How to Enjoy the Quieter side of Boracay Island, Philippines
Hi! We’re still here in Boracay but checking out the other side of the island this week! It’s such a different vibe than the busy (but lovely!) White Beach area (click here to read about our amazing experience on White Beach). If staying in the middle of it all isn’t your style, and you’re looking for a more private option, we’ve got some tips on how to enjoy the quieter aspects of Boracay.
Where to stay: Under The Stars Luxury Apartments are a great option for anyone looking for an amazing apartment experience away from the crowds. They are located on Tambisaan beach and every unit has a view of the ocean! We loved having our own space, complete with a modern kitchen and massive private balcony. The entire apartment was so spacious! Liesel loved running up and down the halls and playing hide and seek in all the different rooms! Ben loved the views out to the ocean from our patio, and I loved the fancy espresso machine in the kitchen (3 coffees today? Sure! Why not?).
Where to eat: we found a few gems just off the beach and away from the crowds. Trattoria Stella near Diniwid Beach and Dos Mestizos were our favorites. We also thought the elevated food court concept at Station X inside the Hue hotel was cool. Our favorite, though, was stocking up on groceries so that we could prepare our own food at home. After almost 8 months on the road, it felt amazing to have a big, modern kitchen (with a dishwasher and oven!) to cook in, even though the only things I remember how to cook are pasta and pancakes!
What to do: The island of Boracay is fairly small so many sites can be seen within a one hour drive. At Under the Stars, we were able to take advantage of the property’s private drivers to explore the island at our own pace. We loved visiting Diniwid beach on the northwest side of the island, about 30 minutes north of Under the Stars. The beach is small, calm for swimming, and a nice quiet place to watch the sunset. We also loved the walk from Diniwid to Station 1 of White Beach. There are cliffs that separate the two beaches but there’s a path around the cliffs to connect them. Between the crystal blue water, the dramatic cliffs, and the beach views on both sides, it’s one of the prettiest walks we’ve ever taken, no joke. Other fun areas to explore were Puka beach at the northern tip of the island and Bulabog beach on the east side (a popular kite boarding spot)! You really can’t go wrong on the beaches here. Just remember, Boracay Island just underwent a complete closure 7 month beach-rehab, so PLEASE follow the old mantra: take only pictures, leave only footprints!
Bonus tip: If you’re planning a trip to Boracay with friends or extended family, Under the Stars is a great option! The apartments are seriously spacious and the staff is truly fantastic. You will feel so fancy and comfortable in these apartments, you might have a hard time leaving (like we did)!
We had such an awesome time exploring Boracay and loved having Under The Stars as a comfortable home base at the end of the day. We are already planning our next visit!
Want to read more about Boracay? Check out our other posts and vlog here!
Note: Lodging was provided by Under The Stars, but all opinions are always my own!