Useful information about Boracay
activities - visa - money exchange - language - health - electricity - safety
-Activities-
- Shop at D' Mall
- Visit AQUATIC FLOATING LOUNGE, free shuttle in front of Pier 1 9am to sunset
- Massage by the beach P350
- Golf at Fairways and Blue Waters 18holes
- Aqua Sports (Zorbing, jet ski, banana boat, wake boarding, parasailing, snorkeling, etc.)
- Diving
- Treat yourself to a luxurious day at Body & Sole Hand &Foot Spa with special discounts and promotions for Windpia guests. Located at 2F, Crown Regency Business Center, Station 2
-->Room Service available at windpia resort for all treatments
- Sunset Sail Boating
- Island Hopping (Puka Beach, Crocodile Island, Laurel Island etc.)
- Get a Henna Tattoo
- Have your hair braided (corn rows, etc.)
- Make your own bracelet, anklet or necklace with various kinds of beads and the famous puka shells
- Jamming into the sunset with the bum boys at red pirates and jungle bar down in Angol
- Cliff jump and BBQ at Buruanga
- Horseback riding
- Beach volleyball
- Hiking
-Visa-
Visitors from the UK, Republic of Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa may enter the Philippines for stays of up to 21 days with a valid passport that has six months validity from the date of entry. Citizens of other countries may require a visa to enter the Philippines, although some exceptions do exist. If you wish to stay longer, extending your visa can easily be done at the local immigration office. You can extend up to a maximum of 1 year after which you will have to leave the country.
For more information, contact a Philippino consulate in your country of residence.
-Money exchange / ATM-
Local currency is Peso. Cash and traveler’s cheques can be exchanged in banks, at some shops and at most hotels. Euro and US dollars are the best currency to bring. Rates of exchange will differ between establishments, with the banks invariably offering the best deals. ATM's are available but scarce with machines located at Metrobank and D' Mall. Most foreign cards are accepted; cards endorsed or provided by American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and Visa are the most readily accepted.
-Language-
Tagalog is the main language of the island of Boracay; however, English is commonly spoken and generally with competency. Visitors will rarely have any problems baspan class="hsed on language barriers.
-Health-
The Philippines is known to be home to malaria-carrying mosquitoes although Boracay is considered a low risk area. Visitors who are concerned might want to consider a course of anti-malaria tablets which can be obtained through general practitioners. All visitors are advised to wear mosquito repellent, especially at night and when around plant life or areas of still water where mosquitoes are prevalent. Dengue fever contacted from mosquitoes is also an issue although the risk of contracting this disease on Boracay is relatively low.
On the beaches, sand flies can be a nuisance and their bites can cause unpleasant irritation. However, getting bitten can be avoided with the use of insect repellent and sun cream, the latter making the skin’s surface difficult for the flies to adhere to.
Alcoholic beverages can present issues to reckless visitors as the local spirit measures are generous, making it easy to consume excessive amounts. When combined with the dehydrating effects of the sun, over indulging in alcohol can lead to problems. Visitors should be wary of the effects of the sun, especially in the high season when temperatures are high. Avoid over-exposure and be sure to wear an appropriate factored sunscreen at all times.
Tap water is not considered safe to drink and visitors should not presume that ice in drinks has been made from purified water. If in doubt, it’s wise to ask for drinks without ice. Bottled water is available from resorts and vendors across the island.
There are no specific vaccinations required for visiting Boracay, although it’s worth bearing in mind that rabies is prevalent so anybody planning on close contact with animals should consider a course of injections prior to their trip.
Boracay Island Hospital is located on the main road and offers a good standard of medical treatment. Emergency services are available. Visitors are advised to take out holiday insurance with medical cover, else risk facing hefty bills in the event of an emergency.
Boracay Island Hospital:
+63 36 288 3041-Electricity-
220 volts AC, 60Hz.
-Safety-
Boracay Island is a safe destination and doesn’t present the concerns that are pertinent to visiting Manila or other mainland areas blighted by high crime levels. Pickpockets are perhaps the biggest concern for holidaymaker's. However, with a little common sense visitors can avoid being targeted by them or at least make it difficult for their possessions to be taken unknowingly.
Keeping wallets or purses in front pockets and strapped across the body respectively is advisable, while other valuable items should also be carried in difficult-to-reach places. Avoid using backpacks in busy areas unless you can lock the double-zips together or are prepared to wear them on the front of your body to avoid their contents being pilfered.
