Birthday Trip in Boracay

For your first time, island hopping is a must and it will give you the opportunity to see the most in the shorter time. The usual tour typically includes stops at popular spots like Puka Beach, Crystal Cove and Magic Island. Each offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing. You can experience the crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life and breathtaking scenery of these islands.

Feeling in a party mood? The sunset cruise can be great fun with friends of family. The boat departs around 3:30 pm and will take you for a three-hour ride to watch the beautiful sunset. Enjoy food and drink on board, most of the boats provide water games like slides and you can as well snorkel and swim if you feel like it. Usually has with a great atmosphere with local musicians keeping an upbeat, a great vibe throughout the whole board ride.

If you are a fan of strong sensations, sign up for a parasailing session. It's available all day, but I recommend starting your morning with this activity when it's not so hot. They will first take you on a speedboat ride before embarking on a dedicated boat that will lift you up in the air. From 15 to 30mn, you will have the chance to discover Boracay from the sky, by far the best activity I have done on the island.

For a more adventurous crowd, explore the natural beauty of the mainland and get your adrenaline pumping as you drive your own ATV through muddy trails and dense forest. Located on the mainland, you will need to take a boat ride first to head to a venue near the picturesque Nabaoy River. If not afraid of heights, go for the zipline experience and end the day with a Kawa Hot Bath to relax.

A unique sunset experience, join a local boat Paraw Sailing, for a memorable moment. The ride lasts around 1hour and you can select your time slot depending on your itinerary. You can share this experience with your family and friends, since the boat can carry as many as six people. It is a local activity, nothing fancy but a great way to discover Boracay.

If you have spare time and want to relax for a half day, I recommend a Spa experience at Mandala Spa. Begin your journey amidst an oasis of natural beauty. Nowhere in Boracay will you find such calming peace, embrace the moment when you walk surrounded by green scenery, look around and take a deep breath. Escape. Relax. Recharge. Heal.

Visit Diniwid Beach, a tranquil destination just a few minutes away from the popular Station One area. It is a great spot for anyone wanting to escape the usual white-sand beaches of Boracay and is looking for a peaceful and serene ambiance. Easily accessible by tuktuk, just 10mn away from the main street.

One of my favorite activities in Boracay is to go for an island food tour. It has so much to offer you would be surprised, if you are willing to spend two to three hours and take a bite or a drink in each spot. In my opinion, that’s the best way to discover the food scene on the island. More details below on the foodie section.

• Percy Seafood: serves seafood caught on the surrounding islands and cooked in Asian and Western styles, from delicious fresh Aklan local oysters to a Tilapia fish ceviche or pan-fried local prawns. The best seafood restaurant I have found on the island by far with a great ocean view. Tip: Their bar is located in the restaurant and serves amazing Margaritas.

• The Sunny Side Cafe: is an all-day-breakfast, bakery, and specialty coffee shop, their portions are huge and everything is delicious. Be mindful there is always a queue, you can give your name first and take a dip in the water while waiting to be called.

• Mai Tai: Tropical vibes & exotic cocktails, this bar has a rooftop with the best sunset view. Offers crafted cocktail until late at night with delicious snack food. There is usually a DJ on the week, great vibe.

• True Home Bistro: My go-to place for a mind-blowing fresh Tuna Tataki along with a Gin Tonic. They have a large menu selection, but nothing beats their fresh tuna with wasabi sauce. Their drink list is extensive but well-known for their Gin & Tonic.

• Coco Mama: a very famous spot on the island and the best dessert you can find if you love coconut. Coco Mama serves coconut ice cream that's vegan, lactose and dairy-free and made locally. Their specialty is the coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell with strips of coconut, sticky rice, toasted rice and mango.

• Bistro des Amis: A Belgian bistro, here one goes to eat, drink and have fun. Oftentimes staying for several hours or more, sharing a few bottles of different beverages and picking at a wide variety of different dishes. Family vibe with delicious comfort food and fresh Belgian beers.

• Muchos: A beachfront Latin American Kitchen & Bar, serving delicious food made from scratch and considered to have the best tacos in Boracay. Their space is really small so you might need to wait to get a table, but it is worth the wait, I can assure you.