Boracay Honeymoon Guide

Consider the island of Boracay for a romantic honeymoon holiday and dip your toes into a choice of soft powder-white beaches that fringe this breathtakingly gorgeous island.

Perhaps less well-known than other Asian honeymoon destinations and often overlooked by mainstream travellers, the stunning 10km² island of Boracay boasts more than 30 gorgeous beaches fringed by sparkling clean turquoise waters.


Best beaches in Boracay

Boracay is fringed by dozens of gorgeous, powdery white-sand beaches that are easily explored on foot, motor scooter, paraw (native sailboat) or motorised banca (outrigger boat).

While Boracay’s famous White Beach can get overcrowded during the April to May high season there are plenty of alternatives.

During the dry season from November to April, the west coast beaches, including White Beach, are calm and best for swimming, while the more windy east coast beaches are best for wind and kite surfing. During the rainy season, from June to October, this is reversed.

A selection of the best beaches in Boracay, include…

White Beach

Boracay’s White Beach is almost as well known for its party image as it is for the sugar-white sand that gives it its name.

The beachfront and area immediately inland is crowded with shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs – the place to party-on until the wee-hours.

The 4.8km-long stretch of fine, powder-white sand shelves gently into the azure waters of the Sulu Sea on the west coast of Boracay and is the island’s top see-and-be-seen beach for locals (and probably best avoided during Philippine public and school holidays).

By day, sunbathe on the brilliant palm-fringed white sand, unwind with a massage in the shade of swaying palm fronds or go swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, sailing and kite surfing.

After dark, head to Borocay’s legendary clubs and discos. White Beach is divided into five areas and regularly patrolled by lifeguards.

The beach is home to a range of resorts to suit all budgets, with the more exclusive accommodation located along the northern end after Boat Station 1, including the five-star Fridays Boracay.


Diniwid Beach

Follow the track north from White Beach to this less-crowded beach, a 200m-long, palm-fringed, white-sand oasis with great views of the island from the rocky headland.


Balinghai Beach

This tiny crescent of white sand lies hidden between rocky headlands just north of Diniwid Beach – perfect for a romantic interlude and for sunbathing, swimming or snorkelling the offshore coral garden.

Come for a day or stay longer at the beachfront Balinghai Beach Resort, with a choice of sea-view cottages set on the rocky foreshore and atop the cliff overlooking the beach.


Punta Bunga Beach

Sunbathe, swim or beachcomb for attractive shells on this pretty white-sand beach, located just over a headland from Balinhai Beach.

Perfect for a secluded picnic. Come for the day or stay longer at the luxurious and exclusive Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa.


Banyugan Beach

Dip your toes into the clean white sand of this gorgeous beach located just a short climb north of Punta Bunga.

Swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters then enjoy a refreshing drink beneath swaying palm trees at the Alon Bar, courtesy of the nearby Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa.


Puka Shell Beach

Explore the second-longest beach on Boracay, an 800m-long stretch of (slightly course) white sand, crowded with shiny white seashells called puka that are used to make necklaces sold in Boracay’s shops.

Located on the more exposed north shore, the waves here are stronger than on other parts of the island, which means less people and more solitude for a romantic picnic.

Relax on the palm- and tree-fringed beach, grab a snack at one of the small beachside restaurants and climb to the clifftop at Lapuz-Lapuz on the extreme northeast point of the island for views across the most rugged region of Boracay.

Puka Shell Beach is less than 15 minutes bike ride from White Beach and can also be reached by motorised banca.


Ilig-Iligan Beach

Framed on the north side by a rocky headland and tiny islets, this palm-fringed white-sand beach offers great swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving during the wet season, with the added attraction of hiking inland through dense jungle to see giant fruit bats.

The Bat Caves are located just a 30-minute stroll from the beach, which is located on the east coast. The caves are best visited at dusk when the bats flood out of the cave.


Bulabog Beach

This white-sand beach sits on the opposite shore to White Beach and is a favourite of windsurfers and kite surfers when strong offshore winds blow along the east coast from November to April.

Discover a more laid-back old-style Boracay beach, with less development, only a five-minute stroll from the shops, bars and amenities of White Beach.

Come for a day or stay longer at a choice of accommodation including the Palm Breeze Villa Boracay, a small luxury resort set in a slightly elevated position at the northern end of the beach. Or try Cobiba Villas, located on a cliff overlooking Bulabog Beach.


Tulubhan Beach

Discover this quiet and peaceful white-sand beach just south of Bulabog Beach.

Just a short walk over a rocky promontory lies neighbouring Tambisaan Beach, which nestles in a pretty jungle-clad cove.


Cagban Beach

Escape the crowds on this secluded, palm-fringed crescent of powder-white sand that shelves gently into the azure waters of the south coast.

Sunbathe, swim and snorkel the rocky coastline that is indented with interesting caves to explore.


What to do and see in Boracay

Just 1km wide at the narrowest spot, this 7km-long bone-shaped island offers the active traveller a wide range of pursuits in addition to sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling.

Here you can enjoy numerous sea and land activities as well as a pulsating cosmopolitan nightlife that typically lasts until dawn.

Go scuba diving, windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, kayaking and jet skiing. Join a game of beach volleyball, saddle up a horse for a gallop along the beach or unwind with a massage beneath swaying palm trees.

Away from the beach, explore the island on foot, horseback, scooter or quad and mountain bike. Check out the bat caves on the northeast coast, cycle through the forest of dead mangrove trees on the south coast, hike up to Mount Luho for panoramic views or tee-off from the Graham Marsh-designed, 18-hole, par 72 golf course.

For more things to do in Boracay


Boracay Sightseeing

Explore some of Boracay's natural attractions…

Bat Caves

Take a short hike through forest to this steeply inclining cave where you can see multiple small stalactites and, at the bottom of the cave, many small insectivorous bats; bring a flashlight to better see the bats.

The best way to experience the Bat Caves is from the sea during a swim-through into one of the caves, when you can look up into an immense cavern inhabited by thousands of hanging bats.


Mount Luho

Follow the trail from Bulabog Beach by foot or mountain bike to reach Boracay’s highest point, 100m above sea level, with great views over the island.


Willy's Rock

This volcanic rock formation, which sits in shallow water facing White Beach, contains a staircase leading to a chapel and a statue of the Virgin Mary.


Where to stay

Choose from the luxurious Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, the Mandala Spa and the Boracay Regency Beach Club, all of which overlook Boracay’s white-sand beaches and provide a range of creature comforts for honeymoon couples.

Once the preserve of backpackers, Boracay now offers more than 200 beachside resorts and hotels to suit all budgets, including the following…

Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa
Location: Banyugan Beach, Boracay
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD531 per person
Description: Experience world-class service at Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa. Surrounded by a lush hillside overlooking the ocean, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa provides a luxurious and secluded hideaway. It features a 350 metre private beachfront, 2 stunning outdoor pools and spacious guest rooms and villas. Complimentary internet access is provided. All rooms have a spacious balcony with a daybed showcasing impressive views, while villas and suites are provided with butler service and either a private pool or outdoor hot tub. They are also fitted with a 37-inch flat-screen TV, DVD player and iPod docking station. Guests can enjoy a range of water activities from kayaking and deep sea diving to romantic sunset cruises on a wind sail. Guests looking to relax can head to CHI, The Spa. This sanctuary by the sea offers a menu of body massage and beauty treatments. The cliff-top Sirena restaurant serves fresh seafood dishes, while romantic southern European dinners can be enjoyed among the treetops at Rima Restaurant. Other dining options include pizzas at Cielo, international breakfast buffet at Vintana and cocktails at the hotel's 3 bars. Located on the northwest tip of Boracay Island, the hotel is best reached via a 45-minute domestic flight from Manila to Caticlan. From Caticlan, Boracay Island is 15 minutes away via land and sea transfer.

The Lind Boracay
Location: White Beach, Boracay
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD429 per person
Description: Situated on the beachfront of White Beach Station 1, The Lind Boracay features an outdoor pool, a spa and a complimentary return shuttle between the property and Caticlan Airport. WiFi access is also free. Each room, studio or suite features a flat-screen TV, a personal safe and a minibar. The balcony offers sea, pool or garden views, while the bathroom offers shower facilities, toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can have international delights at the restaurant, or have a drink at the bar. There is also a fitness centre, a kid’s club and a gift shop. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist with laundry and room service. The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from D’Mall Boracay and 900 m from Willy's Rock. It is within an 8-minute drive to Cagban Port and a 2-hour drive from Kalibo International Airport.

The District Boracay
Location: White Beach, Boracay
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD282 per person
Description: Located on the shores of Boracay Beach, The District Boracay features 3 dining options, an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi access throughout the property. It operates a 24-hour front desk and offers complimentary two-way airport transfers. The property is conveniently 120 metres to the famous D’Mall Boracay, where guests can enjoy shopping and entertainment. Caticlan Airport is just 5 km away, while Kalibo International Airport is within 72 km away. Fitted with tiled flooring and modern décor, spacious air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a personal safe, a flat-screen cable TV, fridge and seating area. Tea/coffee making facilities and a minibar are also included. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer, shower and free toiletries. The friendly staff at The District Boracay can assist guests with luggage storage and help to arrange for massage services on site. Meeting and banqueting facilities are also available for guests’ convenience. The in-house Vigan Grill offers Continental buffet breakfast daily with hot selections, while Caruso Ristorante Italiano serves fine Italian cuisine.

Monaco Suites de Boracay
Location: Tulubhan, Boracay
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD268 per person
Description: A luxurious retreat with views of Bulabog Beach and Mt Luho, Monaco Suites, stretches over acres of landscaped tropical gardens. It boasts a private lagoon and a dolphin-shaped outdoor infinity pool. Monaco Suites de Boracay enjoys a prime location on the southeast coast of Boracay Island. It is an excellent spot for snorkelling, wind surfing and other water activities. Suites are spacious with private balconies that offer spectacular views and let the fresh ocean breeze in. They offer all the comforts of home with large living spaces, a dining area, kitchenette and large bathrooms. Recreational activities are endless at Monaco Suites, with a well-equipped gym, a large infinity pool and a variety of water sports. There is also a health spa which provides relaxing massages and body treatments. The stylish Monaco Suites Sea View Restaurant offers international cuisine within an elegant setting. Enjoy a selection of wines and champagnes while overlooking the stunning blue ocean. Alternatively, meals can be served in the privacy of your room.

Henann Regency Resort & Spa
(formerly Boracay Regency)
Location: White Beach, Boracay
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD197 per person
Description: Steps from the white sands of Boracay Beach, Henann Regency Beach Resort and Spa enjoys a prime beachfront location, a 5-minute walk from D’Mall. It features 3 outdoor pools and 4 dining options. Air-conditioned rooms at Henann Regency Beach Resort and Spa are spacious with ample seating area. They are fitted with cable TV, a minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. Some rooms have a private balcony overlooking the resort’s pools. Guests can visit the Kai Regency Spa for a soothing massage at an extra cost, or work out at the fitness centre. Enjoy fine dining at Christina’s Restaurant, which serves Italian and Filipino specialties as well as steak and seafood dishes. Sample an extensive buffet at Sea Breeze Café while admiring the ocean view, or swim up to the Pool Bar for a refreshing beverage. Henann Regency Beach Resort and Spa is a 45-minute flight from Manila. Airport pick-up transfer service can be arranged upon request at additional charges.


Best time to honeymoon in Boracay

Anytime during the dry season, which lasts from mid-November to mid-May.

For the best weather visit anytime between mid-December and April – you can expect clear sunny skies and a cooling north-easterly wind with temperatures averaging 28°C (82°F).

Temperatures climb to an average high of 33°C (91°F) in May at the onset of the wet season.

The wet season lasts for the remainder of the year – you can expect hot, humid and wet weather, especially during July and August when the prevailing westerly wind.

More information about Boracay weather


Getting to Boracay

Boracay is located 2km (1.2mi) off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, around 315km (195mi) south of Manila.

The most convenient route to Boracay is by air to Manila International Airport (MNL), followed by a connecting flight to Caticlan Airport (MPH) on Panay Island, then a short 10-minute boat ride from Caticlan jetty to Boracay.

A regular fleet of bancas (outrigger-style boats) service Boracay on the 20-minute trip from Caticlan jetty on neighbouring Panay Island.

Alternatively, you can fly from Manila to the much larger Kalibo International Airport (KLO) located in the capital city of Aklan, a 90-minute bus ride from Caticlan jetty.

Travel to Boracay from overseas often entails an overnight stopover in Manila.

More information about how to get to Boracay


More about Boracay…


Latest update: Boracay honeymoon guide: 15 September, 2022



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