10 Places To Visit In Boracay (2021 Edition)
Now that the island is open for domestic travel, we check out what’s closed, what’s open, and what must you not miss when in Boracay
Before the pandemic, Boracay was one of the hottest tourist destinations in the country, both for locals and foreigners. In 2019, Boracay saw over 2 million tourists, which is a staggering 116 percent increase from 2018. This surge in tourism came right after the famous Boracay clean-up and rehabilitation in 2018, bringing back the beauty and charm of the famous island.
But right when Boracay has finally started recouping their losses from the rehabilitation program, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, closing down the island once again.
In a bid to restart the economy of the island and its locals, who are heavily dependent on tourists and travelers, the Department of Tourism (DOT) gradually reopened the island in June last year with strict protocols and regulations. And while it has been slow, DOT, the local government, and the locals are all working hard to welcome local travelers back to the island.
In the past years, foreign tourists have always made up half of the visitors in Boracay. But now, for the first time in years, Boracay is exclusively for Filipinos. It’s time to reconnect with the island that has put the Philippines in the global tourism radar, and rekindle our love and appreciation for the natural beauty our country has to offer.
Metro.Style got the chance to fly back to Boracay last March to check up on the island, and we’ve compiled ten locations—newly-opened places, reopened places, and the most iconic spots you have to return to—that you can visit now in Boracay.
From modern food finds at Station X like Nonie’s and Sunny Side Boracay, iconic restaurants like Dos Mestizos and Real Coffee, specialty establishments that continue to persevere throughout the pandemic like YANNinks Tattoo, to award-winning resort hotels like Crimson Resort and Mandala Spa, there’s something at Boracay for everyone.
Check out the gallery below for our full list.
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1. Nonie’s
Nonie’s restaurant is a proudly local restaurant that prides itself for offering locally sourced, eco-conscious, and vegan-friendly dishes for locals and tourists. The restaurant was opened in 2018 by Shria and Patrick Florencio, a couple who decided to leave their jobs in Singapore to set up a business that they love and that resonates with what’s important to them—good food and helping others.
1. Nonie’s
Before the pandemic, Nonie’s drew a loyal and cult following because of the quality of food that they serve, all of the ingredients and elements made from scratch at their kitchen. The restaurant offers outstanding Filipino food with a twist, some of them influenced by Shria’s Indian background. Working with a Filipino chef, Shria was able to infuse some Indian influences in the dishes, just like their best-selling chicken and 72-hour pork adobo, which has distinct spices that stand out in the adobo sauce. There’s also the Nonie’s BBQ pork grain bowl, which was an heirloom recipe from Patrick’s mom. Our other favorite dishes that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Nonie’s are: Beef brisket eggs benedict, with beef so soft it melts in your mouth; vegan sisig, which is made with freshly baked lavosh; beef and kimchi grain bowl, featuring a delicious homemade kimchi made from the kitchen’s vegetable leftovers; and their signature pineapple pandan pancakes, which is a filling breakfast that brings bitter and sweet flavors together beautifully.
1. Nonie’s
Throughout the pandemic, Nonie’s remained open for locals through delivery and take-away options. They also gave birth to a new concept called Little Taj, which offers authentic Indian cuisine made friendlier to the Filipino palette. The concept originally started from Shria’s delicious samosa chaat, which became a blockbuster hit with the locals, and then eventually expanded to a full-on Indian cuisine menu, which can now be ordered as well from Nonie’s. Don’t miss the masala chai tea from the Little Taj menu, which is a perfect compliment to any of the dishes at Nonie’s. You can find Nonie’s at the Station X lifestyle and food hub.
Photo Credit: Check out Nonie’s on Instagram here
2. The Sunny Side Cafe Boracay
A staple at Boracay is the iconic Sunny Side Café, which has been offering all-day breakfast, bakery, and specialty coffee since 2014. Sunny Side Café is a delicious concept by husband and wife, Nowie and Odette Potenciano, and is home to what they call “comfort food with a twist” such as Kitayama beef tapsilog, The Sunny Side roesti, bacon and mango grilled cheese, and Malagos chocolate pancakes. Because of their excellent food and top-notch service, it’s no surprise that the Sunny Side Café brought home the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice for 5 consecutive years in a row.
2. The Sunny Side Cafe Boracay
Because of the pandemic, Sunny Side Café had to close their doors and take a break. During this time, Nowie and Odette redirected their efforts and resources to helping people in need because of the pandemic, sending out Sunny Side Café-cooked meals to OFWs stuck in the airport, cold brew to medical frontliners throughout Metro Manila and Boracay, and PPE scrub suits to clinics in Boracay and Aklan.
2. The Sunny Side Cafe Boracay
Originally located in Station 3, Sunny Side Café is now at a summer pop-up at Station X, still offering the classics that they are known for such as the adobo bowl, calamansi crumb muffins, The Sunny Side champorado, and ube cereal milk pancakes. Good news to those who go home from Boracay and find themselves missing Sunny Side Café’s food, they had a pop-up at The Grid in Rockwell last April so expect more in the months to come.
Photo Credit: Check out The Sunny Side Café on Instagram here
3. Little Wave
From the same people behind The Sunny Side Café comes another delicious concept called Little Wave. Also located at Station X, Little Wave is a specialty coffee shop that offers delightful all-day breakfast favorites and some of the best coffee you’ll taste in your life.
3. Little Wave
What makes Little Wave’s coffee such a winner is the fact that they partnered with experienced specialty coffee brands like Edsa BDG, Yardstick Coffee, and The Curator. In fact, before the pandemic, they would usually hold events with their coffee partners to keep things fresh and new in the café. Now, their regular menu offers special coffee concoctions brewed using Purple Haze, a special blend of Ethiopia Konga Sede and Panama Carmen Estate made exclusively for them by their coffee partner, Edsa BDG. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy a good simple brew knowing they brew with only the best beans, you must not miss our favorite coffee concoctions: the decadent Death Cream, which was a famous drink in the ’80s in the US, and tastes like dark liquid ice cream; and The Little Wave, a lighter but still creamy drink made with espresso and milk, finished with sea salt cream.
3. Little Wave
Even though they specialize in coffee, Little Wave has equally good food that both comforts the tummy and blows your mind. Their creamed shimeji and eggs, which are creamed shimeji mushrooms on top of scrambled eggs and sourdough toast is a light but filling breakfast. For a powerhouse meal, get the maple bacon sandwich, which is a BLT made with their homemade coffee-rubbed bacon that’s bursting with sweet and savory flavors.
Photo Credit: Check out Little Wave on Instagram here
4. Dos Mestizos
Dos Mestizos is one of the founding restaurants of Boracay, and has been there even before the tourism boom of the 2000s. The restaurant was established in 1995 by the mestizo partners Jose Carlos “Binggoy” Remedios and Jose Ramon Nieto, and is a gastronomic nook that offers good Spanish food, good service, and an old-world ambiance that is now hard to find in the island. At Dos Mestizos, it’s all about serving a culinary fare reminiscent of times when days were more leisurely and less harried, made from heirloom recipes passed down from one generation to the next.
4. Dos Mestizos
When it comes to the food at Dos Mestizos, you’ll know that you’re getting only the most premium ingredients prepared in the most meticulous and careful way. Binggoy takes pride in the fact that Dos Mestizos is able to fulfill their farm-to-table promise, using ingredients naturally grown on Finca Verde, Binggoy’s patch of land on mainland Aklan. Also bred at Finca Verde are native free-range chicken that provide their eggs, and organically-fed native hogs which are raised for a month to become their delectable cochinillo. While it’s easy to devour their delicious cochinillo, make sure you make room for their paella de mariscos made with fresh seafood, the croquettas de quezo azul made with blue cheese and bechamel that melts in your mouth, the best gambas you’ll find in the whole island, and the decadent baked oysters al espagnole.
4. Dos Mestizos
For a tapas night you won’t forget, visit Dos Mestizos at their new location at Station 1, across Sea Wind Resort. Because of the pandemic, it will still be manageable to get a seat if you walk-in, but when tourism picks up or during peak season like Holy Week, it’s best to call in for a reservation. Call 0966-672-8077 or 0961-584-4774 for inquiries and reservations.
Photo Credit: Check out Dos Mestizos on Instagram here
5. Real Coffee
And while we’re on the subject of iconic Boracay restaurants, Real Coffee is definitely one of these restaurants that have been there during the dawn of Boracay’s gastronomic experience. Established in 1996 by the mother and daughter tandem Mamma Lee and Nadine, Real Coffee quickly became a hub for all-day breakfast, a quick coffee break, and no frou-frou baked goods.
5. Real Coffee
Real Coffee doesn’t need to work too hard to make good food. Their grilled cheese is a savory delight, light enough to make room for a piece of their famous calamansi muffin. Their French toast is also delicious, best paired with sunny side up eggs or plain with syrup.
5. Real Coffee
Real Coffee has really stood the test of time, its iconic Nipa interiors holding up to the coming and going of restaurants and establishments around the island. At Real Coffee, you can enjoy the beauty of nature, while sipping on an uncomplicated cup of coffee, and a plate of happiness in front of you. To get to Real Coffee, walk along the beachfront of Station 2 until you see the sign on the right.
Photo Credit: Check out Real Coffee on Instagram here
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6. Willy’s Rock
Willy’s Rock is probably one of the most recognizable and photographed landmark in Boracay, a giant castle-like volcanic formation that stands out in a stretch of white sand and blue waters. This famous landmark was named after Willy’s Beach Hotel, one of the very first hotels that set shop in the island back in the ’90s. On the rock stands an image of the Virgin Mary, as if looking over and protecting the island.
6. Willy’s Rock
Getting to Willy’s Rock can be a bit tricky, because you have to time your visit during the low tide, when it can be accessible by foot. Low tide schedules usually fluctuate on the island, depending on the season, but around summer, it’s best to visit the landmark in the morning before the waters rise up.
7. YANNinks Tattoo Studio
Apart from the souvenirs and pasalubong you can take home from Boracay, it’s always nice to see people in the airport going home with braids on their hair and henna tattoo on their bodies. It’s like a mark, almost, that signals they had a lot of fun in the island. Whether you’re looking for some permanent ink or henna tattoo, you’ll want to do it at YANNinks Tattoo Studio, a prominent tattoo studio located at the Bamboo Beach Resort in Station 3.
7. YANNinks Tattoo Studio
Owner-artist Ryan Saltiga started YANNinks small, sharing a space with a small grocery store in Station 2 around 2006. Just a few years after, Ryan was able to establish his brand and studio, inking popular celebrities like Manny Pacquio, Hollywood actor Michael Madsen, and Magandang Buhay host Melai Francisco. Since Ryan has transferred with his family to New Zealand, YANNinks is now in the care of her sister, Roxanne. Helping Roxanne are the talented crew of YANNinks Tattoo: Bebot, Watti Diocampo, and Nixon Dela Cruz.
7. YANNinks Tattoo Studio
Roxanne shares the pandemic has been very tough on the studio, especially since most—if not all—of their clients are tourists. Ever since Boracay reopened last year, YANNinks has also partially reopened the studio. Roxanne advises travelers who want to get their ink done to call ahead or message them on Instagram or Facebook to schedule an appointment.
Photo Credit: Check out YANNinks Tattoo Studio on Instagram here
8. Paradise Dive Center
When you have a vast ocean to enjoy and explore, what better way to experience it than go scuba diving? Boracay is home to beautiful underwater biodiversity, easy enough to dive even for first-timers. For beginner divers (or even advanced and experienced ones), you definitely have to go to Paradise Dive Center, one of the original dive centers in the island. The center was started by two German buddies, Tasso and Wolfgang, who fell in love with Boracay and decided to start a business with just one very nice boat called King Wahles, a compressor, and 30 diving tanks. Now, it is one of the most trusted centers in the island, and one of the largest filling stations for divers.
8. Paradise Dive Center
Tasso said that they did not completely close down during the pandemic, since they have locals who also rent their equipment to dive. However, their tourist clients have immensely dropped, and now, they’re offering discounts to encourage local travelers to try scuba diving. What was originally P3,500 for a discover scuba diving course is now just around P1,200. This includes rental of all equipment, boat transfers, breathing instructions, a divemaster guide, and underwater photos and videos. Call ahead for bookings.
Photo Credit: Check out Paradise Dive Center on Facebook here
9. Mandala Spa and Resort Villas
For a truly relaxing spa experience, you have to visit the award-winning Mandala Spa. Recognized as one of the top luxury spa destinations in Boracay both by local and international award-giving bodies, Mandala Spa really puts the “ahhhh” in spa with their incomparable service and amazing nature-situated property.
9. Mandala Spa and Resort Villas
For a quick but relaxing spa experience, book the Mandala Asian Signature Massage, a full body massage designed for deep relaxation to relieve physical and emotional blockages. The massage takes an hour and 45 minutes, conducted in your very own personal villa, and comes with a foot bath and scented oil of your choices. Finish with a warm Asian Floral Bath to rinse off the oils afterwards.
9. Mandala Spa and Resort Villas
Because of the pandemic, all their staff are donned in full PPE during the service, and you will be asked to come in 30 minutes before your massage to fill up a health declaration form upon arrival. They’re also offering all treatments at 60% off, which is such a steal given the amazing service that they render. Mandala Spa is located at Station 3 and can be accessed with an e-trike. To book a massage or treatment, call 0966-153-2215 or visit their Facebook page below.
Photo Credit: Check out Mandala Spa on Facebook
10. Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay
Prior to the pandemic, hotels and resorts in Boracay never found it hard to fill their rooms regardless of whether its peak or low season. However, to cope with the low number of travelers ever since the island reopened, many hotels are now offering Day Passes to encourage both locals and domestic travelers to explore more of the island. Crimson Resort, one of the most luxurious and private resort hotels at Station Zero, is offering a special Day Pass for those who want to experience their private beachfront and stay for some cocktails.
10. Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay
The Crimson Day Pass costs P2,000 per head. It comes with P1,500 of credits, which can be used at Azure restaurant for cocktails or dinner by the beach, or at the Crimson Spa. You’ll also have access to the gym, the infinity pool, and their private beach. Crimson has scheduled transfers to and from D’Mall in the morning and at night for those who avail the Day Pass, but it’s still accessible via e-trike if you decide to come in and go home at a different time.
10. Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay
Apart from the spectacular private beach that you’ll get to enjoy, they also have two large rock formations framing the beachfront, which make for awesome photographs and shaded swimming. When you’re done enjoying the crystal clear waters, you can return to the beachfront lined with sunbeds to relax, read a book, or drink a cocktail. For bookings, call Crimson Resort at 0998-596-4626 or 0917-881-7284.
Photo Credit: Check out Crimson Resort on Instagram here
Traveling amidst the pandemic
It’s been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the country, locking Filipinos inside their homes to stop the transmission of the deadly virus. This meant a lot of things for many people—lack of work, no schools, work from home arrangements, closure of businesses, separation from family and friends, and so much more. While some industries and businesses were fortunate to have thrived in the pandemic, one of the most hit by the pandemic was the tourism industry. As a non-essential business, travel and tourism was put in the back seat, as the country focused on reviving the more essential sectors of the economy.
As the restrictions eased and more businesses reopened last year, we are fortunate to see more people willing to go out and see close-by destinations—of course, while still observing proper health protocols and social distancing. People started to drive to nearby provinces, stay for a meal or two in their dearly missed restaurants, and some are even more fortunate to start flying to local destinations like Boracay.
It’s definitely a blessing and a luxury to travel locally now. Not a lot of people can afford the extra requirements like the required RT-PCR tests, especially since the pandemic affected many people’s jobs and income. Traveling also carries a significant amount of risk, especially air travel, which puts everyone in a small enclosed space.
But while traveling is a luxury, it also goes a long way in helping our kababayans who, before, earned their living because of the travel industry.
For the longest time, Boracay, for example, thrived mainly because of local and foreign tourism. Most, if not all, of the locals were able to establish restaurants, stores, and their own gigs by taking advantage of the travel boom in the island. So when the rehabilitation of the island kicked in, and then shortly the pandemic lockdown after that, many were left jobless, with no income to support themselves and their families.
Some of the locals we talked to shared that during the height of the pandemic, they would turn to malunggay trees in their backyard and watery lugaw to be able to survive. Many also went back to fishing to find food to put on the table. We met young peddlers selling keychains and bracelets, begging us to buy one because they haven’t sold a single one for the whole week. Restaurants that lined the beachfront remain open with flashy lights and sounds, albeit empty, maybe in hopes that some of the very few travelers would care to come in and buy something.
For them, seeing local travelers back in the island is a glimmer of hope, that soon, things will return to normal and bring Boracay back to its usual bustle. Even though Boracay is COVID-free, and technically it is in their best interests to keep locals from COVID hotspots out of their pristine island, they’re willing to welcome travelers back with open arms just so more business would come in after the drought of last year.
If you’re able, if you have the means to do so, this is the best time to travel now. As long as you follow the protocols—staying masked all the time, washing and disinfecting your hands regularly, and observing social distancing—traveling shouldn’t be any riskier than going to the supermarket for a grocery run. In fact, if you visit a COVID-free island like Boracay, you’re less likely to get infected than exposing yourself to the crowded Manila.
If you travel now, not only do you get to witness again the beauty of our country, but you also get to help locals who have been struggling in the past year.
It’s no overstatement to say that for the first time in decades, the Philippines is for Filipinos to see and enjoy. Hopefully we just do it responsibly and safely.
Please recheck travel restrictions before you book or travel to Boracay as they are subject to change