Boracay is recognized as one of the best beaches in the world. The recognition comes as no surprise because of its fine, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and natural beauty.
Gone are the days when Boracay was a virgin island that hardly got any visitors, but despite the crowds and many developments sprouting out of the woodwork, the island still has a rustic charm that one won’t see in popular tropical destinations such as Kuta in Bali and Phuket in Thailand.
Best Time Time To Travel To Boracay
Changing Seasons
Boracay’s immense popularity has made it the vacation destination not only for local tourists looking for some sun and sand, but also foreign tourists who want the same. Boracay’s popularity has made finding cheap flights a daunting task you must book several months in advance just to sniff a cheap flight that takes you directly to Caticlan. The island is busy year-round, even if it is rainy or shoulder season.
Rainy Day Getaway
The rainy season won’t deter beach lovers from going to Boracay. Despite the storm signals and rains, Filipinos and foreigners alike go to Boracay to get their daily dose of vitamin sea. Boracay is still busy and bustling with activity even in rainy season. The fine, white sand and majestic sunset are far too irresistible to miss, even when the weather is gloomy. But finding your own cozy spot on the island is easier when you visit during rainy season. Find a spot with a few people while you think about and do nothing on Puka Beach, or just gaze at the paraws’ silhouette amidst the island’s golden sunset.
Summer Fun
The best time (albeit most crowded) to visit Boracay is during the summer. Despite the deluge of people heading to Boracay, this island paradise is still at its most beautiful during the summer months of March to early June. The blue waters, breathtaking sunsets, powdery white sand, and dozens of activities all make Boracay the summer vacation destination in the Philippines. The crowds, the pub crawls, the pumping music, and the infamous LaBoracay, are the vessels that pump blood into the island’s beating heart. The bigger crowds make it easier to make new friends to help you get another drink in during pub crawls or muster enough courage to take the 10m to 15m plunge in Ariel’s Point.
Christmas & New Year’s Mayhem
The Philippines has an extended Christmas season as soon as November starts all the way till the first few weeks of January. What better way to spend the holidays than spending a night, two, no a week in the Philippines’ premier island destination. The Christmas season, a few days before Christmas Eve till a few days after New Year’s, is peak season in Boacay, loads of tourists looking to soak up some sun, sand, and get a glimpse of Boracay’s iconic sunset.
Boracay Must-Dos
Cliff Diving
For adrenaline-junkies, Boracay has the ultimate activity — cliff diving! Take the plunge from 10 feet all the way up to more than 50 feet in Ariel’s Point. This exhilarating activity will help you wash away all the stress and worries you have.
Sunset Watching
Boracay has an iconic and unforgettable sunset. The shadows of paraws serve as the foreground to an explosion of orangey red sunset. Watch the sun go down as you sip your favorite drink with loved ones in tow.
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is a fun and exciting extreme sport that combines a little bit of paragliding and wakeboarding. Ride across Boracay’s azure waters as you shift from gliding on water to soaring to dizzying heights.
Beach Hopping
If you’re tired of white beach (or of the crowds) head out to Puka Shell, Diniwid, and/or Bulabog Beach. These beaches offer vestiges of life before Boracay became the most popular island destination in the Philippines.
No matter the season, Boracay is an ideal getaway for family and friends. Whether you are chilling by the beach, or putting on your daredevil hat by cliff diving in Ariel’s Point, Boracay is a must-visit island paradise year-round.
Festivals in Boracay
Boracay isn’t just about the powdery sand, clear blue waters, or the many activities. There are festivals that showcase the island’s spirit before the crowds came.
Ati-Atihan Festival
The Ati-Atihan Festival is celebrated in the month of January. The festival honors Santo Nino and is also a reflection of the pre-Christian traditions and culture of the Ati people who live on the island. The Atis apply paint on their bodies and wear traditional costumes as they dance and march to the music of beating drums all while carrying figures of Santo Nino and other saints. Locals and tourists alike can join in on the celebration.
Boracay Sand Lantern Festival
If you think ice sculptures are cool, Boracay has its own version — the Boracay Sand Lantern Festival. The festival celebrates creative zeal by allowing artists to create their own sand castles using the island’s fine, white powdery sand.
Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon Boat racing is fast-becoming a popular sport on the island. The Boracay Dragon Boat Festival pits the best rowers against each other to discover the best team. Teams are put to the test as they unite to win the ultimate prize.
Yapak Fiesta
Yapak translates into ‘walking barefoot’. The Yapak Fiesta is a local cultural celebration wherein ancient traditions and folklore are celebrated by the Boracaynons. The highlights of the fiesta are parades and dances that showcase ancient traditions.
Boracay Food Festival
The Boracay Food Festival is one of the most anticipated festivals on the island. The food fest showcases scrumptious national specialties and delectable regional dishes for foodies. The showcase is accompanied by music and dancing. The culminating event of the festival is a cooking competition similar to the popular show ‘Iron Chef’. Watch culinary experts duke it out to create the best tasting dishes on the island.
Travel isn’t just about seeing beautiful places it is also experiencing something different. Boracay isn’t just about the pub crawls, the sunsets, and the powdery sand beach, the island has festivals that show its unique culture. Boracay has a nice mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities and cultural festivities to quench the thirst for travel.
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