Boracay Xplore

28/12/2025

𝑫𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒍𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝑨𝒑𝒑!
Ask Tropiguide anything—where to eat, chill, or catch the best sunset.
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18/12/2025

𝑫𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒍𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝑨𝒑𝒑!

Ask Tropiguide anything—where to eat, chill, or catch the best sunset.
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08/12/2025

𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐒: 𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐘 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐔𝐌𝐄 𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎

Boracay, Aklan — For the fifth consecutive night, Boracay Island and parts of Malay have been hit by prolonged power interruptions, sparking widespread frustration toward the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO).

The nightly blackouts, lasting several hours at a time, have disrupted businesses, affected students, and left households struggling in the heat, especially families without generators.

On social media, hundreds of consumers expressed anger and exhaustion over what many describe as “consistent but unreliable service.”

𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲

Many residents pointed out that AKELCO’s “unscheduled” outages occur at the same time every night, raising doubts about the company’s transparency.

Some of the sentiments from consumers include:

“Deserved ng slow clap for being consistent everyday. Dapat tularan… kaso for the worst.” – Alfio Schmidt
“Everynight tripping. Eh kung kayo pag trippan namin.” – Thawatchai Kai
“‘Possible fault’? What else would it be?” – Victor Jeffery
“Tulad ng bagyo may sarili ng schedule.” – Faye Danielle Valentin
“Unscheduled gihapon nga same time every night pero iba iba ang reasons.” – Christian Earl Reyes

Residents also criticized the shifting explanations being posted by AKELCO, saying that every night brings a different excuse.

𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿

Local shops, restaurants, and resorts without backup generators reported losing customers, dealing with spoiled goods, and struggling with interrupted online bookings. Employees and residents say the heat and lack of ventilation at night are becoming unbearable.

One commenter said, “Lugi ang negosyo. Buong araw walang power kahapon, tapos ngayun naman wala. Mahihiya naman kayo.”

Another resident added, “Perwisyo kamo. Kaluoy tana unga ko kag pamangkin ko sa init na walang power.”

𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚

Frustrations have escalated into demands for change. Many called for preventive maintenance, bill discounts, or even a complete turnover of power distribution to another electric provider.

Some of the stronger criticisms include:

“Mahal pa abi inyo kuryente tapos ganito lang serbisyo.”
“Bulok gid sistema.”
“Should try preventive maintenance instead of waiting for it to break.”

Some residents tagged government agencies and public officials, asking the Department of Energy and Senator Raffy Tulfo to intervene.

𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒎 𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍

Others turned their frustration into humor to cope with the situation. Some sarcastic remarks include:

“Always Keep Everyone Living in Constant Outages.”
“Is there a loyalty program where we can collect stamps for every tripping?”
“Akelco tripping more than the Grateful Dead.”
“Himuon nyo kami zombie.”
“Practice amat-amat balik sa sinaunang panahon.”

For Many, It’s the Last Straw

Several residents say they are now considering shifting to solar power to avoid further issues.

One resident wrote, “Sign na ‘to na solar nalang talaga gamitin namin.”

Whether the issue is temporary or a symptom of deeper, long-standing infrastructure problems, consumers agree on one thing:

𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱-𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.

As Boracay prepares for the holiday rush, locals and business owners hope for immediate, transparent action from AKELCO before the island’s electricity problems overshadow its tourism season.

02/11/2025

Uncover the island's epic culinary journey! From hidden local bites to the global flavors that reshaped its plate, we're diving into Boracay's food revolution – before, during, and after its iconic closure. Taste the past, savor the present.

29/10/2025

Get ready for a Boracay Halloween...

26/10/2025

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5bMNuagNyjLv4ubnEvMFHE?si=O6M8yJ_ETHGV8vLCVFNCmw

𝐃𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝!
This episode of The Boracay Xplore Podcast reveals why Halloween is secretly the best time to be on the island. We break down the official 2025 event lineup: from the massive "Carnival of Freaks" and the Dia De Los Mu***os fiestas, to the best kid-friendly trick-or-treat routes. Plus, we give you the insider scoop on the start of the perfect high-season weather. Stop freezing in your costume—come get your spooky on where the sand is white, the water is warm, and the only ghosts are last season's rain clouds.

Boracay Xplore Podcast · Episode

24/10/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻? 𝟰 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄

When you picture Boracay in late October, your mind likely jumps to the neon glow of Halloween parties spilling onto the sand. Images of moonlit celebrations, elaborate costumes, and spooky-themed cocktails are standard fare. While that scene certainly exists, it's only a single frame in a much larger, more vibrant motion picture.

What's really happening on the island is a surprisingly diverse and multifaceted celebration that extends far beyond a single night of festivities. If you think you know what Boracay has to offer during this season, it’s time to look again. Here are four key takeaways that reveal the true depth of the island's end-of-October events.

1. It’s an Island-Wide Festival, Not Just a Halloween Party.

The biggest misconception is that the Halloween celebrations are standalone events. In reality, they are integral parts of a much larger, officially recognized occasion: the Boracay White Beach Festival 2025.

Organized by the local government (LGU Malay), this festival runs from October 27 to November 4, 2025, framing the entire period as a week-long celebration. This official status is crucial; it signals a coordinated effort to elevate the season beyond a collection of private parties into a premier tourism event. Halloween is just one exciting component of a much bigger, strategically curated island-wide experience.

2. It’s a Paradise for Athletes, Not Just Partygoers.

Beyond the festive atmosphere, Boracay transforms into a competitive arena for sports enthusiasts. The island hosts no fewer than seven distinct sporting competitions, turning its famous shores into a proving ground for athletes. This athletic onslaught offers a completely different way to experience the island, appealing to active travelers who want to sweat before they celebrate.

The lineup is impressive in its variety, showcasing the island's capacity as a premier sports destination. Key events include:

* Boracay Aquathlon 2025: A grueling test of endurance featuring a 1.5km run, 750m swim, and final 1.5km run along the White Beach.
* Beach Ultimate (Frisbee): A fast-paced 5-on-5 mixed-division tournament that draws teams to the sand.
* Boracay Beach Football Tournament 2025: Featuring multiple categories for all ages, including Open, U14 Mixed, and 40 Above divisions.
* Boracay White Beach Festival Beach Tennis: A multi-day tournament with categories for all levels, from Open Doubles to 16 and Under Mixed.

This deliberate fusion of high-energy sport and holiday celebration signifies a strategic pivot, positioning Boracay as a destination that caters to the traveler who demands both action and recreation.

3. The Themes are Creative and Diverse, Not Just Ghosts and Ghouls.

While you'll find plenty of traditional Halloween fun, many of the island's top resorts are moving beyond typical horror tropes to offer more creative and unique themed experiences. This variety ensures there's something for every taste, from family-friendly adventures to culturally inspired fiestas.

A few standout examples demonstrate this imaginative approach:

* "Alien Invasion: A Halloween Celebration" at Discovery Shores Boracay features a week of space-themed activities, including UFO-building crafts and an Alien Scavenger Hunt.
* "Dia De Los Mu***os Halloween Fiesta" at Shangri-La Boracay draws inspiration from the colorful and vibrant Mexican Day of the Dead celebration.
* "A Haunting Feast: Addams Family Night" at Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay offers a themed buffet dinner celebrating the iconic, spooky family, complete with a live DJ.

This level of creativity shows Boracay’s shift toward providing curated, memorable experiences that resonate more deeply with visitors than a standard costume party ever could.

4. It’s a Celebration of Local Culture, Not Just Tourist Entertainment.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the festival is its deep connection to the local community. Alongside the parties and tournaments are events designed to showcase and support the island's heritage, offering visitors a chance to engage with Boracay on a more authentic level.

At the heart of this is a vibrant community hub at Wetland No. 4, which hosts both a ten-day Food Bazaar and the Tinda Turismo. This marketplace is part of "Project LNOB: Leave No One Behind," a mission-driven initiative fostering "Radical Opportunities for Malaynons" by featuring local products and crafts. Other key events include:

* Boracay Art Exhibit: A beachfront presentation of works created by talented "Malaynon Visual Artists."
* Paraw Biniray: A traditional sailing event that puts the spotlight on the iconic paraw, the outrigger sailboat that is a symbol of the region's maritime heritage.

These events provide a vital link to the heart of the island, allowing travelers to invest in the local culture and community, transforming a simple vacation into a more meaningful exchange.

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Boracay has masterfully woven together competitive sports, creative celebrations, and authentic local culture into the fabric of a single, island-wide festival. The question is no longer if you should go to Boracay in the fall, but rather which of its many vibrant identities you'll choose to explore.

21/10/2025

Query: Is the Boracay Bridge Project proceeding as planned, or are there any updates or changes to its development?

Summary: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced that San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC) is set to secure the ₱8.01-billion contract for the Boracay Bridge Project after no competing bids were submitted during the comparative challenge process. This development indicates that the project is moving forward, with SMHC poised to handle the financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the 2.54-kilometer bridge connecting Caticlan in Malay, Aklan, to Boracay Island. The bridge aims to improve accessibility, disaster response, and waste management for the island, while also supporting its tourism-driven economy.

Key Points:

Project Overview: The proposed bridge will feature public transport access, pedestrian lanes, bikeways, and provisions for utility lines such as power, telecommunications, water supply, and sewerage.

Bidding Process: The DPWH initiated a comparative challenge process, inviting other proponents to submit competing proposals. However, no rival bids were received by the October 18 deadline, leading to SMHC being granted the contract.

Community Impact: Local stakeholders, including the Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative, have expressed concerns about the project's potential impact on their livelihoods and the island's environment. The DPWH emphasizes the importance of community engagement and sustainable development practices.

Conclusion: With the absence of competing bids, the Boracay Bridge Project is on track to proceed under the management of SMHC. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and participate in consultations to ensure the project's alignment with community interests and environmental considerations.

20/10/2025

🌤 Weather Update:

According to PAGASA’s weather forecast at 4:00 AM on October 20, 2025:

The weather in Aklan will be partly cloudy to cloudy.

There may be isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Light to moderate winds are blowing from northeast to southeast.

Seas are slightly to moderately rough, meaning small to medium waves may occur.

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⚓ Operational Changes:

Starting 1:00 PM on October 20, 2025, all:

Motorboat trips

Speedboat trips

that usually travel between Tabon Port and Tambisaan Port will now be transferred to Caticlan Jetty Port and Cagban Jetty Port, and vice versa.

👉 In simpler terms:

If you usually ride a boat from Tabon or Tambisaan, you’ll now need to go to Caticlan Jetty Port or Cagban Jetty Port instead.

This is just a temporary change to make boat travel safer and smoother given the sea conditions.

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🗣 Why This Was Done:

The change was coordinated with:

The Provincial Government of Aklan

LGU Malay

Other stakeholders

to ensure passenger safety and prevent accidents due to the current sea conditions.

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👮 Signed By:

LCDR Val Ernest Daitao
Commander, Coast Guard Station Aklan

19/10/2025

🚢 Sea Travel Advisory #2 (as of Oct 20, 2025, 12:00 midnight)

Issued by the Philippine Coast Guard – Station Aklan

This advisory talks about which boat trips are allowed or still canceled due to Tropical Storm Ramil (as reported by PAGASA on Oct 19, 2025).

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⚠️ Still Suspended (Not Allowed to Travel Yet):

Boats or ships going from:

Caticlan Port (Malay, Aklan) → Batangas Port (Batangas City)

These trips remain canceled for safety because of the bad weather.

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✅ Now Allowed (Suspension Lifted):

Boats or ships from:

Caticlan → Roxas, Mindoro

Caticlan → Bulalacao, Mindoro

Tabon Port (Malay, Aklan) → Santa Fe and San Jose, Romblon

These routes are now cleared to resume travel.

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⚓ Important Reminder:

No ship (of any size or weight) is allowed to sail if Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal #1 or higher is raised in:

The place it’s leaving from

The route it will pass through

Or the place it’s going to

This rule follows the Coast Guard’s safety guidelines during storms.

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🗣️ Purpose:

This notice is to inform everyone and spread the word widely. It’s signed by: LCDR Val Ernest Daitao, Commander of Coast Guard Station Aklan.

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In short:
Only the Batangas route is still canceled. Trips to Mindoro and Romblon are now allowed again, but all sea travel depends on storm signals and safety conditions.

11/10/2025

𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐲: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚 '𝐂𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐥' 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝

Boracay Island has once again cemented its status as a world-class destination, not just through its famous white sands, but as a global success story in sustainable tourism. Securing a formidable 4th place in the prestigious 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards (RCA) for "Best Islands in Asia", the Philippine gem achieved an impressive reader satisfaction score of 92.65%. This places it just behind regional heavyweights like Bali, Lombok, and Sri Lanka.

The Triumph of 'Paradise Reborn'

The high score is more than just a ranking; it’s a testament to sustained excellence and a continuous upward trend in quality. The 2025 rating notably exceeds the 90.74% score achieved in the 2023 RCA. The significance of this accolade is magnified by the rigor of the RCA, which synthesizes feedback from over 757,000 global travelers who evaluate destinations based on their ability to deliver memorable, world-class experiences.

This global consumer approval confirms that the economically painful rehabilitation measures implemented in recent years have successfully translated into long-term, measurable success. Before the 2018 environmental closure, Boracay was cited as "the poster child for overtourism," facing severe environmental degradation that led to the President of the Philippines describing the island as a "cesspool".

Today, the island's high-ranking recovery proves a critical lesson for the international travel industry: strict environmental management and capacity limits enhance, rather than detract from, the core quality of the destination. Boracay has transitioned from an ecological failure to a destination that has thrived with high scores, confirming the success of the post-rehabilitation effort.

Anatomy of Excellence: Beyond the White Beach

While the foundation of Boracay’s acclaim rests on the unique geological and aesthetic attributes of White Beach—internationally celebrated for its fine, "powdery white sand" and clear, "shallow azure water"—the island's overall appeal is now much broader.

The post-2018 rehabilitation amplified this natural beauty by removing illegal structures and enforcing coastal setbacks, creating a more spacious and captivating shoreline. Travelers now experience an uncrowded environment where the natural charm dominates over commercial density, which drives the high rating for tranquility and space. The value proposition has shifted from raw, crowded beauty to a highly managed environment that guarantees seclusion.

Beyond the main attraction, the island offers diverse experiences:

* Puka Beach (Yapak Beach) provides a secluded and peaceful experience away from the main activity hub.
* Bulabog Beach on the eastern side offers wind conditions favorable for sports like kiteboarding.
* The island caters comprehensively to both deep relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for parasailing, scuba diving, and cliff-diving at sites like Magic Island.

Crucially, the high satisfaction score is sustained by world-class hospitality and culinary standards. This is validated by international recognition for amenities, such as Saffron Café at the Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay being awarded "Best Breakfast" in the Condé Nast Johansens' Awards For Excellence 2025.

The Path to the Top Spot

Boracay's score of 92.65% places it in a highly competitive cluster, separated by a narrow margin from the island ranked 5th, Thailand's Koh Lanta (92.64%). However, a noticeable gap remains between Boracay and the top three, especially the 4.21-point difference with the first-place island, Bali (96.86%), which is often celebrated for its robust cultural heritage and diverse inland landscapes.

Since Boracay’s physical beauty is already rated near perfection, closing this deficit requires enriching the offerings beyond beach leisure. The strategic focus is shifting from being merely the "Best Beach" to becoming the "Most Responsibly Managed Island," validating that ecological rigor yields premium visitor satisfaction.

To challenge for the number one ranking, the island must:

1. Maintain uncompromising enforcement of carrying capacity limits and environmental compliance to secure its current success.
2. Strategically leverage its sustainability as a core marketing pillar, explicitly highlighting certifications and environmental partnerships.
3. Enrich the experiential depth by expanding beyond beach activities, such as showcasing the indigenous Ati heritage or integrating travel packages with cultural and historical sites on neighboring islands.

Boracay’s success is also part of a larger national triumph, with the Philippines consistently placing multiple islands (Palawan, Siargao, and Cebu/Visayas) in the CNT top 10. The island, with its massive brand recognition, serves as the high-end entry point for the nation, allowing the Philippines to market itself as the ultimate "Island Paradise Archipelago." By building upon its foundation of environmental rigor and world-class hospitality, Boracay is poised to transition from a recreational hub to a fully dimensional, premier global destination.

07/10/2025

🚨 PAGASA Confirms: Habagat is DONE! Here’s What That Means for Boracay Island ☀️

Great news for travelers! The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has officially declared the Termination of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) as of October 6, 2025.

The island is now transitioning into the spectacular Amihan Season.

The Boracay Weather Upgrade (Amihan Mode ON!):
Flat Seas on White Beach: The biggest change! The strong winds shift, calming the waters on the White Beach (Stations 1, 2, and 3). Get ready for crystal-clear, swimming-pool conditions!

Dryer, Cooler Air: Say goodbye to high humidity and frequent downpours. The Northeast Monsoon brings drier, more comfortable weather for sunset walks and beach dining.

Peak Season Begins: This shift signals the start of Boracay’s best travel window (generally running from November to May), making it the optimal time for all outdoor activities and tours.

Smoother Travel: The change in wind direction often results in smoother sea conditions for ferry transfers, specifically favoring the use of the Cagban Port.

Your perfect Boracay vacation is now officially scheduled! Time to book that trip!