The tropical island paradise of Boracay in Aklan is one of the first destinations that reopened to domestic tourists during the COVID era in the Philippines. Well-known for having a long stretch of powdery white sand beach, crystal clear waters, a stunning sunset and a wide variety of hotels, resorts and restaurants to choose from, Boracay has always been one of the top tourist destinations in the country.

READ MORE: ABS-CBN: What to expect if you’re planning to visit Boracay this summer

Boracay officially reopened last October 1, 2020 with health and safety measures in place for leisure travelers. Unlike some destinations within and near Metro Manila that still impose age restrictions, Boracay accepts travelers of all ages, including kids and senior citizens, provided they are healthy and COVID-free.

Hotels, resorts and local establishments have also complied with the safety guidelines including contact tracing, temperature checks and limiting their capacity, so visitors can enjoy one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world minus the typical pre-pandemic tourist crowds.

The island has gone through a lot of changes since it underwent a 6-month rehabilitation in 2018 and from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many establishments have shut down and activities that Boracay used to be known for in the past, such as wild-all night drinking parties, sandcastles, and firedancers on the beach, are no longer allowed. Because of pandemic restrictions, large parties and organized sports events are not allowed either.

With the lockdown dragging on for almost a year and the summer season just around the corner, more city-based folk will probably be interested in revisiting Boracay just to take a break from their quarantine routine and finally get a dose of Vitamin Sea.

If you’ve avoided going to Boracay in the past because you thought it was too commercialized or crowded, this more peaceful and #BetterBoracay as it is right now will probably appeal to you as it did for us. With international borders still closed, Boracay currently offers a serene getaways for couples, families, and small groups of friends who want to enjoy a refreshing getaway and celebrate special occasions.

Please take note that traveling for leisure during this time is still risky, but with proper medical testing before trips and if everyone does their part to follow minimum safety standards, the risk for transmission is reduced. I’m extremely grateful for our safe trip and that we got to experience the raw beauty of the island despite the ongoing pandemic.

Travel requirements under the new normal

NOTE: Details below are as of late February 2021 for domestic tourists only. International travel is is still not allowed. Travel requirements could be further eased in the months to come following the latest IATF guidelines on imposing uniform travel requirements across all LGUs.

For updated guidelines, check out this Boracay Covid-19 Travel Guide Requirements compiled by Boracay Compass, which contains updates on the latest situation.

There’s no need to physically line up in your respective cities just to get a barangay certificate, medical clearance certificate, Joint COVID PNP Shield Travel Pass, to acquire unnecessary and repetitive travel requirements needed to enter destinations that haven’t officially reopened yet, making Boracay a relatively easy destination to visit in the pandemic era. These are all you need.

Negative RT-PCR test result taken 72 hours before departure

Currently, the island accepts RT-PCR test results taken 48 – 72 hours before departure. We took the swab test on a Sunday morning for a Wednesday afternoon arrival date. The results were sent directly by email on Monday afternoon.

Aside from the actual swab test done at a clinic, which takes five minutes for the actual collection process at your appointed timeslot, the requirements can all be sent and paid for online for faster transactions. Talks are currently in place to accept results from the less invasive Saliva RT-PCR test in the future, which also has a faster processing time.

Confirmed hotel booking

You need to present a confirmed hotel booking from DOT-accredited hotels.

Proof of identification with Philippine residency

Any government-issued ID that shows your residence.

Round trip flight/travel details

As of this writing, there are currently 6 flights a day to Boracay aboard major carriers including PAL, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia. Flights can be easily booked online.

Online Health Declaration Card with Tourist QR Code

• Access and fill out the Online Health Declaration in the link: http://aklan.gov.ph. Choose Boracay in the “Where To” Page. Upon submission, a confirmation with instructions will be displayed.
• Send a copy of your RT-PCR Negative Results, Confirmed Hotel Booking Form and Proof of Identification to touristboracay@gmail.com using the email subject “OHDC-(Your Family Name), (Your First Name)”. Multiple tourist documents can be sent to this email, kindly include a list of names in your party.
• Wait for an email response from the Local Government or Final Validator. Processing will take at least 12 hours with the completion of the requirements.
• If the processing is successful, you will be sent a copy of the HDC with Tourist QR Code. Kindly always keep this with you, with a printed or digital copy. The QR Code will be used in the entry port as well in accessing services in the island.
• If processing is unsuccessful, additional submission of the requirements or clarification may be asked from you.

Once you have filled the health declaration card and submitted all documents by email, you will be issued a Boracay Tourist QR code. I got mine less than 10 minutes after submitting all the documents online. Have a printout and keep a copy of your QR Code on your phone and a Valid ID always ready to present at the different entry and exit ports.

How to get to Boracay

The Caticlan Airport is the only port of entry for tourists traveling by land, air, or sea. The IATF has implemented a “one entrance, one exit” policy, making it easier to monitor the number of visitors currently on the island, especially since there is a daily tourist cap in place.

Domestic air travel has not yet normalized in many destinations around the Philippines and flights may be limited. As of this writing, there 6 flights a day to Boracay aboard major carriers including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia, who are all offering low fare promo rates just to encourage people to travel by air again.

Our tickets via AirAsia cost P2,128.68 per person for roundtrip low fare rate. Seats were auto-assigned, but due to the lower volume of passengers, some passengers were allowed to transfer to sit apart from other passengers for social distancing. This may not always be the case and it’s still possible that you will be seated right next to strangers.

Airlines require all passengers, staff, and crew to wear both face masks and face shields properly while inside the airport and on board the plane for the duration of the flight. You can take these off if you avail of the inflight meals.

A new (very welcome) rule is passengers are asked to deplane by rows of three starting from the front and are no longer allowed to stand up and crowd in the aisle to get their bags as soon as the plane lands. Crowd control is done in airports to ensure social distancing.

While there are less people traveling by air these days, delays are to be expected due to quarantine procedures and document checks in the airports. It’s better to have printouts as well as e-copies of everything (including your RT ticket, health declaration card, RT-PCR test results, hotel booking form, etc.) to show to airport officials.

Upon arriving in Caticlan, there’s another round of documentation checks as port officials scan your Tourist QR code and ID to verify all your travel documents are in order. 

Social distancing in public transportation is being enforced even in the ferry boat taking you from Caticlan jetty port to Boracay island, meaning trips are less crowded and more comfortable. 

Hotels usually provide complimentary van service for their checked-in guests and a concierge to help guide people through the process. Once you get to your hotel, you can easily walk along the beach to all the destinations or make use of the e-trike public transportation of the island. Fare on the e-trike costs about P20 person. 

Vehicles have a “no mask, no boarding” policy and can only allow a maximum of two (2) passengers on tricycles and a maximum of four passengers on e-trikes.

New Beach Regulations

Even before the pandemic, Boracay underwent a rehab period to ensure the island’s preservation because of the influx of tourists. Boracay is now enforcing new beach regulations, which I think are a positive move that will contribute to the overall experience for all tourists and locals:

• No littering
• No smoking
• No drinking of alcohol on the beach (you can drink in restaurants and bars)
• No illegal drugs
• No excessively loud music
• No pets
• No fire dancing
• No building of sandcastles
• No structures and furniture

While it may seem to lessen the previous “beach party vibe” this way, you can still enjoy the beauty of the shore and the wide beach, lie down on the sand and go swimming without any obstructions. Just bring your own towel and beach cloth and you’re all set.

Top Sights / Things to Do in Boracay

While in Boracay, I didn’t feel like our movement was being restricted or limited. Except for the fact that you have to wear masks when entering establishments and walking along the beach when there are other people nearby, you can still enjoy most of the activities that nature-based island activities Boracay has to offer such as sunset sailing, helmet diving, parasailing, kitesurfing, island-hopping and more with just a reduced capacity.

Go paraw sailing during sunset

The Sunset Paraw Sailing is a classic Boracay experience. Because of social distancing requirements, they can only accept a max of 4 people per boat instead of the usual 8 pax. Two people can sit on each side of the boat, which adds to the peaceful vibe of the activity.

However, this has also driven up the cost of the experience per person, as you’ll be splitting the cost of the entire boat. Depending on where you book it (and if you can find other people to split costs with), tourists can expect to pay anywhere from P1,500 to P4,500 to charter the entire boat. 

Go on an island-hopping tour

The cost of regular island-hopping joiner’s tours has been lowered in a bid to encourage more tourists to join. According to hotel staff, island-hopping now costs only P750 per person down from the previous P1,500 for joiners tours, inclusive of lunch. However, it may be more expensive for families and groups who would like to charter private tours for their own peace of mind.

The island-hopping tour typically makes 4 stops and usually provides free use of snorkeling equipment and buffet BBQ and seafood lunch. For those who want to go snorkeling, invest in your own snorkel gear. While tour operators still lend out the goggles for free, they no longer lend the mouthpieces for hygiene purposes, which can make snorkeling difficult.

Buffets and boodle fights are currently not allowed during island-hopping tours due to pandemic restrictions. They now serve plated meals, which are really more hygienic and generate less food waste.

Stroll along the White Beach

Boracay’s White Beach stretches for about 4 kilometers, so one of the things you can do is to take a long walk on the beach. Walk towards Station 1 to see Willy’s Rock, a grotto and major landmark of the island. The beach is very walkable and wide enough for everyone to have their own private spot to enjoy a dip.

Bring a towel to lounge on the beach all morning or afternoon if you want. You can also enjoy low-impact water activities like stand-up paddle boarding or breach frisbee.

Go souvenir shopping at D’Mall & D’Talipapa

Before you head home, you can also go shop for the usual t-shirts, mugs, clothes and souvenirs at D’Mall, an open-air mall in Station 2, at the center of White Beach. Many shops are still closed, but others have reopened.

D’Talipapa, a 10-minute walk from D’Mall, also has souvenir stalls, but is more known as a seafood restaurant haven. You can also get a massage, get your hair braided or get a henna tattoo along the beach.

Go food-tripping and bar-hopping on the beach

Tourists can just walk-in and dine in any of the beachfront restaurants and bars without making prior reservations. Temperature checks and contact tracing are done by the entrance. Get your fill of fruit shakes, pizza, seafood, beach grub, beer and more.

Where to stay in Boracay

Boracay is really known for its range of accommodations from upscale resorts with their own private beaches to budget-friendly inns and family-style resorts. Many premium luxury hotels have slashed their room prices and are offering promos and package deals to attract tourists once again. 

Hue Hotel and Resorts Boracay

While in Boracay, we stayed in Hue Hotels and Resorts, a relatively new hotel in about five minutes from the beach in Station 2 that boasts of contemporary architecture complemented by wide open spaces and a picturesque swimming pool in the middle.

The hotel has stepped up their sanitation procedures and limit the seating areas per table in their dining and common areas and elevators. The current low occupancy rate means you get to enjoy hotel amenities such as the picturesque swimming pool all to yourself or your private group.

The 128-room lifestyle resort offers a vibrant and relaxing getaway ideal for couples, families, or group trips. The hotel property has a range of dining and retail options at the ground floor, including an in-house poolside bar, and cozy lounge area called Station X, ensuring stay will be as colorful as possible.

The hotel currently has a “We Got Hue” promo that includes three days and two nights room accommodation and breakfast and the RT-PCR Test Package (results available within 48 hours) for two persons for just P10,600 nett. Tourists can book the promo deal until May 31, 2021 with stays valid until June 30, 2021. The promo also has an unlimited rebooking option at least seven days prior to arrival.

For bookings, visit their website: https://www.boracay.thehuehotel.com

Where to eat & drink in Boracay

It’s evident from walking along the beach that many restaurants in Boracay (mostly big chains and fast food joints like Starbucks, Shakey’s, McDonald’s, 7-11, Gerry’s Grill, etc.) have cut their losses and permanently shut down. But there are still a lot of establishments serving a range of local and international cuisine that you can patronize now.

Smaller homegrown businesses and cafes that have persevered make sure to practice safety measures such as limiting their seating capacity, while still making the dining experience pleasant for guests. Most beachfront restos are al fresco with open-air/outdoor seating. Menus may be limited as restos have had to scale down their offerings due to logistical costs of shipping for fresh or specialized ingredients. 

Nonie’s, located within Hue Hotel Boracay, offers a variety of healthy dishes including vegetarian, vegan-friendly & gluten-free options. They also offer Indian cuisine from new concept Little Taj, the only Indian food on the island.

We enjoyed the Tempeh Grain Bowl with adlai, Chicken Tikka Masala & Paratha. The friendly restaurant also makes their own in-house Kombucha.

La-ud, the main dining spot at Hue Hotel & Resort, which serves complimentary breakfasts for guest, also serves a variety of delicious dishes on their menu.

All the dishes we we tried (Seafood Romesco Pasta, Cajun Shrimp Sandwich, Mixed Seafood Chowder, Vegan Vegetable Moussaka, and Buffalo Wings) were excellent. View their full menu here.

The poolside bar currently has ongoing promos for the use of the pool and happy hour packages.

Some hotels and restaurants are still offering breakfast or seafood dinner buffets in an assisted set-up, where masked servers directly handle the food and give plates to guests, instead of everyone serving themselves. 

For craft beer enthusiasts, Los Indios Bravos located within White House Resort in Station 1, is the only nine-tap wall on theisland. They currently serve beer from Nipa Brew, Boondocks, Engkanto and more. It’s best to double-check with restaurants and make table reservations, because the hours displayed on some Facebook pages may not be updated or may change depending on the expected guests.

While the nightlife is (understandably) not as vibrant as it once, you can still get a hint of the fun island party vibe in places like Epic and Om bar. Don’t expect to do all-nighter drinking sprees like before, but you can still chill out and enjoy drinking out safely and responsibly. 

Plan your meals and drinking sessions on the island earlier than usual as some establishments close early and start taking last orders around 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. (especially during weekdays). 

Travel Tips / Things to know when visiting Boracay in the new normal

• Airfare and hotels in Boracay have slashed prices to attract more tourists and to cater to the domestic travelers.
• Aside from a confirmed hotel booking, you don’t really need to have to a fixed itinerary when going to Boracay. You can make arrangements or book tours once you get there, making this a good option for DIY travelers.
• Tourists must wear facemasks when in transit during island-hopping tours when traveling in the presence of other tourists
• Face shields may be required in some enclosed spaces and while riding an e-trike, though most beachfront restaurants are well-ventilated, so there’s no need for a face shield
• Guests must always bring a copy of their Tourist QR code for scanning in case asked. Not all restaurants have QR scanners, but most have logbooks instead for contact tracing.
• Some hotels, including large establishments, have yet to reopen.
• Many restaurants & souvenir shops have shut down completely, while others have had to scale back their menus and have limited offerings.
• There are noticeably less kids on the beach, as many Filipino families are still scared to risk the health of their kids or subject them to requirements like swab tests, so it’s generally quieter and more peaceful. 
• Families that do travel tend to stay in hotels or choose resorts with private beachfronts to stay away from other people.
• As of this writing, a curfew of 11 p.m. is still in effect in Boracay (though a new rule could extend it to 1 a.m.)