Philippines travel guide
Manila to Boracay: Fly Caticlan or Kalibo
Fly Manila to Caticlan (MPH): about 1 hour, then a 10-minute tricycle and 15-minute boat — beach in under 3 hours door to door. Advance fares from ~₱1,500–3,500 (~A$39–92). Kalibo (KLO) fares run slightly cheaper but add a 1.5–2 hour van to the jetty. Caticlan is worth the premium.
The options at a glance
| Fly to Caticlan (MPH) | ~1 h flight + ~30 min transfer · ~₱1,500–3,500 (~A$39–92) advance · fastest |
|---|---|
| Fly to Kalibo (KLO) | ~1 h flight + 1.5–2 h van · often ₱300–800 cheaper · bigger planes |
| Ferry (2Go etc.) | Overnight from Batangas · slow but cheap · for patient budgets |
Caticlan: the right airport
Caticlan’s small airport sits across the strait from Boracay. On arrival, a tricycle (~₱50–100) or a 10-minute walk reaches the jetty, where boats cross to Cagban port every few minutes through the day. You will pay the boat fare (~₱50) plus terminal and environmental fees (~₱300 combined) at the jetty counters — keep small pesos handy. From Cagban, tricycles run to all stations of White Beach (~₱150–250 per ride). Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia Philippines all fly the route; window seats on the left get the island on approach.
Kalibo: the cheaper detour
Kalibo takes larger aircraft and promo fares dip lower, but the airport is 65 km away — a shared van (~₱250–300) or bus takes 1.5–2 hours to Caticlan jetty, then the same boat crossing. With an early flight it works; with a midday arrival in wet season traffic it can eat your afternoon. Overnight ferries from Batangas (south of Manila) to Caticlan exist for the patient and frugal, but with promo flights this cheap they rarely make sense.
Our take
Pay the Caticlan premium and arrive with a beach afternoon to spare. Book transfers loosely — everything at the jetty is walk-up. Dry season (November–May) is the postcard window; June–October brings lower prices and occasional flight delays. Our Boracay itinerary and where to stay guide pick up at the beach.
Keep planning the Philippines
Manila to Boracay — FAQs
How do I get from Manila to Boracay?
Fly Manila to Caticlan (1 hour), then a 10-minute tricycle to the jetty and a 15-minute boat to the island. Total about 3 hours door to beach, from ~₱1,500–3,500 advance plus ~₱350 in boat and island fees.
Is it better to fly to Caticlan or Kalibo?
Caticlan — it is 10 minutes from the jetty versus 1.5–2 hours by van from Kalibo. Kalibo fares run slightly cheaper, but the saved time is worth the premium.
Are there fees on arrival in Boracay?
Yes — a terminal fee and environmental fee (~₱300 combined) are paid at Caticlan jetty, plus the boat fare (~₱50). Keep small peso notes handy.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.