We often hear about Caticlan in the Philippines; however, it is not exactly a state or a district. As a matter of fact, Caticlan is a barangay in the municipality of Malay, in the province of Aklan. Barangay is a small or the smallest administrative division, or that is how the locals actually call a village, district, or ward. The barangay would be responsible for the one to plan and execute any of the government's mandate, plans, decree, projects, policies, or activities for their community.

Aklan is a province in the Western Visayas with Kalibo as the capital. Under Aklan's province, the Municipality of Malay happens to be the richest province in the vicinity by revenue. It also happens to be the most populated town in Aklan province. The municipality of Malay that is located in Aklan Province also happens to be located on the island of Panay.

Throughout the Philippines, Panay Island is the sixth-largest and fourth island that is most populated. Malay Municipality is located at the northernmost part of the island and is the newest among other municipalities in Aklan province. This makes Boracay resort island part of the municipality as well.

The island is located only 800 meters away from the northwest coast of Panay Island. The island is only 10.32 square kilometers. However, it is under the management of the Municipality of Malay and Province of Aklan.

If you think it ends there, wait for it because Boracay is about to show off their Oscars in travel. It was awarded as the 2012 Best Island in the World by the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure. By the year 2013, Boracay Island has become one of the top destinations for travelers to come to enjoy some peace and tranquillity.

Oh, there’s more…

By the year 2014, Boracay Island again received another recognition as the top of the "Best Islands in the World" list published by Condé Nast Traveler. While in 2016, the same magazine listed Boracay Island as the "Top 10 destinations to watch". In the year 2018, the island was closed for six months for renovations and upgrades to fix the sewage system that is not proper.

Ang Boracay ang hari ng paglalakbay!

There are many domestic flights from other states of the Philippines that can bring travelers to Manila in order to take them to Caticlan or Kalibo. There is also an option to fly directly from a certain part of the Philippines directly to Kalibo or Caticlan, but the frequency may be lesser.

Therefore, to get more choices of flight time, heading to Manila first may be a good idea. Then there will be a boat to take the travelers to the island. The boat ride will only take around 15 to 30 minutes and cost around 150 pesos.

Alternatively, from Manila, travelers can fly to Kalibo Airport also. Flights from Manila to Kalibo are usually cheaper. However, Kalibo is further away from Boracay as compared to Caticlan. It can take up to 2 hours boat ride from Kalibo to Boracay Island. Therefore, for those that would like to save time, getting a direct flight from Manila to Caticlan is the best option, while those that would like to save money may opt to go to Kalibo.

For travelers that will be heading to Boracay or Caticlan, they can take a flight from Manila Airport towards Godofredo P. Ramos Airport or also known as Caticlan Airport. This is also the same airport for the Malay Municipality and Aklan Province.

Due to Boracay being a top tourist destination, the Caticlan Airport is the seventh busiest airport in the Philippines. There are many domestic flights that can take travelers from Manila to Caticlan.

Some of the flights available are Philippines Air Asia, Cebgo, Philippines Airlines, Air Swift, and also Cebu Pacific. All the flights are direct and cost ranging around 1900 Pesos to 4000 Pesos depending on the date and also the time. The whole trip between the two places will only take around one hour.

There are many things that can be done on Boracay Island. Ariel's Point is definitely one of the top highlights among the 27 Best Things to Do in Boracay Island. The location is accessible within a 40-minute ride on a boat from Station 1 of the main Boracay Island.

Youngsters and adrenaline junkies would flock to this Point because there are many outdoor activities available here.

The top attraction would be the spot for cliff diving. There are steps that lead to the spot to make the jump. The jumps are marked at 3 meters, 5 meters, 6 meters, 7 meters, or 13 meters high. Visitors are advised to be very careful as the steps can be quite slippery since people who jumped may go back up. This is definitely once in a lifetime experience that many would not pass especially doing it at a beautiful location such as Boracay.

Other than that, Ariel's Point has a beautiful sandy beach where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery. There are also vendors that rent out equipment for kayaking, snorkeling, and also paddle boarding. There are also vendors that offer day trip packages where it including the boat ride from the hotel to Ariel's Point together with BBQ buffet lunch, snacks together with an unlimited number of drinks regardless of if it is alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.

The trips are available daily starting at 11.15 am. The last boat to leave Ariel’s Point is at 5 pm. With the current Covid-19 season, visitors are advised to register online at Ariel’s House before 10.30 am of the departure date. The package trip would cost around 2800 Philippine Peso per person.

For those who wish to stay out of the water, visitors can also hike up to Mount Luho. Visitors will need to hike through Bulabog Beach, where many would do water activity here together with buggy and ATV rides. There will be a hilly road that will lead visitors to a point where the hike starts. It is a walkable hike from Bulabog beach. It is suitable for non-hikers too because Mount Luho is quite a low mountain. In fact, there are stairs made of concrete that lead visitors up to the peak. It will only take around 10 minutes to climb.

The entrance fee is 120 Philippine Peso per person. However, for those who do not wish to hike, they can always take a tricycle up to Mount Luho. It cost around 150 Philippine Peso per person per way. At the peak of Mount Luho, there are three view decks: Stoy Mt. Luho Viewpoint, Mt. Luho View Deck, and also Happy Planet.

There is another view deck being built, and it is said to be the highest viewpoint yet. Stoy Mount Luho is off-limits, but there is a wooden bridge and bamboo viewpoint deck here. Happy Planet view deck is accessible from a different part of the mountain. Here there is a cable car, and zipline rides too.

On the ride up to Mt. Luho View Deck, there are some animals in cages that are placed like a mini zoo. As for the view decks, there are structures in different shapes where visitors can take pictures with. It is free of charge, but anyone is welcome to donate to the donation box. There is also a minibar where visitors can have a drink overlooking the sea from a vantage point.

By heading to the Happy Planet view deck, visitors will be able to get a 360-degree view of Boracay island, beaches of Lapuz Lapuz, private beaches of Fairways & Bluewater Newcoast Resort, and also public Ilig-Iligan Beach. Bulabog Beach stretches up to two kilometers, can also be seen from the view deck.

Visitors are actually advised to visit Mount Luho during sunrise or sunset because the view of it against the sea is breathtaking. It is definitely a destination that needs to be added to the list whenever you are in Boracay.

Boracay Island on its own is already a destination that many has chosen as their top location to relax, have some peace, and also enjoy the beauty nature has to offer. The island also has countless numbers of beaches. It is a waste to only spend time on one beach only. Therefore, many would do beach hopping to be able to see the different beaches and how they are different from one another.

The first would be the White Beach area. This beach stretches up to four kilometers long. Due to the length of this beach, it is divided into Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. Station 1 is at the northernmost area and has the widest beachfront. Many 5-star hotels and resorts are built here. The guests of these accommodations will be able to enjoy a secluded area of the beach.

Station 2, the beach is more for the public. It is also considered as a more business beach as there are many restaurants, clubs, shops, and booths that can be found here. It is also the most crowded beach among the three.

Station 3 is the least developed one. Many hostels or budget accommodations are built here. It is quieter, too, as compared to other key spots on White Beach.

The next one would be Puka Shell Beach. It is very similar to White Beach, but it is 20 minutes away from White Beach. Generally, visitors will need to take a tricycle there, the beach is less crowded. It is a nice place for those who wish to relax without being disturbed by others. Ilig-Iligan Beach is another beach that is mostly visited by visitors that come to Boracay Island. The beach has a white sandy beach too.

This beach is also great for those who would like to snorkel as it has many amazing marine lives. The beach also has some scenic limestone islets. Visitors can explore it too by either taking an island-hopping trip or walking inland from the White Beach. The limestone islet is divided into two: deep and shallow islets.

Another great beach is Bulabog Beach. On this beach, many would do more extreme sports such as kiteboarding, parasailing, and windsurfing. There are hotels on this side of the island too. Therefore, visitors that prefer extreme sports can spend their time here instead. Locals and tourists both would come to this beach when they want to try a more challenging activity.

To ensure a pleasant experience for the tourists despite the pandemic and growing variants, the Boracay governments have put together a set of rules and guidelines for everyone to follow while they are on the island. Apart from the government sites, you can also refer to our Traveloka COVID-19 Travel Requirements and Information page:

If this got you excited, read about the other parts of the Philippines that we have covered for you! Your travel bucket list will bound to be longer:

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