This is a rough guide on how to enjoy a
family vacation in Boracay – home to one of the world’s best beaches – without having to eat cup noodles and canned meat twice a day while on the island. And yes, there’s a trick to getting your own free beachfront chairs that doesn't involve checking-in at a fancy, beachfront hotel. Budget
First things first! Budget. You have to determine how much you’re willing to spend for this family vacation. Our trip last
November 2014 was the fir st time t he whole family got to take a vacation outside Luzon, so naturally I wanted to make it as perfect and as hassle-free for the oldies as possible. At the same time, I did not want to blow too much money on a super short vacation (3 days, 2 nights). Basically, being stingy without sacrificing comfort was the overall mood and theme of the trip haha. In the end, we all agreed on an all-in budget of Php7,500 ($170) per person. Realistic and reasonable enough, no? Airfare (14% of the budget)
I usually book tickets a year before my travel dates to score cheap fares. Seat sales happen almost every month but Cebu Pacific’s Piso Fare and AirAsia’s Zero Seat Sale are usually held on the weeks of special occasions (New Year’s, Valentine’s, Holy Week, etc.).
Anyway, we were able to get 5 MNL-KLO-MNL tickets for only Php5,135.20 ($116). Yup, that’s only Php1,027.04 ($23) per person! That amount already included two 15-kg check-in baggage allowance per way for the whole group. We didn't think the group’s baggage would weigh a lot even with wet clothes so we decided that 30 kg was enough. Besides, there’s still the 7-kg hand carry allowance per person that we could utilize.
Now that the local airlines have scrapped the fuel surcharge, we can expect even lower fares! :)
Anyway, we were able to get 5 MNL-KLO-MNL tickets for only Php5,135.20 ($116). Yup, that’s only Php1,027.04 ($23) per person! That amount already included two 15-kg check-in baggage allowance per way for the whole group. We didn't think the group’s baggage would weigh a lot even with wet clothes so we decided that 30 kg was enough. Besides, there’s still the 7-kg hand carry allowance per person that we could utilize.
Now that the local airlines have scrapped the fuel surcharge, we can expect even lower fares! :)
Here’s a tip that you may not or may already know but I’m still sharing it anyway: let's say you're also a group of 5, instead of getting one 30-kg baggage allowance per way (Php900/$20) for the whole group, book two 15-kg allowance (Php170 x 2 = Php340/$7.7). It is so much cheaper that way. The staff at the counters are also not that strict about whose bag is getting checked-in so pooling of bags is allowed.
Book Kalibo tickets because they’re a lot cheaper than Caticlan. Travel time from Kalibo airport to White Beach in Boracay is about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. That being said, book the earliest flight available so you can maximize what would be left of the first day. We took the 8:55am flight and arrived at our accommodation of choice before 01:00pm.
AirAsia is my favorite local budget airline because they have less miscellaneous charges than Cebu Pacific. I have also never experienced any delays with them, partly because I always avoid traveling during peak season.
AirAsia is my favorite local budget airline because they have less miscellaneous charges than Cebu Pacific. I have also never experienced any delays with them, partly because I always avoid traveling during peak season.
Airport Transfers (14% of the budget)
We availed of Southwest Tours' door-to-door transfer service, which cost Php995 ($22.5) per person at the time of booking. I was able to try them a couple of years ago and I was happy with how seamless our transfer to and from Kalibo airport was, so I did not hesitate booking with them again. The only drawback is that since they are very popular among tourists and have a huge market share, the waiting time for the boat and bus is sometimes longer than DIY.
We could have saved as much as Php1,000 ($23) if we did the DIY transfers, but we were with two 50+-year-olds. More than anything, we wanted our parents to be comfortable on the way to a tropical paradise. Sometimes it’s hard to appreciate the beauty of a place when you’re exhausted and starving.
We could have saved as much as Php1,000 ($23) if we did the DIY transfers, but we were with two 50+-year-olds. More than anything, we wanted our parents to be comfortable on the way to a tropical paradise. Sometimes it’s hard to appreciate the beauty of a place when you’re exhausted and starving.
Accommodation (19% of the budget)
This was the most difficult part of planning our Boracay trip that took weeks of decision-making, pros/cros comparison, and budget calculation and re-calculation. I stayed in Sur Boracay in Station 1 the first time I visited the island and I liked it. It's simple, clean, beachfront, and most importantly, more affordable than most resorts in that area. However, if we stayed there for our November 2014 trip, it would've set us back more or less Php20,000 ($453) for a two-night stay. Nu-uh, not gonna happen. See our full review of Sur Boracay here.
Against my will, I searched the Internet for decent Station 3 resorts. I say 'against my will' because there's this urban legend that says this part of White Beach is the "least beautiful" because the sand is not that fine, it's super crowded and it's full of annoying touts. Because of its reputation, the resorts and hotels in Station 3 are supposed to be a lot cheaper.
Against my will, I searched the Internet for decent Station 3 resorts. I say 'against my will' because there's this urban legend that says this part of White Beach is the "least beautiful" because the sand is not that fine, it's super crowded and it's full of annoying touts. Because of its reputation, the resorts and hotels in Station 3 are supposed to be a lot cheaper.
But comfort doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag (cliche! cliche! :p)
While searching for accommodations that would meet our budget, I discovered that there are two ways to score really good hotel deals in Boracay. First, avoid the peak season (Nov 01 to May 31) as much as you can because rates are almost double. Second, skip the beachfront hotels. They are bound to be more expensive because what's that they always say about businesses again? Location, location, location.
Thankfully, the location of Orchids Beach Resort isn't too far from the beautiful beach, just 2 minutes away based on my parents' walking pace (yes, we timed it). What sealed the deal was, of course, the price. They gave us their low season rate of Php1,500 ($34) a night for one aircon room that's good for 3 people. The room looked a bit tired but clean, the beds were firm, the linen was fresh, and the A/C, TV and water heater worked fine - couldn't have asked for a better deal! It was actually big enough for 5 people, but nobody wanted to sleep on the extra mattresses so we booked another room for our parents. We'd also like to believe that we are not that cheap ;-)
Thankfully, the location of Orchids Beach Resort isn't too far from the beautiful beach, just 2 minutes away based on my parents' walking pace (yes, we timed it). What sealed the deal was, of course, the price. They gave us their low season rate of Php1,500 ($34) a night for one aircon room that's good for 3 people. The room looked a bit tired but clean, the beds were firm, the linen was fresh, and the A/C, TV and water heater worked fine - couldn't have asked for a better deal! It was actually big enough for 5 people, but nobody wanted to sleep on the extra mattresses so we booked another room for our parents. We'd also like to believe that we are not that cheap ;-)
So Php1,500 per room x 2 rooms x 2 nights = Php6,000. We asked for a late check-out because our flight back to Manila was at 10:00pm, and they charged us Php750 or half of the daily rate for the extension. We only kept one room for extension. A total of Php6,750 ($153) only for our whole stay - couldn't believe I snagged such a deal either! Before I forget, no complimentary breakfast included but unlimited instant coffee and tea all day.
Of course, you have to align your expectations with how much you're willing to pay. You shouldn't expect 5-star amenities and service when you only pay Php1,500 a night. In Boracay, that is cheap. But the good thing about Orchids Resort is that they don't compromise their service regardless of their low rates.
Of course, you have to align your expectations with how much you're willing to pay. You shouldn't expect 5-star amenities and service when you only pay Php1,500 a night. In Boracay, that is cheap. But the good thing about Orchids Resort is that they don't compromise their service regardless of their low rates.
Other options in the vicinity (Station 3)
There are a lot of good alternatives in the alley leading to Orchids Resort. If you don't fancy the native nipa hut style of their rooms or if you are traveling with kids who like to swim in a pool, you may check out the following:
Why choose the southern end of Station 3?
I noticed that Station 3 isn't well loved by a lot of Filipinos and other Asians. I got that feeling while reading local forums and blogs, and the feeling was kind of proven when we arrived at the southern end of White Beach - we were practically the only Asians in the area.
Here is the common belief about the stations of White Beach:
I think that things in the 4km-long White Beach change a lot so quickly that it's hard to categorize things into just blacks and whites. At some point, the above assumptions may have been true, but based on our most recent trip I can say that Station 3 is most definitely NOT ugly - at least the part where we stayed. Many times, we walked from Station 3 to Station 2 and we seriously couldn't pinpoint any major difference in the "quality" of the sand - or maybe it just wasn't our top priority and that we didn't want to be hung up on something we thought was so trivial. We refused to let our Boracay vacation be defined by the softness or fineness of the sand in the station where we chose to stay (different folks, different strokes!)
Here is the common belief about the stations of White Beach:
- Station 1 - high-end resorts and restaurants; most expensive; best beach
- Station 2 - busiest area because of D'Mall; access to the best restaurants and shops; mid-range hotels
- Station 3 - 'ugliest' stretch; cheapest rooms; crowded; so-so restaurants
I think that things in the 4km-long White Beach change a lot so quickly that it's hard to categorize things into just blacks and whites. At some point, the above assumptions may have been true, but based on our most recent trip I can say that Station 3 is most definitely NOT ugly - at least the part where we stayed. Many times, we walked from Station 3 to Station 2 and we seriously couldn't pinpoint any major difference in the "quality" of the sand - or maybe it just wasn't our top priority and that we didn't want to be hung up on something we thought was so trivial. We refused to let our Boracay vacation be defined by the softness or fineness of the sand in the station where we chose to stay (different folks, different strokes!)
There's, however, a noticeable difference in atmosphere. As we approached D'Mall, we observed that the crowd got thicker and noisier. So if you like the peace and quiet of Station 1 but do not like to pay thousands of pesos, check the southern end of Station 3. Yes, the sand is not super fine like in Station 1. Yes, the beach isn't as wide as Station 1. But no, we didn't like to pay way too much for sand or beach quality ;-) There are now 4-star hotels in Station 3 if that's your thing and there are also a LOT of good restaurants and convenience stores nearby so no need to always go to D'Mall in Station 2.
Get that beachfront chair!
Not checked-in at a beachfront hotel but want to relax on the beach? Sit on your own chair? We discovered a workaround that, again, you may not or may already know. There are a lot of beachfront resto bars that offer beach chairs for a fee (average Php200/$4.5) - that is, if you don't purchase anything from them.
So rather than paying extra thousands of pesos on a beachfront accommodation, we opted to hang out at Shantal's Resto Bar in Station 3 (beside Arwana Hotel). We just had to buy fresh fruit shake at Php90/$2 or local beer for as low as Php35/$0.8 during Happy Hour - and voila, we already got our own beachfront chairs and table for free :)
We could have sat on the sand instead of being 'forced' to buy some drinks if we really wanted to, but the parents needed the chairs to be able to relax under the sun. Besides, who could say no to cheap beers during Happy Hour? The chairs were just a bonus ;) Beers + chairs + gorgeous Boracay sunset = happy family.
So rather than paying extra thousands of pesos on a beachfront accommodation, we opted to hang out at Shantal's Resto Bar in Station 3 (beside Arwana Hotel). We just had to buy fresh fruit shake at Php90/$2 or local beer for as low as Php35/$0.8 during Happy Hour - and voila, we already got our own beachfront chairs and table for free :)
We could have sat on the sand instead of being 'forced' to buy some drinks if we really wanted to, but the parents needed the chairs to be able to relax under the sun. Besides, who could say no to cheap beers during Happy Hour? The chairs were just a bonus ;) Beers + chairs + gorgeous Boracay sunset = happy family.
Food (31% of the budget)
We love eating, so it wasn't a surprise that a big chunk of our budget went to food. Admittedly, we splurged a bit on some gastronomic delights. But since we were able to save money by not choosing a beachfront accommodation, we figured it'd be okay to spend some on good food. Y'know that stuff they call 'striking a balance'... give and take... and all that shizz? :-)
I spent a lot of time researching about good restaurants near our resort because I didn't want my parents to get tired by walking aimlessly not knowing where to eat and just end up eating bad food.
I spent a lot of time researching about good restaurants near our resort because I didn't want my parents to get tired by walking aimlessly not knowing where to eat and just end up eating bad food.
- Casa Pilar - good enough Filipino dishes that are priced at ~Php250-300 each ($5-6.5)
- Crown Regency - seafood dinner buffet + bottomless iced tea at Php400 ($9) per person
- Nagisa Japanese Cafe - has an extensive menu of Japanese, American and Filipino dishes at Php100-250 ($2.5-6) each
- Sunny Side Cafe - all-day breakfast items that are a bit pricey at Php250-350 each ($5-9) but serving size is huge!
- Smoke Resto (D'Mall) - tasty Pinoy dishes that are relatively cheap at Php150-250 ($3-5)
- Aria (D'Mall) - Italian food priced at Php350 ($8) and up
Note: a budget of P6,300 ($142) per person is very much achievable if you limit your food expenses to Php200 ($4.5) per person per meal for a group of 5.
Note 2: There are sooo many stalls and restaurants on the island that serve very good fresh fruit shakes that I personally don't think going all the way to Jonah's in Station 1 from your resort in Station 3 will be worth it. Casa Pilar's banana shake, The Sunny Side Cafe's mango shake, and Shantal's coconut shake can definitely give Jonah's a run for its money.
Note 3: It is feasible to walk from the southern end of Station 3 to D'Mall if you'd like to eat there, but it will take a LOT of time (30-45 minutes). Since we were with our parents, we chose to take the tricycle to and from D'Mall, which was Php60 to 75 per way ($1.5) for the whole group.
Note 2: There are sooo many stalls and restaurants on the island that serve very good fresh fruit shakes that I personally don't think going all the way to Jonah's in Station 1 from your resort in Station 3 will be worth it. Casa Pilar's banana shake, The Sunny Side Cafe's mango shake, and Shantal's coconut shake can definitely give Jonah's a run for its money.
Note 3: It is feasible to walk from the southern end of Station 3 to D'Mall if you'd like to eat there, but it will take a LOT of time (30-45 minutes). Since we were with our parents, we chose to take the tricycle to and from D'Mall, which was Php60 to 75 per way ($1.5) for the whole group.
Water activities (18% of the budget)
We had to consider the age of our parents and their bodies' capabilities versus our young hearts' adventurous desires (LOL) in deciding which activities to do. Naturally, there were activities that my parents chose not to partake in (Tatay's blood pressure would shoot up if he tried parasailing or fly fish ;-)).
Most of our activities were arranged by Kuya Nino (+63 915 872 2855). Rates fluctuate depending on the season but be sure to ask for discount, especially if you're a big group!
Most of our activities were arranged by Kuya Nino (+63 915 872 2855). Rates fluctuate depending on the season but be sure to ask for discount, especially if you're a big group!
- Island Hopping - Php1,800 ($40.5) for the whole group, 4 hours, w/ snorkeling gears
- Parasailing - Php600 ($13.5) per person
- Fly Fish - Php600 ($13.5) per person
For the sunset paraw sailing, I contacted Red Pirates Pub in Station 3 (walking distance from our hotel). They charged us Php800 ($18) per hour for the whole group - the cheapest I could find. In station 2, people were charging Php800 for only 30 minutes.
I know I barely even scratched the surface of how to have a wonderful time in Boracay with your family even if you're on a tight budget. But here are a few more tips that you may find useful:
Anyway, here are our trip's itinerary, expenses and 'carbon footprint'. We were a bit over budget ;-) I'm sure there are better ways to maximize our Php35,000 but we were really happy with how our vacation went.
- Some very persistent touts know how to work their 'pathos' (i.e. begging on their knees), so to avoid misplacing your compassion (and funds!), be firm in saying no in a clipped tone. If you think that that's a rude way of telling the touts off, you can always smile, tell them you've already purchased the same item earlier, and scurry off. But sometimes smiling will further encourage them, so completely avoiding eye contact should be able to do the trick.
- Speaking of souvenir items, they are considerably cheaper in D'Talipapa than in D'Mall. That's another advantage of staying in Station 3! :-)
- Lastly, when you're visiting during off-peak season, there's a chance that it's going to rain! Be prepared by bringing your umbrellas, raincoats, and waterproof pouches. We spent extra bucks for these items that we left at home and we had to buy them on the island because it rained 2 days out of 3.
- There are a lot of tourist traps on the island. If the offer sounds too good to be true, then it's too good to be true (e.g. free buffet dinner, hidden charges, etc.)
Anyway, here are our trip's itinerary, expenses and 'carbon footprint'. We were a bit over budget ;-) I'm sure there are better ways to maximize our Php35,000 but we were really happy with how our vacation went.
Questions, suggestions, and/or violent reactions? Share them below!
Other useful resources:
Boracay on the cheap by Two2Travel
Boracay on a budget by JustOneWayTicket
The budget travel guide to Boracay by The Poor Traveler
Boracay family travel guide by Trekking with Twins
Other useful resources:
Boracay on the cheap by Two2Travel
Boracay on a budget by JustOneWayTicket
The budget travel guide to Boracay by The Poor Traveler
Boracay family travel guide by Trekking with Twins