Our Cheap Boracay Travel

Want to have a 3Days/2Nights Boracay getaway for less than Php5, 000? Yes, it’s very possible! We had just visited the world’s renowned Boracay Island last July and yes, we only spent less than Php5, 000. Isn’t it amazing? So read on and see how we managed to have our cheap Boracay vacation.

Airfare
The most expensive part may be. But not for us since we only spent less than Php1, 000 for a roundtrip ticket via Cebu Pacific. And this we owe to their seat sale promos – thanks Cebu Pac!

There’s no way you can have this very cheap air tickets than avail during their seat sale. So it’s wise to check and keep track with their website (www.cebupacificair.com) as often as possible. Promo tickets are usually available via online purchase only and selling period are several months before the possible travel dates. But who cares? It’s a very big saving plus you can have the time to save for your travel budget such as accommodation, food, travel tax, etc.

As for us, we had this booked early as February, 5 months prior to our scheduled travel. See below for our specific air fare costs:

Cebu-Caticlan – Php25.00
Ilo-Ilo-Cebu - Php500.00

Accommodation
Boracay Island offers a lot of accommodation options to choose from. From the most simple such as room and fan only to the most luxurious one, beach front or not. High-end resorts are situated on Station 1 while low-cost resorts are on Station 2 and 3.

As we are very budget conscious travelers, we obviously had our accommodation at Station 2, in La Carmela resort. The place is ideal as its location is somewhat in the center. Its beach front, close to D’talipapa, food stations, bar, and atm.

Standard room is Php2, 100 but it had 2 double queen beds so it’s a perfect fit for us since we were a group of 4. The room is quite big and also includes the standard hotel amenities such as cable TV, ref, hot & cold shower. Buffet breakfast was also included for two.

For those who want to have a little spurge, the hotel also offers Deluxe and Suite room accommodations. They also have barkada and family Boracay packages for those who prefer a worry-free travel. Accommodation and food are included in the packages.

La Carmela de Boracay Resort

Dining
A considerable portion of our travel expenses would typically be spent on food as we need to eat to have that energy to explore the beautiful beaches of Boracay.

Good thing there are several food stations available on the island. Of course there are fancy restaurants, those who cater international cuisines; Pizza Hut and Yellow Cab for pizza lovers and lots of eat-all-you restos. Fresh sea foods are also available like at the D’talipapa where you can buy and have them cooked by your preference. But for those who are on a budget, don’t fret as affordable food stalls are everywhere. Andoks, Shawarma Rice, Burger Stalls are available in the island.

So basically, food budget will just depend on your food preferences. Others will even just eat a once a day full meal, but on an eat-all-you-can resto. This way they can save a lot and just take advantage of the eat-all-you can. *wink*

Fare, Terminal Fee, Environmental Fee, etc
There are a number of options getting to Boracay Island, may it be via airplane, ship or bus. Below are the necessary expenses you need to consider:

Note: We had taken the plane from Cebu to Caticlan and Ilo-Ilo to Cebu.

Getting to Boracay:
•    Cebu Airport Terminal Fee – Php200.00
•    Tricycle from Caticlan Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal – Php8.00 per person
(Tip: Avoid riding among the parked tricycle within the airport area as they charge Php100 per person; instead walk a few more steps towards a crossing and hale a tricycle and ask the driver to bring you to the Jetty port. It would only cost you Php8.00 per person.
•    Port Terminal Fee – Php50.00
•    Environmental Fee – Php75.00
•    Boat Fare – Php25.00
•    Tricycle from Pier to Resort – Php100.00 per tricycle

Getting to Ilo-Ilo:
•    Tricycle from Resort to Jetty Port – Php100.00 per tricycle
•    Boat Fare – Php25.00
•    Van from Caticlan to Kalibo – Php100.00 per person. Travel time is approximately 1hr. There are actually direct vans/busses from Caticlan to Ilo-Ilo but since we had to stop over at Aklan to visit some friends, we had chosen this route.
•    Ceres Aircon Bus from Kalibo to Ilo-Ilo – Php352.00 per person.
•    Jeepney Fare from Ilo-Ilo Bus Terminal to SM – Php10.00 per person. Van transfers to Ilo-ilo airport are available here for Php70.00 per person.
(Side Note: If you have time you can try to get your feet tickled at Tibiao Fish Spa just located at the lower ground floor, SM Ilo-ilo. I tell you it would be a joyful treat to yourself).
•    Taxi from SM Ilo-Ilo to Airport – Php350.00
•    Ilo-Ilo Airport Terminal Fee – Php200.00

Expenses Summary:
Round trip Air Fare – Php1, 000.00
Accommodation (3Days/2Nights)– Php1, 050.00
Food & Drinks – Php1, 100.00
Terminal Fees, Fares & Misc Expenses – Php1182.50
Pasalubong – Php650.00
Total = Php4985.50

Yes, cheap Boracay travel is very possible. We had enjoyed Boracay Island without spending too much. Basically, it would depend on your preferred getaway, like if you just want to chill and relax or be adventurous and wild. Of course there are a lot of activities you can do in Boracay and that require additional expenses too. But if you just want to experience the sun, the sand and just relax, then this Boracay travel guide would do. :)

Posted in: Boracay,Travel Tips