How much to Spend/Budget for Boracay (in Philippine peso)
Boracay still remains one of the top beach destinations in the Philippines, attracting both local and international tourists. Since its rehabilitation in 2018, Boracay has unveiled even more of its natural beauty, evolving into a more vibrant destination that now caters to those who prefer a laid-back vacation experience.
If you're planning to visit Boracay, allow me to share with you how much you will need to budget for this tropical getaway.
Overall budget for Boracay
You may need a budget between ₱15,000 to ₱20,000 if you plan to stay for about 4 days and 3 nights in Boracay. This budget already covers your flight, and the in-land and sea transport from Kalibo to Boracay Island.
Boracay International Airport - Arrivals
What is the breakdown of these expenses?
The largest chunk of expenses will come from airfare and the transfer from Kalibo airport to Boracay Island. Flights typically average around ₱5,000, depending on promo fares and the airline you book with. However, flights can spike up to ₱10,000 during peak times.Once you arrive at Kalibo airport, you will still need to head to the seaport and board a ferry to Boracay island. Upon docking, you'll need another ride to your booked accommodation. To simplify this process, I suggest availing a packaged transfer from providers like Southwest Travels or Island Star, or via Klook. This package covers everything from the moment you step off the plane to your hotel and back, including the environmental fee, for about ₱1,200 per person.
View of the Boracay seaport in Caticlan
The second largest expense will be accommodation. On average, assuming you share a room, you will spend around ₱1,500 to ₱2,000 per night for a 3-star hotel.
Standard Room of Belmont Hotel with a twin bed
The third largest expense will be food. Restaurants along Boracay's shores are almost as pricey as those in BGC, sometimes even more expensive. Expect a meal to cost around ₱500. If you dine out for every meal, that’s an average of ₱1,500 per day. Sounds steep, right?
Bacon Slab in my favorite breakfast cafe, Sunny Side in Boracay
The other expenses you may incur are pasalubong, casual shopping from the stores in D'Mall, or beach activities you will explore. One of the famous things to do is to ride a Paraw, which is exclusive only around sunset time. You will be riding a boat along the sea to get a good view of the sunset. It's a great experience to witness such majestic beauty.
These are Paraw boats preparing to sail along the Boracay beach to get a glimpse of the sunset
Tips to lower costs and stay within the budget
Accommodation
Keep an eye out for promotions. Check the Facebook pages of hotels you are considering, like Belmont or Savoy Hotel. They often offer promos with rates as low as ₱3,000 per night for a twin bed, and sometimes you can add ₱300 for breakfast for two. Other hotels also have similar promos, so be on the lookout. Avoid booking via Agoda or similar sites as they are typically more expensive than booking directly through the hotel.
Spice Bird is home of the famous piri-piri chicken in Boracay
Food
Although they are few, there are still affordable restaurants and food stalls around Boracay. You may want to space out your dining choices to balance your budget. Fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Jollibee, Andok’s, and Mang Inasal offer meals for around ₱100-₱200. This way, you can enjoy a mix of budget-friendly and slightly more expensive dining experiences.
Ube Mama is one of my favorites, and it can only be found in Boracay and in La Union
Caveat
I'd like to emphasize that these are all just guide, and I highly advise for you to still do more research. My advise is to balance out the budget wherein you can still get the most out of your stay in Boracay. Cheers, and happy wandering!
What's next? Get updates on future destinations by liking our Facebook Page below. Thanks!
