This step-by-step guide will teach you how to go to Boracay from Manila by airplane as a first-timer. Boracay is located 304 km south of Manila. You can go to Boracay by riding a bus, boarding a boat, and flying in an airplane.
As a first-timer, the fastest and simplest way to get to Boracay is by airplane. Basically, you just have to get to Terminal 4 of NAIA Airport to fly to Caticlan, and then board a Ferry to Boracay. That’s it…
Of course, aside from the route, there are other things that you need to consider such as Budget, Itinerary, and hotel booking. The advantage of choosing to go to Boracay by plane will make your preparation process simple. As a result, you will have less worry especially if you will travel as a family with toddlers.
Just to manage your expectations, there is no direct flight from Manila’s NAIA Airport to Boracay. The only way to go to the latter is by ferry.
The nearest airport to Boracay is the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan. It is 2.4 KM away from Boracay Jetty Port. The second nearest is the Kalibo International Airport. It is 67 KM away from Boracay Jetty Port
The airline companies that fly to Boracay on a regular basis are AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines. They have a daily flight schedule from NAIA Airport going to Godofredo Ramos Airport in Caticlan Malay Aklan.
Have you decided to go to Boracay to enjoy the silky white sand, breathtaking sunset, and clear blue waters? Start your journey by reading Aklan’s guide to tourists going to the place.
Step 1: Book a flight bound for Caticlan Airport and Hotel
1. book a flight
From NAIA terminal 4, there are three airlines that fly to Caticlan Airport (also known as Godofredo P. Ramos Airport) on a regular basis. These are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. Based on my comparison the most affordable is AirAsia. Check the airlines’ respective websites for the airfare and their flight schedule.
There are no direct flights to Boracay. Caticlan is the nearest airport to the latter. From Manila, it will take you 45 minutes by air to get to Caticlan airport.
2. book a hotel
You can not enter the island if you do not have a pre-booked hotel. You can search online for the list of hotels in Boracay. Select the hotel that’s within your budget. Follow the booking instruction of the hotel then book the room in accordance with your flight schedule.
Step 2: Fly to Caticlan Airport in Aklan from NAIA Terminal 4
Arrive at NAIA terminal 4 two hours before your flight schedule. Consider the traffic, luggage check-in time, and boarding time.
Fly to Caticlan airport from NAIA terminal 4. Expect to land at Caticlan airport in Malay Aklan within 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 3: Ride a tricycle going to Caticlan Jetty Port
Collect your baggage (if you have any) and go out of the Caticlan airport. Walk towards the orange tricycle terminal. Ride in one of those and tell the driver to bring you to Caticlan jetty port. The fare cost is Php 50 per person.
Step 4: Board the Ferry bound for Boracay Jetty port
Alright, there are many things that you need to do at the Caticlan Jetty port before you can board the ferry. Here are the following:
- a. Pay the terminal fee
- b. Pay the environmental fee
- c. Buy the ferry boat ticket and collect the boarding pass
- d. Once you settled everything. Enter the hallway that says “to Boracay.” collect your stub at the counter to know the name of the ferry and your seat number.
- e. Fill up the boat manifest
- f. Afterward, walk towards the oyster ferry passenger exit. Then board the ferry according to the name on the stub and seat number.
By boat, the travel time from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay Jetty Port is approximately 15 minutes. Once you arrive at the latter. Get out of the building and walk towards the green and blue electric tricycle (e-tric) terminal.
Step 5: Ride a Tricycle going to your hotel
Ride the blue or green tricycle outside of the Boracay Jetty Port. Tell the tricycle driver the name of your hotel and its station number so he can assess your fare cost per person.
Congratulations you now have arrived at your destination yey!!!
How to Go to Manila from Boracay by Airplane
Going back to Manila is much easier. What you need to do is just do the above steps in reverse.
- Step 1: From your hotel ride a tricycle going to Jetty Port
- Step 2: Pay the Fees (except the terminal fee) and buy a boat ticket
- Step 3: Board the Ferry going to Caticlan Jetty Port
- Step 4: Ride Tricycle going to Caticlan Airport
- Step 5: Check in to your Airplane and Fly back to Manila
My advice is to leave the island 4 hours earlier. This is for you to have enough time to have one last look at the island and be not in a hurry.
Again, the only way to go back to Caticlan Airport from Boracay Island is by ferry. If you will leave your hotel late then there is no way the ferry will adjust its speed for you hahaha. It’s better to wait at the airport than worry about not getting there on time for your flight.
How Far is Manila to Boracay by Airplane
Boracay is located 304 km south of Manila. By plane, it will take you from 1 hour to 1 hour and 25 minutes to get there. The travel time by boat from Batangas Pier to Caticlan Jetty is approximately 10 hours.
How much is the Airline Ticket from Manila to Boracay
You can purchase an Airline Return Ticket from Manila to Boracay between 1800 pesos to 5000 pesos per person. This does not include the Baggage options, Seat Selection, Inflight Meal, and Travel Insurance.
The Airfare varies depending on the season that you want to visit Boracay. Expect the price of the Airline Ticket to be higher during peak season.
How much is the ferry ride from Caticlan to Boracay
The ferry fee ranges from 40 pesos to 50 pesos per person. The ferry fee is 50.00 pesos per person for local tourists and foreign nationals. For persons with disability (PWD), Senior Citizens, and Students with valid ID, the boat fee is 40.00 pesos. Children 5 years and below are free of charge.
Can I enter Boracay without a hotel booking?
No. Hotel booking is a requirement to enter the island. Check the list of authorized hotel establishments on the Province of Aklan’s official website. Choose the hotel from the list and book accommodation.
How much is the tricycle fare from Boracay Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port?
The tricycle fare is between 25 pesos to 100 pesos per person. The tricycle fare is 25 pesos per person and the total cost of hiring a tricycle from the Ramos Airport to the Caticlan jetty port is 100 pesos which is good for 4 people.
Do I need to carry my Philippine passport to travel to Boracay?
No. A passport is not required when going to Boracay. The island is still within the boundaries of the Philippines and therefore requires only a domestic flight. You only need to carry your passport if you are traveling outside of the Philippines.
How much is the Environmental Fee in Malay Aklan?
The environmental fee for local tourists but not Aklanon is 150.00 pesos per person. Local tourist that are either PWD, senior citizens, or students with valid IDs needs to pay a discounted fee of 120.00 pesos per person. Foreign nationals have to pay 300.00 pesos per person. Children 12 years old and below are exempted from paying the environmental fee.
How much is the Caticlan Terminal Fee?
The fee is 100 pesos per person which is applicable to foreign or local tourists. The discounted fee is 80 pesos per person which is applicable to persons with a disability (PWD), senior citizens, and students with valid IDs. Children 5 years and below are exempted from paying the terminal fee.
How long should I stay in Boracay?
The ideal length of stay in Boracay is between 3 days to 4 days. The 3 days and 2 nights itinerary is enough if your activity in Boracay does not include island hopping. But if you will include island hopping, you should stay in Boracay for 4 days.
Conclusion
There you have it guys. As a first-timer, you would initially think that going to Boracay is overwhelming. I hope after reading this post, you would realize that traveling to the island from Manila is quite simple.
To summarize, you only need 5 steps to get there. You need to book a hotel and flight tickets, fly to Caticlan from NAIA terminal 4, ride a tricycle bound for Caticlan Jetty, board a ferry going to Boracay Jetty, and ride a tricycle going to your hotel, that’s it… I hope this helps.
