How to get to Boracay, a tropical paradise!

When the invite to visit Boracay landed in my inbox, I was buzzing. I mean, I’d heard whispers about it over the years—this dreamy little island in the Philippines with powder-white sand and turquoise water that doesn’t even look real. But when I mentioned it to my mates, it was a mixed bag. Half of them looked blank, the other half said something like, “Wait, where is that again?”

And honestly, I kind of get it. Boracay doesn’t always get the spotlight like Bali or Phuket, and getting there isn’t quite as straightforward. But let me tell you this: it is 100% worth the effort. After a few sun-soaked days exploring this ridiculously beautiful island, I can safely say it’s one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been. If it’s not already on your travel hit list, do yourself a favour and add it—right now.

Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify

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When to visit

Boracay’s the kind of place that rarely has a quiet moment—it’s just that spectacular. But the vibe shifts throughout the year, and knowing when to go can shape the type of trip you have.

Peak Season hits over Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Easter. That’s when the island’s buzzing. Resorts book out, the beach bars are packed, and there’s a party almost every night. If you’re the kind of traveller who lives for the energy of a crowd and doesn’t mind a late night or two, this is your window. Just be sure to lock in your accommodation early—things get snapped up quickly.

High Season usually rolls through March to May and again in September to early June. Expect hot, humid weather—around 25–32°C—and hardly any rain. It’s a sweet spot for travellers from the northern hemisphere escaping winter. There’s still plenty of nightlife going on, but it’s a little more balanced than the madness of the peak holiday crush.

Low Season runs from June to early October, bringing with it a higher chance of rain. That said, we visited in early October and didn’t see a single drop. The days were warm, the water was perfect for swimming, and the crowds? Way more manageable. If you’re like me and prefer a slower pace—fewer lines, more space on the beach, and the chance to find a quiet sunset spot all to yourself—this might be your time.

No matter when you go, Boracay isn’t exactly a secret—it draws people in all year round. But whether you’re chasing wild nights or peaceful mornings, there’s a version of this island that’ll suit your style.

How to get to Boracay

Getting to Boracay takes a bit of planning, but it’s totally worth it once you’re staring down that electric-blue water. We flew out of Gold Coast Airport and made our way to Kalibo, with a quick stop in Kuala Lumpur. And if you’ve never heard of Kalibo before—don’t worry, neither had I.

Kalibo’s the capital of Aklan province, tucked away in the northwest of Panay Island in the Philippines. It’s one of the two main entry points for travellers heading to Boracay (the other is Caticlan). Kalibo International Airport handles a steady stream of international visitors, and it’s where a lot of the budget flights land.

We flew with AirAsia the whole way, and it was surprisingly smooth. They run regular flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kalibo—usually six times a week—and the best part? Their Fly-Thru service. That meant we didn’t have to muck around collecting bags or checking in again at KLIA2. We just followed the signs to our connecting gate, stretched our legs, and cruised straight onto the next flight. It took the stress out of what could’ve been a clunky transfer.

AirAsia’s Fly-Thru routes are available from a few Aussie cities—Gold Coast, Melbourne, and Sydney—with seamless connections via Kuala Lumpur. If you’re flying from Asia, they also offer Fly-Thru from major cities in China.

The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kalibo takes just under four hours, and from there, you’re a few steps closer to paradise. More on that next.

Getting from Kalibo to Boracay

Once you touch down in Kalibo, the journey to Boracay isn’t over just yet—but don’t stress, it’s part of the adventure. Boracay is a separate island, so you’ll need to make your way overland and then hop a boat to get there. Sounds like a lot, but honestly? It was a breeze—and a big part of the fun.

We were lucky—our resort (Henann Lagoon Resort) arranged everything for us ahead of time. You can book it yourself here too. Trust me, stepping out of the airport into the sticky heat and facing a full-blown wall of drivers shouting prices and promising “best deal!” is… a lot. After a long flight, it’s the last thing you want.

Instead, we walked out, spotted our name on a little sign, and were whisked straight into an air-conditioned van—no haggling, no fuss. It made all the difference.

The drive from Kalibo Airport to the port takes about 1.5 to 1.75 hours, winding through the countryside. It’s surprisingly beautiful. We passed rice paddies so green they looked fake, lush patches of jungle, tiny roadside stalls, and towns buzzing with everyday life. Kids in school uniforms waving at cars, families sharing one motorbike—it’s the kind of real-life glimpse you don’t usually get in tourist hubs.

About halfway through, there’s a short rest stop—just enough time to grab a drink, stretch your legs, and use the bathroom.

Once you reach the coast (Caticlan Jetty Port), it’s time to swap wheels for water. The boat ride over to Boracay is super quick, maybe 5 to 10 minutes tops. Blink and you’re there. Honestly, I kind of wished it took longer—it was that pretty. The water’s a ridiculous shade of blue, and you really start to feel like you’re escaping to somewhere special.

From the jetty on Boracay, it’s another quick hop in a shuttle to your hotel. In our case, the resort had a van waiting, and by the time we arrived, our bags were already on their way to the room. So easy.

What I loved about this whole transfer experience was how it eased us into island life. There’s something magical about the shift—from the wild, colourful mainland to this dreamy, white-sand escape. It felt remote, tropical, and exciting. Almost like you’d stumbled onto somewhere secret… which is exactly the vibe you want when you’re kicking off a trip like this.

Final thoughts & top tips for visiting Boracay

All up, getting to Boracay is surprisingly easy—and the moment you step onto the island, it feels like you’ve stumbled across a secret. It’s hard to believe somewhere this beautiful exists. There’s this moment when you first see that perfect white sand and those impossibly clear waters, and all the travel time just melts away. You made it. And yes, it’s worth the journey.

If you’re planning your own Boracay adventure, here are a few tips to help make it smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable:

• Fly direct with AirAsia and use their Fly-Thru service via Kuala Lumpur to keep your transit simple—no need to collect bags or re-check in between flights.
• Book a hotel that arranges all your transfers—it takes all the pressure off. We stayed at Henann Lagoon Resort, and having everything handled from airport pickup to hotel drop-off made the whole experience seamless.
• Pack light. This isn’t the place for ball gowns or boots—think swimmers, shorts, sandals, and sunscreen. Keep it casual and you’ll fit right in.
• Time your visit based on your vibe. Want buzzing beach bars and a big crowd? Head over in peak or high season. Prefer space to yourself and a quieter pace? Low or shoulder season might suit you better.
• Be ready for the layover at KLIA2. If you’ve got a bit of downtime in Kuala Lumpur, find a quiet corner, grab a local meal, and give yourself a little recharge—you’ll thank yourself once you’re barefoot in Boracay.

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