Kalibo is a city known for being a major hub for tourists visiting Boracay, a small island north of the coast of nearby Panay Island. Therefore, many people who go to Kalibo only go there on their way to Boracay. Even if you really want to get to Boracay to relax on the beach, the truth is that Kalibo also has some nice things to do. In January, it celebrates the great Ati-Atihan festival, which is worth knowing about. It also has interesting natural areas such as semi-urban mangrove forest and Bakhawan Eco-Park.
While in Boracay, you’ll enjoy idyllic beaches with fine sand and turquoise waters. It is a great place to relax, but also to practice water sports, such as diving. At night, there is no shortage of restaurants or a party atmosphere. With all it has to offer, it’s no wonder that the tiny island of Boracay has become the most popular tourist destination in the entire Philippines.
Boracay Island
Travel options from Kalibo to Boracay
Kalibo, with its international airport, is located on the northern coast of the Philippine island of Panay. By road, the distance from Kalibo to Boracay is approximately 75 kilometers. Most of the route can be covered by land, but remember that Boracay is another island located 2 kilometers north of Panay. There is no bridge between Boracay and Panay, so a short boat ride is required. This stretch is not a problem as you can buy combo tickets for the entire journey from Kalibo to Boracay, so you only need to pay once for a ticket that includes a van leg, ferry crossing and even a taxi transfer to your hotel in Boracay. This option makes traveling from Kalibo to Boracay very easy and convenient.
From Kalibo to Boracay by van, ferry and taxi
Local boats waiting for passengers to board from Caticlan to Boracay © photopixel / Shutterstock.com
You can also travel more independently and take each stage of the trip separately (more information later). However, we recommend booking a combined ticket for the journey from Kalibo to Boracay. As mentioned earlier, it’s much easier to book a trip from start to finish. You only pay once and you don’t have to worry about anything because there is always a staff member to guide you and answer any traveler’s questions. There are other advantages to booking in advance. For example, this way you will know that transport is arranged and you will not have to worry about arriving on time at the departure point that suits you. In addition, the combined ticket is very affordable, which allows you to avoid discussions with potential intermediaries who want to take advantage of tourists.
These Kalibo to Boracay van, ferry and taxi combo tickets can be purchased online from the travel website 12Go.asia. The van will pick you up from Kalibo Airport itself and take you to Caticlan Marina, where you will need to take a ferry to cover the short distance between the two islands. Upon arrival at Cagban Pier in Boracay, you will board a private taxi to take you to your hotel. It is a door-to-door service that, given its simplicity and convenience, is very affordable.
If you book with 12Go, you will travel with My Boracay Guide. It is a reliable transfer company that offers several benefits and makes both booking and traveling easier. Passengers receive a guide and map of Boracay, and even a local SIM card. If for any reason your flight to Kalibo is delayed, the company will either arrange transportation or wait for you, depending on how long the delay is. Therefore, if you like to travel calmly and have everything well buttoned up, it is definitely worth going on this journey with them.
Vans leave Kalibo Airport six times a day. The journey takes 2 to 3 hours depending on where your hotel is located in Boracay.
From Kalibo to Boracay by bus and ferry
Vans at Kalibo International Airport © Phuong D. Nguyen / Shutterstock.com
Sometimes you feel like traveling on your own, so you can go on your own from Kalibo to Boracay. The main advantage of traveling this way is that you can save a few euros. But since the price of a combo ticket isn’t expensive either, you’ll have to compare to decide if that small saving is worth it.
There will be pick-up vans and public buses at the exit from Kalibo Airport to Caticlan Pier. This journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, less than the combination ticket, as these buses and vans tend to be faster. At the Caticlan pier you will need to buy a ferry ticket and upon arrival in Boracay you will need to find a way to get to your accommodation.
These vans that depart from the airport are cheaper than a combined ticket, but you can save even more by taking the public bus. These buses do not leave directly from the airport, but for a few pesos you can take a tricycle into the city and catch a bus at the Kalibo bus station. As they cater to locals, these buses are less expensive than any other option. It can take up to two hours to reach the pier. Of course, remember that you will have to add the time to get to Kalibo, waiting for the bus to leave, getting to the pier, time to buy tickets, ferry crossing and transfer to the hotel. With all these stretches of travel, you won’t save time if you decide to go from Kalibo to Boracay this way, although you’ll probably save a few bucks.
Although it is a bit more expensive, e.g combined van, ferry and taxi ticket from Kalibo to Boracay This is the best transport option. This way, everything will be organized without worrying about anything and you will get to Boracay faster and without the hassle of booking each ticket individually.