Top 10 Best Boracay Beaches for your Next Boracay Getaway (with Photos, Description and Maps)
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Boracay Island is a world-renowned travel destination known for its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm hospitality. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, Boracay continues to captivate travelers from around the world. The island's reputation as a beach lover's dream is well-earned, and it has consistently ranked among the world's top beach destinations.
Located in the Visayan region of the Philippines, this small island paradise is less than an hour away from Manila by plane, making it easily accessible to both domestic and international travelers seeking a tropical escape.
Boracay Island is subdivided into three barangays or districts: Yapak situated on the northern end, Balabag in the middle, and Manoc-Manoc on the southern tip. Each district boasts its own unique charm and character, catering to a variety of preferences and interests. While the central area around White Beach offers a lively and bustling atmosphere, the northern and southern ends provide a more serene and laid-back vibe. Whether you're seeking vibrant nightlife, family-friendly activities, or peaceful seclusion, Boracay has something to offer for everyone.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a closer look at the top 10 beaches in Boracay, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. From the bustling and vibrant White Beach to the secluded and serene shores of Diniwid Beach, you'll find the perfect beach to suit your preferences.
Some of these beaches are part of the island hopping tour in Boracay. If you would like to book this tour, click here: click here: Bocaray Island Hopping Tour Package
1. White Beach
White Beach in Boracay is the island's most famous and popular destination, and for good reason. It stretches over 4 kilometers along the west coast and is divided into three stations, each offering a distinct experience. Station 1, the northernmost part, is known for its upscale resorts and serene atmosphere. Station 2 is the bustling commercial hub with a wide array of restaurants, bars, and shops and where D'Mall (the only mall in Boracay) is located. Station 3, located at the southern end, is quieter and less developed.
This beautiful beach is the most developed area on the island, with numerous hotels, resorts, bars, and restaurants lining its shoreline. The sand is delicate and powdery white, and the crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming and leisurely activities. During the day, visitors can enjoy various water sports and entertainment options.
As the sun sets, White Beach transforms into a vibrant nightlife scene with colorful lights and music filling the air. Walking along the beach from one end to the other allows you to experience its different characteristics. Station 3 offers a wider beach area without a separate walking path, while Station 1 attracts fewer tourists and vendors, providing a more tranquil ambiance.
2. Puka Beach (Yapak Beach)
Puka Beach, also known as Yapak Beach or Puka Shell Beach, is a kilometer-long stretch situated on the northern end of Boracay Island. Unlike the crowded White Beach, Puka Beach offers a more serene and secluded atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful escape. The beach is named after the puka shells found on its shore, which are used for making jewelry and decorative items.
While the sand on Puka Beach is coarser than that of White Beach, it still possesses its own unique beauty. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and just hanging out by the beach. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling, with an abundance of colorful fish and marine life to discover. Though Puka Beach has fewer amenities compared to White Beach, there are also several small restaurants and vendors offering snacks and drinks.
To reach Puka Beach, you can take a tricycle or rent a motorbike from White Beach, with the journey taking about 20 minutes. Puka Beach is also included as part of an island hopping tour so if you like to visit it via a joiner tour, click here: Bocaray Island Hopping Tour Package
3. Bulabog Beach
Bulabog Beach, located on the east coast of Boracay Island, is a must-visit destination for water sports enthusiasts. Also known as Sport Beach, it is the premier hub for kitesurfing, kiteboarding and windsurfing on the island, earning recognition as one of the best kiteboarding beaches in Asia. This beautiful beach is perfect for taking lessons and learning from experienced instructors, even for beginners in these water sports. If you would like to book kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons, you can check out GreenYard Kitesurfing - Boracay, Padayon Kitesurfing Center Boracay Island or Freestyle Academy Kitesurfing.
Being located on the east coast, Bulabog Beach also is the best spot to witness the Boracay sunrise. While the water at Bulabog Beach tends to be choppier, making it ideal for water sports but less suitable for swimming, this also contributes to its less crowded and laid-back atmosphere.
Bulabog Beach also has a few small restaurants and vendors for snacks and drinks. I particularly love Moksha Cafe which used to be my go-to spot to work while I was in Boracay. They're known for their bubble tea and coffee but they also serve pizza, pasta, sandwiches and breakfast meals.
Bulabog Beach can be accessed by tricycle or motorbike from White Beach, and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes. It is included in island and land tours and is a popular spot for island hopping tours, making it an excellent choice for exploring a different part of the island.
4. Diniwid Beach
Diniwid Beach, located just north of White Beach on the west coast of Boracay Island, is a small and serene destination. Accessible via a cliffside footpath connected to White Beach, it offers a relatively quiet atmosphere, being a 20-30 minute walk from D'Mall. With a length of less than 200 meters, Diniwid Beach creates a cozy and intimate setting for relaxation and unwinding.
The beach is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. This beach provides a great view of the sunset so you can just lounge by the beach and wait for the sun to set. The views are especially stunning from the cliffside footpath that connects the beach with White Beach.
Diniwid Beach's seclusion makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful escape from the crowds, and it's a picturesque spot to witness breathtaking sunsets. The beach also boasts the unique Spider House Resort, a restaurant built on the side of a cliff, offering stunning views of the beach and sea, making it a great place to enjoy a meal or a drink.
Note that during high tide, the sands of Diniwid Beach may be covered with water, so it's best to plan a visit during low tide to fully enjoy its beauty.
5. Ilig Iligan Beach
Ilig Iligan Beach is a secluded and quiet beach situated on the northeast coast of Boracay Island. With a more laid-back atmosphere and fewer crowds, it's an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Ilig Iligan Beach offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, showcasing a variety of colorful fish and marine life. Its secluded nature provides a rugged and wild beach experience, and confident swimmers can discover a secret beach nearby, adding to the adventure.
The best time to visit Ilig Iligan Beach is during the high season, with minimal wind interference. Accessible by road via motorbike, bicycle, or hiking, the lack of establishments similar to those on White Beach encourages visitors to bring their own food and drinks.
6. Balinghai Beach
Balinghai Beach, situated on the northern tip of Boracay Island, is a secluded and romantic cove. As a private beach owned by the Balinghai Beach Resort, an entrance fee is required to access it. It will be best to check with Balinghai Beach about the entrance fee before going there.
Balinghai Beach offers a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing and exploring the beach. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling where you may be able to see colorful fishes and marine life. Its seclusion makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful and romantic atmosphere away from the crowds.
The beach also boasts stunning sunset views, making it an ideal spot for couples and honeymooners. Its picturesque setting makes it a popular place for photography, capturing the island's beauty. Balinghai Beach provides a relaxing and tranquil space, away from the hustle and bustle of the busier beaches on the island.
7. Tambisaan Beach
Tambisaan Beach, located on the calm and secluded east side of Boracay Island, between the Manoc Manoc and Bantud barangays, is known for its tranquil atmosphere and authentic local vibe. From this beach, you'll see Crocodile Island from a short distance.
Unlike some of the more popular and crowded beaches on the island, Tambisaan is another beach that has a more peaceful environment, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the serene surroundings, with only some locals around the area. It stands out as the only beach in Boracay with a significant amount of marine life, making it an excellent destination for snorkeling. To access the marine life, visitors can walk about one-third along the beach and then swim a few meters into the bay.
Tambisaan Beach can be accessed from the island's jetty ports and is reachable by tricycle or motorbike. It is also part of the Boracay island hopping tours and usually the area where you will be taken for lunch. If you would like to book an island hopping tour in Boracay, click here: Bocaray Island Hopping Tour Package
8. Manoc-Manoc Beach
Manoc Manoc Beach, situated on the southernmost end of Boracay Island. Since it's a lesser-known beach, it may provide a serene spot for walking and exploring secluded areas in Boracay.
While less developed than White Beach, Manoc Manoc Beach is not as popular for swimming due to the presence of boats and boat traffic. However, it offers a lovely walk up the beach for about 15 minutes, leading to more lively places, small bars, and restaurants.
Accessible via tricycle or motorbike from White Beach, the ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
9. Punta Bunga Beach
Punta Bunga is a beautiful semi-private beach located on the northwestern end of Boracay Island. It's also called Station 0 and known for its exclusivity since it's only accessible to guests from nearby hotels like Shangri-La Boracay, Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay, and Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay. Similar to White Beach, it offers a pristine stretch of coastline with crystal-clear waters and white sand and it is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and leisurely walks, with opportunities for snorkeling to observe small fish in shallow waters.
Punta Bunga Beach is an excellent destination for water sports activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, provided by the resorts in the vicinity. While less developed than White Beach, you can still enjoy the convenience of dining at the beach resorts' restaurants, such as Vintana by Shangri-La or Saffron Cafe by Crimson Boracay.
With its serene atmosphere and seclusion, Punta Bunga Beach offers a perfect setting to relax and unwind, away from the crowds of more popular beaches on the island.
It's important to note that Punta Bunga Beach is a semi-private beach, and access may be limited to guests of nearby hotels. I believe if you dine at the restaurants of these big resorts, you should be able to have access to the beach. It's recommended to inquire locally or with your accommodation for any specific instructions or updates regarding access to Punta Bunga Beach. You can also reach out to Shangri-La Boracay, Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay, and Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay for more instructions.
10. Cagban Beach
Cagban Beach is a small often unvisited beach situated on the southern end of Boracay Island. Despite its beautiful sands and clear waters, it is often overlooked due to its location and size. Like other beaches in Boracay, Cagban Beach is also a great spot for swimming and exploring what it's like to be in a secluded beach in Boracay.
This small beach can be accessed by road via motorbike, tricycle, or hiking, offering a peaceful retreat away from the busier and more crowded beaches on the island. The beach is located near the Cagban Jetty Port, which serves as the usual entry and exit point for tourists visiting the island. Once you are at the jetty port, you will need to pass through the port area to get to the beach. Follow the unpaved road by foot. It's recommended to inquire locally or with your accommodation for any specific instructions or updates regarding transportation to Cagban Beach.
As there are no establishments similar to those on White Beach, visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks. For those seeking to experience local beach life in Boracay, Cagban Beach is a fantastic place to visit and unwind.
Boracay Island boasts a diverse array of breathtaking beaches that cater to every traveler's preferences and desires. From the popular and vibrant White Beach to the tranquil and secluded Cagban Beach, each beach offers its unique charm and experiences. Adventurers can enjoy thrilling water sports at Bulabog Beach, while those seeking peace and romance can find solace at Balinghai Beach. For a more intimate and authentic local vibe, Tambisaan Beach beckons with its marine wonders and tranquil ambiance.
While we've explored the top 10 beaches in Boracay in this article, it's worth mentioning that the island still holds hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Lesser-known beaches like Lapuz Lapuz Beach, Tulubhan Beach, and Ilig Iligan Beach offer even more opportunities for seclusion and exploration. These lesser-known spots provide a chance to escape the crowds and immerse oneself in the untouched beauty of Boracay's hidden corners. So, whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Boracay's beaches have something magical to offer, making it an unforgettable destination for every beach lover and adventurer alike.
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