Six months after the Philippine government closed the island to tourists for rehabilitation, Boracay, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Philippines, is set to reopen on October 26, with the government looking to allow around 19,000 tourists only.
The number is said to be based on the "carrying capacity" of the island. Department of Tourism (DOT) undersecretary Arturo Boncato says the planned reopening will be done in batches without any major fanfare.
DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also emphasized that Boracay will no longer be a “party place” to keep it clean and help promote sustainable tourism. Puyat said that smoking and drinking in public areas will be strictly prohibited to keep the island clean and the visitors safe from the harmful effects of cigarette and tobacco.
Cebu Pacific has already released its flight schedules to and from Caticlan, which is the central hub that services Boracay. You can check this page for the list of flights available.
The DOT also released a list of accredited hotels and accommodations that have complied with DILG and DENR permits and clearances as of August 31.
- Luana Hotel/Hue Hotel
- Astoria Current
- Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel
- Boracay Haven Resort
- Boracay Haven Suites
- Casa Pilar Beach Resort
- Boracay Holidays Beach Resort
- El Centro Beach Resort
- De Paris Beach Resort
- Best Western Boracay Tropics
- Surfside Boracay Resort & Spa
- Fairways and Bluewater Beach Resort
- Discovery Shores
- The Lazy Dog
- Red Coconut Beach Hotel
- Starfire Resort
- Canyon de Boracay
- AV Seven Resort
- Azalea Apartment Hotel
- Reef Retreat Resort
- Nigi-nigi Nu Noos'E 'Nu Nu Noos Beach
- The Club Ten Beach Resort Boracay
- Ferra Hotel, Den Pasar Beach Resort
- Blue Coral Beach Resort
Here is a look at some of the hotels above if you want to spend this year’s Christmas vacation at the beach — in front of a perfect sunset, surrounded by lush greens (four of them are under Php5,000 a night):
The Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast Boracay
Tripadvisor Ranking: #15 of 233 B&Bs / Inns in Boracay
Php3,000 overnight for a Deluxe Room suitable for 3 people
If you and your kids love sun, sand, sea — and dogs! — you’ll find this place perfect for your getaway. It’s on Bolabog Beach, the eastern part of Boracay, which close enough to the water but far enough from the hustle and bustle of the island’s center.
Casa Pilar Beach Resort Boracay
Tripadvisor Ranking: #23 of 181 Specialty Lodging in Boracay
Php3,125 overnight for a superior double room with two beds and breakfast
It’s a few steps away from the white-sand beach and a few minutes away from D’Mall de Boracay and D’Talipapa. The whole family can enjoy fun activities like scuba diving and parasailing. Your kids will too love their zip line and boat tours.
Blue Coral Beach Resort
Tripadvisor Ranking: #52 of 233 B&Bs / Inns in Boracay
Php2,000 overnight for a deluxe room and P2500 for a deluxe room with kitchen
This family-owned hotel is located at the quiet and private part of Angol, far from the crowds but close to the old Boracay where you and your kids can lounge on the beach and enjoy the sunset in peace.
El Centro Beach Resort
Tripadvisor Ranking: #84 of 233 B&Bs / Inns in Boracay
Php2,800 overnight for a deluxe room with two double beds; P3,700 overnight for a family room for four adults and two kids
The resort has a wide arrange of activities for every member of the family, like snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping, golf, shopping, kayaking, and sailing.
Canyon de Boracay
Tripadvisor Ranking: #62 of 152 Hotels in Boracay
Php5,800 for a night with two double beds and breakfast for two people
If you have a little girl who dreams of becoming a mermaid or a little daredevil who loves going on adventures (and you’ve put away a big budget for this year’s vacation), this resort offers mermaid lessons and a myriad of exciting activities like horseback riding and ATV off-roading. If you feel like indulging this year, you can book one of their villa or courtyard suites.
Ana Gonzales is a web content writer with excellent babysitting skills and a knack for making mug cakes. She spends her free time feeding stray cats and badgering her mommy friends for article ideas.