Where to stay in Boracay First Time 2024 - 5 best areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Boracay first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Boracay first time?
Where to stay in Boracay station 1, 2 or 3?
Where to stay in Boracay for nightlife?
Where to stay in Boracay with family?
Where to stay in Boracay on a budget?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Boracay
| Name of the area in Boracay | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
1. White Beach (Stations 1, 2, and 3)* .... Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This is the most popular and most famous part of Boracay and can be divided into three different areas, namely Stations 1,2, and 3. Station 1 is ideal for those seeking luxury and tranquility. Station 2 is ideal for those who want to stay in the heart of Boracay which is full of restaurants, bars, and shops. Station 3 is ideal for those looking for a laid-back atmosphere and budget-friendly accommodation options. *You can click on the purple link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
.. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Diniwid Beach is located near White Beach and offers a far more secluded and peaceful experience. It’s perfect for those who want to be close to the main attractions but enjoy a quieter environment, such as families and couples. |
. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. | Bulabog Beach is on the eastern side of the island and is known for its water sports, particularly kitesurfing and windsurfing, due to the strong winds. It’s less crowded than White Beach. It’s ideal for adventure seekers and those looking to try water sports. |
... Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Puka Shell Beach is located on the northern tip of Boracay and is known for its natural beauty and puka shells. This beach is less developed than White Beach, which makes it an alternative area as most tourists tend to stay in the more bustling areas like White Beach. It’s a great spot for relaxation and enjoying the island’s natural beauty, though. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | For an even more local and authentic experience, Tambisaan Beach on the southeastern side of Boracay is an excellent choice. It’s less touristy and offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. The beach is also a good spot for snorkeling due to its rich marine life. |
Where to stay in Boracay first time
The best areas to stay in Boracay first time are White Beach, Diniwid Beach, and Bulabog Beach.
Most tourists tend to stay at White Beach, simply because this is the most popular part of Boracay.
It’s divided into three different stations, namely Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3.
Station 1 is ideal for those seeking a luxurious experience.
Station 2 is ideal for those seeking a bustling area full of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Station 3 is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly environment.
Diniwid Beach is located near White Beach and is a secluded area.
Because of that, it’s ideal for families and couples who prefer to stay in a quieter part of Boracay while staying close to the comforts of White Beach.
Bulabog Beach is a popular area for water sports and is less crowded than White Beach.
If you seek an alternative experience, you have two options.
Puka Shell Beach is less developed and known for its natural beauty and puka shells.
Tambisaan Beach is even more authentic and local and is known for its snorkeling spots.
Keep in mind that these alternative areas come with fewer modern amenities and aren’t as convenient as the popular areas.
With that being said, most travelers prefer to stay at White Beach as it’s so convenient and bustling.
Where to stay in Boracay Station 1, 2, or 3
Boracay Station 1, 2, and 3 are part of White Beach.
White Beach is by far the most popular area in Boracay and each station comes with its own unique advantages that make White Beach an area for every type of traveler.
Station 1 is ideal for those seeking a luxurious experience.
Station 2 is ideal for those seeking a bustling area full of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Station 3 is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly environment.
Where to stay in Boracay for nightlife
The best area to stay in Boracay nightlife is Station 2 at White Beach.
Station 2 is the central hub of Boracay where most of the island’s nightlife happens.
Here, you can find many bars, clubs, and beachfront parties.
Popular spots include Epic Boracay, Summer Place, and Club Paraw.
Now, there are two alternative nightlife areas on Boracay.
While not as bustling as Station 2, Station 1 has a more upscale nightlife scene with trendy bars and lounges like the ones found in some of the high-end resorts.
Diniwid Beach offers a more relaxed nightlife scene with a few beachfront bars where you can enjoy a quieter evening with beautiful views.
With that being said, for most party-minded travellers, Station 2 is the place be!
Where to stay in Boracay with family
The best areas to stay in Boracay with family are Diniwid Beach, Bulabog Beach, and Station 1 at White Beach.
Diniwid Beach is probably the best option for those travelling with kids.
It’s a much quieter area compared to White Beach, but you have the advantage of having good access to the comforts that White Beach offers.
This is because Diniwid Beach is located near White Beach, an area where you can find plenty of family-friendly restaurants and somewhat modern amenities.
Bulabog Beach is also a great option as it’s known for its watersports and activities, ideal for keeping the kids entertained.
If your budget allows it, consider staying at White Beach’ Station 1, which is the luxury area of the comfortable White Beach area.
Where to stay in Boracay on a budget
The best areas to stay in Boracay on a budget are White Beach’ Station 3, Puka Shell Beach, and Tambisaan Beach.
For the majority of travelers who travel on a strict budget, White Beach’ Station 3 is the perfect option.
This budget-friendly area is located at the main hub of Boracay, where you can find plenty of fun things to do as well as many restaurants, bars, and shops.
If you seek an alternative experience, you have two options that are suitable for budget-conscious travelers.
Puka Shell Beach is a great spot for natural beauty and relaxation, which is contrary to Station 3.
Tambisaan Beach is a great area for a local and authentic experience with great access to top snorkeling spots.
1. White Beach
Without a doubt, White Beach is the most popular area to stay in Boracay.
As the name already suggests, White Beach is known for its incredibly beautiful, white sand beach.
Over time, many restaurants, shops, hotels, and bars were set up here due to high demand, and nowadays, White Beach is the main hub of the island.
The area is divided into three different stations, and each station caters to a different type of traveler.
Station 1 is ideal for those seeking a luxurious experience.
Station 2 is ideal for those seeking a bustling area full of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Station 3 is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly environment.
In the next paragraphs, I dive deeper into each station.
Station 1
Station 1 is known for having the finest, whitest sand on White Beach.
Being the most beautiful part of the island makes it also the most desired area, and this is reflected in the prices of accommodations here.
It’s known as a luxury destination and you can find some of the most luxurious resorts in Boracay here that offer top-notch amenities and incredible views.
Compared to Station 2, this area is much quieter and less crowded.
You really get value for your bucks.
That also makes Station 1 not only ideal for couples but also for families who want to stay in a somewhat quiet part of Boracay and there are several family-friendly resorts available here.
Station 1 is still within walking distance or a short tricycle ride from the bustling nightlife, dining, and shopping areas of Station 2.
Foodies will absolutely love Station 1 as you can find many high-end resorts with excellent restaurants serving all sorts of gastronomies.
And whenever the sun is about to set, head over to the upscale beachfront bars.
For ultimate privacy, book a hotel that offers private sections of the beach.
And whenever you want to explore the area and go on an island hopping tour, you can easily make a reservation at one of the agencies or at your hotel.
Is there anything not to like about this area?
The hefty price tag.
You need to travel on a large(r) budget to enjoy all of this.
Luckily, there are several alternative options nearby that aren’t as exclusive and expensive where you can still enjoy the beautiful sunsets and beaches.
But if it does fit your budget, no other area can compete against Station 1.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Boracay first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Station 2
For the majority of tourists, Station 2 is the ideal area to stay in Boracay.
The area is home to a great nightlife scene, fully covered with restaurants and shops, and is located centrally on the island.
You have great access to both Station 1 and Station 3, as you’re located right in between.
As there are so many things to do, including a nightlife scene that so many (young) travelers are looking for, it’s the most convenient and desired part of Boracay.
It’s incredibly easy to arrange day trips from here, but you also have great access to the beaches on the island and the water sports and activities.
Station 2 is also a very social area and meeting like-minded travellers is a piece of cake.
That automatically makes it also an area that mainly caters to younger travelers, and not per se families.
As it’s also a bustling area with parties until the late hours, it’s also not a great spot for travelers who seek a quieter experience.
But if you are into nightlife, want to meet fellow travelers, and prioritize convenience, then Station 2 is the best spot to enjoy Boracay to the fullest.
Accommodation options here are broad, with options in all budget classes.
However, if you do travel on a strict budget, then Station 3 (the next paragraph) is a much better option for you.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Boracay first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Station 3
White Beach’ Station 3 is particularly known for being a budget-friendly area on Boracay.
But the area offers far more than only being cheap.
It’s also known for its quieter and more relaxed vibe compared to the busier Station 2.
Station 3 is also less crowded and offers a more authentic vibe.
Station 2, for example, feels much more commercialized while Station 3 provides a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals.
Like all the stations on White Beach, the beach is incredibly beautiful, and you’re surrounded by greenery.
You can find several beachfront restaurants and bars where you can enjoy your meal or drink with an excellent view, although Station 2 offers far more dining options.
In the last years, Station 3 transformed into a yoga and wellness hub.
That makes perfect sense when you know that backpackers and digital nomads are the target group for Station 3 in the first place.
Eco-friendly accommodations and sustainable tourism initiatives are also popping up in this area.
Overall, it’s the ideal area for backpackers, those traveling on a strict budget, and tourists who prioritize a somewhat responsible trip throughout Southeast Asia.
Is there anything not to like?
In many cases, Station 2 is a far more convenient option.
Only when you’re looking for a more affordable option or want to be surrounded by like-minded travellers, it’s a good alternative.
With that being said, many backpackers do prefer to stay at Station 3.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Boracay first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Diniwid Beach
The best way to describe Diniwid Beach is that it’s the best of both worlds.
What do I mean by that?
Diniwid Beach is a much quieter and more serene area, but it’s also located near White Beach.
And this is exactly what families and couples are looking for.
Like all the recommended areas in this article, it’s home to stunning and natural beauty.
As the target group for this area is mostly families and couples, you can find many boutique resorts, private villas, and smaller, intimidate hotels.
There are also a few cozy and charming restaurants and bars in this area, but don’t expect as many options as Station 2 has.
For that, and many shopping and nightlife options, you have to go to White Beach.
That’s automatically the downside of Diniwid Beach: in most cases, you have to visit the nearby Station 2.
But in return, you’re staying in a quiet area surrounded by incredibly beautiful landscapes, sunsets, and beaches.
If you’re travelling as a couple or with family, Diniwid Beach is in most cases the ideal area to stay, unless you seek a luxurious experience.
In that case, Station 1 is a better option.
Other than that, Diniwid Beach won’t disappoint!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Boracay first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Bulabog Beach
Like the previously recommended area, Bulabog Beach offers a quieter experience.
But what it really is known for are its ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
The strong and consistent winds, especially during the Amihan season (November to April), make it one of the top spots in Asia for these activities.
If you have no experience in kitesurfing and windsurfing, don’t worry, there are plenty of schools that offer classes and equipment for beginners, but also for advanced enthusiasts.
As Bulabog Beach is located on the east side of the island, you won’t witness beautiful sunsets like the ones at White Beach, but the sunrises here are still spectacular.
There is not much a of nightlife scene compared to Station 2, but there are several beachfront restaurants and a handful of bars to keep its guests somewhat entertained during the evening.
But it’s just a short ride or walk from Bulabog Beach to Station 2.
Is there anything not like about Bulabog Beach?
It’s simply less developed and bustling compared to White Beach, and many tourists tend to stay near Station 2 and visit Bulabog Beach from there.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Boracay first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Puka Shell Beach
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Boracay first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Tambisaan Beach
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Boracay first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.