They say you can never go home again, but guess what? I did—**for 5 days and 4 nights of salty air, sandy toes, and a little walk down memory lane. Boracay isn’t just a tourist destination for me; it used to be my backyard. Coming back felt like hugging an old friend—familiar, comforting, but also a little different. And yes, I still know where to find the cheapest happy hour drinks so hop on!
Arriving in Boracay
Touchdown Caticlan! After the usual airport hustle (you know the drill—luggage, sunblock, saan na nga ulit yung QR code ko?), I was quickly reminded why I always book with MyBoracayGuide for my airport transfers.
There’s a little piece of my heart tied to this service—a dear friend who once welcomed me with the warmest smile right at the jetty port. He's now watching sunsets from above, but every time I book with MyBoracayGuide, it feels like he's still part of the journey.
You can choose between their Standard Transfer (comfy shared rides, no-stress) or go a bit extra with the First Class Transfer—private van, shared boat, and all that jazz. Super easy to book on their website, by the way. They even hand you a water bottle (yes to hydration!) and make sure you get to your hotel safe and sound—no guesswork, no long lines.
A Familiar Island, But Not Quite the Same
As soon as I set foot on the island, there it was—that familiar breeze, that mix of sunscreen and sea salt in the air, the gentle chaos of trikes zooming by. But something felt different. Boracay still had its charm, sure, but the island I once called home? It’s had a bit of a glow-up.
Bulabog Beach now has red bricks lining the walkway—a neat little touch that definitely wasn’t there back in 2013 when I used to barefoot my way through puddles and sand. The path looks cleaner, more polished, almost like the island’s version of putting on heels.
And then… hello big establishments. Malls, fast food chains, and names I never thought I’d see here have popped up like mushrooms. Some might say it’s too commercialized now, but honestly? It’s also convenient—especially when you're craving a quick iced coffee and aircon after being roasted by the sun.
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| Beach Bites Boracay - Egg's Benedict |
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| Mandarin Nest (Hakuna Matata) - Seafood Boodle Feast |
The food scene? Way better. Not just grilled seafood and ihaw-ihaw anymore (though I still love those!). You’ll now find restos offering plates that could easily compete with Manila’s foodie spots—same price tag too, so if you're on a budget, you’ll want to pick your meals wisely. But hey, the kilig of discovering a good eatery in a beach town? Still unbeatable.
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| Calma Cafe Boracay - Shakshuka Eggs |
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| Levantin - English Breakfast |
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| Lanterna Hotel - Ravioli Ricotta & Spinachi |
Peace and Quiet – Beaches for Relaxation
Let’s be real—White Beach will always be iconic, but if you’re like me and crave a little peace and quiet away from the DJ sets and selfie sticks, there are other sides of Boracay that will cradle you in calm.
- Bulabog Beach was my first stop. Once known mainly for kite surfers and sunrise joggers, it’s now a lovely, laid-back stretch perfect for slow mornings. The red-brick walkway makes it feel more put together, but it hasn’t lost that raw, salty vibe I remember. Fewer crowds, steady breeze, and the sound of waves instead of speakers? Chef’s kiss.
- Then there’s Ilig-iligan Beach—an underrated gem tucked away from the usual tourist circuit. No vendors. No parasails flying overhead. Just clear waters, soft sand, and the kind of silence you didn’t know you missed. Bring snacks and water if you plan to stay a while (there aren’t many shops here), but trust me—this beach is worth the detour.
- And of course, Diniwid Beach, my forever favourite. A short stroll from Station 1, it feels like a secret pocket of paradise—smaller, more intimate, and shaded by cliffs. I came here for sunset, and wow. It’s the kind of golden hour that makes you forget your inbox exists. Spider House Resort may be long gone (my go-to sunset spot back in the day), but the view? Still just as magical. Diniwid just knows how to slow down time.
- And let’s not forget Angol Beach, quietly tucked at the far end of Station 3. This one’s got that old-school Boracay feel—rustic, charming, and almost untouched. The sand here is just as powdery, but the crowd? Way thinner. It’s also where I kidnap my girlfriends for impromptu beach photoshoots—because the light hits just right, and no one’s around to photobomb. If you’re chasing that pre-Instagram version of the island, this is where you’ll find it.
If you're building an itinerary and want something more chill than thrill, these beaches are your go-to. No crowds, just vibes.
Lastly, Boracay Needs Your Help
While Boracay continues to shine as a world-class tourist destination, the reality behind the postcard is this: the island still struggles—especially during the low season. Small, local, family-run businesses often find it hard to reach even 75% occupancy, and humble restos that once defined Boracay’s charm are slowly being overshadowed by big-name fast food chains.
If there was ever a time to visit—and support local—it’s now. Your trip does more than just fill your camera roll with dreamy sunsets and beach snaps. It helps a family keep their inn open, a chef continue serving heirloom recipes, and a community thrive.
In my upcoming posts, I’ll be featuring a few of these hotels, accommodations, and restaurants that deserve the spotlight. So if you’re planning your next beach escape, maybe this is your sign to give Boracay another look—with fresh eyes and a full heart.
xOxO,
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