Boracay is a teeny tiny island of the Philippines that stretches just seven kilometres long and is only 500 metres across at its widest point. What it lacks in size, however, it more than makes up for in scenery, with this pocket rocket of a destination looking like the literal definition of heaven on Earth. Luckily, it's not as hard to get to as you may think - we've got your Boracay airport transfers sorted.
Boracay’s perfection lies in its simplicity: a coastline of turquoise water, white sand and green palms, which makes a winning combination for a holiday full of seemingly endless days spent lazing about. However, if you prefer a more action-packed holiday and you are seeking a little bit more adventure, you can definitely indulge in that too! There is something for everyone with snorkelling and scuba diving on offer or, for the more daring, the option to traverse the rocks and go cliff-diving.
This island paradise aims to please and even manages to play host to a range of accommodation options from hostels to five-star; there really is something for every taste and budget. Boracay also makes for the perfect honeymoon spot, with plenty of adults-only places to stay and activities available. For something to really remember the holiday by, there are loads of romantic activities to take part in, too – most famously a cruise on a Paraw, which are the traditional Filipino sail boats you will see dotted around on the water.
So, how do you get to this little beach oasis? Read on to find out!
1. Private speed boat transfers
When planning to travel from Godofredo P. Ramos Airport to Boracay Island, one must ask themselves “what would James Bond do?” and we have the answer. Speed boat.
Picture it: you hop off the plane and meet your awaiting guide. They transport you by private vehicle to the nearest jetty where you will board your vessel and race across the crystal clear waters to your island destination, before jumping in another car and being dropped right at your hotel. Smooth. Real smooth.
Flying into Godofredo P. Ramos Airport provides the quickest transfer to Boracay Island with a mere 10-minute drive from the airport to the jetty and a short boat trip to the island.
(Yes, we know we're mixing our movies - just checking you're awake!)
There's also an option for shared boat transfers - this option will set you back less than AUD$20!
2. Transfers from Kalibo International Airport
Considering its tiny size, Boracay certainly is well serviced, with not just one, but two nearby airports making it a very accessible place to visit. From Kalibo International Airport to Boracay, you can arrive at your Boracay hotel after a seamless transition from bus to boat to bus.
On arrival at Kalibo International Airport, you will be met by a guide who will lead you to a waiting area where you will board the bus headed for Caticlan Port. The drive will take around one-and-a-half hours but with someone else behind the wheel, you can sit back and relax, look out of the window and dream about that first ocean dip.
From Caticlan Jetty to Boracay, the boat ride is just a hop, skip and a jump across the water before you arrive at idyllic Boracay, ready to be transported to your hotel’s doorstep. There’s no better way to start a relaxing vacay than by having someone else look after you, is there?
3. Save a bit of cash with a no-frills transport option
If you would prefer to spend your hard earned cash on drinks or souvenirs, a couple of cheaper options exist for transfers between Kalibo International Airport or Godofredo P. Ramos Airport and Boracay Island.
For a few dollars less, you will travel on exactly the same route, but you will be required to load your own bags onto a shared vehicle and seats are filled on a first come first served basis.
Hey, there’s no shame in saving a bit of dosh where you can, right?
4. A prepaid SIM Card is a must!
Every last square inch of Boracay presents an Instagrammable moment, and you are not going to want to miss any opportunities to upload all those once in a lifetime photo opps you have scored.
Being a popular tourist spot means a lot of bars, cafes and small businesses on Boracay will promise free Wi-Fi, but the truth is that it is often slow, restricted to a certain number of users or devices or requires a minimum spend in store. Generally speaking, the net can be a little patchy in the Philippines at the best of times, so that, plus the fact that you are on an island, means that you may find yourself without internet access altogether unless you invest in a local SIM card.
Don’t get us wrong, a lack of internet connection can actually be a nice way to really switch off and enjoy being off the grid, but dependable data is definitely something you will want to have, particularly if you need to stay in touch with relatives (hello, worrisome parents!) back home.
Luckily for those travelling to the Philippines, prepaid, local SIMS are super cheap, reliable and easy to source. They can be pre-ordered before leaving home and pick-up can be organised at one of six airports on arrival (including Kalibo), so there’s really no excuse not to be prepared!
The Globe Telecom, Inc. SIM will work throughout the whole of the Philippines (which is very handy if you plan on travelling to a few different cities) and it can be used for up to 14 days or until you have used up all your data. All you need to do is pick the product that suits your needs and you are good to go.
5. Don’t go hungry
Choosing somewhere to eat while you are on holiday in a new city can be tricky. You want to have a cultural experience, a local experience, something healthy AND something tasty! Where do you start!?
There is no need to worry about this in Boracay - Klook has got you covered! Two of Boracay’s best – Nonie’s and Ka-on – are on board to make sure you always have a satisfying meal.
Nonie’s is renowned for its delicious healthy food, so you can stay in tip top shape, or perhaps you're craving some vegies after all that airplane food...! They also offer vegan options which should come as a huge relief for those who know how hard it can be to find a plant-based meal when you are travelling and don’t have as much time to shop around.
Ka-on is located in The Tides Hotel and offers more traditional Filipino cuisine, which is full of flavour and includes dishes you have probably never tried before. The restaurant is relaxed and also has a view from its fourth floor vantage point, so there’s more than just fabulous food on offer!
By pre-booking on Klook, you can rest assured you will be eating delicious meals and at a pre-arranged price, so there's very little thinking involved.
Getting to Boracay is easy if you pre-book your airport transfers - you'll be in the water with a cocktail in hand in no time at all. If you're looking for things to do once you arrive in, we'd recommend checking this out: