Our Top Picks: Best Things to Do in Boracay in 2019
Boracay in 2019: Your Guide On New Things To Do
What happened to Boracay? After six months of rehabilitation, the answer is as clear as it’s waters: It’s back, but not in the same way as we once knew. New activities have become popular in Boracay in 2019, and we are here to look at the new places to go, where to eat, and how to spend your nights.
The crazy vibrant Boracay partying days of staying up late into the night, making “What-happens-in-Boracay-stays-in-Boracay” memories has mellowed down. Boracay in 2019 has become a family-friendly beach destination or a great spot for a honeymoon.
But trust us: you will be happier with the new Boracay now that it is no longer a party island. A lot of people vowed never to return again to the dirty Boracay, but the island is back in action becoming a jewel in the Philippines.
What Happened To Boracay?
Boracay as we know it used to attract both local and international visitors to its beaches. A lot of these people did not sleep at night, and the shorelines were stacked thick with people by day. The result is a dirty, polluted Boracay. Beach fronts were lined with commercial establishments, the coast was scattered with peddlers, and the water was defiled from poor sewerage and disposal systems. Boracay used to produce 70 tonnes of rubbish a day. The island slowly deteriorated and was no longer the paradise it used to be. Luckily, the recent improvements of Boracay in 2019 have created many new things to do.
The things to do in Boracay back then were not environment-friendly, so the government shut down the island for six months in April of 2018. No one was allowed entry into Boracay. Resorts also had to close and face penalties for environmental law violations.
In October 2018, Boracay had a soft opening, allowing partial entry. (There is still rehabilitation going on) The waters are crystal clear again. Lush greens from the palm trees (and not the algae!) now complement the blue ocean more than ever, due to the lack of thick crowds on the island. There are now only 157 resorts on the island. You can hear the sound of waves, and not blaring party music at night.
New Boracay Rules and Regulations
There are new measures in place to ensure Boracay remains beautiful and clean. One of the most obvious rules is that only 19,000 people are welcome to stay in Boracay at any given time — with only 6,405 tourists allowed per day. Availability of hotel rooms is now at 6,000 – 9,000 instead of the 12,000. Most of all, tourists are required to make hotel reservations — hotels that are accredited by the Department of Tourism. (You cannot book one otherwise.)
Another new rule imposed is the ban on beachfront parties. Fire dancing with kerosene lamps is no longer allowed. Casinos, gone. Dining on the beach is prohibited as well. If you love to smoke or drink beer on the shore, you may have to say goodbye to that too. Fireworks are only allowed until 9:00pm.
There are fewer things to do in Boracay at night thanks to the new rules, though it’s not true that partying is gone in Boracay. Partying is now just limited to indoor establishments. The hip place to be in Boracay at night is Station X Hue Pool Club.
Things To Do In Boracay
The new rules did not deter tourists from hitting Boracay, however. Most of the frequent visitors even welcome the new changes. The “All Souls’ Day-long weekend” in the Philippines in November saw all 157 hotels of Boracay fully booked.
Even more good news: The government has allowed the water sport activities that it had originally said would be banned!
Here are some of the activities that you can dip your toes into:
- Banana Boat
- Freediving (No scuba diving, sadly)
- Helicopter Beach Tour
- Horseback Riding
- Jet Ski
- Mermaid Lessons
- Parasailing
- Stand up Paddle
- Segway Tours
- Yacht and Parasailing
Beaches in Boracay
White Beach
White Beach is the very image of Boracay as its main area, with most of the resorts, restaurants, and water activities found there. It was where most of the partying took place in the past too.
Puka Beach
Puka Beach got its name from the puka shells filling the beach, but is known for having the ocean, cliffs, and forest all in one paradise.
Diniwid Beach
Diniwid Beach is the best place to catch the sunset in Boracay.
Tambisaan Beach
Boracay isn’t exactly popular for its marine life — there is Palawan in the Philippines for that. Tambisaan Beach is the only beach in Boracay with a rich marine life.
Ilig-Iligan Beach
A contrast from White Beach, there are no developments or infrastructure at Ilig-Iligan Beach. This makes the virgin beach appealing to adventurous swimmers looking for something more rugged and wild than the pretty and touristy spots in Boracay. Unknown to foreign visitors, Ilig-Iligan Beach is an example that Boracay was once a destination for travelers and not tourists looking an exotic slice of paradise. Explore many caves, forests, and lush green mountains. Make Boracay 2019 an adventure of a lifetime.
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Of course, what is traveling without food and drink? Here are the top restaurants and bars in Boracay:
Forno Osteria’s Josper-Grilled Steaks
The Italian dining restaurant at the 5-star hotel Discovery Shores Boracay offers the most delicious steak.
Indigo’s Seafood Platter
Just the menu itself will make your mouth water for their premium seafood. They have Asia rice casserole, Atlantic blue crab, lobster, hard shell clams, and XO sauce. They have a Seafood and BBQ Grill plus a view of the now-beautiful White Beach.
Prisma Cocktails and Drinks Menu
They have fresh Aklan oysters, seafood dinner of poke, and seafood cioppino.
Sands Dining
The famous Filipino Taho Sorbetes now has a twist thanks to Sands Dining.
Sunny Side Cafe
They have the Sinigang Rice, which is Sunny Side’s version of pork belly and rice flavored with the Filipino food sinigang. They also have Boracay Ensaymada with Risa chocolate bits perfect for your “pasalubong” (surprise).
El Mojito
Have the best mojito here at Station 2.
Getting There
Via Caticlan Airport
This is the most convenient option. Take a tricycle, one of the modes of transportation in the Philippines, outside the airport and head to the Cagban Jetty Port for USD 1 in 10 minutes. The boat ride costs USD 2, with an additional terminal fee of USD 2 and an environmental fee of USD 1.50.
Via Kalibo Airport
This is the more affordable option. Kalibo Airport also offers direct flights to Malaysia and Korea, should you need to be connected to an international flight. Kalibo Airport to the Boracay port is two hours away, with van operators offering deals on van and boat fare of USD 5 as you arrive.
Where To Stay in Boracay 2019
Before you head to Boracay, a bit of advice for you is to book your hotel ahead of time as you will have to present reservations upon your entry to the island. That being said, there are 157 hotels for you to choose from, guaranteed to give you your best stay in the new paradise.
While Boracay is no longer the party island it used to be, you will appreciate the paradise it has become with its blue, clean waters and white powder sand. You will feel tranquil with fewer people around you, truly a great place to relax in 2019. We all recognize ourselves in the island that has now mellowed down, and recognize the natural beauty that Boracay has to offer.
