Boracay is a tropical island surrounded by stunning white sand beaches and clear blue waters located
about an hour’s flight from Cebu or Manila just off the larger Philippines island of Panay.
Boracay is a small island in the central Philippines. It’s known for its resorts and beaches. Along the west
coast, White Beach is backed by palm trees, bars and restaurants. On the east coast, strong winds make
Bulabog Beach a hub for water sports. Nearby, the observation deck on Mount Luho offers panoramic
views over the island. Offshore, coral reefs and shipwrecks are home to diverse marine life. Boracay
suffered from overdevelopment and inherited a negative reputation for dodgy nightlife and major
environmental concerns. The government closed the island for six months and the island underwent an
extensive facelift. Since reopening in October 2018, the island has had tougher rules and regulations and
a limit to the number of tourists allowed. Visitors must have a hotel pre-booked before getting on the
boat to Boracay. Among the rules are bans on eating or drinking on the beach, smoking, fire dancing and
commercial sandcastles. Touts will offer visitors a massage, boat ride, parasailing, kitesurfing, sail
boating, hair braiding, island hopping and henna tattoo every 20 steps on the beach’s “sidewalk” path.
