Boracay on a Budget

Once upon a time, there was a time when Boracay was synonymous to a luxurious tropical vacation. I don’t know if you’ve experienced that notion, but I was once under the impression that I needed lots of money in order to enjoy the island. I was envious of those classmates who were able to go every summer, until I found out that you don’t really need a pot of gold to be able to survive there. Thanks to budget airlines, seasonal hotel rates and some haggling skills, there’s pretty much nothing to worry about.

AIRFARE

Budget airlines are big nowadays, and they’re also helping promote tourism in our country by providing cheap flights to major tourist destinations. My uncle used to tell me that during his time, Boracay was only accessible by boat. Imagine the 8-hour trip you have to endure. Now, it’s just an hour away. Talk about accessible, huh? With the regular seat sales from domestic airlines, Boracay has been more accessible than ever. Last year, my roundtrip ticket was around P1250 via Caticlan. My cousin’s was P700+. Of course, you have to book early and secure a stable internet connection for this to work. I’m quite amazed at seat sales and its impact on our tourist industry. With rates like this, you could probably go to Boracay every weekend! Haha it might be possible if you’ve mastered your seat sale skills! Good luck!

TRANSPORTATION

In this section, I’ll include the terminal and environmental fees that you’ll be paying at the different airports and ports that you’ll pass through. Personally, I think it’s a huge rip off because we’re the only ones who charge terminal fees at airports considering that we’re one of the world’s worst. As for the environmental fees, I wouldn’t have a problem with it if I am assured that it really does go to worthy causes. Anyway, transportation fees are quite cheap. There are packages if you’re coming from Kalibo, which would usually include the boat ride to Boracay. There’s pretty much nothing you can pinch here, except maybe for the tricycle from either of the two Boracay ports. It’s P100 from the port to your hotel, but it’s P25 per person if you’re willing to wait for other passengers. So, if you’re alone, or with a partner, then I would suggest to wait it out. Although, P50 is not really much when you’re sacrificing precious leg space for your luggages.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Boracay is largely affected by two tropical seasons – the Amihan and the Habagat. The Amihan season has the wind blowing from the east, so White Beach is technically clear. This is usually during November to June, and if you’ve already guessed, this is the high season. It’s when tourists are flocking to the island, so the rates are usually steep and accommodations are scarce. I’d suggest to book early, especially during the peak seasons including Christmas, New Year, Holy Week and Labor Day. Meanwhile, the Habagat season has the wind blowing from the west, which is why there’s a need for wind breakers in White Beach. Thus, the view of the sea is blocked if you’re trying to gaze out from an establishment. Still, the sea is open and the island is still the same. It’s my favorite season because you can have the island all to yourself. Plus, the rates are a lot lower. For a double-occupancy room during the summer, it could go as low as P2000 but it’s just P1000 during the low season. So, the season plays a huge role in budgeting your stay.

If the season of your trip is non-negatioble, then another way to cut back on hotel expenses is to choose those on the Main Road. I’ve heard before that the rates get cheaper after the different stations, like how Station 1 is the most expensive and Station 3 is the cheapest. Actually, I’ve found that it’s not really the case. Sometimes, a Main Road hotel in Station 1 could cost less than a beachfront hotel in Station 3. So, when they say that location is key, the cheaper ones are the ones farther from the beach.

Lastly, being Filipinos, the last way to save a few bucks is to haggle. I know it’s quite shocking at first, but I was really able to save a lot from haggling for hotel prices. You see, the rate they put up in their website is usually what they’ll offer you. Try to negotiate the price,  and you’ll see that it could help.

FOOD & DRINKS

Here’s something I can’t really give tips on. I rarely skimp on food and drinks. I am the type who’d rather sleep on the beach than eat nothing at all. So, I really set aside money for my meals. Besides, with the thriving food culture in Boracay, who wouldn’t want to try all of it out? Haha well, if worst comes to worst, there’s always Andok’s, Yellowcab, the newly built Army Navy, and other fast food chains around D’mall. Also, if your hotel has a kitchen, you can go to D’talipapa and buy some seafood. Don’t forget to haggle!

ACTIVITIES

I was a bit surprised to find out that activities have seasonal rates as well, no matter how good you are at haggling. Of course, rates are much higher during the summer. Still, you can haggle your way around. Same goes for low season rates. In this island, I’ve discovered that haggling is key.

So, there. I think it pretty much covers the basic things you’re gonna spend on. As I’ve said, haggle your way through. I hope this was helpful, and that you can enjoy in your next trip!

XOXO

To view more of Gel Barriento's travel stories, visit gelbarrientos.wordpress.com.