101 things to do in Boracay

Listing the top 101 things to do in Boracay , a beautiful island getaway in the Philippines, was quite the task given that there are countless activities, watersports, and things to do in Boracay.  Jon from the team at BookBoracayHotels gave his view based on some of his recent experiences and we hope you find these an inspiration for your next visit to Boracay Island.

There are so many activities and things to do in Boracay beyond just lazing  and soaking up the sun on the beach. (Not that we don’t recommend that as well!)  See how many you can tick off on your next holiday to Boracay!

Visited Boracay before or think we have missed something off? Please let us know by commenting at the bottom of the blog or tweeting us @BookBoracay. We would love to hear from you!

So in no discernable order, is Jon’s list of top 101 things to do in Boracay.

Enjoy!!

1) Do Nothing

One of the popular pastimes for visitors to Boracay Island is to simply ‘do nothing’. It’s an opportunity to get away from it all and watch the world go by in your own little piece of paradise. Just lie back on the powdery white sand or under a palm tree and look out over the crystal blue waters and just…relax.

2) Float on the crystal blue waters of White Beach

Just lie back, arms and legs out on the water… and go “ahhhhhh”.

3)     Slurp down a delicious fruit shake at the famous Jonah’s Fruit Shake and Snack Bar

With or without milk these shakes are simply amazing with my personal favourite being Banana and Mango.  Jonah’s is famous among locals and travelers alike (and somewhat an institution on the island) and is open 24 hours. Located at Station 1 it is an absolute must for all visitors to Boracay.

3) Visit Willy’s Rock

An intriguingly shaped volcanic rock formation found on Station 1 of White Beach. It is synonymous with Boracay and is a must for all photo albums.  A shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary sits at the top of the rock formation.

4) Capture the picture perfect moment on camera with Boracay’s amazing sunsets

The sunsets on White Beach are some of the most spectacular sunsets I have seen anywhere. It seems as though half the island population descends on White Beach approaching sunset for either a romantic walk, or to try and get that perfect photo.

5) Go Parasailing at sunset

Or at anytime for that matter. Parasailing is available all day from White Beach. For a unique experience try and time your flight as the setting sun falls on the horizon for an unforgettable experience.

6) Watch the moon rise over Bulabog Beach

For something different, head over to the east side of Boracay Island and watch the moon rise up from behind the horizon as its glow lights up across the shimmering blue ocean.  A memorable sight to see – especially at full moon!

7) Go snorkeling at Crocodile Island

There are many good snorkeling spots around Boracay Island including Baling-hai Beach, Diniwid Beach and Crocodile Island.

Rest assured there are no crocodiles to be found at Crocodile Island – it has secured its name due to the rock formations, which make the island loosely look like a snoozing crocodile.  Instead, you’ll find an array of colorful tropical fish – that, in my experience – seemed to follow me curiously and nibble on my toes, instead of me following them!

A visit to Crocodile Island is usually included with the Island Hopping tours.  Be sure to bring some spare change with you to pay for snorkeling fees (approx Php20) to help preserve the reef.

8) Visit the island of Crystal Cove

Crystal Cove has turned into a mini tourist destination with self catering huts where you can bring a picnic and spend the day; hidden caves where you can take a dip; and some good snorkeling spots.

A visit to Crystal Cove is usually included with the Island Hopping Tours but requires a small entry fee to the island for its upkeep.

9) Take an Island Hopping Tour

Don’t confine yourself just to White Beach! There is much more to Boracay and this is a great way to see the different spots. Traveling around the island on a traditional banka, the tour usually includes a stop at Crystal Cove (see No 8).    You can also negotiate a stop at Puka Shell Beach, another beautiful stretch of beach on Boracay Island that has less tourists.

You will also have an opportunity to go snorkeling in the deeper waters near Crocodile Island (see no 7). This is one of the best spots to go snorkeling with a wide variety of sea life showcasing an amazing array of colours. On our last visit we were fortunate enough to even see a sea eel. Don’t forget to take some bread to excite the fish!

10) Visit Mt Luho

Take some time away from the beach and head inland to climb Boracay’s, modest but highest point, Mt Luho.  You can take in some panoramic views of the island including Fairways Golf Course.  Why not hire an ATV or motorcycle to negotiate the incline up?

11) Try Windsurfing at Bulabog Beach

The best time of year for Windsurfing is between November and April. Each year in January Boracay hosts the International Fun Board Cup which is part of the Asian Windsurfing tour.

12) Try Kite-Boarding

(See no 12 and click here for more on kite-boarding in Boracay)

13) Walk the full 4km of the amazing White Beach

Or even try running while juggling coconuts as I’ve seen one of the more enthusiastic/fitness fanatics do along White Beach! And no – it wasn’t me, I was sitting on the sun-chair drinking a fruit shake!

14) Watch the nightly fire dancers at Sand Bar by Bamboo Lounge

A great chill-out place with an array of good food… but best of all – the fire dancers who will amaze you with their co-ordination and tricks with fire sticks!

15) Take a ride on the banana boats

16) Go Helmet diving

An experience like no other as you walk along the sea floor wearing an underwater helmet which is connected to an oxygen tank on the surface.  A fun way to see the underwater life if you’re not a diver (or even if you are!).

Helmet Diving in Boracay

17) Go scuba diving

Boracay has 24 official dive spots with some of the best being:

Yapak 1 & 2 – Rich coral walls and sea life (2 is only for experienced divers)

Baling Hai Beach – Acropa table corals

Bel-at Beach – Stony corals and colorful wall reefs

Friday’s Rock – Famous for sea life and reef creatures such as Pincushion star fish, Moray eels and lagoon rays

Punta Bunga – Marine life encompassing angelfish, sea cucumners, butterfly fish and sea starts plus many more

The many scuba diving schools in Boracay cater for all levels and experience even if it is your first time

18) Take on Fly Fishing

Hold on tight as you get towed by a speedboat on an inflatable raft that becomes airborne as the boat picks up speed.  This is not for the faint hearted and provides exhilarating thrills and spills!

19) Go for a meal whilst you wriggle your feet in the powdery sand

Many of the restaurants jotted along White Beach are positioned right on the beach and you can sit with your feet in the sand, under candle light as the sea gently laps a few meters away.  There are so many options for restaurants and dining in Boracay - whether it’s international or local cuisine, you’ll be sure to find something that whets the appetite!

20) Have a massage on the beach

Is there anything more relaxing than lying on the beach and having the stresses melted further away with a massage? Many massage types are catered for including the traditional Filipino Hilot massage, Swedish massages and Shiatsu.

21) Treat yourself to a day spa

Boracay is famous for its Spa Houses with many ranging from budget through to luxurious including Tirta Spa and Mandala Spa and Villas.

22) Get a taste for the high life with a day pass at Shangri La’s Boracay Resort and Spa

Day passes can be purchased to visit this world-class resort.  Get access to facilities and have lunch in the resort for a nominated fee.

23) Looking for Action? Hire an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) and explore the island!

24) Get your name written in a bottle of sand with Sand-Art

Along the main beach path near D’Mall there are some amazingly skilled artists who can create a decorative and colorful sand bottle with your name written in the sand inside. Also makes a great gift for friends and family.

25) Hold on and take a Pedicab (also known as Tricycles)

The traditional mode of transport around the island and can get your from A to B for only a few pesos. Find out more about getting around Boracay Island.

26) Get a custom-made and unique t-shirt

The designs are actually painted on as you watch and can be found near the Lonely Planet shop near D’Mall.

27) Watch the famous Boracay sandcastles being built by talented locals

Have your photo taken in front of them for a small tip.  Don’t forget to look out for these being beautifully lit by candles at night time.

28) Or try building your own sandcastle!

Because of the thick but soft powdery nature of the sand it lends it self perfectly to building sandcastles. See if you can match the professionals!

29) Browse through the shops and market stalls surrounding D’Mall

It is acceptable to haggle a bit on price. But remember, don’t strive to achieve a high bargain. It is part of the local custom to negotiate on price but it should be a pleasurable experience which both parties gain from.

30) Have breakfast on the beach

31) Watch the live evening entertainment at some of the larger resorts around Station 2

32) Try the local cusine

Whilst Filipino cuisine is not globally renowned, local dishes taste amazing. My favorites include Chicken Adobo with rice, and Longganisa (pork sausage, like chorizo) most often served at breakfast.

33) Negotiate with the beach sellers for your chosen water activity

The more activities in Boracay you do with them, the better the deal they can offer you.

34) Take a sunset sail on a traditional Paraw

This is such a relaxing and beautiful experience.  Stretch yourself out on one of the wings of the Paraw boats and the smooth, gentle ride along with the spectacular sunset will certainly render you to a state of serenity.

35) Watch the Boracay Dive Olympics held in March

36) Have dinner in a cabana at Waling Waling Resort at Boat Station 1

37) Have a meal at Nami Resort

Nami Resort is situated on the cliff overlooking Diniwid Beach. From the minute you are collected by a small rickety lift at the bottom of the resort, to the moment you leave you are treated to exquisite service and food with some of the best views anywhere on the island.

38) Get a Puka Shell necklace from Puka Shell Beach made by the locals

39) Play Golf at the renowned Fairways & Bluewater Resort

Don’t forget to take in the great views from this golf course!

40) Go cliff jumping at Ariels Point

41) Sip a sunset cocktail and take advantage of happy hour at the bars and resorts

Happy hour usually starts around 5pm and can end around 7pm, and is usually on every night of the week.  Yes to Mango Daquiris (…or two)!!!

42) Take a romantic moonlit stroll along the beach

Enjoy the serenity and dip your toes in the still warm water while guiding your way by the moon and stars…

43) Dance the night away at one of several discos and clubs on White Beach

Boracay nightlife is definitely not to be missed for the party-goers. Some of the most popular discos include Cocomangas at Boat Station 1, Hey Jude, Club Paraw.

44) Take part in karaoke at one of the many bars

Filipinos just love to sing and join in the fun…

45) Dine at D’ Hobbit House

D’Hobbit House is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants on the island located in D’Mall.

46) Experience traditional Tinickling Dance

Every night at the restaurant at Friday’s Resort you can see and experience the traditional Filipino form of dance called Tinickling

47) Go skim boarding on the beach

48) Do a yoga class on the beach as the sun rises or sets

49) Take part in a Zumba class

Yes – there is even zumba on Boracay Island so you can keep fit and work off those one too many cocktails!

50) Go Mountain Biking

51) Rent a motorbike

52) Watch the Beach Soccer Cup in April

53) Take an inland tour of the island

54) Celebrate at the Full Moon party at Jungle Bar, Bulabog Beach

Not to be missed – you can celebrate the beautiful full moon rising over Bulabog Beach and listen to some native drum beats played by the locals.

55) Rent a Jet Ski

56) Go Water Rafting and Kayaking

Only 3 hours away at the Tibiao River in Antique you can go Water Rafting and Kayaking.

57) Have lunch at Baling Hai Beach

If you dine or stay at the Baling Hai Beach Resort you can have a meal at the private beach served by the resort’s restaurant at the top of the steps.  If you don’t feel like negotiating the steps, the food delivered to you by a rope pulley system. An unforgettable experience…

58) Just read a great book while relaxing under a palm tree…bliss

59) Visit the Bat Cave

This is located on the western end of the island and is home to many giant fruit bats.  You can hire a guide to take you, but visitors should be very mobile as you need to climb down some steep terrain, so caution needs to be exercised.  Oh… and you need to be tolerant of the intense odors of bat dung….

60) Have a massage in your room

Hotels will often offer an in-room massage service.  Or you can ask one of the beach-side massage ladies to visit your accommodation.

61) Souvenir and bargain hunt in D’Mall

This is the island’s main shopping hub located at Boat Station 2.  All the pasalubong (see here for more) you need is in-front of you in D’Mall.  Everything from fridge magnets, key rings, t-shirts, local capiz shell crafts, mother of pearl jewellery and native woodwork is available in D’Mall.

62) Go Horse Riding

63) Watch the amazing Dragon Boat races in May

64) Visit the Talipapa Markets

Here you will find the wet markets where you can get all your fresh seafood and other fresh produce.   Pick your seafood and have it cooked on the spot by one of the local restaurants.  You can easily access the markets from White Beach and find an array of other things such as souvenirs.  Prices are negotiable.

65) See the Butterflies at Boracay Butterfly Garden

66) Time your visit with the Ati-Atihan Festival

67) Go to the Sinag Village where the locals live in the interior of the Island

68) Experience the Dead Forest

Located at the southern end of Bulabog Beach, this forest has folkloric tales attached such as supernatural occurrences, especially around the full moon.

69) Whack some balls at the Royal Park Golf range

70) Try out the latest craze: Zorbing in Boracay

Visit more than just White Beach and see some of Boracay’s other beautiful beaches:

71) Diniwid Beach (near Boat Station 1)

72) Bulabog Beach (on the East Side of Boracay Island where kiteboarding championships are held)

73) Puka Shell Beach

74) Baling Hai Beach

75) Cagban Beach

76) Tulubhan Beach

77) Try out the Zipline at Fairways & Blue Water

78) Play Beach Frisbee

79) Take a Kayak out on the waters around the Island

80) Go Sport Fishing

81) Visit the Kar-Tir Shell Museum showcasing the most amazing shells found on the island

82) Find beautiful and unique jewelry to take back home

Whether it’s a vendor on White Beach selling you their hand made jewellery, or an artisanal shop near Nigi Nigi Noo Noos, or a shop at D’Mall, there is a large range of jewellery.  You can find everything from freshwater pearls, to coral jewellery, to Puka Shell anklets to Mother of Pearl bangles.

83) See the Sand Lantern Contest in March

84) Experience the Manoc-Manoc fiesta in May

85) Experience New Year Boracay Style

86) Visit the Nigi Nigi Nu Noos Garden

87) Like Cigars? Then visit Captain Haddock

88) Celebrate Halloween in Boracay

If you like a good fancy dress party, this is definitely not to be missed.  Resorts, bars and clubs will host great parties where costumes are certainly not done half-heartedly.  Kids will have a great time too with resorts participating in trick or treat.  Halloween is certainly turning into an iconic event in Boracay.

89) Play Tennis at Tirol Beach Resort

90) See Boracay Rock and Little Boracay Rock

Situated of the islands western coast, these two well-known landmarks are visible from Bulabog Beach.

91) See the live Coral Beds

You don’t need to be a diver to see this amazing piece of nature. Situated past the rocks at the southern most tip of White Beach, coral of diverse shapes, sizes and colors may be observed.

92) Email friends and family some photos of you doing some of these activities in paradise!

Even in Paradise you may need to be able to ‘get online’ and this won’t be a problem. There are a number of internet cafes plus many hotels and resorts provide Wi-Fi in communal areas  or rooms.  The Tourist Information Center also provides an internet and communications centre where you can get in touch with loved ones back home.

93) Play beach volleyball

94) Drink plenty of Sago

A traditional local drink made of agar-agar, sago , crushed ice, water and sugar. When bought at hawker stalls, it comes served in a plastic cup or even plastic bags. You won’t need desert after this drink!

95) Try a Buko Shake

Freshly picked coconut, with the top cut off and a straw stuck in the top.

96) Get married in Boracay (just imagine the spectacular photo backdrop!)

97) Have your Honeymoon in Boracay

What better place than paradise?? Enough said!

98) Go Wall Climbing at Pink Patio

Located at Patio Pacific Hotel, you can climb the 40-foot vertical wall.  Instructors and equipment are on hand.

99) Get a Henna Tattoo or Hair Braid from one of the local beach-side vendors

100) Visit the Kingfisher Farm

The only, albeit humble, theme park on the island. It is located in Lugotan, Manoc-Manoc

101) For the Nocturnal Creatures or Party Animals – chill at one of the bars listening to reggae music

You can hang out at one of the bars offering live music such as Hey Jude or Red Pirates and watch the sunrise before going to bed….

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Phew!  Hopefully there are a few activities in there to occupy your time and keep you entertained…. I don’t think I’ve even covered all of them yet.

We’d love to hear some more of your suggestions of things to do in Boracay so please comment below.

And for those who haven’t visited Boracay Island yet – you will never be at a loss with this list of 101 things to do in Boracay… so what are you waiting for??  Come on over to Boracay Island and book your accommodation online now.