Boracay is a topical island located at the northwestern tip of the province of Aklan. It is a coral island with a total land area of 1,083 hectares. It is 7 kilometers long, 0.5 km. at its narrowest and 2.0 kilometers at its widest. It has a beautiful stretch of beach 4 km long that is known for its powdery white sand unequalled not only in the Philippines but anywhere else in the world.

Boracay is composed of 3 barangays of the Municipality of Malay. It has a local population of about 13,000 whose main source of livelihood is tourism. The island was declared a tourist zone in 1978 and tourism development has expanded rapidly since then.

The island is accessible by plane or boat from Manila and Cebu. There are more frequent flights of smaller planes to Caticlan airport, with as many as 50 flights a day during peak season. There are larger aircrafts that fly to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province, but these require land travel to Caticlan port. There are plans to up-grade the Kalibo airport to receive international flights. Travel by sea is also available with vessels that dock in Dumaguit Port near Kalibo and in Caticlan. A short boat ride is necessary to reach the island.

Arrivals

Boracay is the Philippine’s major tourist destination. Tourist arrivals in 2006 reached 556,000. The average yearly increase from 1998 to 2006 was about 20%. Local tourists accounted for 65% while foreign tourists consisted of 35% of arrivals. This proportion of foreign tourist declined from the 42% level recorded in 1994/95 but showed an increasing trend since 2003. Koreans account for the single largest nationality that visited the island, accounting for 65% of foreign tourists.

There is less seasonal fluctuation in the number of foreign tourists as compared to local tourists. High season is for 8 months, from November to June when the ocean is calm and there is no rain. Low season is from July to October during the rainy season or habagat when the wind direction shift towards the island resulting in heavy seas.

Tourist Accommodations

There are 220 resorts in the island providing 5,452 rooms. The number of resorts is increasing rapidly. There is a wide variety of offerings catering to the low budget tourist as well as to the more discriminating visitors. Rooms are classified as AAA, AA, A and SIR. Only 20% of the rooms are classified and the rest are of low quality catering to the low budget tourists.

Activities

Glass Bottom Boat . Sit dry while you watch the sea life; fish, corals and more with your family, friends or collegues thrue the glass in the bottom of the boat. It's an educational and funny tour for young, adult and older.

Sightseeing Boat . Let us bring you around on this wonderful island, out there with family, friends or colleaques, for good time together during the day or just during the sunset.

Wind Surfing . Boracay has recently become famous as one of the country's prime windsurfing venues. It is now considered one of Asia's Best Boardsailing Destinations.

Diving . The underwater world of Boracay is particularly interesting because of its rich marine life which is highly visible against the pure, white sand. Coral reefs still continue to thrive around the island. Diving and snorkeling gear (including diving trips for the seasoned diver and lessons for the neophytes) are available at many diving centers or establishments in the island.

Sailing . A trip to Boracay is made more exhilarating and relaxing by drifting around the island aboard a banca (outrigger) kayaking, paddle boating, yachting or speed boating.

Beach Volleyball and Other Beach Sports . Boracay is a haven not just for aquasports enthusiasts but for inland sports buffs as well. Among the sports, which Boracay has become famous for internationally, are beach volleyball and soccer. Annual tournaments are held to promote these sports in the island.

Skim Boarding . Skimboarding has been a new fun sport for kids and entertainment for the older people for several years. It looks easy but be careful! It is a welcome new attraction and a pleasure to watch. Skimboards are available for rent at several places along White Beach.

Kitesurfing . Generally, the best time to travel to Boracay is from the middle of December to the middle of May - off-season for typhoons. In the Christmas, New Years and Easter breaks however, everyone is traveling and you'll have trouble getting a seat on any form of transport, not to mention hotel accommodations. Its hot all year round but the best time to go for wind is between December and February when the wind is at its best. The water is warm and no suit is needed. A rash vest is a good idea for protection from stings and other itchy sea creatures.

Events

Talking about Boracay festivals and events, the first name that comes to our mind is the Ati Atihan Festival, Boracay. It usually takes place in the third week of January and continues up to almost at the end of the month. The festival takes place in three places, one after the other-the Ati Atihan Festival along Boracay's White Beach, the world famous Ati Atihan Festival in Kalibo and the Tribal Ati Atihan Festival in Ibajay. The celebration mainly includes a pageant honoring the Santo Nino. Participants usually darken their skins with charcoal and dress up in colorful warrior costumes.

The Boracay International Funboard Cup also takes place in January but sometimes continues up to February. This Funboard Cup is a windsurfing competition and is open to both local and foreign windsurfers. It is a very popular event in Boracay attracting a great deal of media attention.

The Fil-American Friendship Golf Cup also takes place in the month of January.

The Goma Golf Cup and the Corporate Golf Cup are quite popular in Boracay during February. The Annual International Paraw Cup Challenge is also held during this time.

March, April and May are the summer months of Boracay. The northeast monsoon or the "amihan" produces very strong winds. Beach activities reach its peak and most festivals and events center around the warm beach during this time.

The Boracay Dive Olympics, the Sand Lantern Contest, the Boracay Invitational Golf Tournament, Boracay Beach Soccer Cup, Triathlon, Boracay Food Festival and the Beach Reggae Festival are some of them to name.

Several cultural shows also take place during the month of April.

The famous Nestea Beach Volleyball, Boracay takes place during the last week of April. It is the whole country's biggest summer event.

June and July are basically off-season months in Boracay. The island remains relatively quiet and peaceful and the Boracay rates are at their cheapest during this time.

The Caddie Shack Golf Tournament in the second week of September is the only notable event during this time.

October marks the beginning of the peak season and the start of Boracay festivals and events that continues up to the summer months. The cool tropical climate is at its best during this time and especially during the Christmas time, the crowd soars high.