Finest Space to Keep in BORACAY? Station 1, 2, 3, Bulabog Seaside, Newcoast Comparability

One of many hardest a part of planning a visit to Boracay is selecting a spot to remain. It’s true, however not as a result of there are not any first rate resort choices. Quite the opposite, what makes it a troublesome job is the sheer variety of decisions you’ll be bombarded with whenever you begin looking for one. Selection paralysis realness.

The place is the most effective space to remain in Boracay? There is no such thing as a short-and-sweet reply to this. However no worries, on this article, we’ll break down the important thing areas in Boracay and spotlight the professionals and cons for every, so you would make a extra knowledgeable determination. We’re additionally together with an inventory of the properties we’ve got tried ourselves and the highest choices as ranked by on-line customers.

Geography of Boracay

Earlier than you go on the lookout for lodging, you will need to be aware of the geography of Boracay, or at the very least the very fundamental of it. Boracay is sort of small — a lot smaller than Bali or Phuket or Palawan. However it’s bursting on the seams with doable lodging choices.

Check out this map:

The landmass protruding from the decrease proper nook is Caticlan, a part of mainland Aklan. Caticlan serves as the first gateway to Boracay. Right here, you’ll discover each the Caticlan Worldwide Airport (aka Boracay Airport) and the Caticlan Jetty Port (sea port). Each vacationer in Boracay passes by means of Caticlan.

Naturally, the passenger ports in Boracay — Cagban Port and Tambisaan Port — are alongside the sting closest to Caticlan.

You’ll additionally discover that Boracay is split into three barangays (villages): Yapak, Bulabog, and Manoc-Manoc. You’ll encounter these barangay names when testing resort and resort addresses. However for vacationers, it’s extra sensible to divide the island not by barangay however by seashore. Should you discover, Boracay’s shoreline is glazed with over a dozen seashores, essentially the most well-known of that are White Seaside alongside the southwestern coast, Bulabog Seaside on the east, and Puka Seaside on the northernmost tip.

Probably the most noteworthy right here is White Seaside, which harbors the best focus of motels and eating places as a result of it’s the most gorgeous seashore in Boracay. Once you Google photographs of Boracay, chances are high you’ll be introduced with photos of White Seaside, because of its powdery white sand glistening beneath the solar and crystal waters swaying in numerous shades of blue.

White Seaside is additional divided intro three boat stations — Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3 — spanning two barangays. However all three share only one seashore. There is no such thing as a bodily border between them. Which means, you possibly can stroll alongside the shore from one station to a different with none drawback. And if you happen to do, you’ll rapidly understand that every station has a definite character and set of benefits and downsides.

STATION 1 (White Seaside)

Finest for: accessible peace and quiet

Station 1 is essentially the most stunning a part of White Seaside. It’s right here that you simply’ll discover the long-lasting Willy’s Rock (grotto) and the row of blue-sailed paraw boats which have change into synonymous with the island.

However Station 1’s greatest professional is its quietness. Take one other have a look at the map above. Station 1 is on the northern finish of White Seaside. Simply subsequent to it’s Station 2, the busiest space in Boracay. The farther you progress from Station 2, the calmer it will get. Therefore, the southern finish of Station 1 can nonetheless get a bit loud at instances, particularly within the morning. Station 1 is house to one of many two leaping off factors for island hopping excursions. (The opposite one is in Station 1.)

However the northernmost tip, close to the so-called Lambros Level, is so silent, it’s nearly sedating.

The catch is, it’s additionally the luxurious aspect of White Seaside. Many of the properties listed below are on the upper finish of the worth spectrum. However there are just a few exceptions, particularly the hostels close to the border with Station 2.

We had been capable of strive the next:

• The Lind Boracay, an upscale resort that mixes the proximity to White Seaside and the facilities of luxurious properties. Verify Charges & Availability!
• Henann Crystal Sands Resort, the most effective of all of the Henann resorts in Boracay. The rooms are customary Henann, however its infinity pool is perched on the second flooring, overlooking the White Seaside and permitting a wonderful view of the sundown. Verify Charges & Availability!

Sadly, a lot of the funds locations we’ve got tried right here have closed down after the clearing operations performed in 2018. We’ve additionally tried Frendz Hostel, which is technically in Station 2 however close to the Station 1 border, so it’s not as hectic.

High Accommodations in Station 1

STATION 2 (White Seaside)

Finest for: Nightlife, easy accessibility to eating places and retailers, and total comfort

Station 2 is the epicenter of all of the motion in Boracay. It has the biggest variety of motels, resorts, bars, eating places, and retailers. Why? Should you take one other look on the map, you’ll discover that on this a part of the island, the gap between the shoreline and the principle highway widens, accommodating way more institutions nearer to the seashore. Should you stroll from the principle highway to the coast, you’ll most likely go by or by means of at the very least 4 resorts.

In reality, it’s right here in Station 2 that you simply’ll discover D’Mall, which might be the only busiest space in the complete island. It’s additionally essentially the most accessible as most transportation companies decide up, drop off, or terminate round right here. Should you keep in Station 2, nearly each important focal point is inside strolling distance.

However this accessibility and busyness are additionally its important cons. It will probably get loud and noisy right here, and it’s onerous to discover a spot or second of tranquility. Strive strolling alongside the seashore and also you’ll be approached by touts numerous instances, providing a complete vary of companies from crystal kayak to henna tattoo to therapeutic massage.

In Station 2, we’ve got stayed on the following resorts and motels, and we suggest all of them:

• Henann Park Resort, the newest Henann property to open to the general public, so every part nonetheless appears to be like, feels, and smells contemporary and model new. It’s not beachfront however alongside the principle highway so it’s accessible.Verify Charges & Availability!
• Le Soleil de Boracay, improbable location — beachfront and near D’Mall — however surprisingly quiet contained in the rooms. It additionally stands alongside an alley, making it accessible by e-trike or different car from the principle highway. Verify Charges & Availability!
• 8Colors Seaside Home, a small boutique lodge simply accessible from the principle highway and from the seashore. It’s not beachfront nevertheless it’s actually a stone’s throw from it. It’s additionally very budget-friendly. Verify Charges & Availability!

High Accommodations in Station 2

STATION 3 (White Seaside)

Finest for: Funds vacationers who need to keep near the seashore

Typically neglected, Station 3 occupies the southernmost finish of White Seaside. Station 3’s seashore is narrower and barely steeper.

Like Station 1, it is usually comparatively calm. Fewer retailers and eating places line the seashore and the streets, so the gang additionally thins out. As I at all times say, if you happen to observe the gang, you’ll by no means attain Station 3. That’s as a result of these coming from Station 1 get exhausted by the point they make it to Station 2. And people coming from Station 2 often flip proper, to Station 1.

Whereas retailers and eating places are sparser in Station 3, it harbors most of White Seaside’s funds lodging, from smaller inns, backpacker’s hostels, and impartial guesthouses. Years in the past, one might discover a room for under PHP 500 an evening, however I’m undecided if that’s nonetheless doable nowadays.

In Station 3, you’ll additionally spot a floating jetty, one of many two boarding spots for island hopping excursions. (The opposite one is in Station 1.)

High Accommodations in Station 3

STATION ZERO

Finest for: Luxurious vacationers on the lookout for a extra personal expertise

Sure, Station Zero is a factor. Nevertheless it’s not an official identify. It’s only a nickname bestowed upon as a result of it’s technically on the identical aspect as White Seaside’s three stations. However actually, it refers to a totally separate cove.

Confused? Okay, maintain on. I’ll attempt to clarify it. Past Station 1 on the identical aspect of the island, you’ll discover a sequence of smaller coves together with the famed Diniwid Seaside instantly after it. On the far finish lies Banyugan Seaside, which serves because the personal seashore for visitors of Shangri-La Boracay. In between these two coves is Punta Bunga Seaside, also referred to as Station 0, a strip of sand shared by three luxurious resorts: Shangri-La Boracay (sure, it sits between two coves), Crimson Resort and Spa, and Movenpick Resort and Spa.

These are all high-end resorts, so only some folks get to entry this seashore. Room charges right here play throughout the five-digit vary, beginning at PHP 11,000 per night time. And that’s simply the usual room. Suites can price increased than PHP 30,000 per night time. Tremendous posh villas can set you again as much as PHP 70,000 per night time. Sure, these are principally for the wealthy and well-known, however the general public I do know who’ve stayed at any of those say that they’re price it, particularly if you happen to’re actually after luxurious, privateness, and impeccable service. It’s additionally nice for many who want to have fun a particular or romantic event like honeymoon or anniversary.

High Resorts in Station 0

Bulabog Seaside

Finest for: Funds vacationers and water sport fans on the lookout for an accessible beachfront place to remain

Whereas White Seaside glazes the western fringe of Boracay, Bulabog Seaside takes up a lot of its jap coast. However in contrast to its extra common counterpart, the sand right here isn’t one thing to write down house about. It’s principally rocky and coated in sea grass, which isn’t best for swimming and solar bathing. Regardless, it’s nonetheless extremely scenic, because of its picturesque row of coconut timber which have been attracting Instagrammers left and proper.

Bulabog Seaside is well accessible from the principle highway and even from White Seaside. From D’Mall, it is best to have the ability to attain Bulabog Seaside ON FOOT in round 5 minutes, supposing you don’t have mobility points. The terrain is usually flat. Whereas some properties entail a little bit of strolling, e-trikes and multi-cabs can conveniently drop you off or decide you up within the space.

It’s additionally the principle playground for water sport fans. The seashore is lined by kitesurfing and parasailing places of work. But, regardless of the intense actions and proximity to D’Mall, it stays quiet and fosters an environment that could be a far cry from the chaos in Station 2.

The perfect half, properties alongside Bulabog Seaside cost a lot decrease charges, usually half than these alongside White Seaside.

High Accommodations alongside Bulabog Seaside

Inland Areas

Finest for: Funds vacationers who don’t thoughts staying away from the seashore

It’s onerous to delineate what may be thought of “inland”, for the aim of this text, we’re solely together with properties which might be situated within the space between Bulabog Seaside and the principle road. Which means, if you happen to’re coming from the port, it’s the realm to the suitable of the highway.

And yep, this space, though removed from the seashore, additionally hosts quite a few motels, resorts and flats that gained’t break the financial institution.

I’m the kind of traveler that doesn’t thoughts staying at non-beachfront properties, particularly in Boracay. The reality is, you don’t want to remain close to White Seaside to have the ability to entry it. The principle highway stems into a number of alleys that result in the seashore. One can merely waltz and sashay to the seashore.

In reality, I’ve stayed a number of instances in an inland space close to Station 2. I don’t know precisely what this zone is named however it may be reached by turning onto a steep road. It’s the place these two properties stand:

Villa D’enghien, a residential advanced with a separate condominium constructing the rooms of that are being rented out to vacationers. A number of the rooms are outfitted with range, kitchenware and utensils. Sure, cooking is allowed (in some rooms). On our final journey, we booked a 1-bedroom condominium for under PHP 1400 per night time.

Dakong Amihan House, a Spanish colonial-style guesthouse that provides inexpensive bed-and-breakfast lodging. It sits simply subsequent to Villa D’enghien. It’s been years since I stayed right here, however I nonetheless keep in mind how heat the employees, particularly the proprietor was.

High Inland Accommodations and Guesthouses

Boracay Newcoast

Finest for: Vacationers who want a extra quiet steer clear of the gang

Boracay Newcoast is the most recent tourism and resort improvement undertaking by Megaworld. Spanning 150 hectares of hilly landcape, it’s tucked within the northeastern coast of the island. Consider it as a township indifferent from all of the hustle and bustle of the island’s important vacationer spots.

Newcoast encompasses a 3 smaller now-private coves south of Ilig-Iligan Seaside and north of Lapuz-Lapuz Seaside. It additionally owns the land that serves as the principle entry level to the Cujo Keyhole, a postcard-worthy pure arch that has change into a serious vacationer attraction. All these coves face east, offering a front-row seat to the spectacular Boracay dawn. Visitors may also be part of a FREE dawn tour that may take you to 2 of their personal seashores.

Extra institutions have additionally been sprouting alongside its lanes, essentially the most outstanding of that are Savoy Resort and Belmont Resort. Each Savoy and Belmont are well-appointed 4-star properties that may make your keep extra snug, extra enjoyable, and extra particular. For the standard room at both, you’ll need to shell out PHP 4000-6000 an evening.

Boracay Newcoast additionally has a meals market and an enormous tent that may be a venue for conferences, company occasions, and even private ones like weddings.

Accommodations at Boracay Newcoast

What’s the most effective space to remain?

The perfect space will depend on your funds and preferences. We have now tried staying at the entire areas talked about above, and every has its personal strengths.

• Should you’re rolling in cash and would love a extra peaceable, extra personal keep, select the posh resorts at Station Zero.
• Should you want to keep someplace secluded however you possibly can solely afford one thing mid-range, Boracay Newcoast is an effective various.
• Should you’re after accessibility and proximity to every part, select Station 1 or 2. These two boat stations are essentially the most handy, location-wise. They’re additionally the most effective decide if you happen to’re in Boracay for nightlife.
• If funds is a important concern, take into account staying at a spot in Station 3, Bulabog Seaside, or someplace additional inland. You possibly can simply discover inexpensive motels, inns, flats and guesthouses in these areas. Don’t fear about your resort not being beachfront. It’s simple to get round Boracay and most seashores are open to the general public. You don’t want to remain in White Seaside to get entry to it.

As for me, my private decide is Station 1 or Station 2 — beachfront or not — primarily due to comfort.

Updates Log

2023 • 7 • 26: First up