Boracay in 3 Days: Your Essential Itinerary for a Memorable Trip

I’ve been planning to blog about my travels for years, but I could never find the right time (or maybe I was just too lazy) to gather my thoughts. Back in 2009, while browsing a friend’s travel photos from the Philippines, I thought, “Why don’t I do that?” From that moment on, I decided to plan my own trip for my next annual leave.

Over the next couple of months, I spent most of my free time online, building my first-ever backpacking itinerary. The trickiest part? Fitting all my must-see destinations into just 12 days, seven provinces across the Visayas and Mindanao! It was a tight schedule.

Why only 12 days? I was working in Bahrain and only had a month of vacation. During that time I had to attend a friend’s wedding in Manila, meet a college friend visiting for a vacation, catch up with old banking buddies, visit relatives in Batangas to light candles for my brother and dad, and, of course, spend quality time with my niece and nephew, whom I always missed while abroad. I had to make every moment count in the Philippines.

Thinking back, I still don’t know how I powered through Boracay, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, and Camiguin in just 12 days. I seemed to have endless energy, following my itinerary from A to Z.

Four months before departure, I’d booked all the flights, looking for the best fares and arranged accommodations. Everything was set. I just had to show up.

Day 1: Arriving in Boracay and soaking in its beauty

Boracay is a famous tropical island known for its white-sand beaches, popular with both locals and foreigners year-round.

Arriving at Kalibo Airport, I saw a hotel representative holding a sign with my name. He escorted me to a waiting van, then we headed to the jetty and took an outrigger boat to Boracay.

Just a few days before, I’d been craving the beach. I was so excited that, after dropping off my things, I changed into swimwear and dashed straight to the shoreline not to swim, but to take photos and become part of the crowd.

I stayed at La Carmela de Boracay on White Beach, perfectly located in Station 2, the busiest of the three stations, lined with restaurants, bars, and boutiques. D’Mall was nearby. For cheaper souvenirs, Station 3’s D’Talipapa had stalls selling everything from trinkets to fresh seafood.

Willy's Rock

I strolled across all three stations, snapped photos with Willy’s Rock in the background, checked out restaurants and bars, and, once tired, settled into a cool beach bar for a mai tai, though mosquitoes did make a feast of me.

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Still, people-watching made it worth it, especially when someone walked by with a hookah in tow. Hookah, drinks, beach, and a beautiful sunset, what more could one ask?

Day 2: Adventure Across the Island

In the morning, I met a dreadlocked “Kuya” offering island tours. After a bit of haggling, I got a full day of Boracay experiences for a great price:

• ATV ride to Mt. Luho (Boracay’s highest point). I loved driving the ATV until I accidentally rear-ended a tricycle. I was mortified, but Kuya reassured me it wasn’t my fault.

• Butterfly Farm visit, where I was actually more fascinated by the bats than the butterflies.
• Parasailing after lunch. As I flew into the sky, I was terrified yet exhilarated. I kept urging the guy in tandem with me to “stop moving,” though it was just the wind and the speedboat towing us. Floating above the island for 20 minutes was completely worth it. I can’t wait to do it again.
• Next was jetskiing...

• Helmet-diving—my first time underwater. The bulky helmets were comically large, like a moonwalking astronaut. 

Since I’m petite, I kept floating and had to hold onto the instructor’s arm to stay down. Still, I loved feeding the colorful fish with bread from our guide. The 15-minute dive felt magical.

Back on the boat, I noticed heavy metal belts securing the other divers. Next time, I’ll wear one too, keeping me grounded on the ocean floor!

Evening & Reflections

After all these adventures, I returned to my hotel for a shower, then enjoyed dinner and breakfast at the buffet. When night came, I found that hookah guy again. Smoking while watching a show and getting my hair braided. It was the perfect end to an action-packed day.

Boracay gave me countless firsts: my first backpacking trip, first ATV ride, first parasailing and helmet-dive, first time holding a bat, and first mosquito bites that I didn’t even mind. 

Last night in Bora

My 3D/2N stay on this beautiful island was pure joy; thinking about it now still brings a smile to my face.

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