Travel: Boracay Island from Kalibo (Philippines)

Willy's Rock Sunset

It's been a while since my last weekend gateway. Can't really remember where I went neither. 

Last April, I got a reminder from AirAsia for check-in, bought months ago during its sale season. Almost forgot that I did bought a return flying tickets to experience Boracay Island waters located in the Philippines.

About Boracay

Boracay Island and its beaches have received awards from numerous travel publications and agencies.The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak in the municipality of Malay, in Aklan Province. Apart from its white sand beaches, Boracay is also famous for being one of the world's top destinations for relaxation. It is also emerging among the top destinations for tranquility and nightlife.

How To Get There

This is basically the How-To-Get-To-Boracay-Island 101 once you safely landed at Kalibo International Airport, Philippines with AirAsia.

Travel time takes about 3:30 hours - 4:00 hours from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2), Malaysia and additional 2:00 hours to get to Caticlan Jetty into the Boracay Island.

Once exiting the airport arrival gate, you will first find a booth selling 5 - 7 days data unlimited sim cards. However, the data sim only applies for basic data usage action. Heavy data usage such as uploading images onto your Facebook will cost extra. Please check with the sim card retailer for more info during purchase.

LTE Sim Card

No need to rush for jetty transfer as the are tons of transport agents outside the airport. There's a row of transport service tents exactly in front of the arrival hall gate. I suggest you to take the mini-van instead of the bus as the the travel time could be shorter. Each mini-van are air-conditioned and comfortable. The transport agent will give you a sticker once you agree to use their services. Payment to be made once everyone is ready to go.

Heads up! Best to sit in front (door side, not middle) or front side rear if you the road-sick type. The 2:00 hours travel will bring you across Aklan through scenic countryside with curvy roads, uphill and downhill. 

Mini Bus Transfer from Kalibo International Airport

At the jetty, you will be given a few type of tickets. Do not lose these as you will need to use it later to board the transfer boat. There are fees required for payment upon entering the jetty too.

1. Terminal Fee (PHP 100)
2. Environmental Fee (PHP 75)

Note: Transfer boat Fee (Paid - Inclusive with Mini-Van Transfer Fee)

Terminal Fee Ticket

Environmental Fee Ticket

Inside, you are also required to fill in your personal details at the Tourist Registration Desk. The boat transfer to Boracay island takes about 15 - 20 minutes.

Ferry Transfer to  Boracay Island

Ferry Transfer to  Boracay Island

Upon reaching Boracay Jetty, you will find tons of transport services such as trike and van in the area. Just head to any of the available counter for safety reasons. Travel time from the jetty to station 1 or 2 or 3 (5KM distance) will take you up to 10 minutes. Be prepared with a print-out map of your hotel location.

Boracay Jetty Port

During my visit, I decided to checked-in at The Sitio Boracay, located Station 1. The hotel is not on the sandbeach, but quite close by foot at only 50 metres away. Went for a quick evening stroll while enjoying Boracay's beach sunset.

Will share some interesting activities to do there on a different post.

The Sitio Boracay

Friendly Staff - The Sitio Boracay

Waiting for sunset at Station 2, White Beach

Returning Home

Best to check-out the hotel and leave to get to Kalibo International Airport 5 - 6 hours before your flight departure. Remember that travelling by sea and road towards the airport will take up more than 3 hours. Note that there will be an additional waiting time (up to 1 hour) at the Caticlan Jetty for mini-bus transfer.

Tip: Ask the hotel receptionist to arrange for transfer pick-up from hotel to Boracay port.

At Boracay Jetty port, head towards the main entrance where you will find tents of boat tickets and airport transfer agents. The fee inclusive of boat ride and mini-van will cost about similar during arrival. There will be an air-conditioned waiting area, opposite the Caticlan Jetty port to take your mini-van airport transfer.

Be sure to show your ticket to the agents there as mini-van will leave once the passengers are full. You might not want to waste time waiting for the next trip since Kalibo International Airport is 2 hours away.

Another note, there is a 500 PHP airport tax to be paid during check-in at Kalibo International Airport.