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Boracay Reopening This October 2018: What You Need to Know

Boracay is back! (image via image via Max Pixel)

It’s been about 6 months since Boracay has officially closed down its doors to tourists. Ever since then, no beach can really imitate its picturesque stretches of stark white sands and turquoise waters, the amazing fusion between the city and beach life, or the fun-filled activities for every type of traveler.

If you’re seeking the answer to, “When will Boracay reopen?”, then you’ll be glad to hear that the newly-rehabilitated tropical paradise opens this October 26, 2018. But there’s a catch – only some hotels and activities will resume activity. Also note that there will be a limit of only about 6,405 arrivals per day.

Boracay is Back!

The wait is almost over! Labeled as one of the world’s top 10 beaches for relaxation, our sandy paradise is about to look more breathtaking than ever. But why did it close in the first place?

Boracay has long exceeded its carrying capacity – meaning that the tools used to help fight waste, bacteria and unfiltered water weren’t enough. Which is why last April 26, 2018, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte closed Boracay and promised to re-open it in 6 months.

Things to Do & Activities You Can Book

Despite the local gov’t calling off some activities such as parasailing, buying authentic fruit shakes, drinking, partying and even weddings, there are still a handful of adventures available! Here are our main recommendations:

1. White Water Rafting

Via Wikipedia

Keep your balance in check and paddle as hard as you can – because Boracay’s white water rafting experience gives you a adrenaline-high for your family or friends.

2. Boracay Zipline & Cable Car Adventure

Image via Flickr

What a better way to explore the new and improved island by viewing it from the top? Enjoy a smooth cable car adventure, or if you’d want to speed it up a bit, join the Boracay zip-line and take in panoramic views of the beach.

3. Boracay Island Mermaid Swimming and Photography Class

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Choose from various colors of tails then get ready your own Little Mermaid experience. From learning basic diving poses to gliding through the water like a mermaid, this one hour activity will leave you feeling like the famous Disney character, Ariel, from The Little Mermaid.

4. Relaxing by the Beach

Image via Pixabay

No beach trip is complete without a simple dose of Vitamin Sea, meaning lazing around on the shore, surrounded by the calming waves of the sea. Leave the stress from school or work behind – set a soft blanket to lay on the silky-soft white sands, dip your toes into the water, and take in the refreshing sea breeze.

5. Tirta Spa Boracay

Image via KKday

Wanna kick your Boracay vacay up a notch? Visit Tirta Spa and get yourself a massage you never knew needed. Labeled as one of the Philippine’s best spas and known for its perfect zen view – mountains and the whole Boracay landscape, the heavenly spa experience will leave your mind and body nourished and rejuvenated. 

How to Get There

  1. Depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila
  2. Arrive at Godofredo P Ramos Airport (nicknamed Caticlan or Boracay Airport)
  3. Take a 4 minute taxi ride or a 9 minute walk to Caticlan
  4. Embark on a 10-minute ferry ride to Boracay’s shores

Before You Go: Tips You Should Know By Heart

Image via flickr
  • Pro-tip: Stay connected with friends and fam via this Philippines 4G SIM Card! Easily pick one up while at the (NAIA) airport
  • Only guests with confirmed hotel reservations can enter Boracay. Verification booths will be set up at the Caticlan Airport
  • Don’t litter: Abandoned trash was the reason why Boracay closed down in the first place. Keep this beautiful sand paradise alive.
  • Beware of snatchers: It’s easy to lose yourself while watching postcard-worthy sunsets or eating the most mouth-watering Calamansi muffin you can find – but keep in mind that beaches are one of the most frequent places where thievery happens. Don’t leave your things out on the shore while you swim. Look for coin lockers or have your loved one watch over them!
  • Take nothing but photos: Seashells, sands, and starfishes make memorable souvenirs – but taking them home may harm the fragile state of the environment. Leave nothing but footprints and make sure Boracay remains a Philippine paradise.

As Boracay’s beauty rest comes to end, we must ensure responsibility for this blissful destination to heal and remain the picture-perfect island that it should be. For that to happen, all of us travelers need to do our part; we should clean as we go for generations to come. Only then can we say that we deserve to bask in the shade of Boracay’s lush palm trees and play in its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters again.

Looking for more things to in the Philippines? Check out our other guides below: