Boracay Airport – A Backpackers Guide

An Overview Of Boracay Airport – Getting in and out

Coming from other airports, many first-time travelers are surprised at just how small Caticlan Airport actually is. The upside is that going through the airport takes very little time, usually five minutes. Additionally, it is virtually impossible to get lost. In fact, there is only one exit so it is impossible to miss.
Recent reports indicate that the small quaint airport will be no more. Plans are underway to expand the airport in response to increasing traffic figures. The new Boracay Airport will be able to accommodate larger aircraft, serve international airlines (currently serves airlines operating within Philippines) and handle more travelers.
As expected with a small airport, the facilities are few and limited. There is only one 2-level visitor lounge where you can access free Wi-Fi. If you are hungry, there is a food stall within the lounge. Other facilities include;
• ATM terminal.
• Charging stations for laptops and cellphones.
• Breastfeeding lounge.
• Restrooms.
With the reported expansion, more facilities are bound to be available.

Boracay Airport Airlines and Destinations

The limiting size of Caticlan Airport and in particular the short runway means that only small locally operating aircraft can use it. Tourists coming in to Boracay Island usually use the airport to get from the capital, Manila.
If you are coming in from outside Philippines, do not expect to land at Caticlan. Once you land at one of the international airports in the Philippines you will need to take another smaller flight to Caticlan from where you can proceed to Boracay Island. If you do not want to fly via Manilla or Cebu then you will need to find a flight to Kalibo Aiport and transfer by boat from there.
Please note that landing at the airport can be rough due to the short runway. If you are not so comfortable with small airplanes or a rough landing, consider using the larger Kalibo International Airport and prepare yourself for the longer boat transfer.

Airlines operating at Caticlan airport and their destinations.

Cebu Pacific Airlines
This airline flies to both Kalibo International Airport and Caticlan Airport. If you are flying out of Caticlan, possible destinations using this airline are Manila and Cebu. Visit their website at www.cebupacificair.com for information of times, destinations and prices.
Air Philippines
This airline operates between Manila and Caticlan Airport, with the flight time being around one hour. For more information on charges and booking visit this website.
Seair Airlines (South East Asian Airlines)

South East Asian Airlines boats of the fastest flying time from Manila to Caticlan (approximately 45 minutes) thanks to the new generation German-made Dornier 328 aircraft. From Caticlan airport, the airline’s destinations include Manila and Puerto Princesa. You can find their online center a twww.flyseair.com
Philippines Airlines
The airline flies from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila to Caticlan Airport. The flight time is approximately 1 hour. You can find their website at www.philippineairlines.com

Getting to Boracay Island

Once you get to Caticlan Boracay Airport, reaching Boracay Island is easy. Unless you have already paid for transfer services, where you are picked from the airport, your next stop should be Caticlan Jetty Port.
Right outside the only airport exit, you will find plenty of tricycles or trikes waiting to take tourists to the port. Expect to pay $1 (50 Pesos) for the 5-minute ride to the port.
You can also walk onto the main road and flag down a passing tricycle. You will have to share the space with other passengers but the charge will only be $0.20 (10 Pesos).
At the Jetty port, Bangka boats provide a link to Boracay. The trip will cost you between 25 and 30 Pesos. Additionally visitors have to pay a 100 Pesos ($2.10) terminal fee and 75 Pesos ($1.57) environmental fee.
Depending on the season, you will arrive at either Cagban Port or Tambisaan Port. From there you can take a trike to destinations within the Island. The usual price from Cagban Port to White Beach is 150 Pesos ($3). Please note that travelling with heavy luggage will result in higher charges from trike operators, ensure you fix the price before you take off to avoid confusion.