In 2018, Boracay island was closed by the local government for 6 months as part of efforts to rehabilitate the island. After the closure and travel bans brought by the pandemic, we decided to return and check out the changes once more.
We booked in advanced and decided to visit the island in the month of October (2023). I envisioned long days soaking up the sun, powder-white sand, endless swims in crystal-clear waters, and photos under the vibrant sunsets painting the sky. Unfortunately, I was greeted by a different kind of natural beauty, one that came with overcast skies, the patter of the rain, and a sense of tranquility that I hadn’t anticipated.
A Different Kind of Welcome
When we arrived on Caticlan, the nearest airport to Boracay, I could see the clouds gathering and covering the blue skies. As we took the ferry going to the island, I’m a bit concerned on how this weather could affect our daily plans, activities, and missing the sunset views in this island. But as we arrived in our hotel, I quickly realized that Boracay in the rain was not a disappointment but rather an invitation to experience the island in a way that few travelers get to see or avoid. We are here to enjoy our vacation with or without the rain!
Where We Stay
We stayed at Henann Regency Resort located at beachfront Station 2. The prime location is the best thing about this hotel, it has a convenient access to the beach and a few walk away for shopping and dining. Our rooms are located on the first floor (East Wing) which has the largest pool with a Jacuzzi and a sunken pool bar. Just perfect if you want a bigger space and a terrace connected. Since the weather is mostly cloudy and rainy, the hotel and the breakfast/dinner buffet was the highlight of our stay. Breakfast and dinner buffet is top notch! They offer a wide selection of pastries, fruits and salads, cold cuts, western breakfast food, and Filipino breakfast food that can be for lunch as well.
The staff are all friendly and service is outstanding, it just made our stay comfortable.
The ‘New’ Boracay Island
Meet the new Boracay! Comparing it from our last visit in 2012, there are noticeable improvements. No obstructions on the white beach – they have stricter restrictions on food and alcohol consumption are imposed along the waterfront. Gone are the extra tables on the beach, no No smoking along the beachfront is strictly practiced. Also, gone are the noisy buzz engines from waterspouts and pump boats along the beach. But perhaps the biggest change is the attitude – constant and sustained efforts tp protect it must be ingrained in everyone, else we lose it again to greed and neglect.
Islanders have collectively developed a green streak, with everybody from resort owners to paraw (native sailboats) skippers buying into Boracay’s newly forged identity as a model for sustainable tourism development.
Boracay in Bad Weather
This is what Boracay looks like in a gloomy, rainy and off-peak season. Perhaps the best things in times like this is the crowd. Less people and less beach activities equals tranquility in nature. The sound of the waves, the salty air, and the beautiful view of rain pouring from the sky can be calming and relaxing. As the days passed, I began to appreciate the rain as part of the island’s charm. Boracay’s beauty wasn’t diminished by the weather; it was simply different. The moody skies and rain-soaked sands offered a unique perspective of the island, one that felt more intimate and introspective.
On our last day, the rain seems to be getting stronger and so is the wind. The rain seems to turn into a non-stop platter for the whole day. Moments like this when traveling had taught me the value of embracing the unexpected.
Every Weather Has it’s Own Story
Traveling to Boracay during rainy season might not have been what I originally planned, but it turned out to be an unfortgetable experience. The island, often celebrated for its sunny beaches, reveled a quieter, more soulful side that speaks with me deeply. Sometimes, the best travel memories come from the moments we least expect, and my rainy days in Boracay are a testament to the beauty of discovering a destination in all its moods.
RoamingYama 
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