to attract the throng of tourist strolling along the sandy waterfront pathway. And relatively cheap drinks further help to fuel parties deep into the night.

Station 1, White Beach, Boracay (360 photo)

Bonus tips:

• Willy’s Rock is a tiny volcanic outcrop just a few metres off White Beach at the northern end of Station 1. It is famous for housing a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Visitors could walk onto the outcrop. A great photo spot.
• For the best and most famous fruitshake in town, visit Jonah’s Fruitshake at Station 1. It is located along the beach (sea facing) and in front of Willy’s Rock. (See picture for pricing)

Willy’s Rock, Station 1, White Beach, Boracay (360 photo)

Typical costs for activities on Boracay (as of 2017)

• Island Hopping Cruise (see #2): 800-1000PHP/pax
• Sunset Cruise (see #3): 300-500PHP/pax
• Zipline (+ cable car return)(see #4): One ride at 1000PHP/pax (transport provided)
• ATV buggy (2-seater, on-road, 1hr): 2750PHP (twin shared)(transport provided)
• Go-Kart (on-road): 1800PHP/pax for 15laps (transport provided)
• Helmet diving: 1500PHP/pax. Include DVD (video + pictures). Bottom time 20-25 minutes.
• Massage (full-body or foot): 500PHP/hour (in salon, air-conditioned), 350PHP/hour (by the beach)

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#2: Island Hopping Cruise

Other than White Beach, there are plenty of other scenic beaches and interesting activities located on/near Boracay. And the best way to explore all these is via an island hopping cruise. Such is the popularity; going on an island hopping cruise is almost a ritual for all visitors to Boracay.

There is simply no reason why you shouldn’t get booked on one.

A typical island hopping cruise

Most of the island hopping cruises available on Boracay are similar. The cruise typically takes 4-5 hours and departs from White Beach daily between 9am-10am. It includes a snorkeling session, visit to Puka Beach, cliff jumping at Magic Island, BBQ seafood lunch and a visit to Crystal Cove Island (see details below).

Booking a cruise

To book, simply approach a few of the many travel agents roaming White Beach to make a price comparison. Price is usually between 800-1000PHP/pax, with the difference mainly due to the type of boat used. The lower prices are for larger boats; slow and crowded. While the higher prices are for speedboats; fast and less crowd.

During our Sept-2017 trip, we got booked on a speedboat (accommodates ~12-15pax) for 1000PHP/pax.

Advantages of a speedboat island hopping cruise

Since most of the island hopping cruise departs around the same time and follow the same itinerary, being on a speedboat ensures that you’ll usually reach the location earlier than others.

For example, at our second stop on Puka Beach, we were the first few visitors to arrive. The beach was largely empty then. Naturally, this offer great opportunities for some photo shoots before the crowds from the big boats arrive.

In addition, its a no-brainer that the faster the boat, the less time you spend on the journey and more time at the destination enjoying.

Details of Cruise activities

Following are details of the cruise activities. The sequence is according to the cruise we had during our trip.

#A: Snorkelling

Time allocated by cruise: 30 minutes

Equipment: Snorkelling equipment is provided and included in the cruise price

The two water sports that’s a must-do in Boracay are cliff jumping and snorkelling. No trip to Boracay is complete without these two activities.

For snorkelling, Boracay has a number of excellent snorkelling sites a short distance off the island. The most famous being Crocodile island.

Crocodile Island

This snorkelling site is located in the shallow waters between Crocodile Island and Boracay’s Tamisaan Beach (southern end of Boracay). In fact, it is so close to the shoreline of Tamisaan Beach that a seasoned swimmer could reach it from there. (Not that we recommend though, due to the large number of boats in the area)

The Crocodile island snorkelling site has plenty of shallow coral reefs, mostly between 1-2 metres below the surface. There are a good number of colorful corals and plenty of fishes in the area.

The good about the shallow reefs at Crocodile Island is that it is easier for visitors to observe and take videos/photos. In fact, we hugely enjoyed snorkelling there with the beautiful corals and interesting reef fishes (including scores of adorable clown fish) in close proximity.

However, the shallow nature of the reefs also present dangers to the reefs themselves. It meant that the reefs and fishes are extremely vulnerable to disturbances from both snorkelers and boatmen.

Caution: Please exercise great care and NEVER touch (not to mention step on) corals. Any contact with human skin can contaminate and slowly kill entire colonies.

Alternative snorkelling site

Sadly, when we were booking our island hopping cruise, we didn’t ask our travel agent the specific location of the snorkelling (we assumed there’s only one). Consequently for our cruise, the snorkelling was done at a “marine park” somewhere off the northwestern end of Boracay.

We didn’t get the name of this marine park. But the water was deeper which meant that we couldn’t get close enough to observe any coral. We still, however, manage to see a good number of fishes when the boatman threw bread into the water.

Word of advice

Remember to check with your travel agent the location of the snorkelling. Do not repeat our mistake. We ended up having to book a separate private boat to bring us to Crocodile Island for snorkelling.

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#B: Puka Shell Beach

Time allocated by cruise: 40 minutes

Puka Shell Beach (or Puka Beach in short) is easily one of the most scenic beaches we’ve seen in Boracay. As with its more famous cousin (White Beach), Puka Beach has a good length of unspoiled shoreline, with wide beachfront and sparkling clear water. Which explains why most island hopping cruises make Puka Beach one of their mainstays.

Comparing Puka Beach and White Beach, Puka Beach trumps in that it is way less crowded and commercialized. Specifically, Puka Beach has almost none of the myriad of sea activities on offer at White Beach.

However, the current at Puka Beach tends to be stronger and the seabed drops off a short distance off the shoreline. Thus, it is more suitable for experienced swimmers and not as safe as the wide shallow waters off White Beach.

Puka Beach is located on the northern end of Boracay. The beach was previously called Yapak Beach. But it gradually came to be known as Puka Shell Beach due to the amount of Puka Shells found here.

The beach lies in a general east-west orientation, and stretches for approximately 800 metres. The main land entrance to the beach is at the eastern end. From our observation, the western end appears to be more scenic and less crowded. Which is probably why most cruise boats disembark their passengers here.

Tip: Bring your own drinks/snacks and mat. The food and beach chair prices here are steep.

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#C: Magic Island Cliff Jumping

Time allocated by cruise: 30 minutes

Entrance fee: 150PHP, unlimited jumps

Jumping board heights: 3/7/9/10 metres

Other than snorkelling, cliff jumping is another must-do water sports in Boracay. And most island hopping cruise will include a visit to the cliff jumping area on Magic Island.

Magic Island is a tiny island next to Crystal Cove, and a short distance from Crocodile Island. It has a series of low cliffs along its eastern coast, which are converted into cliff jumping facilities.

Entry fees (150PHP/pax) are collected as you enter the facilities. This payment is not included in your cruise fees and must be paid separately at the entrance. Thus, remember to bring some cash during your cruise.

The cliff jumping facility on Magic Island is small. There are around 4 cliff jumping boards available, rated at 3/7/9/10 metres. Visitors are allowed to have an unlimited go at the boards. Other than the jumping boards, there are toilet facilities and a couple of hut and benches for resting.

There is another more famous cliff jumping facility near Boracay (we’ll not mention the name). However, it is way more expensive and appears overrated. Skip it and head straight to the no-frills Magic Island instead.

Cliff jumping can be dangerous if not done properly. Below are some advice from our limited experience.

Cliff jumping safety tips

#1: Look first! Ensure nobody is in the area below your board.

#2: Feet first! Jump feet first. Don’t dive and be fancy! You’re on holiday, not on a super-hero mission to save the world. Don’t try to be hero.

#3: Keep it small! Keep your arms tight and legs together to reduce impact. Pitch your nose and keep your mouth shut.

Bonus tips

#1: Go for the lower boards first to gain confidence.

#2: Your first few jumps will always be nervous. The key is to just walk up to the end of the board and promptly step off it. Stop staring at the height and hesitating on the board. You might not realize it, but the wait and hesitation actually makes you more nervous and causes you to delay more. It’s a vicious cycle.

#3: Just get on with it and be the first few amongst your group to jump. Fears from other friends (in your group) do spread quickly. Thus, be amongst the first to jump to get over it. Once it’s over, you’ll realize that the scariest part is not the jump, but the hesitation and fear mongering prior to the jump.

Dare to say no

Finally, you do not have to try if you don’t want to. You could simply wait on the cruise boat while other passengers have a go. Do not be pressured into doing something that you’re not comfortable with. Especially so if you’re a non-swimmer.

#D: Lunch

Lunch is usually included in the cruise fees and most cruise operators provide a simple BBQ seafood lunch.

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#E: Crystal Cove Island

Time allocated by cruise: 1 hour

Entrance fee: 200PHP

Crystal Cove is a small private island (2.5 hectare) located at the southeastern tip of Boracay. It is close to both Magic Island and Crocodile Island. The island has its own (albeit small) white beach, two coves, sea caves, short trails and a number of good viewing decks.

The island hopping cruises usually disembark their passengers on Crystal Cove’s white beach. From there, passengers have to purchase their own entry fees (200PHP/pax) as they get off the beach and enter the facilities.

Crystal Cove is a tiny island and one could leisurely walk from end to end in 10 minutes. The main attraction are the two coves (Cove 1/Cove 2), and the viewing decks which offers unblocked views of the area.

Visitors typically shouldn’t need anything more than 1-2 hours to fully explore the island and snorkel at the coves.

Cove 1

This is the more popular of the two coves. It is located on the island’s northern end. The coastline here is formed by a short stretch of low cliffs. There are a number of viewing decks/towers along the clifftop which offers great views of the island and the surrounding sea.

Interestingly, there is a narrow spiral stairway in the ground (on the clifftop) which leads to a sheltered sea cave underneath. The sea cave opens out to the cove and the surrounding shallow waters. When the weather is calm, the waters here are very suitable for snorkelling and swimming.

However, do not expect to see the same quantity and quality of marine life as you would in Crocodile Island. This is more of a place to splash around and have fun with your friends.

360 photo of Cove 1 (Crystal Cove Island, Boracay)

Cove 2

Cove 2 consist of two sea caves linked by a narrow tunnel. Depending on tide, visitors might have to waddle in waist high water to get into the first cave via a raised platform.

At the back of the first cave, there is a small natural tunnel which leads into the rocks and connects to a sea cave at the other end. The tunnel is reasonably wide for 1-2 person, but require some crawling at parts due to its height. Having said, the length of the tunnel is short and most people shouldn’t have any issues with it.

At the other end of the tunnel, it opens up into another small sea cave. Visitors could do some snorkelling here. However, there’s nothing remarkable to see.

Visit Cove 2 for the tunnel experience, if you have time. Else give it a pass, its nothing to die for.

Tips for booking island hopping cruise

#1: No need to book online. Simply arrive at White Beach and check with one of the many travel agents dotting the beach. Do a price comparison. Verify with the travel agent the itinerary and details of the cruise (e.g. snorkelling location, type of boat etc.).

#2: No need to book too early. Just make the booking a day prior.

#3: If the weather on the day of cruise is bad (e.g. storm, thunder), most operators will postpone the cruise to the next day. However, the cruise will usually proceed if there is only slight rain.

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#3: Sunset Cruise (Paraw Sailing)

Cruise duration: ~25-30 minutes

Cost: 1000PHP for 3pax (i.e. 333PHP per pax)

Location: Off White Beach

Definitely one of the must-do activities in Boracay! Period!

As White Beach is situated on the western side of Boracay, the beach (and the waters off it) offers majestic views of the sunset. And what better way to enjoy the sunset than from a paraw sailboat cutting thru the waves!

The distinctive white/blue coloured paraw sailboats are small traditional Filipino sailing vessels with a pair of sails and outriggers. They are usually made of bamboo and wood, and are solely powered by the wind. Other than the captain, there are no other sitting spaces on the narrow main hull.

To accommodate passengers, nettings are tied across the two parallel beams that secure the pair of outriggers to the hull. The netting (one of each side of the hull) allows the paraw sailboats to accommodate up to 10 passengers per boat.

During the evenings, there are hordes of paraw sailboats waiting along White Beach (in front of Station 2 & 3). Many agents/boat captains will be hawking their cruise along the beachfront. Simply approach a few of them to check the price. During our Sep-2017 trip, we paid 1000PHP total for 3pax. The cruise duration was between 25-30 minutes, which we felt were just right.

Review

The sunset cruise proved much more fun than we had expected. Never mind the sunset. The entertaining ride on the sailboats were more than worth the money. Our bums were essentially “floating” less than a metre above the waves. The feeling of wind in your hair with water splashing against your feet is nothing less than exhilarating.

Tips for Sunset Cruise:

#1: Get your timing right.

Check the sunset time beforehand. Arrive on White Beach approximately 25 minutes prior to the actual sunset time. Briefly check the cruise price with a few of the many agents/boat captains plying the beach. Engage one of the cruises and immediately hop on-board! You should be just in time to catch the sunset while cruising.

#2: You will get splashed. Prepare for it.

Passengers will be sitting on the netted outriggers during the cruise. You’ll inevitably get splashed by the waves. Thus, prepare for it and gear up/dress appropriately. Store any important/loose items in a waterproof bag and get the captain to stow it safe. If you plan to use a camera, ensure its waterproof (or at least splash proof) and tethered to your wrist!

#3: Your footwear will get wet.

Passengers will be boarding the sailboats from the beach via a wooden plank. Thus, your footwear will almost certainly get wet. The most convenient way is to wear flip-flops. Pass your flip-flops to the captain before boarding. Then board the sailboat bare-footed. You wouldn’t need any footwear while cruising.

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#4: Happy Planet Zipline + Cable Car

Cost: 1000PHP per pax (zipline + cable car)

Location: Mount Luho (transport provided)

For those looking for more exciting adventures in Boracay, the Happy Planet Zipline (+ Cable Car) is another interesting activity not to be missed.

Located on the northern end of Boracay (at Mount Luho), Happy Planet Zipline is the only zipline in Boracay. The zipline is approximately 500m long and descend approximately 70m over its course.

We booked the zipline ride via a travel agent and was quoted 1000PHP per pax (including transport fro/to our hotel). Apparently, it isn’t necessary to book too early in advance. For us, we made the booking in the morning and managed to secure a trip for the same afternoon.

At the agreed time, the travel agent came to pick us up at the hotel and led us to a waiting transport. The journey to Happy Planet Zipline (from Station 3) was about 20-25 minutes, including a traffic jam near Station 1.

At the zipline

The zipline facility is rather basic, consisting of a 3-level tower (for the zipline) and an adjacent platform (for the returning cable car). In fact, there is only a small signpost showing the name “Happy Planet Zipline + Cable Car”.

Once at the zipline tower, we were promptly ushered to register our particulars. After which, we requested for 1-2 minutes to take some photos before suiting up. The staffs appeared anxious to get us to suit up quickly, probably so that a queue would not develop.

After suit up, we were told to lie face down into a webbing harness. The Happy Planet Zipline uses the “superman” style of harness whereby riders fly head-first down the zipline. This surely adds more fun to the ride! There are also 2 lines on the platform, as such, two riders (e.g. friends) could launch simultaneously. This is unique as many other ziplines are single lined.

After checking our harnesses, the staffs briefly pulled back our body before launching my buddy and I down the zipline.

Exhilarating ride

Once we started gliding down the zipline, there really wasn’t any element of fear. The speed wasn’t too fast either. We just felt like birds gliding gracefully thru the sky. The zipline height is more than 200m and the view of the surrounding was definitely awesome.

After gliding 40-50 seconds, we reached the end of the zipline, which is on a ridge opposite Mount Luho. It seems that the speed of your ride is dependent on your weight. The heavier you are, the faster your speed. This isn’t rocket science, is it?

At the end of the zipline, riders have to climb up a short flight of stairs to the cable car station. From there, the riders are sent back to the starting point on Mount Luho via the cable cars. The cable cars are nothing more than a hanging open metal frame with a bench.

Though slow, the return cable car ride allows riders to truly take in the splendid views of the landscape. Particularly, the coastal views on the left of the cable car line is nothing but mesmerizing.

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Getting Around Boracay

As mentioned above, White Beach is approximately 4km long. Thus, one could easily walk from point to point.

However, if you really need a transport, you could get one at the main road behind White Beach. The main form of “public transport” here are the hordes of blue colored motorized tricycles plying the main road. Simply flag down one by the roadside and hop onboard (its a shared service). These tricycles typically do a continuous loop between Station 1 and 3. Once you reach your destination, inform the driver to stop and get off. Expect to pay around 15-20PHP per pax per trip. If you need to travel beyond Station 1/2/3, negotiate a price with the driver.

There are also private mini-taxis for hire. Expect to pay between 70-80PHP per trip for travel between Station 1 and 3.

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How to get to Boracay (Philippines)

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The post Things to do in Boracay (Philippines) appeared first on Balukoo Travel Blog.

Boracay is a small island (10km²) within the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is a stone throw (~2km) off the northwestern tip of the much larger Panay Island. With its stunning beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and bustling nightlife, Boracay is one of the biggest tourist draws in the Philippines.

However, for visitors getting to Boracay from outside of the Philippines, the journey is not as straightforward as one would imagine. For a location as established and popular as Boracay, one would expect uncomplicated and speedy land/sea transfers after arriving at the destination airport. However in reality, most visitors would have to navigate 2-3 hours of land-sea-land transfer after landing at their destination airport.

In this blog, we’ll share with you how to get to Boracay. Don’t let the time-consuming journey put you off from visiting it. The spectacular beauty and laid-back ambiance of Boracay more than make up for it! Let’s go!

Note: The information in this blog is accurate as of Sep-2017.

Things to do in Boracay (Philippines)

Boracay 2024: Revisiting After 7 Years – What’s Changed?

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How to get to Boracay

Being a small island, Boracay does not have its own airport. Thus, most visitors have to fly into neighboring Panay Island. Once at Panay Island, visitors need to make their way to Caticlan Jetty Port and take a short ferry to Boracay.

There are two airports on Panay Island that are suitable for travellers to Boracay; Caticlan Airport (MPH) and Kalibo International Airport (KLO).

Caticlan Airport or Kalibo International Airport?

Location wise, Caticlan Airport is located next to Caticlan Jetty Port. While Kalibo International Airport is a whopping 70km (1.5 hours drive) away.

All visitors need to get to Caticlan Jetty Port for their ferry to Boracay. Thus, it makes sense to fly into Caticlan Airport, which is right next to Caticlan Jetty Port. However, this is where things get complicated.

Caticlan Airport (MPH)

Caticlan Airport (aka Godofredo P. Ramos Airport or Boracay Airport) is a domestic airport. It only serves a few airlines. As far as international visitors are concerned, Caticlan Airport only connects to Cebu and Manila. Therefore, all international visitors to Caticlan Airport have to transit either at Cebu or Manila.

As of Sep-2017, below are the airlines serving Caticlan Airport:

• MPH to Cebu Airport (CEB) : Cebu Pacific, Cebgo, Philippines Airline.
• MPH to Manila Airport (MNL) : Cebu Pacific, Cebgo, Philippines Airline, AirAsia

Kalibo International Airport (KLO)

In contrast, Kalibo International Airport connects directly to several major Asian cities in addition to a few domestic ones (i.e. Manila, Cebu, Clark). Its Asian routes include Singapore (SilkAir, Scoot, Cebu Pacific), China, Hong Kong, Malaysia (AirAsia), Korea and Taiwan.

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Cost is the problem

The biggest difference for travellers choosing between flying into Caticlan Airport or Kalibo International Airport is the cost. Flights to Caticlan Airport almost always cost a lot more than flights to Kalibo International Airport.

Even after factoring in the land transport cost from Kalibo International Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port, the overall cost of travelling via Kalibo International Airport is still significantly lower than using Caticlan Airport. This advantage towards Kalibo International Airport is more pronounced by the fact that more airlines fly into it than to Caticlan Airport.

Unsurprisingly, the result is that most visitors arriving from international routes would be landing at Kalibo International Airport.

Getting from Kalibo International Airport to Boracay

For those flying into Kalibo International Airport, a lengthy land-sea-land transfer (2-3 hours) is required to reach their accommodations on Boracay. Below are the details.

Step#1: Land transfer from Kalibo International Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port.
(via coach or taxi. 70km. 1.5 hours. Non-stop journey)

Step#2: Sea transfer from Caticlan Jetty Port to Cagban Jetty Port (Boracay).
(via small ferries. 10-15 minutes)

Step#3: Land transfer from Cagban Jetty Port to respective accommodation on Boracay.
(via mini-taxi. 10-20 minutes)

Note: If you’re flying into Caticlan Airport, simply take a local transport for the short ride to Caticlan Jetty Port.

Terminal Fee and Environmental Fee when taking ferry

Take note that all visitors to Boracay have to pay a terminal fee of 100PHP per way (per pax) at the jetty. That means each visitor has to pay the 100PHP terminal fee twice. Once during the incoming ferry to Boracay, and the second during the outgoing ferry back to Caticlan Jetty Port.

In addition, visitors have to pay a one-time environmental fee of 75PHP (per pax) at Caticlan Jetty Port before entering Boracay. Hence, the total miscellaneous fee payable for all visitors is 275PHP per pax (100 + 100 + 75 = 275PHP).

Interesting, there is even a night navigation fee of 5PHP (per pax) if your ferry leaves Caticlan Jetty Port after 5.30pm. We were quite surprised by this during our trip, as this fee wasn’t mentioned in most websites/blogs. But we promptly paid it since its nothing expensive.

Travel Tips:

• Get ready some food/water for the land-sea-land transfer. During the incoming journey, you might not have time to buy them at Kalibo International Airport (KLO) before boarding the bus.
• Visitors leaving from Kalibo International Airport need to get ready 200PHP for the airport terminal fee. Pay as you enter the departure hall (after checking-in) when flying out from Kalibo International Airport. This terminal fee is usually not included in your airline ticket price. (We’re not sure if Caticlan Airport require similar fee)
• Similarly, visitors transiting at Manila International Airport (MNL) need to pay a terminal fee of 550PHP. However, your airline should have collected this fee when you’re purchasing the flight tickets.

Engaging the service of a transport company

As seen above, the land-sea-land transfer from Kalibo International Airport is lengthy and requires multiple transport modes. If a visitor is not booked on a point-to-point transfer service (from a local transport company), he/she would have to navigate their way thru the multiple transport modes and deal with separate operators independently. The hassle is exacerbated by the fact that most visitors are worn out from their incoming flight.

If you’re on an extremely tight budget and/or prefer the adventures of setting up your own transfer to Boracay, you’re most welcome to navigate the transfer on your own.

However, most visitors would prefer to pay slightly more to engage the point-to-point transfer service of a transport company. The obvious advantage is that someone would be at the airport to pick you up and guide you thru all the transport modes till you reach your accommodation on Boracay.

When engaging a transport company, remember to find out if the quoted prices include the 275PHP for environmental fee and 2-way terminal fee. In addition, ask the same about the 5PHP night navigation fee if you predict to reach Boracay after 5.30pm.

For the outgoing journey, note that it is normal for transport companies to pick-up travelers from their accommodation (on Boracay) 4-hours prior to their departure flight at Kalibo International Airport.

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Review of Island Star Express*

For our trip in Sep-2017, we searched online for a reputable transport company and found “Island Star Express” via TripAdvisor. We found their transfer to be average priced. More importantly, it is one of the few transport companies that are reviewed online by other travelers.

Having used their service, we’re glad to feedback that the company is professional, punctual and hassle-free. Their bus (Kalibo International Airport to/from Caticlan Jetty Port) and mini-shuttle van (on Boracay) is clean and in good condition. Administrative wise, they even accommodated to our itinerary changes (without any errors) and facilitated the speedy full refund for someone in our travel group who had to cancel his trip. Thus, do check them out when you’re planning your trip. Island Star Express website (click here)

*Note: We are not in any way affiliated nor have any agreement, financial or otherwise, with the companies/organizations mentioned in this post. All comments herein are based on our genuine opinion.

Some of our images at Boracay

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Find this article (free) in GPSmyCity app

Download this article to your mobile device for FREE. This article is available within the GPSmyCity travel app. Once the app is installed, search for the article name and save it for your offline usage! You could also upgrade (small fee) the article to get a map with GPS navigation to the sights. The map + GPS navigation can be used offline. Thus saving you money from mobile data!

Disclosure: We do receive a small royalty fee whenever someone upgrades our travel article. This fee goes a long way in helping us to maintain this travel blog. So that we can continue to do what we do best; inspiring the traveler in YOU!

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The post How to get to Boracay (Philippines) appeared first on Balukoo Travel Blog.