Is Boracay expensive to visit?
In Boracay, budget travelers spend $28 (₱1,583) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $66 (₱3,739) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $140 (₱7,908) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Boracay.
Boracay is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Although Boracay can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Boracay is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Yogyakarta or Can Tho.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Boracay Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Boracay?
The average Boracay trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Boracay travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Boracay cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Boracay. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $28 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Luckily, Boracay offers plenty of hostels, including Frendz Resort & Hostel Boracay, Chill Out Hostel Boracay, and My Hostel Boracay. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. When visiting Boracay, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $66 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $140 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the destination with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Boracay Helicopter Tour with Hotel Pick Up - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Boracay
The cost of hotels in Boracay can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $. Budget hotels range from $ to $, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Boracay for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $46 (₱2,604). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (₱1,302) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Boracay? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Boracay
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $28 (₱1,572) per person, per day, on local transportation in Boracay. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Boracay is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$28
₱1,572
The main airport serving Boracay is Caticlan or Godofredo P. Ramos Airport. Airlines with flights to and from the airport include Cebu Pacific Air from Manila and Cebu, as well as Philippine Airlines and SkyJet from Manila only. Once arrived, visitors can either take a motorized tricycle (the island's taxi) or walk to Caticlan Jetty Port where outrigger boats or "bancas" provide transportation to the island of Boracay.
Another option is to fly into Kalibo International Airport, which is able to land larger planes but is further away from the Jetty Port (about 80 minutes). Cebu Pacific Air, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines connect Kalibo to Manila, Taipei, Shanghai, and Seoul. Philippines AirAsia connects from Clark/Angeles City in central Luzon to Kalibo with daily return flights, and Tigerair Philippines connects Kalibo to Clark, Manila, and Singapore.
Accommodation
In late 2018 until early 2019, the entire island was closed by the government. The reasons given were extreme tourism numbers, overpopulation, and environmental damage. The government then made sure that the island and the economic situation were cleaned up before re-opening the island to visitors. Now, businesses must have licences to operate, and this includes hotels. They are asking all tourists to only stay at official hotels. The full
list of accredited Boracay hotels can be found here. Also, our
recommended best party hostels in Boracay can be found here.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Boracay Adventures Transfer Services Via Caticlan for $35 details
- Caticlan Airport (MPH) to Boracay - Arrival Private Transfer for $24 details
- Boracay to Caticlan Airport (MPH) - Departure Private Transfer for $26 details
How much does it cost to go to Boracay? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Boracay will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Boracay
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Boracay can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Boracay is $24 (₱1,396) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$24
₱1,396
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Boracay is around $25 (₱1396) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $48. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Boracay are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $4 to $10
- Dinner: $7 to $17
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
As an international destination, Boracay has a diverse array of dining options for all tastes and budgets. It is especially noted for its bakeries and some of the best mangos in the world.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Boracay
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Boracay typically cost an average of $15 (₱868) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
₱868
Most people flock to Boracay each year to experience the hub at White Beach - not only a stretch of powdery white sands and blue waters, but also the island's commercial center. The length of the beach is divided into three sections: Section 1 on the northern end with the widest beachfront as well as the prime hotels and resorts, Section 2 at the center with plenty to offer in shopping, dining, and drinking, and Section 3 to the south with the least developed beachfront and lowest priced amenities.
While White Beach runs along the island's western shore, Yapak or Puka Beach offers another quieter option running along the northern tip. The waters are a little rougher and there are fewer amenities than White Beach, but it is a nice escape from the bustle of the tourism hub. This beach gets its name from the puka shells which many locals collect her to make some of the jewelry that is sold on the island. Another peaceful beach good for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing is Baling Hai Beach, while a location like Bulabog Beach is characterized by winds perfect for kitesurfing.
Other popular attractions include a number of lookout points, a few other beaches, and several unique caves like the Bat Cave on the western end of the island.
The beaches are the main draw to the island of Boracay. This being said, most vacations consist of sunbathing, swimming, relaxing, and other seaside activities. Snorkeling and scuba diving are fairly common, as is kitesurfing especially at Bulabog Beach which is known as one of the best kitesurf destinations in Asia. For all of these reasons, Boracay is on the list of must-see places in a 6-day itinerary of the Philippines.
Another great way to see the island is to board a boat tour and hop from beach to beach. Other activities include things like a massage and spa, skimboarding, parasailing, cliff diving, motor biking, horseback riding, and local cooking lessons.
A nice way to explore destinations in Boracay is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Boracay Parasailing Experience for $85 details
- Private Boracay 10 Minutes Helicopter Tour Adventure for $150 details
- Boracay Cliff Jumping & Snorkeling Experience (Private) for $105 details
Boracay, Philippines
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.