Island in Aklan, Philippines
Boracay
A tiny island with a long white beach, sunset sailing and a nightlife strip: easy and social for a short stay. Expensive for the Philippines, crowded in season, with little for long stays.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,040–1,600Comfortable, one person · ₱65,000–100,000Details
- Value for money74/100Better value than 73% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MayWarmest: May, 30°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$13–32Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTricycle or e-trikeWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards at resorts and many restaurants; cash for tricycles, boat trips and beach vendors.Details
Where to stay in Boracay
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| White Beach Station 2 | Social center: restaurants, bars, shops, central location |
| White Beach Station 1 | Calmer, upscale resorts and the widest sand |
| White Beach Station 3 | Quieter and cheaper, small guesthouses |
| Bulabog Beach | Kitesurfing and windsurfing on the east side |
Apps that work in Boracay
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: No ride apps work here; use tricycles and e-trikes, and agree prices first. Ask your hotel for airport transfers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards at resorts and many restaurants; cash for tricycles, boat trips and beach vendors. ATMs exist but queue and sometimes run dry.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
Going to Boracay solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.