Things to Do in Boracay

The 4 km powdery strip that made Boracay famous. Station 1 is wider and more upscale, Station 2 is the busy heart with restaurants, bars and D'Mall, and Station 3 is calmer and cheaper. Swim in the morning when the water is glassy, walk the beach path at sunset as paraw sailboats glide past, then stay for fire dancers and beach bars at night. Simple pero sulit, it's the reason most people come.

The most Boracay thing you can do at golden hour. Hop on a paraw, a traditional double-outrigger sailboat, and sit on the net while it glides along White Beach as the sky turns orange and purple. A ride lasts around 30 minutes to an hour, and the boatmen usually help with photos. Best shared with your partner or barkada.

Boracay's northern escape, about 20 minutes from Station 1. The sand is coarser, made of crushed shells, and the water is a deep turquoise with livelier waves. It's far less crowded than White Beach, with a few native food stalls and souvenir stands. Perfect for a lazy afternoon away from the crowds, and often a stop on island-hopping tours.

A Boracay institution since 1996 and home of the famous calamansi muffin, golden and moist with a tangy citrus glaze, which has become the island's go-to pasalubong. Founded by an Italian-American mother and daughter, it also serves hearty breakfasts, coffee and baked goods. Order extra muffins to bring home, they sell out. Its laid-back, artsy upstairs space is a nice place to slow down before hitting the beach.

A small, quiet cove just north of Station 1, reached by a scenic cliffside walkway from White Beach. Same fine sand and clear water, but with a fraction of the crowd. A few chill bars and boutique resorts line it, and it's lovely at sunset. Great for couples or anyone who wants Boracay beauty without the Station 2 bustle.

Boracay's most famous fruit shake stop, with a menu of dozens of combinations from mango and banana to chocolate-peanut. Lines form all day, especially around sunset. Grab a shake and sit on the beachfront, or order a simple snack. It's a cheap, cold, very Boracay ritual after a hot day on the beach. It's also a handy meeting point when your barkada splits up along the beach.

The windy east-side beach that turns into one of Asia's kitesurfing hotspots from around November to April, when the Amihan winds blow. Watch colorful kites fill the sky or sign up for lessons with the many kite and windsurf schools. It's also where White Beach activities move during Habagat season. More sporty and local than glamorous.

Boracay's most photographed landmark, a volcanic rock formation with a small Virgin Mary grotto sitting in the shallow water off Station 1. At low tide you can wade right up to it. Go early morning to have it nearly to yourself, or at sunset for the classic silhouette shot. Free and quick, but almost every Boracay trip includes a photo here.