Boracay

Welcome to Boracay

While only 7km tall and at its bikini line 500m wide, tiny Boracay is the Philippines’ top tourist draw, fuelled by explosive growth and a tsunami of hype. The centre of the action is dreamy White Beach, a 4km, postcard-perfect stretch of sand lined from one end to the other with hotels, restaurants, bars and dive shops several blocks deep. The beach path is typically awash with visitors, including large groups of package tourists from across Asia. The ocean is full of romantic paraws (an outrigger sailboat) giving rides; colourful parasails fill the air. After perfect sunsets, live music breaks out, and fire dancers twirl their batons. The party goes on all night. Indeed, the party has begun to take a toll on the environment of this small island, prompting the Philippines government to declare Boracay temporarily closed to tourists, starting 26 April 2018 for up to six months. During this ‘rehabilitation’ period, no local or foreign tourists will be permitted to enter the island.