Planning a trip to Boracay? This step-by-step guide makes getting there clear, simple, and completely stress-free. Boracay is one of my favourite places to escape to when I’m missing the beach. It’s also just about an hour’s flight from Manila, so if you live there then it’s perfect for a weekend getaway. With its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s the kind of place where you can swim in almost every part of the island. It truly feels like paradise. If you’re planning a trip but are unsure how to get there, don’t worry, I’ll walk you through the process step by step so you can get there without any hassle.
Step 1: Book Your Flight to Caticlan Airport
There are two main airports you can fly from to get to Boracay: Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) and Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport). Manila is the most popular choice, especially if you’re coming from abroad.
Since Boracay is a small island, it doesn’t have its own airport. You’ll need to fly into Caticlan Airport (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport). Flights are available from airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia, so you can pick whichever works best for you.
Step 2: Tricycle Ride to the Caticlan Jetty Port
Once you land in Caticlan, you will definitely feel the island vibes, as the airport is very simple and cozy. Walking out, you will see a parking lot, and at the back, there will be signs pointing you left where you can buy tickets for a tricycle to the Jetty Port. It’s a short 10–15 minute ride and will cost about PHP 150 for two people.
Alternatively, if you prefer to arrange your transportation ahead of time, you can book a bus transfer through Klook. You can also book your return trip to the airport to make sure you don’t miss your flight. The service also includes the boat transfer in the next step, so you don’t need to worry it.
Klook.com
Step 3: Boat Ride to Boracay Jetty Port
When you reach the Jetty Port, you need to take care of a few formalities:
- Head to the counters to fill out a quick form and show your ID.
- Pay the necessary fees:
- Terminal Fee: PHP 150 per person
- Environmental Fee: PHP 300 per person (this goes toward keeping the island beautiful)
- Boat Ticket: PHP 50 per person
- After paying, you’ll get a seat number and the name of your boat.
The ride to Boracay is pretty short, usually lasting around 10 minutes. Before you know it, you’ll be approaching the shores of Boracay.
Step 4: Getting to Your Hotel
You’ve made it onto the island! The easiest way to get to your hotel is by tricycle, the island’s main mode of transportation, which costs around PHP 100 per person. If you’re not sure where to stay, check out our complete guide to the best hotels and areas in Boracay.
Although there are quite a few steps, the journey itself isn’t long and is actually quite efficient. It’s definitely worth it, as once you arrive, you can start enjoying everything Boracay has to offer, from the beautiful beaches to the many restaurants and cafes. Our favourite restaurant on the island is Island Chicken Inasal, and the must-try activity is paraw sailing, a unique experience you can only find in Boracay.
