If lounging on the shores of a serene, sun-soaked destination with limitless scope and abundance sounds like an ideal holiday for you, then Boracay should be at the top of your list.

In the interest of detail and accuracy, it is worth nothing that Boracay, as a geographic territory, is actually extremely small. It is so small that, if you have ever heard of this island before, you cannot possibly imagine that everything that happens here, happens within the confines of 10.32km² (4 square miles). And yet it does.

Like all magic that goes against Science, this pint-sized haven defies all laws of spatial Physics with not just one or two, but three broadly specified sections (or more commonly referred to as ‘Stations’), each marked with distinguishably different feels and frills, and all of which come together to feed us what will be possibly the most diverse beach experience we’d ever consume. To be clear, these Stations aren’t so much a mere condiment storied for some touristic appeal; but information you actually need to know, if you’re headed to Boracay soon or considering it as a future beach destination soon (which you should). From where you base your accommodation to where you eat to where you book your massages and where your activities take off from, these Stations, singlehandedly dictate the foundation of your experience from the bottom-up.

STATION 3: THE CASUAL, LAIDBACK COMMUNITY

If an authentic taste of island life is at the forefront of your mind, Station 3 is one to mark in your diary. Expect a no frills, feet-in-the-sand experience, where the tide is the only time that matters. Here, you get the widest range of hostels and budget stay picks, food that won’t break the bank, and an overall more laidback vibe.

YOU WILL LIKE STATION 3 IF YOU ARE:
☀ Backpacking
☀ On a shoestring budget
☀ Into slow, fuss-free travelling

HERE, YOU WILL FIND:
☀ A more relaxed environment with less people (as compared to Stations 1 & 2)
☀ Price-friendly accommodation and dining options
☀ A peaceful, rustic way of life surrounded by plenty of greenery

YOU MAY SKIP STATION 3 IF YOU:
☀ Prefer being surrounded by hustle & bustle
☀ Wish to be away from the budget/backpacking scene
☀ Are travelling with kids (the drop-off in this area can be quite steep so the beach waters get really deep really fast)

STATION 2: THE HEART & ACTION OF BORACAY

A boisterous high-octane playground, Station 2 is a bustling community made up of everyone who’s currently on the island. Here is where you’ll find D’Mall, the default touchstone for visitors- not just as a shopping and dining destination- but as a vibrant hub that reflects the island’s spirit and culture.

YOU WILL LIKE STATION 2 IF YOU:
☀ Need convenience and want all the standard tourist amenities to be easily accessible around you
☀ Appreciate a buzzing night scene
☀ Gravitate towards ‘happening’ places and atmospheric scenes

HERE, YOU WILL FIND:
☀ Everybody who’s in Boracay 😂 (Not joking, no matter which station you’re holed up in, chances are, you will make at least one trip down to Station 2)
☀ Cool, edgy dining and shopping options
☀ A whirling paradise for souvenirs

YOU MAY SKIP STATION 2 IF YOU:
☀ Do not like crowds
☀ Do not like ‘touristy’ places
☀ Want peace and quiet

STATION 1: THE UPSCALE EXPERIENCE

Station 1 is built on big ideals and high standards; the natural drawcard for those looking for a beachfront experience that’s a touch swankier than most.

A word of caution though: before you think that Station 1 pricetags include total peace and quiet, keep in mind that the more refined environment at Station 1 also means that it is the default location for families with young kids and busload-type tourists to hole up in; so while it is a more luxurious spot on the island, it isn’t the most, luxurious spot on the island.

YOU WILL LIKE STATION 1 IF YOU:
☀ Appreciate the finer things in life
☀ Prefer space and shallow waters
☀ Are travelling with family and young kids

HERE, YOU WILL FIND:
☀ A more ‘upmarket’, albeit not entirely people-scarce environment (tldr: expect lots of Point #3 above)
☀ More relaxed beach vibes (as compared to Station 2)
☀ A pretty ideal option for honeymoons and romantic getaways

YOU MAY SKIP STATION 1 IF YOU:
☀ Prefer not to share space with travelling families and tour groups
☀ Are travelling on a budget
☀ Are looking for L E G I T island luxury, in which case, please continue below 🙃

**HIDDEN** STATION 0: SECLUSION FOR THE ELITE

Some may say Station 0 is not an official station, some may tell you it’s not even a thing. But, you know what they say, haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate.

In all seriousness though, they are not wrong. Station 0 isn’t exactly in the official records per se. It’s more of a serendipitous thing that happened when even more upmarket establishments sprouted out and beyond the confines of Station 1. The concept is fairly new (you can probably trace it back to within the past 5 years even) and remains an open -but yet- closely-guarded secret amongst locals and tourists in the know: here, the crowd is decidedly nipped and tucked, and the entire landscape is manicured to absolute, dream-quality perfection. Expect luxurious villas, private beaches, heavenly pools, one-on-one activities…

Naturally, the price tags on Station 0 accommodation corresponds to its quiet extravagance – but for those who are seeking unadulterated serenity and can afford it, I would say, go. Go, and go big.

YOU WILL LIKE STATION 0 IF YOU:
☀ Are looking for not just upper class, but ultra-exclusive, luxury accommodation
☀ Are big on solitude (literally no one else from the other 3 stations will come here)
☀ Prefer private tours and activities

HERE, YOU WILL FIND:
☀ World-class hospitality
☀ Private beachfronts and pristine turquoise waters (most pristine out of the 4 stations, and only because it shoulders the least footfall)
☀ An overall more private travelling experience from head to toe, start to finish

YOU MAY SKIP STATION 0 IF YOU:
☀ Prefer to be close to standard public amenities (like convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, shops, public services like massages/mani-pedis etc)
☀ Do not do well with total seclusion
☀ Want to make local cultural exploration the forefront of your itinerary (it’s just too inconvenient to get around when you’re based in Station 0, if I’m being perfectly honest. More likely than not, if you’re headed out, your itinerary will be held hostage to the hotel’s shuttle timings)

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Enjoy Boracay, I know I did.