Traveling to Boracay had been on our bucket list for a long time. During the last week of October, we finally made it happen by booking round-trip flights from Manila to Caticlan for a 5-day vacation.
We were excited because it was our first trip to Boracay together. At the same time, we weren’t sure what to expect because October is part of the rainy season.
Thankfully, we still enjoyed plenty of beach time and island hopping. We also enjoyed water activities and sunny days between occasional rain showers.
If you’re wondering whether October is a good time to visit Boracay, I’ll share in this guide what the island was really like during our trip. You will also find our 5-day itinerary, travel experience, and practical tips to plan your visit.
What to expect in Boracay in October
October is one of the rainy months in Boracay. During our visit, we experienced a mix of sunny days, cloudy skies, and sudden downpours. The weather was very unpredictable.
Some mornings started with rain, but by noon, the sun would come out and it became very hot. In the afternoons, the sky was often cloudy, so we didn’t get to see the famous Boracay sunset.
When we arrived around noon, the rain had just stopped. After checking into our hotel, we went out around 1:00 PM to look for a place to have lunch by the beach. The sun soon came out, and the weather quickly became hot.
Later that night, it started pouring. We didn’t bring umbrellas, so we ran back to our hotel and ended up completely soaked. We could have waited for the rain to stop, but we didn’t know how long it would last.
Since it was already late, the restaurants and souvenir shops were starting to close, so we decided to head back instead.
One thing we enjoyed about visiting in October was that it was the off-season. The island was quieter and the beaches were less crowded.
How We Got to Boracay From Caticlan Airport (Step-by-Step DIY Guide)
Here’s a quick guide on how to get to Boracay:
Step 1: Arrive at Caticlan Airport
We arrived at Caticlan Airport at around 11:00 AM. The flight from Manila to Caticlan takes about an hour.
Once you exit the airport, you’ll see the tricycle terminal nearby.
Step 2: Ride a Tricycle to Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal
We paid for our tickets at the cashier before getting on the tricycle. The ride from the airport to Caticlan Jetty Port takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3: Pay the Required Fees at Jetty Port
Here are the fees you need to pay at the Jetty Port:
- Terminal fee
- Environmental fee
- Boat ticket
The funny part was that we originally planned to do everything on our own, so we could experience traveling to Boracay the DIY way. But when we arrived at the port, there were so many travel agency booths and people offering their services.
We started asking around, and one of the agents explained the whole process to us. In the end, we decided to book with her instead.
She handled all the fees, tickets, and hotel transfers, so we didn’t have to line up at different counters. We ended up spending more than we expected, especially since our goal was to save money.
Haha! Still, it was very convenient and hassle-free.
If you want to save money, you can pay each fee separately instead of booking through an agent.
Step 4: Take the Boat to Boracay Island
After completing the payment process, we boarded the boat to Boracay. The ride took around 20 minutes.
Step 5: Take an E-trike to Your Hotel
We took an e-trike to Station 1, where our hotel was located. The ride took about 15 to 20 minutes.
Where We Stayed in Boracay
Our trip to Boracay lasted for 5 days and 4 nights. During our stay, we chose two different hotels so we could experience different types of accommodations on the island.
Zuzuni Boutique Hotel
We stayed at Zuzuni Boutique Hotel, a budget-friendly beachfront hotel in Station 1. It sits above Muchos Restaurant. The hotel offers direct access to White Beach while being just a short walk from popular restaurants, shops, and D’Mall.
One of the things I loved most about this hotel was its location. As soon as you walk down the stairs, you’re already on the beach. It was great to watch the beach view. You could also relax by the shore.
Henann Crystal Sands Resort
For the last 2 days of our trip, we stayed at Henann Crystal Sands Resort. This is within walking distance of Zuzuni Boutique Hotel.
Compared to our first hotel, this resort offered a more luxurious and comfortable stay.
We enjoyed spending time at the Sky Pool Bar, where we had a few drinks and snacks while relaxing by the pool.
The resort was also close to many restaurants and shops, and D’Mall was just a short walk away.
Our stay included a breakfast buffet each morning. We also booked the resort’s airport transfer service, making our trip back to Manila smooth, convenient, and hassle-free.
Below was our 5-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Boracay and White Beach
Morning:
- Arrive at Caticlan Airport
- Travel to Caticlan Jetty Port
- Boat ride to Boracay Island
- Check in at Zuzuni Boutique Hotel
Afternoon:
- Late Lunch at Sunny Side Café
- Leisurely walk along White Beach
- Willy’s Rock
- Back to the hotel to rest
Night:
- Dinner at Saboria Kitchen & Lounge
- Stroll around and watch the fire dance performance
- Back to the hotel
Day 2: Island Activities and Beach Hopping
Morning:
- Breakfast at Muchos (Latin American Kitchen & Bar)
- Buy Hop-On Hop-Off (HoHo) bus tickets
- Stroll around the white beach
- Parasailing
- Swimming
- Paddleboarding
- Crystal kayak experience
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Meze Wrap
- Try coconut ice cream at Coco Mama
- Explore the island using the Hop-On Hop-Off bus
- Bulabog Beach
- Diniwid Beach
- Puka Beach
Night:
- Dinner at Jasper’s Tapsilog & Resto
- Dessert at Mango Mama
- Stroll around the beach
- Back to the hotel
Day 3: Hotel Transfer and Relaxing Day
Morning:
- Morning walk along the beach
- Season Coffee
- Breakfast at Muchos
- Lunch at Aplaya
Afternoon:
- Check out of Zuzuni Boutique Hotel
- Coffee break at Starbucks
- Check in at Henann Crystal Sands Resort
Night:
- Dinner at Mandarin Bay Resort & Spa
- Evening swim and relax at the Henann pool bar
Day 4: Mainland Adventure and Station 1 Water Activities
Morning:
- Breakfast at Henann Crystal Sands Resort Buffet
- Morning walk along the beach
- Mainland adventure
- ATV ride
- Zipline
- Paddleboarding
- Kawa bath
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Pamana Restaurant
- Relax at Henann’s swimming pool
- Coffee at Café del Sol
- Paraw sailing
Night:
- Night swim and relax at Henann’s pool bar
- Dinner
- Evening walk along the beach
Day 5: Last Day in Boracay
Morning:
- Early morning walk along the beach
- Breakfast buffet at Henann Crystal Sands Resort
- Enjoy the beach one last time
- Pack up and check out
- Travel to Boracay Jetty Port
- Boat ride to Caticlan Jetty Port
- Transfer to Caticlan Airport
- Flight back to Manila
