Manila to Boracay 4-Day Itinerary: Tourist Spots & Must-Try Activities

Both destinations are easily accessible via international and domestic flights to the Philippines from the Ninoy Aquino National Airport (also known as the Manila Airport), one of the main airports in the Philippines. 

Boracay Island is mainly serviced by the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (also known as Caticlan Airport). This means if you are visiting the country for the first time, you can easily visit and explore the capital and then hop on one of the Manila to Boracay flights to make the most of your trip.

This article will help you plan a 4-day Manila to Boracay itinerary and lists down things to do, places to visit, restaurants to dine at, and hotels and resorts to stay at, as well as discuss how to go to Boracay from Manila and back.

How to go to Boracay from Manila?

The quickest and easiest way is to get on one of the many Manila to Boracay flights from Manila Airport to Caticlan Airport. The airport is around 6.7 kilometers from the island, and the travel time via land and boat transfers is at least 30 minutes. You can book Boracay airport transfers to your Boracay hotel for a hassle-free trip.

How many hours from Manila to Boracay by plane? 

Flights to Boracay from Manila usually take a little over an hour. If you are flying from Manila to Caticlan Airport, the Manila to Boracay travel time is usually one hour and 10 minutes. 

You also have the option of flying to Kalibo Airport in Aklan. The flight time is usually one hour and 15 minutes, but keep in mind that the airport is around 76 kilometers away from the island, and you will need another 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach it via land and boat Boracay transfers from Kalibo Airport.

Day 1: Manila City & Intramuros Tour 

After you land at the Manila Airport, make your way to your accommodations in the city.  If you are staying in one of the hotels in Manila, you can make your trip more convenient by booking Manila airport transfers or Manila car rentals. 

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Once you have settled in your accommodations, you can explore some of the tourist spots in Manila. Here are just some that you can visit:

Intramuros

Built over 400 years ago during the Spanish colonial period, the walled city of Intramuros is home to centuries-old forts, plazas, churches, and museums. You can explore this historical site conveniently when you book Intramuros tours.

Binondo Chinatown

Known as the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo is famous for its gastronomical delights that you can try when you go on a Binondo food trip. You can also go on a guided Binondo food tour where you can sample xiao long bao, hopia, mooncakes, and other delicacies.

Rizal Park

Also known as Luneta, Rizal Park is Manila’s 58-hectare park where the iconic monument of national hero Jose Rizal stands. His remains are interred at the base of the monument, and several meters away lies the spot where he was executed.

National Museum

The National Museum Complex in Manila, one of the must-visit Manila museums, is split into four buildings: the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Planetarium. You can find both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions in these museums.

Roxas Boulevard

This boulevard located along the coast of Manila Bay is famous for the two-kilometer baywalk where you can catch a gorgeous sunset. You can also visit the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, where you can find the National Theater, the Philippine International Convention Center, and the Manila Film Center.

After a day of exploring, you can either head back to your hotel so you can get some rest or enjoy a hearty dinner at any of the Filipino restaurants in Manila. Depending on your appetite, you can even try buffet restaurants or several courses from a tasting menu in Manila. If you are still up for a late night out, you may also visit bars in areas like Poblacion in Makati or Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig to experience the Manila nightlife.

Day 2: Boracay White Beach Activities

On the second day of your trip, you will travel from Manila to Boracay Island via a flight from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You’ll land at Boracay Caticlan Airport. Transportation from Caticlan Airport to Boracay Island takes around 30 minutes via land and ferry transfers.

When you arrive at your hotel, you’ll check in to your room. After getting settled, you can explore the famous White Beach of Boracay. This beach is the island’s main attraction and is one of the top Visayas tourist spots. The beach is divided into three areas, Stations 1, 2, and 3. 

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While you’re at White Beach, there are many activities you can do. You can try Boracay water activities like parasailing, helmet diving, and UFO or banana boat riding. If you want to take gorgeous travel photos in Boracay’s waters, you can also book a crystal kayak experience.

For a memorable end to your day, you should consider a sunset paraw cruise, which will allow you to see the famous Boracay sunset while aboard a traditional boat. You can also take a helicopter ride to see a different view of White Beach. 

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to Boracay restaurants. Station 1 has Los Indios Bravos, a gastropub that serves seafood and other hearty dishes, while you can try delicious Filipino food in Station 2’s Subo. You’ll find Sunny Side Cafe in Station 3. The cafe is known for its all-day breakfast dishes like the Kitayama Beef Tapsilog.

After enjoying a day in White Beach, you’ll spend your night in your Boracay resort or hotel. If you can afford to splurge, book a stay at Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay, Shangri-La Boracay, or Discovery Shores Boracay, four of the top beach resorts in Boracay.

• Check out our Movenpick Boracay promos, Crimson Boracay promos, Shangri-La Boracay promos, and Discovery Shores Boracay promos

Day 3: Boracay Island Hopping Tour

Your Boracay visit isn’t complete without experiencing island-hopping in Boracay. Trying this activity will allow you to see and explore some of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, as well as stunning snorkeling spots.

To make your experience seamless and hassle-free, you can book any of the Boracay island-hopping tour packages. These tours will give you the option to visit several spots, including Puka Beach, Ilig-Iligan Beach, Balinghai Beach, Diniwid Beach, and Tambisaan Beach. These beautiful beaches in the Philippines will not only allow you to see more of Boracay’s beauty but also to swim in its waters or just lounge in the sand.

Other tourist spots in Boracay you can visit on an island-hopping tour are Crystal Cove, Crocodile Island, and Coral Garden. When visiting these sites, make sure you bring your snorkeling gear (or rent a set), as the waters here are abundant with colorful marine life. 

Another activity you can try during this experience is cliff-jumping. Magic Island is a popular cliff-jumping spot and is usually an add-on to Boracay tours. The island has several diving heights, including a spot just one meter above the water. Coupled with its calm waves, it's a great spot for first-timers to try cliff-jumping.

When your island-hopping tour is done, you can explore the Boracay mainland or head back to your room in one of the hotels or resorts in Boracay so you can rest. Take note that it’s also your last chance on this trip to catch the famous Boracay sunset.

Day 4: Departure to Manila

It’s the last day of your 3-day, 2-night Boracay itinerary. After having breakfast at your accommodations in Boracay, you can spend your time exploring more of White Beach before checking out. Lounge in the white sand and just take in the gorgeous island views one last time. If you have a late flight, you can still go on one of the Boracay tours in the morning.

Before your flight back to Manila, you can also shop for souvenirs or indulge in a meal by the beach one last time. When you are ready to go, head to Caticlan Airport via sea and land transfers so you can catch your return flight.

Plan your Manila to Boracay trip now!

With this Manila to Boracay travel guide, you can maximize your visit to the Philippines. If you have more time in the country, you can extend your stay in Boracay and try the land tours the island has to offer. If you want to spend more time in Manila, you can explore more of its tourist spots via Manila day tours. You may also visit other destinations near Manila, including the highlands of Tagaytay, the beaches of Batangas, the artsy attractions in Rizal, and the foodie stops in Pampanga.

To make your trip even more convenient and hassle-free, you can book Manila to Boracay packages that already come with flights, accommodations, and Boracay airport transfers with a trusted Philippine travel agency like Guide to the Philippines. You may also book other Philippine tour packages, like all-inclusive family vacation packages and Philippine honeymoon packages.