In short
Boracay is seven kilometres long. White Beach, four kilometres of fine sand on the west coast, is the island's reason for being.
In 2018 the Philippine government closed the island for six months to rebuild the sewerage and demolish illegal construction. It reopened under strict rules, still in force.
What it really costs
The island is dearer than the rest of the Philippines, but stays affordable. Station 1 is the most expensive, Station 3 the cheapest, and they are on the same beach.
The transfer from Caticlan airport includes the boat, terminal fees and an environmental levy. These add up and surprise people on arrival.
What nobody tells you
Since the reopening it has been forbidden to smoke, drink or eat on the beach, or to set up tables or massage stations there. The fines are real.
Proof of a booking at an accredited establishment is required to board for the island. Turning up without a reservation does not work.
From August to October the south-west monsoon turns the sea over on White Beach and seaweed washes up. The east coast then becomes the good side.
