Experience Boracay – A Brief IntroDuction
In my opinion, if you were to visit the Philippines for any extended period, then you should put Boracay on your itinerary. Often voted the ‘best beach in the world’, it’s a gentle mix of tropical relaxation and buzzing nightlife.
The island itself is only a little over 10sq kms, so you won’t find it hard to get around, even still you can find quiet spots. Or dive right into the thick of it and enjoy the buzz around you.
We wrote a short blog back in 2017 about Boracay. Check out the cover photo that shows you the lay-out of the island in full. On the left side you can see the full 3km stretch of White Beach. It’s impossible to see the vibrancy that lays along that long stretch of beach the other side of the palm trees.
I also wrote a blog a few months ago on Panglao island, Bohol which referenced it as ‘the other white beach’. Boracay being ‘that other white beach’.
You could wake to this each morning
Boracay – a relaxing lifestyle
The biggest appeal for me is the way the island is laid out. The main part of the island is called White Beach. It is a 3km stretch of crystal-clear water, the purest, softest white sand, palm trees lining the full stretch, and all along the palm trees runs a sandy walking track that’s lined with bars, restaurants and accommodation.
This is the main foot highway of the island.
The best part is, the road for cars, bikes etc. is a further 250 metres inland. No car or bike noises and traffic keep the tropical purity intact, making it feel like you are on a tropical island.
This enhances the island’s serene environment and laid-back atmosphere making it easy to unwind.
I could enjoy this ‘most’ nights 😊
Could I live in Boracay?
Yes, but for how long? There is a large expat community of various ages, and you will bump into them soon enough if you start talking to your neighbour at the bar/café/restaurant. It’s not a big island. The expat community, as with most other expat communities are very welcoming, open and generous. You will not find it hard to meet new people.
For me, Boracay does not have that ‘permanent’ homely feel. I have been to Boracay three times, and each time it feels like a great place to visit for a while. I could see myself living there for 6-12 months perhaps.
There is plenty to do. Being a tropical island they have all the water sports, and two golf courses. Plus, along with the expat community, it is one of the most visited places in the Philippines, so they have plenty of people passing through if you like being social.
If you’re retired and have the time, I recommend spending a month on the island and see for yourself.
Boracay offers a nice mix of rustic and modern living
The Cost of Living in Boracay
Food and Drinks
Perhaps due to the plethora of options, you can easily eat out for each meal and still not break the budget. A meal at an average restaurant will set you back about AUD$4 (USD$2.60). Most nights my partner and I would have a large meal with entrees and a dessert, and most nights we wouldn’t spend AUD$30 (USD$20) for the food combined.
A high-quality domestic half-litre beer would set you back about AUD$2.20 (USD$1.40). Not too bad when you consider the atmosphere it comes with.
I can also attest that I have been served the strongest and cheapest Long Island Iced Teas on Boracay. My advice is not to drink them too fast. A friend visiting with me once did just that; within 60 minutes, she was tucked up in bed.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a nip pourer on Boracay.
Housing
Most hotels are open to quoting prices for monthly stays and longer. During the off-season, you can get some great discounts – 40% plus for longer stays. You will need to account for the occasional typhoon passing by during this time of the year. I’ve done it; it’s a tad windy and wet, but the beers are cheap, remember. And typhoons pass.
There are many rentals in Boracay. If you choose to live in the center, you can expect to pay about AUD$1,150 (USD$750) per month for a one-bedroom unit. On the outer parts of the island, the price drops considerably, to approximately AUD$520 (USD$335) per month.
For a two-bedroom unit, a rough rule of thumb is to add 50% to the above one-bedroom figures.
Total cost to live on the island
An Australian retired engineer living on the island once told me some expats live on AUD$1,500 (USD$1,000) per month. That includes rent, food, drinks, utilities – the lot. For a bit of comfort without watching the Peso too much, he recommended AUD$2,000 (USD$1,320) per month for a standard lifestyle living outside the town center, then go up from there depending on your personal budget and lifestyle requirements.
Bars, restaurants and accommodation line most of the 3km stretch of White Beach. At night many restaurants put seating under the palm trees.
Boracay Climate
You could hardly ask for better weather. The temperature in Boracay consistently ranges from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius year-round, making it ideal for an outdoor lifestyle. The Philippines experiences an average of about 20 typhoons each year. However, Boracay is somewhat sheltered from direct hits, although there is still a significant chance of encountering winds and rains as typhoons pass by. The typhoon season typically runs from June to September.
In saying that, it’s still a nice place to be during this period. You enjoy sunny days without most of the tourist crowd, then it’s windy and rainy (but still warm) for a few days, then it’s perfectly sunny again.
“Retirement is When you stop living at work & start working on living!”
Boracay Healthcare
I have been told that it’s not the best island to live on if you have any major medical conditions. Boracay has several medical clinics and health facilities, which is great for everyday ailments and essential healthcare services, but if you need specialised medical care you may need to go to Kalibo, which is about a 2-hour bus ride, or Iloilo, which is a 5-hour trip. Both places have well-equipped hospitals with highly trained medical professionals.
And as per usual, we recommend having private medical insurance that covers treatment in these cities that will ensure you have access to high-quality medical care.
Same island, different beach – still spectacular
What about wellness and fitness?
Boracay offers numerous opportunities for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. The island’s natural beauty encourages outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing and paddleboarding. Yoga studios and wellness centres are also available, offering classes and treatments that promote physical and mental well-being. The tropical climate and fresh air contribute to overall health and vitality.
Boracay Island Transport
