COVID Boracay 101: A Traveler's Guide in the Time of Pandemic

Many of us have been holed up for months in the metro, or worse, just inside our homes, due to the pandemic. Definitely, cabin fever has reached astronomical levels for some. So the moment we get the opportunity to travel and take some time off from this ordeal, we'd want to be at the best place where we could possibly be because, hey, we've dutifully done our part to keep the virus at bay. And for sure, for many of us Filipinos that perfect destination could only be one place - BORACAY!

We're one of those who had been itching to go to this famed island since the start of the year to escape the metro's shackles. Supposedly, we were booked for a May trip but the re-imposition of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine forced us to postpone it to the last week of June. Luckily, our feared second postponement did not happen, so finally, were able to push through with the trip that has become one of the most memorable to me!

With the pandemic situation seemingly improving in the Philippines (no jinx please...), travel will become less restrictive and for sure, many of you are planning to visit Boracay. But understandably, you would be having a lot of questions as to how travelling to the island would be. So, I'm sharing with you our recent Boracay experience to help you plan out your trip to this tropical paradise.

Disclaimer though, many of the things that I'll be writing are mostly applicable to domestic travelers, but perhaps foreign tourists who might stumble upon this blog may also get some ideas. Requirements and process may also change from time to time so it's also best if you consult with your airline or travel agent.

A. Travel Preparations

Before anything else, we need to begin with "Who can travel to Boracay?" Basically, only travelers from General Community Quarantine areas, or lower, are allowed to enter the island. Thus, you really need to pray hard that the pandemic does not worsen in your area during the period you plan to schedule your trip. So yeah, a lot of luck and bayanihan among your kababayan are really needed. 

Okay, now, let's start with the stuff that you need to prepare before you set off for Boracay.

FIRST, you need to have a booking with a DOT-accredited accommodation in Boracay. With the low number of tourists, many of the establishments are offering big discounts. So perhaps, you could really take advantage of this to stay in your dream hotel in La Boracay.

SECOND, book a flight to Caticlan Airport (MPH). As of now, all tourists are required to fly through this airport so don't book a flight to Kalibo as it only caters to Aklanon residents, LSIs, APORs, and OFWs. For Cebu Pacific passengers, note that you will need to provide the details of your trip (place of origin and address of the accommodation where you will be staying in Boracay) through their "Manage Booking" tab. I'm not sure if other airlines require this but there's a high probability that they do too.

THIRD, obtain a negative RT-PCR result. Remember, the result will only be valid for 72 hours so you better get this 3 days prior to your trip at the earliest.

FOURTH, have a proof of identity with Philippine residency. This could be any valid ID showing your residence in the Philippines, but to be sure, have a government-issued ID. 

FIFTH, after having these four, apply for a Travel Coordination Permit through S-Pass (S-PASS). In the site, create your account if you have none and thereafter, apply for the permit. Note that in the S-Pass, you'll be required to upload your Government-issued ID, RT-PCR result, and flight itinerary. Once submitted, save a screenshot of your PENDING application (see below) as you will need this in the succeeding form. Your application will most likely be approved in 1-2 days if everything is in order (check your S-Pass account to know the status). But just to be clear, the application does NOT need to be approved before you proceed to the 6th step.

               Sample of S-Pass Screenshot

SIXTH, get a Tourist QR Code. Now, you will need everything I stated from 1 to 5 to be able to do so. To apply for the code, go to Where to? (touristboracay.com) and then select "Boracay - Non-Aklanon Tourists and Aklanon tourists coming from outside Aklan". You will then be directed to the Health Declaration Card (HDC) form for you to fill out. Once submitted, you will land on a confirmation page (CP). Again, take a screenshot of the CP AND make sure that you include the site link (see sample below). As stated in the CP, you have to email the screenshot of the CP, together with the 5 other requirements enumerated above to touristboracay@gmail.com to apply for the Tourist QR Code. You also need to follow the Email subject stated at the bottom of the CP. Note that the processing of the Tourist QR Code will take around 12 hours so just wait for it. Once, you have received an email from the Provincial Government containing your Tourist QR Code, then you are ready for your Boracay escapade!

                                             Sample of HDC Confirmation Page Screenshot

An added reminder, your Tourist QR Code is very important in your trip. The airport and jetty port staff will be looking for it. So I suggest that you have it handy by printing it or saving a screenshot of it in your phone.

B. Transfer from Caticlan Airport to Boracay Island

So now, assuming you have reached Caticlan Airport with no glitches, it's time to teach you how to navigate your way to Boracay, assuming likewise that you did not avail of any transfer service.

Upon arrival, you will be asked to have your temperature checked, present your Tourist QR Code, and inform them of your plane seat number (perhaps for contact tracing). Afterwards, you're free to go. Just right at the exit of the terminal, there is a counter where you can request for a tricycle that will take you to the jetty port. Note that there are two jetty ports in Caticlan serving alternately Boracay-bound passengers depending on the monsoon season. So you'll just have to tell them you're going to Boracay and they'll know to which port they'll bring you. So going back to the counter, you will be given a number corresponding to the tricycle that you will be riding. The fare is P50 each for 2 persons or P75 if you're alone. Travel to the port will take you 10-15 minutes.

Once you arrive at the port, enter the terminal through the tourist entrance. In the first counter, you'll have to present your Tourist QR Code and ID. You will then be directed to the second counter where you'll be paying for the Boat Fare, Terminal Fee, and Environmental Fee. I forgot to check the breakdown but we paid P290 per person. After paying, board the boat. The ferry ride to Boracay Island will take around 10-15 minutes.

When you arrive in Boracay, either through the Boracay Jetty Port or Tambisaan Beach (again depending on the monsoon season), you now have to take an e-trike going to your accommodation. If you charter an e-trike, it would cost you around P200-P250.

C. Notes when Wandering in Boracay

Here are some stuff that I would want to share to give you an idea how loitering around this majestic island would be.

1. The beach is much more beautiful and expansive right now. All obstructions have been removed so all you'd see are the powdery white sands and crystal clear waters! Not to mention, it isn't too crowded as it was before so you'd certainly enjoy it even more.

2. There is no night life in Boracay. Curfew is being imposed. During our trip, there was even a liquor ban. Only accredited hotels are allowed to serve alcoholic drinks within their vicinity. Bummer for party animals but perfect for laid-back travelers.

3. As an advice, it's better to book an accommodation in Station 2 or 3 than in Station 1, if you really want one that is right next to the beach. There are luxury hotels though that have private beaches so may also opt to stay there if you have the budget.

4. Many establishments have closed shop, even those at D'Mall. This means options for dining or shopping are limited. So yeah, it was kinda sad.

5. Water-based activities, at limited capacities, are still available and many will be offering them to you as you stroll along Station 2.

6. Transport around the island is through e-trikes. The fare would range from P30-P50 per person depending on the distance.

D. Some Highly-recommended Stuff

1. If you want to splurge on your accommodation, I highly recommend Fairways and Bluewater Boracay. Though it's facilities have been limited due to pandemic-related regulations, this golf-cum-beach resort is still spectacular! It's private beach resort is just too beautiful!

The hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating. Also, even though we got the room at an insanely huge discount, they were still very generous to allow us to check-in 6 hours early and even upgraded our room!

2. We haven't tried much of the restos in Boracay but I'd like to recommend some that we did. These are Lemoni Cafe & Restaurant (at D' Mall), Hennan Crystal Sands (try the buffet!), and Epic (especially their Epic Monster Burger).

3. For those who want to be pampered, do try the open-air massage service of the Malay Boracay Vendors, Peddlers, Masseurs, Manicurists Association beside Boracay Peninsula. An hour of massage would cost P400. Look for Ate Melanie, she is definitely good!

E. Leaving Boracay

Every great vacation must come to an end. But it doesn't have to be so gloomy when you have a smooth trip back home.

From your hotel, take a trike to bring you to the jetty port. Again, fare would be P200-P250 depending on the distance or how you haggle. Once you are at the port, go to the counter to pay for the boat fare. At the Tambisaan Beach port, you may avail of a P200 per person package that would already cover the boat fare and other fees, and tricycle transfer from the port at Caticlan to the airport.

On the way to the airport, remember that the arrival and departure terminals are different so don't be alarmed when you are brought to a different terminal from the one where you arrived. I think there is also a different terminal for AirAsia passengers as hinted by the tricycle driver.

Now, to those asking what are the requirements when returning from Caticlan, for Manila-bound passengers like us, there's none. No need for an RT-PCR test. For those bound to other airports, it's best that you check the requirements with your airline.

So there you have it! I do hope that this blog has been of help to you. I sincerely pray that this pandemic would soon be over so that more people would get to enjoy the beaches of Boracay, and of course also help revive its tourism industry to bring back jobs for the people.