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.

I AM A RETIREE NOW

Yes, I am a German retiree in the Philippines. Well, actually I became a retiree in accordance with German law 2 years ago already. Being retired didn't mean for me to stop working or being active in daily life though I could already enjoy my German pensions. But that's not my lifestyle.

Of course, I stopped teaching after many years. And, my service as German Honorary Consul for the island of Mindanao will soon come to an end. Such are the laws.

Being retired has many meanings for me. Maybe, being free of any kind of constriction. Having time for all these things I have actually wanted to do for years. Don't get me wrong: I really enjoyed everything I was able to do in the Philippines: being a radio host, being a Rotary Club member, being a marketing director, being a professor teaching the German language, or being a Honorary Consul on service for Filipinos and German nationals.

At the age of almost 68, it's time to focus on all the other possibilities, life has still to offer me. And believe me, there are so many possibilities. 

One thing for sure is: writing. My biography, which I started 15 years ago, should be brought to an end. I am still looking for a publisher and printing press. "With Beethoven under Palms" - yes, my life takes place under palm trees for several decades. And with me was and is Ludwig van Beethoven - my favorite German classical composer and hero. Of course not only him. Try to read my biography if it is published soon.

I am a retiree now. It doesn't mean that I don't have to do anything anymore. After all accomplishments in my past life, I am happy and satisfied. I thank our good Lord for everything he has given to me.

It's really the time now for me to focus on other things. And I know, our good Lord will guide me - as he always did during the last 68 years, while I was travelling around the world and being able to meet so many different people and being able to learn from so many cultures up to the moment I settled down in the Philippines 22 years ago.

Mabuhay Philippines!

DdO strengthens info-dissemination against Covid-19

 

Davao de Oro Province--- Self-responsibility is the key in slowing down rates of Covid-19 transmission and is the most reliable way to fight this pandemic.

With the government’s effort in reminding everyone of the basic health protocols to ward-off the Covid-19 virus, people still gather in large in groups despite health warnings and may cause to elevate cases of local transmission.

To further remind and instill in the minds of every Dabawenyo, PLGU-Davao de Oro in partnership with Globe Telecommunications strengthens its anti-COVID campaign through various means. One of these is the traditional way of promotion through billboards, lamp post banner, and tarpaulins installed in places such as the center island lamp post, waiting sheds, and other strategic areas where the locals can easily get informed.

Among the materials posted were the digital innovations of the provincial government to continue serving its constituents through the use of technology such as the Serbisyo Oro Mismo, Call DdOc, One DdO Helpline System and DdO Bagsakan. Through these initiatives, Dabawenyos can access essential government services without risking lives by physically going outside to offices.

Every Dabawenyo’s self-leadership must go hand-in-hand with the government’s action. The more the people bind themselves with the rules imposed by the government the more chances they get to win against the unseen enemy. Still, it is through self-responsibility with consistent practice of proper hygiene that could save communities from the virus. (Jasteen P. Abella, Information Division, Davao de Oro)

THE NEW NORMALITY

My column in BusinessWeek Mindanao, Mindanao Daily and The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times.
 

Davao City has been placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) effective immediately until November 30, following the recent surge in the number of coronavirus diseases (COVID-19).

This was confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement released while writing this piece on Friday morning (November 20, 2020).

Roque said Melquiades Feliciano, Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 for the cities and Bacolod and Cebu, has been assigned to head the Coordinated Operations to Defeat the Epidemic (CODE) teams that will be deployed in Davao City to assist in the response activities. He said law enforcement agencies are directed to assist in the enforcement of granular lockdowns upon affected communities or clusters, and if necessary, deploy personnel in the city. 

In my home country Germany, just to mention another example, the government is thinking about a lockdown until January 2021 after the new Infection Protection Act was passed. The confusion on all sides is getting bigger.

The new normality? I'm almost lost in words. Merry Christmas? Happy New Year 2021. With many or even most of them, the emotions will no longer allow this.

One thing is for sure: Things we loved to do and enjoyed in the past are no longer allowed: travelling, visiting great and big events such as concerts, Oktoberfest, carnival or sport games, social gatherings. Once upon a time ... . 

 I said already several months ago: it will never be the same as before. Many people around me confirmed this. 

My dear readers: stay safe and healthy always!

School kit distribution

 

66th Infantry (KABALIKAT) Battalion in partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation distributed school and supplies, face masks and Covid-kits.

Forty-five (45) elementary school students from kindergarden to grade 2, thirty-one (31) from Davao Oriental and fourteen (14) from Davao de Oro benefited on this gift-giving activity.

Mrs. Maria Cristina Dunca, Project Coodinating officer led the distribution together with the principals and teachers from different target schools belonging to the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental.

With the theme "Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan", the parents were taught to continue educate their children amidst the pandemic.

This initiative from a Non-Government Organization through collaboration with the LGU and the Philippine Army only shows that unity among different sectors, agencies and stakeholders is necessary to attain our objective of bringing the peace and development as well as delivering the basic needs of the communities.

The 66th Infantry (KABALIKAT) Battalion is always ready to assist in securing the peace and sustaining the development in its area of operation.

Arm to farm: Army boosts organic farming inside the camp

Davao de Oro --- The 10th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the leadership of Major General Reuben S Basiao led the conversion of some areas of their 120 hectare-camp into an agricultural farm in Tuboran, Mawab, Davao de Oro.

 The military’s initiative is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture that will provide technical assistance in livestock raising, crop production, and food processing to the soldiers. It is also in support to the People’s Organization in learning organic farming like the proper procedures on organic concoctions and fertilizers as well as land preparation.

 All the army battalions of the 10th ID are mandated to establish agricultural project sites as part of the localized implementation of the President’s Executive Order 70 or Whole-of-Nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). These community intervention programs drive towards a sustainable peace and development in the province.

 Meanwhile, they already applied to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to make the area an Agri-Farm Community Learning Center. In a recent initial meeting with the Provincial Tourism Office, an AgriFest, a drive-pick for buying fresh vegetables and livestock will also happen soon in December at the said camp. (Rheafe Hortizano - Provincial Information Office)

Davao City placed under GCQ anew

Published November 20, 2020, 11:33 AM

by Armando Fenequito, Jr., Manila Bulletin

DAVAO CITY – This city has been placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) effective immediately until November 30, following the recent surge in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

This was confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement released on Friday morning. 

Roque said Melquiades Feliciano, Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 for the cities and Bacolod and Cebu, has been assigned to head the Coordinated Operations to Defeat the Epidemic (CODE) teams that will be deployed in Davao City to assist in the response activities.

“A One Hospital Command Center will likewise be established in the city to ensure an efficient referral system as private hospitals are mandated to increase their ward bed occupancy by at least 20 percent to 30 percent,” he said.

He said efforts will be made to address the shortage of nurses in health facilities and to provide additional high-oxygen cannulae, Favipiravir (Avigan), Remdesivir, medical equipment, among others.

Roque said accommodation establishments will be tapped to serve as quarantine facilities for health workers as well as the isolation of positive cases of COVID-19.  

He said law enforcement agencies are directed to assist in the enforcement of granular lockdowns upon affected communities or clusters, and if necessary, deploy personnel in the city.

On Thursday night, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte released a statement, saying the city will abide by any order of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) should it decide that Davao City needed to be placed under stricter quarantine.

National Task Force on COVID-19 Chief Implementer and Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said on Wednesday during the meeting of Regional IATF 11, he would recommend to place the city under GCQ to control the surge of COVID-19 cases in the city.

Last July, the city was placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) after being placed in enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and GCQ.

But Department of Health (DOH) Region 11 Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang said, during the RIATF 11 meeting, the number of COVID-19 cases started to make a surge after the city suspended curfew and the liquor ban last September.

Duterte, last October, issued an executive order reimposing the curfew and even made it earlier starting at 7 p.m.

Duterte also reimposed the 24-hour liquor ban in the city on November 2.

DOH 11 data showed that, as of November 19, the city had 1,874 active cases with 106 new patients recorded on Thursday night. 

The data also bared, the city has already recorded 5,520 COVID-19 cases, of which, 3,401 have recovered, and 245 have died. 

IN TOTAL DARKNESS

My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times.
 

When I was still hosting my radio shows with classical music  in different radio stations, I really got surprised how many people tried to come in touch with me after listening to not only the (wonderful?) classical music as well as my inspirational thoughts in between. Yes, I really felt glad and honored to be on air and getting the chance to share my passion of classical music with a really great listener ship. Once upon a time -  already several years ago.

In total darkness are many people right now because of the pandemic and the number of cases increasing to astronomical heights all over the world. Strategies against darkness?  "Why am I so sad? What am I so troubled about?" (Psalm 42,11).

If it's becoming dark, we usually turn on our lights. But, it's still daylight. It's a magnificent and wonderful day! The sun shines with might in the sky. The flowers are ablaze with amazing colors; the birds are chirping cheerfully. - "Yet, why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled?"

We experience feelings, as if darkness lies onto our souls, and light cannot get through any more. Yes, we make head or tail of it, because some really bad things happened since a couple of  months in many of our life and surroundings:

Several good friends passed away unforeseen; a wish, carried with us in our hearts never became true; all doors seem to be locked forever; financial problems because of Covid-19 bother us and don't allow the chance for three daily meals; and arduous illness seems to become incurable.

Why are we so sad? Why are we so troubled? The psalm's poet voices out innermost feelings and emotions during those times. 

A very good friend ( a really very good one!) asked the following question: "How can you praise and worship this God, who allowed me always to get into a never-ending darkness?" Is my friend a dyed-in-the-wool-atheist", who underpinned his opinion with even the Psalm: "Day and night I cry and tears are my only food; all the time my enemies ask me, "Where is YOUR "God"?""

I was trained how to survive such periods of life. Even this pandemic situation. Be patient and pray. Yes, pray! Or: "Quarrel with your soul!" No, it's not nonsense, it really works. 

"Don't make such a fuss; get out of your dump and be happy!"

Or, read Psalm 103: "The Love of God".

Tasting row cacao from farm in Calinan

 

Yummy, yummy, yummy ...

I AM THE LIGHT

My column in BusinessWeek Mindanao, Mindanao Daily and The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times

The validity of Jesus' testimony has been explained in John 8:12-30: "I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

As I look around, I find many of our so-called leaders, who demand us to follow them, and I hope we open our eyes and minds before we follow them blind. 

"I am the light of the world!" Admittedly, this sounds for many people a reconditioned exuberance while trembling to what might happen if they are not being able to pay the next electric bill. Did you observe yourself that electric bill amounts keep on rising and rising since staying in the home office because of the pandemic?

I am also pretty sure that also this year Christmas lights are not glowing as the previous years: I am not so much talking about the illuminated advertisements all over the city. I am referring to the private lightenings that usually brighten our homes during the Yuletide season. It's the deep sadness and depression feelings of the people around us. No, this Christmas celebration is not a celebration anymore in times of a new abnormality. 

If we managed to overcome the "Follow-me-I'm-the light"-phonies, and after we managed to find solutions in paying our electric bills, we then sit still in our houses and plan to light a candle for our prayers.

The other side of the season should make us remember that we should never hesitate to show our good hearts even amid a crisis by rendering services to others with passion and enthusiasm. There is nothing really stronger than from the heart of a volunteer - as several UP interns voiced out many years ago.

I am the light of the world. Let's try putting this concept into our minds, hearts and souls. I am pretty sure we'll not walk in darkness especially during this enlightening season and the dramatic cuts in our daily life because of this pandemic.

"Made His light shine in our hearts." (2 Co 4:6).