The island has a "hospital", clinics, laboratories, dentists and opticians. Teeth treatment in particular, and opticians are cheaper (and the same or higher quality) than in the west. The "hospital" is of a completely different standard than what we are used to in the west. If you get seriously ill or some of your companions, be prepared to take them down to Kalibo, Iloilo, or up to Manila, where hospitals are better equipped. There are numerous hospitals in the capital that has the same standard like that in the west. Both the Kalibo and Iloilo have completely new hospital. 

     If you are on medication, it is best for you to buy them from your country of origin. It may be difficult to get a hold of the same brand that you take. Buy a little more than what you think you will need just in case of travel delays and the like.

     It is not necessary to take malaria vaccines when travelling to Boracay or other Philippine cities. Unless you are planning to visit the tropical rain forest of Palawan and the other jungles of the Philippines, then you need to get vaccinated against malaria.

     Boracay is a tropical island with a lot of vegetation and high humidity. It is therefore necessary to use mosquito repellent / sprays. Insect repellents here are of the same strength and as effective as the repellents we have abroad. Most widely used here is the ”OFF“ mosquito repellent. It comes with different variants, lotions, sprays, even something for kids. Every kiosks and shops have this repellent.

     The period of June to September is the season of Dengue Fever which is the same case as any tropical country in the world. This is a virus that is transmitted to humans via mosquito bite, which is active early in the morning around sunrise and before sunset in the afternoon. This is a sickness, with high fever then later evolves into muscle and bone pain. Dengue virus impairs the body to produce red blood corpuscle which causes inner and outer bleeding in severe cases. The illness is not much prevalent in Boracay, but it exists here and we recommend using mosquito repellent along with the sun cream in this period of the year (June-September). This sickness does not manifest its symptoms until after 6-8 days from the moment you got bitten. One should therefore be aware of this disease when you get the symptoms after you arrive back in your country.

     The high temperature and humidity requires you to have a lot of drinks, especially water or Gatorade. A lot of fluid prevents dehydration and other diseases in tropical climates. Tap water is safe to drink but is not recommended because of high chlorine content.

     The international brands such as Nivea and Hawaiian etc. are available in the island. The price level is the same here compared to Europe or in Tax Free shops at the airports.

     Boracay is the Philippine’s hottest tourist attraction. The government have invested significant resources to keep away outlaws, professional law breakers, and terrorists. Commotions arise from time to time but it often involves foreigners either very drunk or because of other matters/ heated discussions. When this happens, police are quick to respond to settle the dispute.

     You should not be alarmed when you often see security guards, police and elite forces with their guns. It is a common sight here.

     Even though the island is much secured, we want to remind tourist that you should still keep an eye on your personal valuables such as cellular phones, cameras, jewelleries and the likes. Petty crimes can still happen mostly when you leave your valuables at the beach while you swim. Furthermore leaving these valuables at plain sight might be too great of a temptation for people who have scant capabilities to feed themselves and their families.

     Beachfront hotels have beach beds/ chairs for their own guests. These beds are guarded by security guards, and keep your valuables safe. If you do not stay at a beachfront resort, it is possible to rent a beach chair for about $2.5 a day/chair. Also beachfront bars/ restaurants offer beach chairs for free, however you must order something from their menu in return

How to get here

Transportation

Transportation in Boracay

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Giving Tips

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