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 respectable lodge choices. Quite the opposite, what makes it a tough job is the sheer variety of decisions you’ll be bombarded with if you begin trying to find one. Selection paralysis realness.

The place is one of the best space to remain in Boracay? There isn’t 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 resolution. We’re additionally together with a listing of the properties we’ve tried ourselves and the highest choices as ranked by on-line customers.

Geography of Boracay

Earlier than you go searching for lodging, you will need to be accustomed to the geography of Boracay, or at the least the very fundamental of it. Boracay is kind of small — a lot smaller than Bali or Phuket or Palawan. However it’s bursting on the seams with attainable 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. In case 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 inns and eating places as a result of it’s the most gorgeous seaside in Boracay. Whenever you Google images of Boracay, chances are high you’ll be offered with pictures of White Seashore, because of its powdery white sand glistening underneath the solar and crystal waters swaying in numerous 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 isn’t a bodily border between them. Which means, you possibly can stroll alongside the shore from one station to a different with none drawback. 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 just’ll discover the long-lasting 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 have 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 dwelling 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 luxury facet of White Seashore. A lot of the properties listed below are on the upper finish of the value spectrum. However there are a couple of exceptions, particularly the hostels close to the border with Station 2.

We have been in a position to strive the next:

• The Lind Boracay, an upscale resort that mixes the proximity to White Seashore and the facilities of luxurious properties. Check Rates & Availability!
• Henann Crystal Sands Resort, one of the best of all of the Henann resorts in Boracay. The rooms are commonplace Henann, however its infinity pool is perched on the second flooring, overlooking the White Seashore and permitting an excellent view of the sundown. Check Rates & Availability!

Sadly, many of the finances locations we’ve tried right here have closed down after the clearing operations carried out 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.

Prime Inns in Station 1

STATION 2 (White Seashore)

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 most important variety of inns, resorts, bars, eating places, and retailers. Why? In case 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 highway widens, accommodating rather more institutions nearer to the seaside. In case you stroll from the primary highway to the coast, you’ll most likely move by or by at the least 4 resorts.

In actual fact, it’s right here in Station 2 that you just’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 decide up, drop off, or terminate round right here. In case 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 possibly get loud and noisy right here, and it’s onerous to discover a spot or second of tranquility. Strive 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, we’ve stayed on the following resorts and inns, and we advocate all of them:

• Henann Park Resort, the most recent Henann property to open to the general public, so all the things nonetheless seems to be, feels, and smells recent and model new. It’s not beachfront however alongside the primary highway so it’s accessible.Check Rates & Availability!
• Le Soleil de Boracay, incredible 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 highway. Check Rates & Availability!
• 8Colors Seashore Home, a small boutique lodge simply accessible from the primary highway and from the seaside. It’s not beachfront but it surely’s actually a stone’s throw from it. It’s additionally very budget-friendly. Check Rates & Availability!

Prime Inns in Station 2

STATION 3 (White Seashore)

Finest for: Price range vacationers who need to keep near the seaside

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

Like Station 1, it’s also comparatively calm. Fewer retailers and eating places line the seaside and the streets, so the gang additionally thins out. As I all the time say, for those who 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 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 may discover a room for under PHP 500 an evening, however I’m undecided if that’s nonetheless attainable lately.

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.)

Prime Inns in Station 3

STATION ZERO

Finest for: Luxurious vacationers searching for a extra personal expertise

Sure, Station Zero is a factor. But it surely’s not an official title. It’s only a nickname bestowed upon as a result of it’s technically on the identical facet as White Seashore’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 facet of the island, you’ll discover a collection 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 visitors 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 individuals 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 value it, particularly for those who’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.

Prime Resorts in Station 0

Bulabog Seashore

Finest for: Price range vacationers and water sport lovers searching for 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 widespread counterpart, the sand right here isn’t one thing to put in writing dwelling about. It’s largely rocky and coated in sea grass, which isn’t supreme for swimming and solar bathing. Regardless, it’s nonetheless extremely scenic, because of its picturesque row of coconut bushes which have been attracting Instagrammers left and proper.

Bulabog Seashore is well accessible from the primary highway and even from White Seashore. From D’Mall, it’s best to be capable of attain Bulabog Seashore ON FOOT in round 5 minutes, supposing you don’t have mobility points. The terrain is generally 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 primary playground for water sport lovers. 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 may be a far cry from the chaos in Station 2.

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

Prime Inns alongside Bulabog Seashore

Inland Areas

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

It’s onerous to delineate what might be thought-about “inland”, for the aim of this text, we’re solely together with properties which are positioned within the space between Bulabog Seashore and the primary road. Which means, for those who’re coming from the port, it’s the realm to the appropriate of the highway.

And yep, this space, though removed from the seaside, additionally hosts quite a few inns, 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 highway stems into a number of alleys that result in the seaside. One can merely waltz and sashay to the seaside.

In actual fact, I’ve stayed a number of instances in an inland space close to Station 2. I don’t know precisely what this zone known as 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 residence 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 residence for under PHP 1400 per night time.

Dakong Amihan Residence, 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 workers, particularly the proprietor was.

Prime Inland Inns and Guesthouses

Boracay Newcoast

Finest for: Vacationers who want a extra quiet avoid the gang

Boracay Newcoast is the most recent tourism and resort growth challenge 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 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 may be a 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 distinguished of that are Savoy Lodge and Belmont Lodge. Each Savoy and Belmont are well-appointed 4-star properties that may make your keep extra comfy, 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.

Inns at Boracay Newcoast

What’s one of the best space to remain?

The perfect space is determined by your finances and preferences. We’ve tried staying at all the areas talked about above, and every has its personal strengths.

• In case you’re rolling in cash and would love a extra peaceable, extra personal keep, select the luxurious resorts at Station Zero.
• In case you want to keep someplace secluded however you possibly can solely afford one thing mid-range, Boracay Newcoast is an effective various.
• In case you’re after accessibility and proximity to all the things, select Station 1 or 2. These two boat stations are probably the most handy, location-wise. They’re additionally one of the best decide for those who’re in Boracay for nightlife.
• If finances is a important concern, take into account staying at a spot in Station 3, Bulabog Seashore, or someplace additional inland. You may simply discover inexpensive inns, inns, residences and guesthouses in these areas. Don’t fear about your lodge 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 Seashore 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