If you’ve never been to Manila, the atmosphere of South American air that prevails in this city will be one of the first things that will catch your attention. The Spanish colonial architecture is an example of the influence Spain had on this city at the time, one of the oldest in the world, which today is one of the most densely populated on the planet. Despite this, Manila has a modern side with skyscrapers, shopping malls, museums and much more. The island of Boracay, on the other hand, offers a place to rest and relax after exploring the streets of the big city. This small island in the central Philippines is a place with sandy beaches, cozy bars and restaurants and great places for diving and other water sports. Read on for the best options to get from Manila to Boracay.
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Cebu Pacific on the runway © Rainier Martin Ampongan / Shutterstock.com
Travel options from Manila to Boracay
Traveling in a country like the Philippines with many thousands of islands can make getting from one place to another a bit difficult. You will not be able to rent a car and go wherever you want, because soon you will be limited by the sea. Fortunately, in the Philippines they are very used to these minor inconveniences, and the country has a good transport system by ferries, buses and planes. Traveling by plane from Manila to Boracay is undoubtedly the easiest and fastest way to travel between the two destinations. But if you want to try something different, you can also go by boat. The third option is to travel by road, by bus in Manila until you reach the ferry, take another stretch of road and continue on another boat. Even under the best conditions and choosing the best connections, crossing from Manila to Boracay by land and water means covering a distance of 440 kilometers and a journey lasting more than 12 hours, although it will definitely take longer and therefore I do not recommend traveling this way.
Flights from Manila to Boracay
Cebgo ATR aircraft. Cebgo operates Cebu Pacific short-haul propeller aircraft © Rainier Ampongan / Shutterstock.com
If you’re going on holiday to the Philippines and don’t have much time, a flight from Manila to Boracay is a smart option. The flight time is only one hour, and even if you add to that the time needed to get to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, waiting times at the airport, security checks, etc., it takes less time to fly from Manila to Boracay than by boat.
There are two airports in Boracay, so we advise you to compare prices and schedules at both airports. Also consider where you will be staying in Boracay to choose the closest airport to your final destination. Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, commonly known as Caticlan or Boracay Airport, is located on the northern tip of the island and can be flown to from Manila by Cebu Pacific, CebGo, Philippines Airlines, Philippines AirAsia and SkyJet, so there are plenty of options to choose from. This helps keep prices down through competition between airlines. A wide range of options makes it easy to find a flight that suits every passenger’s plans.
A second airport to consider is a good option if you are staying in the Kalibo area. This is Kalibo International Airport which has flights from Manila with several airlines including Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Philippines AirAsia. Ticket prices are similar to those for flights from Manila to Boracay airport.
From Manila to Boracay by ferry
If you have enough time and want a different adventure, you might want to consider a boat trip from Manila to Boracay. Ferries are a popular form of travel in the Philippines, which is not surprising in a country made up of so many islands. Ferries are usually well-equipped and affordable for both locals and tourists. There are different types of tickets to choose from.
The main disadvantage of taking the ferry from Manila to Boracay is that you first need to get to the ferry terminal, which is located in Batangas, about 100 kilometers south of Manila. While this section adds some time and increases the cost of the trip, it’s not a big deal as there are combo taxi and ferry tickets that can be booked through the travel website 12Go.asia so you don’t have to worry about buying tickets separately. This makes your journey more comfortable as there is the option of ordering a taxi to pick you up from anywhere in Manila and drop you directly to the Batangas Ferry Terminal. This means you can book a taxi at a time that suits you best to coincide with the departure of your ferry and no waiting time. While there is also the option to travel by bus, a taxi is much faster and more practical.
Taxis of different sizes can be booked depending on the traveler’s needs. If you’re traveling with your family or a group of friends, it’s worth taking a taxi because when you share the cost among all passengers, the price is quite low. Vans can be booked for up to 9 passengers.
Super economy class on the 2GO Travel ferry © Happy Auer / Shutterstock.com
It is clear that another disadvantage of the Manila to Boracay ferry is the length of the journey. The journey from Manila to the ferry terminal can take up to 2 hours, and the boat trip takes another 10.5 hours. But experience makes it a viable option. Ferry tickets are quite affordable, especially when you consider that they include a bed and the use of many services, avoiding having to pay for an overnight stay. The cheapest tickets are Super Value Class, which includes a bed in a large open room with dozens of bunk beds. Then there is the tourist class where you can enjoy a smaller room to have a little more privacy and also have slightly more comfortable beds. If you are traveling with friends or family, it is a good idea to book a cabin for 4 or 6 people, where you can relax with much more peace of mind.
To get from Manila to Boracay, flights are the quickest and most practical option, and also not very expensive. Therefore, if you do not have much time, flying is the best option. However, if your plans allow, a Manila to Boracay ferry trip can offer you a different experience that allows you to enjoy the landscape and your journey from a different perspective.