Boracay Island

Boracay is a small, narrow island in the central Philippines, famous for White Beach, a four-kilometre stretch of fine white sand that slopes gently into shallow turquoise water. Cruise passengers tender from Caticlan Jetty Port, a 25-minute boat ride. The island temporarily closed in 2018 for an environmental cleanup and reopened with stricter rules on construction and wastewater, so it's cleaner than its reputation from a few years ago might suggest. White Beach has three stations: Station 1 is quieter and more upscale, Station 2 is the busiest with bars and restaurants, and Station 3 is the budget end. Bulabog Beach on the other side of the island gets steady wind and is popular for kiteboarding. Island-hopping tours visit smaller beaches and snorkelling spots. Filipino food is everywhere, but the grilled seafood at the D'Talipapa wet market, where you pick your fish and have it cooked at a neighbouring stall, is the move.