oracay closed for a few months (yes, apparently even islands can close like 7elevens). I haven’t been since it reopened all sparkling and clean.

However, when I went (in 2017) it wasn’t all that bad. Some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches I’ve seen, that easily compete with some of Thailand’s busier beaches. And a few upscale hotels to lounge around at.

Where it let you down was that every square inch behind the beach was filled with little shops and places that made it feel anything but an island retreat.

You can also get up early in the morning and make your way down the beach to the Holy Mother Mary grotto.

The rest of the days you can spend splashing in your hotel pool, sleeping under blankets in your room or even sitting on the beach avoiding the sun and flies. Boracay is best if you go with a group of friends so that you can split up in pairs and go shopping while the boys sit at the bar and drink.

1. Things to see

Beach, beach and more beach – sand, sun and just relaxing are the allure of Boracay.

Great evening light (no filter)

The beach

Around Boracay

Pink float and blue water

Clear skies

Sleeping late

More beach life

Cloudy

2. Nightlife

What nightlife there is, leaned mainly towards the open air, live music band type places. Bamboo walls and disco lighting. There was no-place (when I was there) that offered air-conditioning and a real club atmosphere.

But, beach bars have their appeal if you’re just hanging with friends and sipping drinks.

3. Spend

There’s plenty of island gear for sale, t-shirts, shorts, towels, swimsuits, and everything you would imagine that could be branded with Boracay.

4. Food

It was weird to see a McDonald’s right on the island, but indeed – it’s there. There were plenty of good restaurants on the beachfront that offered a mix of Filipino and western fare. You won’t go hungry here. Also, lots of places to stock up on snacks for your room and minibar.

5. Getting Around

Getting in, was a little weird. To get to our upscale hotel we had to let porters drag our expensive luggage through deep puddles, sand, and everything else – it was a long way from where we got dropped off to the hotel, I don’t think our suitcases have ever been the same. The same going out if your luggage has wheels they will do their best to roll them through the sand like a wheelbarrow.

Once on the island, everything is pretty much within walking distance.

6. Costs

The main cost would be your hotel. Try to find somewhere as comfortable as possible, preferably with a pool that has some shade, and a room with some cold air-conditioning so you can escape the heat of the island in summer. Food and drinks were relatively cheap for a resort island and you have lots of options.

7. Tips

Pack light and carry your luggage

I don’t know how the new and improved Boracay looks, I might have to go back for a second look. Hopefully, they’ve cleaned up some of the overwhelming sales shacks, improved the roads and made it more like some of the Thai resorts.