PUKA BEACH, BORACAY: Important Travel Tips



Puka Beach, also called Yapak Beach, is a relatively quieter area on Boracay Island compared to the popular stations 1 to 3 along the most famous White Beach. Puka may not have the same fine white sand, but it more than makes up for it with fewer developments around, a beautiful beachscape, fewer crowds (depending on what time and when you go), and an idyllic atmosphere.

Most, if not all, island hopping tours include Puka Beach in the itinerary. Tourists usually line up to have their photos taken with the “PUKA” sign as their backdrop. Some grab the opportunity to swim in the enticingly clear cerulean waters, while others join in the latest rave — crystal kayak photo ops! You can also get to the beach by land via an e-tricycle tour.

How to Get There

Nearest Airports: Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, also known as Caticlan Airport or Boracay Airport (Aklan), and Kalibo International Airport (Aklan)

By Air

The main jump-off point to the beach is in Caticlan. There are direct flights from Manila to Caticlan Airport via Cebu Pacific Air or Philippine Airlines. These flights are expectedly more expensive; alternatively, you can book a flight to Kalibo instead.

  1. From Kalibo International Airport, you can board a local bus or a tourist bus/van bound for Caticlan Jetty Port (P150-250 per person). The travel time takes approximately two hours. If you are coming from Caticlan Airport, take a tricycle to Caticlan Jetty Port (or Tabon Port). The fare is P150 per tricycle for two passengers or P75 each. The travel time is about 10 minutes.
  2. From Caticlan Jetty Port (or Tabon Port), board a boat/ferry (P50) going to Boracay Island. The terminal fee is P150, plus an environmental fee of P150 for locals and P300 for foreigners. Travel time is 15-20 minutes.
  3. From the Cagban Port (or Tambisaan Port), ride an e-tricycle to where you are staying. Depending on the distance and your destination, the regular fare ranges from P20 to P50 per person. If you want to charter a ride, the rate is between P100 and P400 per vehicle, depending on the distance/destination.
     
    If you are heading straight to Puka Beach from the port, the regular fare is P50 per person and the chartered rate is P400 per ride.

If you want more details, you can also read our HOW TO GET TO BORACAY (From Kalibo and Caticlan) article.

By Sea

  1. The cheapest but time-consuming method is via 2GO from Batangas to Caticlan.
  2. From Manila, ride a bus bound for Batangas Port (P190-210, 2-3hrs). From there, take a 2GO ferry going to Caticlan Jetty Port (P1,400-2,500, 10-14hrs).
  3. From Caticlan Jetty Port (or Tabon Port), board a boat/ferry (P50) going to Boracay Island. The terminal fee is P150, plus an environmental fee of P150 for locals and P300 for foreigners. Travel time is 15-20 minutes.
  4. From the Cagban Port (or Tambisaan Port), ride an e-tricycle to where you are staying. Depending on the distance and your destination, the regular fare ranges from P20 to P50 per person. If you want to charter a ride, the rate is between P100 and P400 per vehicle, depending on the distance/destination.
     
    If you are heading straight to Puka Beach from the port, the regular fare is P50 per person and the chartered rate is P400 per ride.

For more information, you can also check out our 2GO BATANGAS to BORACAY Ferry Schedules & Fares article.

 


Entrance Fee and Other Charges

  • Entrance Fee: As of writing, visitors have free access.
  • Island Hopping Rates: P800 – P900 per person. This rate is for joiners and includes buffet lunch, but it does not cover entrance fees and snorkeling fee.
  • Introductory Scuba Diving Rates: Solo, P5,000; Group of 2-6, P3,500 per person
  • Other Rates:
  • Crystal Kayak Photoshoot: Starts at P250 per person for 15-20 minutes
  • Standup Paddling: P500/30 mins, P700/hr
  • Parasailing: P1,800 – P2,500 per person
  • Paraw Sailing: P685 – P2,650 per person

Don’t Miss

  • If you come early enough, you can relax and unwind in Puka Beach because it is far from the crowds in Boracay’s three stations. There are no resorts on the beach itself, so bring your own lounge/picnic mats.
  • Hop on a crystal kayak and strike a pose! As mentioned before, this has been the latest craze on the island. Puka Beach is one of the locations where you can avail of this. This activity is also available along White Beach and the beaches within Boracay Newcoast. The best time to do this is during a clear sunny day. Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses too!
  • Wade or swim in the waters or you can try skimboarding. The waves can get rough depending on the season you visit.
  • Pick a spot to chill out. Sit down to read a book, get a tan, or indulge in a relaxing massage.
  • Bring some snacks and drinks with you if you plan to have a picnic on the beach. Leave no trace behind.
  • Watch the sunset. Enjoy the warm color of dusk while swimming or just laying on the sand.

Don’t Forget

  • Boracay is one of the most developed tourist destinations in the country. You won’t have a difficult time getting cash, accommodation across budgets, transportation, and types of food to eat.
  • Don’t leave your things unattended. Always secure your valuables.
  • Bring your own skimboard, snorkeling gear, or even scuba diving gear if you don’t want to rent and you’re okay with having extra baggage.
  • Bring protection from the sun, especially during summer when it’s scorching hot: sunglasses, hats, rash guard, environment-friendly sunscreen, umbrella, etc.
  • Leave nothing but footprints. Bring your trash with you if there’s no trash bin. Observe proper garbage disposal.

If You Have More Time and Budget

  • After enjoying Puka Beach, there is a handful of other things you can do while in Boracay: embark on a culinary adventure, go bar hopping, or watch the magical sunset.
  • Try kitesurfing or windsurfing in Bulabog Beach.
  • Book an island hopping tour or go cliff diving in Ariel’s Point.
  • Admire the underwater scenery when you go helmet diving, scuba diving, or snorkeling.
  • For those who have a bit more time, they can explore the attractions of nearby provinces such as Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, and Romblon.

Where to Stay in Boracay

Aqua Boracay. Photo provided by the resort via Agoda.

There are no resorts directly on the beach, but there are resorts in Barangay Yapak, which are located near Puka Beach. You can also choose to stay in one of the many resorts along White Beach or Bulabog Beach. To help you decide, here are some of the top-rated hotels and resorts on Boracay Island as recommended by online users.

Top Hotels on Agoda

Top Hotels on Hotels.com

You can also check out these posts for more hotel suggestions in Boracay:

Find more Boracay Hotels!

Klook.com


Watch Related Videos on YouTube

You can watch our Top 20 Things to Do in Boracay video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.


Updates Log

2024.05.17 – First uploaded

Written by: Astrid Alvarez
Additional Writing by: Joshua Berida

Related Article: Boracay Travel Guide


Reminders

Comments

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.