The real story of island life, from someone who actually lives in Boracay

Hey there! I’m Sandra, and I’ve been calling Boracay home for the past five years. Before that? I spent over a decade traveling the world, visiting 60+ countries, always searching for that perfect place.

Turns out, I found it on a small island in the Philippines.

But here’s the thing – most travel guides about Boracay are written by people who visited for a week. They’ll tell you about White Beach (which is incredible, don’t get me wrong), maybe mention Puka Beach, and call it a day.

I’m here to tell you about the other 22 beaches they missed. And the local spots where islanders actually eat. And why you should definitely skip that overpriced sunset cruise everyone raves about.

What Makes This Different?

I live here. Not in a resort, not for a month-long “digital nomad experience” – I mean I actually live here. I know which tricycle drivers are honest, where to get the best bangus for breakfast, and which beaches are worth the hike (spoiler: not all of them).

I’ve seen it all. From the 2018 closure and cleanup to typhoon seasons to the pandemic lockdowns. I’ve watched this island change, and I understand what makes it special beyond the Instagram shots.

I tell the truth. Some beaches are overhyped. Some restaurants are tourist traps. Some activities aren’t worth your money. After traveling to over 60 countries, I can spot the difference between authentic experiences and manufactured ones.

Start Here: Your Boracay Reality Check

If This Is Your First Time…

Don’t just stick to White Beach Station 2 like everyone else. Yes, it’s beautiful, but you’re missing 95% of what makes this island special. Start with my Complete Guide to All 24 Beaches – I promise you’ll discover places that will become your new favorites.

If You’ve Been Here Before…

You probably think you know Boracay pretty well. But did you know about the snorkeling spot that rivals anything in Palawan? Or the beach where locals go to escape tourists? Check out my Things to Do Beyond the Obvious guide.

If You’re Moving Here…

Welcome to the club! Island life isn’t always paradise (power outages, anyone?), but it’s pretty amazing when you know how to navigate it. My Living in Paradise section covers everything from finding long-term housing to building community.

What You’ll Find Here

Beach Guides That Actually Help

Every single one of Boracay’s 24 beaches, reviewed honestly. Which ones are worth your time, how to get there, what to bring, and what to expect. No fluff, just real information from someone who’s been to all of them multiple times. Start with White Beach if you’re a first-timer, then explore gems like Puka Beach and Bulabog Beach.

Food Adventures Beyond Tourist Traps

The carinderia where construction workers eat lunch serves better food than half the beachfront restaurants. I’ll show you where locals actually go when they want good food, not just good views. Check out D’Talipapa for the freshest seafood or my complete Food Guide.

Island Life Reality

Living on a tropical island sounds dreamy until the wifi goes out during an important call, or you realize you can’t just run to Target when you need something. I share the real ups and downs of island life in my Culture and People of Boracay post.

Responsible Travel Tips

This island has been through a lot. I’ll help you travel in a way that supports the local community and protects the environment that makes Boracay special. Learn about Helping Maintain Boracay’s Beauty and what you can do as a visitor.

Recent Adventures

My Most Memorable Times on Boracay
After years of living here, these are the moments that still give me chills – and they’re probably not what you’d expect.

5 Reasons to Visit During Low Season
Everyone comes during peak season, but the island’s best-kept secret is how amazing it is when the crowds thin out.

Why I Stopped Eating at Tourist Restaurants
The best food on this island isn’t where you’d expect. Here’s where islanders actually go when they want a great meal.

Planning Your Trip?

First Timer’s Essential Reading:

For the Adventurous:

Where to Stay:

Activities Worth Your Time:

Getting Here and Around:

A Quick Reality Check

Boracay isn’t perfect. It’s dealing with overtourism, infrastructure challenges, and the environmental impact of being one of the world’s most popular beach destinations.

But it’s also incredibly resilient. The community here has shown time and again that they’re committed to protecting what makes this place special.

As a visitor, you have a choice: you can be part of the problem or part of the solution. I’ll show you how to be the latter.

Let’s Connect

I love hearing from fellow travelers and island enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning your first trip, thinking about a longer stay, or just want to share your own Boracay stories, don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can usually find me somewhere on the island – probably at a beach you haven’t heard of yet, or trying a new local eatery. After all these years of traveling, I’ve learned that the best adventures happen when you connect with people who actually know the place.

Ready to discover the real Boracay? Start with the Complete Beach Guide and prepare to fall in love with an island that’s so much more than its most famous beach.

Want to know more about me and why I started this guide? Check out my About page to learn how a world traveler ended up calling this little island paradise home.

P.S. – If you end up extending your stay longer than planned (happens more often than you’d think), I’ve got all the insider tips for long-term island living. Just saying.