Finest Space to Keep in BORACAY? Station 1, 2, 3, Bulabog Seashore, 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 lodge choices. Quite the opposite, what makes it a tough activity is the sheer variety of decisions you’ll be bombarded with once you begin trying to find one. Alternative 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 could possibly make a extra knowledgeable determination. We’re additionally together with a listing of the properties now we have tried ourselves and the highest choices as ranked by on-line customers.

Geography of Boracay

Earlier than you go in search of lodging, it is very important be aware of the geography of Boracay, or not less than 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 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 trying out lodge and resort addresses. However for vacationers, it’s extra sensible to divide the island not by barangay however by seaside. Should you discover, Boracay’s shoreline is glazed with over a dozen seashores, probably the most well-known of that are White Seashore alongside the southwestern coast, Bulabog Seashore on the east, and Puka Seashore on the northernmost tip.

Probably the most noteworthy right here is White Seashore, which harbors the best focus of resorts and eating places as a result of it’s the most beautiful seaside in Boracay. If you Google pictures of Boracay, likelihood is you’ll be introduced with pictures of White Seashore, due to its powdery white sand glistening underneath the solar and crystal waters swaying in varied shades of blue.

White Seashore is additional divided intro three boat stations — Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3 — spanning two barangays. However all three share only one seaside. 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 downside. And for those who do, you’ll rapidly notice that every station has a definite character and set of benefits and downsides.

STATION 1 (White Seashore)

Finest for: accessible peace and quiet

Station 1 is probably the most stunning a part of White Seashore. It’s right here that you simply’ll discover the enduring Willy’s Rock (grotto) and the row of blue-sailed paraw boats which have turn out to be synonymous with the island.

However Station 1’s largest professional is its quietness. Take one other take a look at the map above. Station 1 is on the northern finish of White Seashore. 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 virtually sedating.

The catch is, it’s additionally the luxury aspect of White Seashore. A lot of the properties listed here 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 Seashore and the facilities of luxurious properties. Test Charges & Availability!
• Henann Crystal Sands Resort, the most effective of all of the Henann resorts in Boracay. The rooms are normal Henann, however its infinity pool is perched on the second flooring, overlooking the White Seashore and permitting a wonderful view of the sundown. Test Charges & Availability!

Sadly, many of the finances locations now we have 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 Motels in Station 1

STATION 2 (White Seashore)

Finest for: Nightlife, quick access to eating places and retailers, and total comfort

Station 2 is the epicenter of all of the motion in Boracay. It has the most important variety of resorts, 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 primary street widens, accommodating far more institutions nearer to the seaside. Should you stroll from the primary street to the coast, you’ll in all probability cross by or by not less than 4 resorts.

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

However this accessibility and busyness are additionally its predominant cons. It may well get loud and noisy right here, and it’s laborious to discover a spot or second of tranquility. Attempt strolling alongside the seaside and also you’ll be approached by touts numerous instances, providing an entire vary of companies from crystal kayak to henna tattoo to therapeutic massage.

In Station 2, now we have stayed on the following resorts and resorts, and we suggest all of them:

• Henann Park Resort, the newest Henann property to open to the general public, so every part nonetheless seems to be, feels, and smells recent and model new. It’s not beachfront however alongside the primary street so it’s accessible.Test Charges & Availability!
• Le Soleil de Boracay, unbelievable 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 primary street. Test Charges & Availability!
• 8Colors Seashore Home, a small boutique lodge simply accessible from the primary street and from the seaside. It’s not beachfront nevertheless it’s actually a stone’s throw from it. It’s additionally very budget-friendly. Test Charges & Availability!

High Motels in Station 2

STATION 3 (White Seashore)

Finest for: Finances vacationers who wish to keep near the seaside

Typically ignored, Station 3 occupies the southernmost finish of White Seashore. Station 3’s seaside is narrower and barely steeper.

Like Station 1, it is usually comparatively calm. Fewer retailers and eating places line the seaside and the streets, so the group additionally thins out. As I at all times say, for those who observe the group, 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 normally flip proper, to Station 1.

Whereas retailers and eating places are sparser in Station 3, it harbors most of White Seashore’s finances lodging, from smaller inns, backpacker’s hostels, and unbiased guesthouses. Years in the past, one might discover a room for less than 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 Motels in Station 3

STATION ZERO

Finest for: Luxurious vacationers in search of a extra personal expertise

Sure, Station Zero is a factor. However 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 Seashore’s three stations. However if truth be told, it refers to a very 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 Seashore instantly after it. On the far finish lies Banyugan Seashore, which serves because the personal seaside for company of Shangri-La Boracay. In between these two coves is Punta Bunga Seashore, 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 just a few folks get to entry this seaside. Room charges right here play inside the five-digit vary, beginning at PHP 11,000 per night time. And that’s simply the usual room. Suites can price greater 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 largely 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 for those who’re actually after luxurious, privateness, and impeccable service. It’s additionally nice for individuals who want to have a good time a particular or romantic event like honeymoon or anniversary.

High Resorts in Station 0

Bulabog Seashore

Finest for: Finances vacationers and water sport fans in search of an accessible beachfront place to remain

Whereas White Seashore glazes the western fringe of Boracay, Bulabog Seashore takes up a lot of its jap coast. However not like its extra well-liked counterpart, the sand right here isn’t one thing to put in writing house about. It’s largely rocky and coated in sea grass, which isn’t superb for swimming and solar bathing. Regardless, it’s nonetheless extremely scenic, due to its picturesque row of coconut timber which have been attracting Instagrammers left and proper.

Bulabog Seashore is well accessible from the primary street and even from White Seashore. From D’Mall, you need to be capable to attain Bulabog Seashore 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 choose you up within the space.

It’s additionally the primary playground for water sport fans. The seaside is lined by kitesurfing and parasailing places of work. But, regardless of the acute 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.

One of the best half, properties alongside Bulabog Seashore cost a lot decrease charges, usually half than these alongside White Seashore.

High Motels alongside Bulabog Seashore

Inland Areas

Finest for: Finances vacationers who don’t thoughts staying away from the seaside

It’s laborious to delineate what could be thought-about “inland”, for the aim of this text, we’re solely together with properties which can be situated within the space between Bulabog Seashore and the primary avenue. Which means, for those who’re coming from the port, it’s the world to the precise of the street.

And yep, this space, though removed from the seaside, additionally hosts quite a few resorts, resorts and residences 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 Seashore to have the ability to entry it. The primary street stems into a number of alleys that result in the seaside. One can merely waltz and sashay to the seaside.

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

• Villa D’enghien, a residential complicated with a separate condominium constructing the rooms of that are being rented out to vacationers. A few of the rooms are geared up with range, kitchenware and utensils. Sure, cooking is allowed (in some rooms). On our final journey, we booked a 1-bedroom condominium for less than PHP 1400 per night time.
• Dakong Amihan House, a Spanish colonial-style guesthouse that gives reasonably priced 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 workers, particularly the proprietor was.

High Inland Motels and Guesthouses

Boracay Newcoast

Finest for: Vacationers who want a extra quiet keep away from the group

Boracay Newcoast is the most recent tourism and resort growth 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 predominant vacationer spots.

Newcoast encompasses a 3 smaller now-private coves south of Ilig-Iligan Seashore and north of Lapuz-Lapuz Seashore. It additionally owns the land that serves as the primary entry level to the Cujo Keyhole, a postcard-worthy pure arch that has turn out to be a significant vacationer attraction. All these coves face east, offering a front-row seat to the spectacular Boracay dawn. Friends can even 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, probably the most outstanding of that are Savoy Lodge and Belmont Lodge. 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 should 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.

Motels at Boracay Newcoast

What’s the most effective space to remain?

One of the best space depends upon your finances and preferences. We now have 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 probably the most handy, location-wise. They’re additionally the most effective choose for those who’re in Boracay for nightlife.
• If finances is a predominant concern, think about staying at a spot in Station 3, Bulabog Seashore, or someplace additional inland. You’ll be able to simply discover reasonably priced resorts, inns, residences and guesthouses in these areas. Don’t fear about your lodge not being beachfront. It’s straightforward to get round Boracay and most seashores are open to the general public. You don’t want to remain in White Seashore to get entry to it.

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

Updates Log

2023 • 7 • 26: First up