If you ask me which includes to the premier tourist destinations in the Philippines, one of the first places that could pop into my mind would probably be BORACAY.
Boracay Island is a tropical paradise in the province of Aklan. Internationally known not just for its fine, white sand beaches, Boracay is somewhat a destination you would not want to miss when you visited the Philippines. I’ve been to this Island so many times, but still the feels and vibe in the island wouldn’t stop me on coming back. A trip to Boracay Island would require you to make multiple transfers from plane to the sea. And because of the small airport in Caticlan, flights are limited to local aircrafts and no direct flights can be booked specially if you are coming from outside the country.
In this article, I will give you an idea on how much you would need for your commuting expenses if you are traveling to Boracay. How to commute to Boracay island and on how to get the best fares. If you are travelling solo and this would be your first time visiting the island, this commuting guide might really help you out.
Commuting Guide to Boracay Island
There are actually two ways on travelling to Boracay Island. One is via Kalibo, Aklan and the other is via Caticlan Airport, which is nearer to the jetty port transfer. The best choice of course is always go nearer, but if the odds of booking it did not permit, getting the flight to Kalibo ins’t so bad.
Connecting Flight / Direct Flights
Book a flight from your place to Manila (or via Clark International Airport), then take a connecting flight from Manila straight to Caticlan, Aklan. Airlines that fly to Caticlan includes Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines.
Flights from Manila to Catcilan is around an hour or less.
Manila to Kalibo could be your next option. Kalibo airport to Caticlan Jetty Port would be an 1.40-2 hours bus drive.
Boracay Island Door to Door Transfer
If you are looking for a less stressful commute, you may pick a straight to hotel transfers. The transfer would entail you to pay a particular amount that would include the following;
- Van to Caticlan Jetty port
- Jetty Port Terminal Fee
- Environmental and Admission Fee
- Boat Ticket and shuttle to hotel
- Assistance in getting all tickets.
This is actually best for big groups for you could be able to get discounts. You can avail this via different travel agencies or locate the tourist information desk and booths located outside the airport. Here is a sample Transfer Tariff Rates:
From Airport to Hotel
- 1 Passenger – Php 1000.00
- 2-3 Passengers – Php 600/pax
- 4-8 Passengers – Php 550/pax
- More than 10 Passengers – Php 500/pax
Php 800/Pax for Fairways, Cohiba, Karuma & Hotels located in Bulabog, Diniwid Sinagpa and Yapak
DIY Boracay Island for Solo Commuting
- From Caticlan Airport – you can take a tricycle ride for only Php 35.00 going to Caticlan Jetty Port. This is a 5-10 minute ride.
- From Kalibo Airport, ride an air-conditioned vans and buses that can bring you to Caticlan jetty Port. This is about an hour and 45 minutes ride.
- At the port, pay the Environmental Fee (Php 75.00) and Terminal Fee (Php 100.00). Pick the ferry of your choice. The Boat transfer starts at Php 25.00 (6am to 5:45pm). At 5:45pm onwards, Boat rides is priced at Php 30.00. Sailing time from Caticlan to Boracay is about 15 minutes long and starts at 6:00 am and ends at 9:00pm.
- From Boracay Port you have different transportation options: Tricycle, E-trike, or Van. Tricycle ride usually cost Php 20.00 per head specially if your area of destination is just near.
In totality, doing the DIY Commuting going to Boracay Island will only cost you 35 + 100 + 75 + 25 + 20 = Php 255.00
Going Around Boracay Island
The main transportation in Boracay Island are Tricycle, E-Trike or Van. Van are usually rented for big groups and/or mostly used by prime hotels. While the tricycle and E-trike are mostly prevalent.
Most of your trips might probably be along the main White Beach area. This is between Stations 1, 2 or 3. If you are taking the trike, basic fare usually cost Php 20 but can go up but should not exceed to Php 60. One can basically walk from Station 1 to 2 or 3, but of course taking the Trike would be quicker.
If you are planning to visit the further beaches like Diniwid Beach or Puka Beach, haggling for the price of the trike ride is acceptable. If you are doing the trip solo, it would entail a much higher price, so better to look for people to share the fare. Charter trips going to a more difficult areas in the island may cost around Php 150 and up.
E-Trike rates:
- Minimum Fare: P10 per person (Regular)
- Chartered or “Special” on flat road(Balabag): P60 (5pax)
- Hourly Rate: P300 (Island tour for 4 pax)
