Things to see and do Boracay Island

Don't miss this sublime seashell-filled beach, known as Puka Shell, where there's no accommodation whatsoever. There are, however, a few small restaurants and cold drink vendors. The site is truly magnificent: turquoise water, no seaweed, white sand... a real postcard! Ideal for a day of total idleness and a quiet picnic (remember to bring everything with you). You can get there by banca along the coast of Boracay, or by tricycle from White Beach (the road ends at Puka Beach).

White Beach is Boracay's main attraction. The beach stretches for four kilometers along the west coast, between the villages of Angol and Balabag. Considered one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world, it is a national geological treasure. The dazzling white sand has an incredibly soft, powdery texture; it seems to have been sifted over and over again. The water is warm, ideal for swimming. The sunsets here are unrivalled in their beauty - among the most beautiful in the Philippines, without a doubt!

That's all well and good, but the other side of the coin is a little less sexy: during the hottest months, from February to around May, green algae invade and ruin White Beach. What's more, during the off-season, the wind forces the hotels to "barricade" themselves to avoid getting sanded up: huge tarpaulins line the beach and, although it's easy to walk from the hotels to the beach, it loses some of its legendary charm. Finally, as the most beautiful beach on the island, which is perhaps the most touristy in the archipelago, it's crowded. Nevertheless, White Beach is well worth a visit, if only to sip a juice as the sun sets.

In practice, the beach is divided into three sectors: Station 1 is home to the largest hotels (and therefore the widest beach); Station 2 is the heart of the resort, with hotels, bars and restaurants; Station 3 is more peaceful (small hotels, much less crowded).

A ten-minute walk from the D'Mall on the island's east coast, Bulabog Beach is a favorite with windsurfers and kitesurfers, especially between October and May when the winds are strong, and of course with anyone who enjoys watching them. Less flashy than White Beach, the beach itself is not breathtakingly beautiful, especially at high tide, and can even be dirty at times. It's not suitable for swimming. On the other hand, the atmosphere is much more relaxed, youthful and sporty, especially in season.