Int’l cruise ships due in Boracay this year

by Tara Yap, MB 

A FOREIGN tourist relaxes in a secluded beach resort in Boracay Island with international cruise ship, MS World Dream, in the background in this photo taken in January 2018. (Tara Yap)

ILOILO CITY – Several international cruise ships are set to dock in world-famous Boracay Island this year.

The Department of Tourism-Region 6 (Western Visayas) has released an initial list of these ships confirmed to stop in the country’s most popular beach destination.

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The first will be MS Seabourne Encore on Feb. 13. At least 600 tourists are expected to explore the resort-island for eight hours.

The second will be MS Nautica on March 6.

MS Westerdam of Holland America is scheduled for two visits on March 3 and Nov. 7. MV Norwegian Jewel is set to visit thrice this year – on Nov. 3 and 29 and Dec. 1.

Others visiting are MS Seven Seas Mariner on March 8, Star Breeze on Nov. 6, and MV Seven Seas Explorer on Nov. 17.

Tourists from these liners are given eight hours maximum to explore the white-sand beach, the secluded Puka Beach, souvenir shops, and restaurants. 

83,942 tourists visit Boracay from Jan. 1 to 15

by Tara Yap

TOURISTS at the white beach at world-famous Boracay Island. (Ernesto Cruz)

ILOILO CITY – A total of 83,942 tourists visited world-famous Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan province from Jan. 1 to 15.

According to the Malay Municipal Tourism Office in a report released on Monday, Jan. 16, domestic tourists comprised majority of the visitors with 63,753. 

The office said there were 14,812 foreign guests and 5,377 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Boracay from Jan. 1 to 15.

The high number of visitors was attributed to the influx of tourists for the New Year when the resort-island brought back its spectacular fireworks show and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan.

Among the foreign visitors was Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy and his family.

More than 1.75 million tourists visited Boracay in 2022.

Boracay in danger of collapsing as 815 sinkholes discovered

by Tara Yap, MB 

THE Sun sets at world-famous Boracay Island on Nov. 24. (Tara Yap)

ILOILO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) has warned that world-famous Boracay Island could collapse after 815 sinkholes were discovered.

“There is danger if there is overcapacity. Only time will tell when structures will collapse,” warned Engr. Mae Magarzo, chief geologist of MGB in Western Visayas region.

Magarzo told the Manila Bulletin in a phone interview on Wednesday, Dec. 14, that the number of sinkholes at the country’s most popular beach destination in Malay town, Aklan province gradually increased in the past four years.

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The MGB-6 found 789 sinkholes in three barangays during a hazard assessment in 2018, the year when the Duterte administration implemented massive rehabilitation and banned tourists in Boracay for six months.

By 2019, the number of sinkholes rose to 801. By 2022, these increased to 815.

Magarzo said that Boracay is susceptible to sinkholes since the ground is made mostly of limestone. 

She added that sinkholes are very hard to predict as these suddenly happen and there are no prior indicators.

The MGB-6 Coastal Geohazard Map also found key areas in the resort-island that are susceptible to erosion.

“The main beach is already showing low erosion,” Magarzo said.

Magarzo is calling for the stronger implementation of Boracay’s carrying capacity.

In 2018, the government set a maximum of 19,215 tourists in the resort-island per day with only 6,405 new tourists allowed to enter.

The DENR has yet to release Boracay’s new carrying capacity which was supposed to have been released when the term of President Duterte ended last June 30.

Tourist arrivals in Boracay increase in first half of October

by Tara Yap, MB

ILOILO CITY – Tourist arrivals in the world-famous Boracay Island resort in Malay town, Aklan increased in the first half of October, 2022, the Malay Tourism Office reported.

Based on the MTO data, a total of 65,427 tourists visited the country’s most popular beach destination from October 1-15, which is 7,640 more compared to the same period in September that saw 57,787 tourists’ arrivals.

The increase paled in comparison to the first half of August where 81,574 tourists visited the island resort.

Boracay Island during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Tara Yap/File/Manila Bulletin)

Most of those who visited Boracay, or about 55,658, were local tourists who came from different parts of the country. Last September 1-15, there were 50,697 domestic visitors.

The foreign arrivals also increased for the first half of October with a total of 8,725 tourists. In comparison, there were 5,613 foreign visitors for the first half of September.

Only tourist arrivals of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) dropped for the first half of October with 1,287. In comparison, there were 1,477 OFWs last September 1-15.

Boracay tourist arrivals down in September

by Tara Yap, Manila Bulletin

ILOILO CITY – Tourist arrivals at world-famous Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan are down 34,695 as only 122,373 visited last September.

A COUPLE walks on the beach in Boracay Island. (Tara Yap)

September was the second month in a row in the pandemic period that tourist arrivals plunged.

In July, 183, 076 came. A month later, numbers went down to 157, 338, and figures dropped further in September to 122, 373.

Majority of Boracay’s tourists were still domestic.

However, only 106,776 visited last month, down 26,044 from 132,820 in August.

Foreign and OFW visitors also dropped in September.

Only 12,513 foreigners arrived compared to 19,609 in August, a decrease of 7,096.

Only 3,084 OFWs were in Boracay, down 1,825 a month ago with 4,909.

Boracay tourism stakeholders are hoping that the number of arrivals will pick up again to sustain the socio-economy of the resort island.

Paradise reborn’: Boracay is one of world’s greatest places in 2022

by Jaleen Ramos, Manila Bulletin

Boracay Island has been recognized as one of the world’s greatest places by the Time Magazine.

(Photo by Tara Yap/ MANILA BULLETIN/ FILE PHOTO)

Boracay was closed down for rehabilitation for six months in 2018 after it was labeled a “cesspool” by former president Duterte.

“Then the pandemic struck, and the Philippines closed its borders, halting even domestic tourism to Boracay. It took a severe toll on the local economy, but the silver lining was that this 4-sq.-mi. speck in the Visayas island chain had proper time to truly recover,” Time wrote.

Boracay finally reopened after nearly two years of pandemic restrictions. 

“As of February 2022, international visitors can finally revel in this revamped, recuperated, natural playground after what was effectively a three-year convalescence,” Time said.

“Locals report the return of flora and fauna, like sea turtles, and hospitality has come back just as spectacularly,” it added.

Also in the list are Seoul; Bali, Indonesia; Doha, Qatar; Bali, Indonesia; Ahmedabad, India: Trans Bhutan Trail in Bhutan; and Kyushu Island, Japan, among others.

The Time said it “solicited nominations of places from our international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences” to complete the list.

Best Boracay Travel Guide

 By 

Gem Muzones

Verified Expert

Escape to one of the best islands in the world, Boracay in the Philippines! Find out the best time to go, how to get there, the top things to do and see, where to eat, best hotels and resorts to stay in, and other travel tips with this ultimate travel guide. 

Boracay Island, one of the top beaches in the Philippines, is blessed with a long stretch of powdery white sand beach (called White Beach), crystal clear and azure waters, a stunning sunset and more. The island doesn’t fall short on adventures and activities for people of all ages.

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• Book Boracay vacation packages for a hassle-free trip to this island paradise

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You'll never run out of exciting things to do in Boracay, from swimming, island-hopping, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, dining and parties. Because of these, Boracay has been cited multiple times as one of the best islands and beaches in the world according to reputable publications and travelers' choice lists. 

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If you’re planning a getaway to Boracay, here’s everything you need to know to experience what this world-renowned paradise has to offer fully.

Boracay Tourist Requirements & Guidelines | COVID-19 New Normal

Starting October 1, 2020, tourists from all over the Philippines can once again explore Boracay's clear waters and gorgeous stretches of white sand. But with the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has released a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to follow and consider before you jump at the chance to book that ticket to Boracay.  

1. Who are allowed to go to Boracay?

Residents from areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) with a negative RT-PCR test result taken not earlier than 72 hours prior to traveling. Travelers of any age are allowed to visit.  

2. What are the entry points in Boracay?

Godofredo Ramos Airport also known as Caticlan Airport is the only port of entry for tourists traveling by land, air, or sea. The IATF has implemented a “one entrance, one exit” policy, making it easier to monitor the number of visitors currently on the island, especially now that there is a daily tourist cap in place.

Travelers arriving at Caticlan Jetty Port and Tabon Port Terminal should also expect strict monitoring as each port is mandated to have health declaration stations, body temperature checks, hand sanitation, staff in protective gear, and physical distancing.

3. What travel requirements do you need to prepare?

Here are the requirements that you need to prepare before going to Boracay: 

Secure a negative RT-PCR test result

The IATF has enacted a test-before-travel requirement. Travelers from GCQ or MCGQ areas must secure a negative Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours before the trip, so plan accordingly. Check out the list of accredited laboratories here.

Observe strict quarantine

Travelers have to observe strict quarantine protocols until their travel date. This includes social distancing and proper, frequent handwashing.

Health declaration form 

Visitors have to register online at http://aklan.gov.ph to answer a health declaration form. A QR Code will be sent right after, which will be presented upon arrival at the airport as well as when entering establishments for contact tracing.

Pre-book accredited Boracay hotels or resorts

Travelers should already have pre-booked hotels or resorts to stay in Boracay. Once booked, they should register through Aklan’s mobile app. Check out the list of DOT-accredited accommodations with a Certificate of Authority to Open here.

Travel authority from PNP and IATF is NOT required 

Tourists no longer need to secure travel authority, a negative RT-PCR test result will suffice.

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4. How do you get the Tourist QR Code?

STEP 1: Access http://aklan.gov.ph or https://bit.ly/2QzbUkZ and click Online Health Declaration. Choose Boracay on the "Where To?" page.

STEP 2: Fill out the required fields and click submit.

STEP 3: Save a copy of the Health Declaration Card (HDC) on your smartphone or have it printed.

STEP 4: Email touristboracay@gmail.com with the subject format: OHDC - Family Name, First Name (example: OHDC - Santos, John) and attach a copy of the following:

• 1) HDC together with a copy of RT-PCR Negative Result
• 2) Confirmed booking flight and booking details
• 3) Valid ID

Multiple tourists and documents can be sent in one email.

STEP 5: Wait for the email response within the day. If approved, a copy of your HDC and Tourist QR Code will be sent back to you. Present these to authorities at the borders for scanning.

5. What are the guidelines and protocols to follow when you're in Boracay?

Once you're in Boracay, make sure you follow these safety protocols:

Tourist QR code

Visitors should always have a copy of their QR code on their person, whether through their smartphone or a printed physical copy. This will be used to enter establishments like hotels, restaurants and other facilities for contact tracing.

Minimum health standards: Mask and face shield

Tourists are required to wear proper safety gear and practice social distancing. Proper safety gear is defined as a mask and face shield, in addition to frequent and proper handwashing.

Transport protocols

Vehicles have a “no mask, no boarding” policy and can only allow a maximum of two (2) passengers on tricycles and a maximum of four passengers on e-trikes.

Passengers exhibiting flu-like symptoms will be immediately transported to the nearest health facility. Drivers are provided with proper safety gear and the needed sanitization tools to disinfect the vehicle after every ride.

Dining protocols

Customers dining in have to log down details for contact tracing. Restaurants should have temperature checks, practice social distancing, and other sanitizing products. Self-service stations are barred from operating. 

6. What activities can you do in Boracay during quarantine?

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the tourist spots of Boracay, but make sure to take note of the following protocols:

Swimming - with registration

Tourists have to register before swimming. There are designated beach stations where you can get your temperature checked before you go into the water. Areas are marked with red and yellow flags and you’re allowed to swim from 6 am to 6 pm.

Water sports - reduced capacity

Water sports or White Beach activities such as parasailing, kitesurfing, and more are permitted but at a reduced capacity.

Dining - with protocols

Restaurants are open for dine-in and take-out. Contactless payment is encouraged to lessen possible transmission.