Which is Higher? BORACAY Island Hopping Tour vs Land Tour (E-Trike)

Boracay could also be small, however it’s full of points of interest that vacationers of all ages can get pleasure from. However not all guests have sufficient time or cash to expertise all of them. Generally, you’ll have to choose. Some of the widespread dilemma is selecting between a Boracay island hopping tour (by boat) and a Boracay land tour (by e-trike).

Let me preface this by saying that when you have ample funds and days, please be a part of each excursions. Whereas they share one or two stops, these are two distinct experiences, presenting totally different sides of the island. That mentioned, every has its personal execs and cons.

In case you have simply sufficient time and finances for only one, which do you have to take: the island hopping tour or the land tour? On this article, we’ll get all the way down to the nitty-gritty of every exercise, so you could possibly make a greater, extra knowledgeable choice.

BORACAY ISLAND HOPPING TOUR Itinerary & Costs

Though it’s potential to constitution a non-public boat for island hopping, the costs are steep. Therefore, most island hopping packages are group excursions, which suggests you’ll be sharing the boat with different vacationers. Together with the remainder of the group, you’ll be following a set itinerary and you should respect the schedule.

Island hopping in Boracay takes a complete day. In our case, we boarded the boat at round 8:00 AM and was again at White Seashore at 4:00 PM. The leaping off level is both at Station 1 (close to Astoria) or Station 3.

It normally prices PHP 800-900 (USD 14.30-16.10) per particular person, inclusive of buffet lunch and use of swim masks (with out the snorkel) however unique of entrance charges. Sure, a few of the stops acquire an entrance payment, which isn’t lined by the essential tour payment.

Right here’s a abstract of the small print:

• Period: Full Day, round 8 hours
• Worth: P800-900 (inclusive of buffet lunch)
• Soar-off level: Station 1 or 3

There are various methods to ebook an island hopping tour. It’s supplied by tour operators and touts at White Seashore. However for those who really feel extra comfy transacting on-line otherwise you don’t need to take care of touts on the seaside, you could ebook with Klook, too!

✅ CHECK RATES OF ISLAND HOPPING TOUR HERE!

Both method, you’ll be becoming a member of a bunch with different vacationers and the itineraries are very related. However the lunch and snorkeling stops differ relying on the operator.

Under was our itinerary adopted by our most up-to-date island hopping tour, which we booked with a tout at Station 2.

Cease 1: Puka Seashore

Puka Seashore glazes the northern tip of Boracay. This was a serene scene, however now a bit crowded, too, principally as a result of it’s far more accessible as of late. However, it’s nonetheless much more peaceable than Station 2 of White Seashore.

We got solely 40 minutes to remain right here. One of many actions that you could be get pleasure from right here is crystal kayaking, however I discourage you from doing it when on this tour. It takes 15-20 minutes, which can burn half of your time at Puka Seashore. When you actually need to attempt a crystal kayak, do it on one other event. Use your restricted time exploring the seaside as an alternative.

By way of composition, Puka is a blended seaside. Some components are strewn with high quality sand, however others have shells, which might be why it’s known as Puka. It includes a large berm, which slopes dramatically into the waves, which might get fairly tough at occasions, so watch out when swimming.

Cease 2: Snorkeling Web site

Each island hopping tour additionally makes a cease at a snorkeling website, which varies relying on the tour operator. Some boats moor off the coast of Crocodile Island, Tambisaan Seashore, or in our case Balinghai Seashore, close to the so-called Station Zero.

You don’t have to go snorkeling; it’s elective. However for those who select to do it, you’ll need to pay PHP 45 (USD 0.80) snorkeling payment. No must pay this for those who’re staying on the boat.

Don’t overlook to put on a life jacket. The present could be a bit further at occasions. Higher protected than sorry.

Cease 3: Lunch

The lunch cease varies from operator to operator, however it’s normally buffet-style (limitless). We had been delivered to Shingley Piknikan restaurant, near Tabon Port in mainland Caticlan. It was okay. Typical Pinoy fare, principally grilled and fried. However don’t count on something above common when it comes to taste or presentation.

Cease 4: Crystal Cove

Entrance Payment: P300

Often known as Laurel Island or Tiguatian Island, Crystal Cove is a 2-hectare resort finest identified for its lookouts and caves. The positioning can be dotted with a number of picture spots, some extra Instagram-worthy than others. There’s additionally a swimming spot.

By the way in which, Crystal Cove fees a P300 entrance payment. When you decide to not enter, you may spend the allotted hour simply chilling on the seaside. A small retailer sells coconuts for PHP 100 a bit and banana que (skewered deep fried bananas) for PHP 35 per stick.

From Crystal Cove, you could possibly additionally spot Magic Island.

Cease 5: Magic Island*

Entrance Payment: P250

Sure, with asterisk as a result of to at the present time, I’m nonetheless undecided if excursions usually make a cease right here. The touts promoting island hopping packages normally embody it within the listing of web sites to be visited, however we didn’t set foot right here. We solely acquired to see it from Crystal Cove. I’m undecided if it wasn’t actually part of our itinerary or our boat simply skipped it as a result of we ran out of time.

Anyway, Magic Island is best-known for its cliff leaping platforms. In case your group stops right here, an entrance payment of PHP 250 have to be settled per particular person.

That’s about it. After over an hour at Crystal Cove, we had been ferried again to White Seashore. Chances are you’ll decide to get off at Station 3 or Station 1.

Breakdown of Bills

An island hopping tour would usually price you PHP 1245 (USD 22.30) per particular person. That’s assuming you’re getting into Crystal Cove and skipping Magic Island like we did. Right here’s the breakdown:

• Primary island hopping tour with lunch: PHP 900 (USD 16.10)
• Snorkeling payment: PHP 45 (USD 0.80)
• Crystal Cove entrance payment: PHP 300 (USD 5.40)
• TOTAL: PHP 1245 (USD 22.30)

Clearly, this doesn’t embody any further meals bills.

LAND TOUR Itinerary & Costs (E-Trike or Multi-Cab)

A Boracay land tour entails chartering an e-trike or a multi-cab to take you across the island. It’s generally known as “Island Tour” however on this article, to keep away from complicated it with island hopping, let’s simply name it “land tour”.

In contrast to island hopping excursions which comply with a set itinerary, land excursions offer you full management of your time. Drivers have a urged itinerary however in the end it’s nonetheless as much as you. If you wish to skip a cease otherwise you want to keep longer at one other, it’s your name. In any case, you’re paying by the hour. Sure, by the hour.

Listed below are the Boracay land tour charges. These costs are PER VEHICLE, NOT PER PERSON.

• E-Trike Tour
  P500 per hour
  Most of 4 passengers
• Multi-cab Tour
  P700 per hour
  Most of 10 passengers

As you may see, for those who’re a part of an enormous group, you’ll find yourself saving lots for those who prepare a multi-cab tour as an alternative of an e-trike. That’s what we did. We had been a bunch of 9 (9), and the multi-cab might accommodate as much as 10 pax. The perfect half, we’re all collectively in only one automobile.

Most drivers provide a land tour service. Chances are you’ll merely hail an e-trike or multi-cab within the streets. However if you would like referrals, these are the drivers that we employed and their corresponding contact numbers:

• E-TRIKE: Kuya Ambro
  +63 943 1304164
• MULTI-CAB: Kuya Bong
  +63 939 823 8198

I’m not affiliated to them in any method. We simply loved their service.

Under is Kuya Bong’s urged itinerary, which we adopted on our final Boracay journey.

Cease 1: Lugutan Mangrove Park

Generally known as Boracay Mangroves, the Lugutan Mangrove Park covers an hectare of shallow waters in Barangay Manoc-manoc, south of Bulabog Seashore. It was opened to the general public in 2012 with 2000 mangroves. I’m positive the quantity has grown lots since.

A picket boardwalk loops by means of and across the mangroves, making it a implausible picture spot. It’s additionally an important breather from the standard seaside points of interest.

Entrance Payment: FREE. However registration is required. One consultant can register for the remainder of the group on the desk throughout the street from the mangroves.

Cease 2: Bulabog Seashore

Entrance Payment: FREE.

Not too far-off from the mangroves lies Bulabog Seashore. In contrast to White Seashore, Bulabog isn’t blanketed with high quality white sand. Its mattress is way coarser, rockier, and principally lined in seagrass. However it’s nonetheless fairly scenic. Vacationers drop by for IG-worthy snaps, particularly across the coconut timber. One tree specifically has been a favourite amongst guests.

A large BORACAY signage now stands on the entrance to the seaside, which can be an important picture spot.

Cease 3: Sinagpa Seashore, Lambros Level and Diniwid Seashore

Entrance Payment: FREE.

Sure, three in a single.

Sinagpa Seashore refers back to the slim stretch separating White Seashore from Diniwid Seashore. It was additionally my first time listening to the title Sinagpa. In line with Kuya Bong, the time period is used principally by locals.

Comply with the concrete walkway and it’ll lead you to a rocky cliff with a pure opening. That is what most vacationers are extra acquainted with. It’s known as Lambros Level. Behind it’s a picture of the Virgin Mary, a cliff-jumping website, and the attractive Diniwid Seashore!

Cease 4: Keyhole

Entrance Payment: FREE.

The Keyhole, additionally known as Cujo’s Keyhole, is a pure arch positioned close to Boracay newcoast in Barangay Yapak. Though the roads that result in it are inside non-public property, vacationers on e-trike or multi-cab tour are allowed entry.

You might need to queue up right here, however use the ready time to admire the adjoining seashores: Lapus-Lapus Seashore and Ilig-Iligan Seashore. Among the smaller coves now function non-public seashores of Newcoast.

A guard is in cost in holding issues so as. Guests are solely allowed as much as a sure line. Some components are cordoned off for security causes.

There’s not a lot to do right here apart from taking a pic with the enduring arch within the background. When you’re not into selfies and photographs, this won’t be your cup of tea. However because it was near our subsequent cease, we selected to drop by anyway.

Cease 5: Puka Seashore

Entrance Payment: FREE.

Sure, Puka Seashore is a part of mainland Boracay, so it’s also accessible by land. If something, getting right here by land is significantly better. In contrast to on island hopping excursions with a strict time restrict, for those who go to by e-trike or multi-cab, you may keep for so long as you need. And we advocate staying for at the least an hour right here!

When you really feel such as you’ll be spending A LOT of time at Puka Seashore, you may finish the tour proper right here. Simply take public transportation (shared e-trike) in your method again to your lodge. However for those who’re in for only a fast go to, you may ask the motive force to attend for you after which take you again to your lodge after.

Whereas it’s now not the tranquil area it was, it’s nonetheless an important place to relax. You may laze on a mat that you could “borrow” from enterprising locals. I say borrow in citation marks as a result of they place the mats within the shade and allow you to use them without spending a dime, however you’re anticipated to order drinks from them. You may order from their menu of juices, shakes, and cocktails. Some additionally provide crystal kayak providers at a a lot decrease price, PHP 150 per 15-20 minutes. At White Seashore, it normally prices PHP 250 for a similar period.

Souvenirs and trinkets are additionally less expensive right here than the shops at White Seashore! And in case your tummy is grumbling at this level, you’ll be glad to know that its entrance is flanked by eateries and road meals kiosks.

Breakdown of Bills

We spent 5 (5) hours doing the land tour, greater than an hour of which was spent at Puka Seashore. At PHP 700 per hour, the whole price was PHP 3500. We had been a bunch of 9, so we paid PHP 388.89 per particular person. (Though I really paid for every thing as a result of this was my deal with to my household.)

It might nonetheless go decrease for those who’re a celebration of 10 as a result of the per-person price would fall to solely PHP 350.

• Land Tour for 10 pax (5 hours): PHP 3500 (USD 62.70)
• Entrance Charges: NONE
• Crystal kayak at Puka Seashore: PHP 150 for 15-20 minutes (USD 2.70)
• Drinks at Puka seaside: Round PHP 200 (USD 3.60)

Which is healthier?

The land tour is a significantly better deal than the island hopping tour for 3 main causes:

• Affordability. Land tour is less expensive, at solely PHP 125 per particular person if utilizing e-trike, a lot a lot decrease than the PHP 900 primary payment for an island hopping tour. The land tour stops are additionally accessible for FREE, whereas most stops on the boat tour fees an entrance payment.
• Flexibility. On land tour, you have got full management of your itinerary and time, versus island hopping excursions that implement a strict schedule and restricted time per cease.
• Consolation and accessibility. The island hopping tour is far more exhausting and difficult for seniors and PWDs. It’s fairly troublesome to board the boat particularly when the waves are robust. Multicabs and e-trikes are a lot friendlier to vacationers with mobility points.

So sure, when you have time and finances for only one exercise, I like to recommend doing the land tour. However in any other case, attempt to expertise each excursions!

And once more, for those who resolve to ebook an island hopping tour, you could possibly help this weblog by reserving it utilizing the Klook hyperlink beneath!

✅ BOOK ISLAND HOPPING TOUR HERE!

High Boracay Resorts for Teams/Household

Touring with household or barkada? Right here’s an inventory of properties in Boracay which have rooms that may accommodate teams of 4 or extra.

Seek for extra Boracay Resorts!

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2023 11 9 – First up