Boracay Birthday Getaway: How to have a nice time on a strict budget

Ok let me tell you this as early as now. This post is not advisable if it's your first time in Boracay. Three years ago, we were in Boracay with my family and cousins and we're super super excited roaming/walking the whole Boracay shoreline, determining which one is the Station 1, 2 or 3. We had scheduled activities, prepared drinking cocktails before sunset, walking along D'Mall in maxi dresses then bar-hopping like the rest of kids our age. I was 25 and I'm pretty sure you get the picture.

Since we almost forgot that we booked this trip, we were on a strict budget. This time, we decided that we are just going to chill. No itineraries just lie around and do whatever you like.

And since we don't have any agenda in mind, other than swim in the ocean and enjoy the powder-like sand Boracay is famous for, I googled blogs on what stuff I should not miss when in Boracay:




1. Must try Jonah's Fruitshake.

We found it on Station 1 

Usually jam-packed but we're lucky to be able to get a seat

Three years ago, I am pretty sure we were hanging out at this place and now it's turned into a fruit shake establishment.

I have to agree they really serve good fruit shakes  I'm not much of a fruit shake person, but when in doubt, always ask for their best seller.

I forgot what this is called but this is one of their best sellers

Again, the never-ending craving for fries

This is the Banana Choco Peanut, one of the best sellers

The price range

And when you come back, ask a different waitress for their best seller. I did and got a different recommendation.

2. You must have that Chori Burger everyone's been raving about.


Here's the deal:

Bread Bun + Grilled Chorizo + your choice of BBQ sauce  (sweet/sweet-spicy) = Chori Burger.

It looks easy to make and ordinary

First bite and you'll fall in love

I recommend Frank's stand, because it only sells for Php40.00.

Highly Recommended!

We tried a different vendor, Merlyn's, who claims to be the first  and original Chori Burger Maker in the island, but Frank's still the better one. Merlyn's sold their Chori Burgers for Php5.00 more.

I ate Chori Burger every day that we're in Boracay. Can't help it!

3. Get a massage (by the beach, massage huts, room service)

I'm a massage addict, so this one is definitely on my list! A typical massage costs Php 350.00, but I got mine for 299 because I took advantage of their promo.

Sorry for the blurry photos. I was walking when I took this shot.

I went to this massage hut on our first night and I must say that I think I fell asleep with my eyes wide open and got lost in a trance. That's how good the massage is.

4. Spy on a wedding or if there's none, people-watch.

An intercultural wedding

I've only been to Boracay twice (including this trip) and there's always a wedding on a Saturday. We decided to spy on a wedding and check out their theme.

They waited for the sunset to get the perfect shot

Everyone's got their own business

When there's no wedding, we just find a spot and people watch. I enjoyed it because there are so many foreigners and locals around, it is interesting to observe their vacation behavior.

5. Have at least one activity.

In our case, choose which one you like:

• Para-sailing - If it's within our price range, then why not. (Our budget: 500, regular rate: 600. Negotiation fell at 550, but we stuck to our guns.
• Helmet diving - I don't want to unleash my claustrophobic tendencies and barf inside the helmet, only to be documented on a CD.
• Banana Boat -  did this in Puerto Galera and Canyon Cove with friends, and did this also in Boracay with cousins last 2009.
• Henna tattoo  - did this during UPLB Feb Fair and I got allergies so I'm never going to do that again. 
• Braid hair - did this in Puerto Galera in 2005 and I went home looking like Anna Fegi. 
• ATV/Buggy Car - here's something we've never done before. They were offering it for 500, we got ours for 350! but we need to pay 50 for the entrance fee of the Mt. Luho view point/viewing deck, but hey! It's still less than 500. 

They take you to a briefing session first to sign waivers and safety precautions

The parked buggy car - recommended for lovers. But this one is more expensive than ATV.

The briefing

Practice driving before setting off

View from the Viewing Deck at Mt. Luho

View from the Viewing Deck at Mt. Luho

View from the Viewing Deck at Mt. Luho

View from the Viewing Deck at Mt. Luho

Using their "viewing gadget"

What you can see from the lenses

Must. Have. Photo. Op.

Thanks to my brave sister for taking lots of in action shots. Oh look how I struggle! 

Tip that we got: Activities scheduled on a Monday are cheaper. Do it in the morning since they want buena mano (first customer for good luck).

If you have bigger budget and a strong nervous system, you can go and check out:

• Cocomanga's 15 shots and still standing.
• Ariel's point cliff diving.

Personally, with our observation during our 3 nights - 4 days stay, Boracay is really fun if you go as a group. :)

(Special thanks to my guest photographer, Aprille Araguas.)