BORACAY REOPENING: An Honest Review

It’s Kyle’s upcoming 9th birthday and we usually travel to celebrate. We were supposed to go to Bohol but since Boracay will reopen on October 26 and it’s his sembreak, I decided to go there instead. We love Boracay, and even though it’s already my tenth time and Kyle’s fifth time to go there, we’re still excited to see and experience the new improved island.

I made sure to take note of the DOs and DON’Ts

When we got there, we were disappointed. I’ve listed some PROs and CONs based on our experience:

PROs:

• Cleaner beach
• Clearer water
• Wider shoreline
• No more tables and beach beds
• No more vendors – CON for the vendors, I hope they find another source of income

Taken between 6-8AM using iPhone XS. I took these photos before the crowd wakes up to see the real beauty of Boracay.

CONs:

• Even before going there, I already booked a hotel. I saw that it’s available in agoda, however, 5 days before our flight they emailed me saying it’s not yet operational even though they’re part of the list of hotels that DOT published. So, I had to book for a more expensive hotel. I hope the government updates their list so we won’t have issues like this
• There were a lot of policemen at Caticlan Jetty port, Cagban port and the island itself. But, I suggest they put more CCTV especially at the Tourist Verification counter since there’s where the people start to pile up
• Most roads are only one way because construction is still on going. It’s somehow causing traffic
• Since there are ongoing road constructions, there is dust everywhere. Make sure to bring a mask
• Power off or brownout 3-4 times a day. Choose a hotel with generator
• Some hotels and restaurants are still closed and under renovation
• No more water activities – this can be a PRO too but some kids miss it

I summarized it in the bullet points, but watch the full video below to know what really happened and what to expect in Boracay.

Day 1 – WALLET, MONEY, PASSPORTS, AND CARDS WERE STOLEN

Day 2 & 3 – FULL VIEW OF BORACAY BEACH, SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, ROADS AND HOW WE FEEL ABOUT THE BORACAY REOPENING

Overall, I truly agree that the Boracay beach improved. Roads, hotels and some restaurants are still under construction. I’ve read and watched the news that it’s a 2 year plan. But based on our previous experience (vlog 1), I don’t think we’ll be back on Boracay any time soon, I don’t feel secure. I just hope they work on their security and add more CCTV because the island has so much potential.

We may have a different experience than the others, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go there and see the changes for yourself.

Please note that I’m not a fan of politics, so this post is in no way related to the current administration. I’m just sharing what we’ve experienced in Boracay with all honesty like what I always do in my blogs/vlogs.

***UPDATE: Oct 31 – someone messaged that they found my wallet with no cash but the passports are there. Answered prayer.

For more of my travel tips, reviews and adventures, you may follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Safe travels!