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Boracay on a gloomy day
Images: Boracay Allstars Dragonboat team (L); Boracay Beach Club (R) Facebook pages
While there are other beaches in the country, Boracay, famous for its four-kilometer White Beach, gets the most attention. Attracting over a million tourists each year, it is one of its tourism jewels. The biggest chunk of tourists visits during the summer months, particularly from March to May. However, many of them also come during the holidays or the super peak season: Christmas in December, New Year in January, and the Chinese New Year in February.
However, if you want to enjoy the beach when it is not very crowded, it is best to visit Boracay during the rainy season from June to November. The island experiences the southwest monsoon or habagat during these months, but visiting Boracay on rainy days is also worth trying.
During the habagat season, restaurants along the White Beach usually put up wind-breakers and bamboo wave-breakers as protection from the strong winds and waves. These installations must strictly follow the “universal design” set by the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force. Rain showers are also expected during this season. Nevertheless, a little rain should not ruin your perfectly planned vacation.
Dubbed as Asia’s 24/7 island, Boracay offers activities that are not limited to a clear sunny day or a cloudless, moonlit sky—there are always activities to do in Boracay, even when the rain sets in.
Taste the flavors of the world.
Aria Cucina Italiana at D’Mall
Images: Aria Cucina Italiana Facebook page
If you want to taste authentic Indian food, True Food Restaurant along the beachfront in Station 2 offers traditional Indian delicacies for vegetarians and meat lovers. Guests have to sit on pillows with legs crossed, patterned after the ancient tradition in India.
Meanwhile, Aria Cucina Italiana at the beachfront of D’Mall offers Italian dishes to satisfy your pizza and pasta cravings. Every month, Aria offers different chef’s creations for their guests to feast on. Among their latest is the Carpacccio di calamari con cream di piselli e mentuccia (Calamarescapaccio with green peas and mint sauce).
Mañana, a Mexican restaurant along the beachfront, is known for its best-selling taco and burrito platter. If you want some tapas, visit Olé Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant inside D’Mall. Dos Mestizos in Calle Remedios in Station 3 also offers a variety of Spanish dishes.
Pamana restaurant along Station 1 is an option for some Filipino dishes. They are famous for their Sizzling Bulalo Steak and Crispy Tadyang topped with Luniz (Batanes’s unique version of Adobo).
May 2022 Update: True Food Restaurant is permanently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experience the nightlife.
Wave Bar and Lounge in Station 2
Image: Wave Bar Lounge
Boracay is known for its vibrant nightlife. If you can finish their 15 shooters without passing out, you will get the drinks for free, a free shirt or jersey, and a plus point for your country! Those who like to drink on a rainy evening can try the “Still Standing After 15” challenge of Cocomangas Shooter Bar at Station 1.
Wave Bar and Lounge and Club Summer Place in Station 2 have their dance floors open if you are in the mood for groovy moves.
May 2022 Update: Cocomangas Shooter Bar is permanently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meet new friends.
Make friends at Boracay Pubcrawl.
Image: Boracay Pubcrawl by Haqqy Life Facebook page
Make friends with people from all over the world at Boracay Pubcrawl. The gloomy weather does not need to dampen your spirit in Boracay; it’s still an excellent time to meet new people! Pubcrawl offers party packages where you or your group can join other people in checking out the different nightspots of the island. True to their slogan, “Turning Strangers into Friends,” Pubcrawl will not let the night go by without befriending someone.
May 2022 Update: The Boracay Pubrawl is closed due to the ongoing rehabilitation of Boracay. Follow them on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/BoracayPubCrawl/, to be the first to know when they resume operations!
Go extreme.
ATV Ride on a rainy day
Image: Ji Yun Yoon
Even when raining, island hopping and other water activities in Boracay are still allowed. Banana boat and fly fish rides are more fun with a rain shower. But swimming at the beach is prohibited when the current of the water is too strong. For another adventure, though, the rain just adds up to the fun: ATV rides in Mt. Luho, located at the back portion of Boracay, get more exciting with some mud. You can rent the ATVs for PhP1,200 per hour.
You can try reverse bungee jumping at Boracay G-Max. It is located beside the beachfront of Paradise Garden in Station 3. Test how tough you are while getting a bird’s-eye view of the island as you bounce in the air.
May 2022 Update: Boracay G-Max is closed until further notice. Follow them on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gmaxph/, to be the first to know when they resume operations!
Pamper yourself.
Enjoy the weather by having a relaxing spa.
Image: Mandala Spa and Resort Villas Facebook page
If the weather outside is unforgiving, avoid stress and pamper yourself with a good massage. Some hotels have their own spa services, but you can also get the services of outside massagers or physical therapists. Massage centers can also be found along the beachfront if you want a beach view while having your massage.
For a royal treat, experience the “Princess Treatment” of Mandala Spa and Resort Villas in Angol, Station 3. You can get a floral footbath, a luxurious hot bath, or the “Mandala Signature Massage” on a private terrace.
Try a new sport.
Kiteboarding in Boracay
Image: Writer
While swimmers camp out along the beach, the rainy season brings surfers and kiters to the waters of White Beach. The big waves caused by the habagat bring excitement to kiteboarders and windsurfers who usually enjoy their sports at Bulabog Beach. If you are not really into sports, watching the riders enjoy their ride is delightful.
Some Tips!
For someone who needs a quick tropical vacation or for a backpack traveler who just wants to experience the island vibe, the good news is that traveling to Boracay is never a hassle. Domestic and international flights are available daily to and from the Kalibo International Airport and the Caticlan Airport. After taking a boat from Caticlan to Boracay White Beach, tricycles and e-trikes (electric vehicles) are already available to serve you around the island.
While it is best to enjoy the blue waters of Boracay on a sunny day, you can still create enjoyable and unforgettable memories on the island even with some rain.
Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more exciting activities and things to do in Boracay!
Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions. For now, keep safe!
This article was initially published in Yoorekka on January 25, 2016.
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