The Perfect Beach - Boracay, Philippines

I admit it, I’m kind of a beach snob. The ocean’s shade of blue, it’s clarity, the sand’s softness and grain size.. it all matters when you’re on the hunt for the perfect beach.

If, like me, you’re determined to sink your feet into warm sand of the world’s best beaches, then I can happily tell you I’ve found you a definite winner (just don’t tell any one, it can be our little secret).

Our last island stop in the Philippines was to Boracay, just off a larger island called Panay. It’s very popular amongst locals and only an hour’s flight from Cebu or Manila.

We checked in to our hotel Seabird International Resort which I must admit was a little disappointing considering the price. However the location was perfect (Boat Station 2, I’ll explain soon) which we appreciated.

We dumped our bags, grabbed our beach gear and eagerly walked up a narrow, sandy alley adjacent to our resort towards White Beach.

And this was the view!

I had to double take because the sand was such a bright, dazzling white. It didn’t actually look real. It was the clearest blue ocean and whitest, powder-soft sand I have ever seen, all 4km of it. This beach made me ecstatically happy. All life’s worries and stresses will simply vanish after a day here, I promise you.

It has to be said, Boracay isn’t your typical tropical island beach where there isn’t a soul in sight, and all you hear is the slow creaks of palm trees swaying above you. If those are criteria for your perfect beach, Boracay won’t be up there for you.

It’s one of the most tourist-heavy beach destinations I’ve visited. Many families, couples and solo travellers, all thirsty for their Boracay experience. I do love how popular it is amongst local Filipinos, who all flock here for their much needed city break.

Boracay Beach Guide

As a bit of a guide – the main beach called White Beach is divided into Boat Stations for navigation purposes only. It’s really one long 4km stretch of beach lined with a sandy footpath.

Along the beach are sea-front hotels, resorts, cafes, shops and restaurants, from high-end luxury (more at Boat Station 1), mid-range (Boat Station 2) to budget (Boat Station 3). You can still find upscale hotels dotted throughout all stations though.

If you want to be in the centre of all the action, popular bars, cafes and shops, then head to Boat Station 2, at the centre of the beach.

If you want to be in a more relaxed, quieter atmosphere, stick to Boat Station 3 or 1 where there are significantly less people.

I was delighted to see a few health-food cafes serving superfood salads, quinoa, courgetti and fresh juices. There are no geographical limits to the health-food trend! It’s brilliant.

I ordered a delicious fresh juice and my go-to caesar salad with prawn. I don’t normally agree on eating non-local food, however it was a pleasant change from my usual rice-filled meals (I never thought I’d ever say that).

We enjoyed our walks down Boat Station 1 and welcomed the calmer surroundings.

Just look how unbelievably white the sand is! I was convinced the beach was man-made for the first few days since it was just too perfect.

The sand is so bright that the day I forgot my sunglasses I thought I might genuinely be blinded in an instant if I fully opened my eyes.

And to think I was certain the beaches couldn’t possibly get better than Leela Beach in Koh Phangan, Ang Thong National Marine Park off Koh Samui or Mataking Island in Borneo.

We continued with our banana shake addiction – they were so wonderfully refreshing.

I still long for those banana shakes, but it won’t ever be the same as the way they make them at the popular and unassuming Jonah’s Shake and Snack Bar. Please, please get the banana and peanut butter shake if you’re there. It’s life changing, trust me.