There are so many options to get to Boracay Island from Manila. You can either fly to Caticlan Airport or Kalibo Airport depending on what you prioritize most.
If you are looking for a faster way to reach the island, take the flight which directs to Caticlan Airport, but if you are into a budget-friendly trip, then I suggest you choose a flight going to Kalibo Airport.
Here’s my travel journey from Manila to Boracay and I hope this can help those who are also first-timers like me when I first visited the place for a memorable vacation with my partner.
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N A I A Terminal 4 (Manila Domestic Passenger Terminal)
N A I A Terminal 4Terminal 4 is the smallest terminal among the other NAIA terminals, which currently serves all flights for domestic flights/transfers.
The location is just along Domestic Road in Pasay, Manila and it is close to some commercial establishments like restaurants, banks, and malls.
It serves as the base for all Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, and Skyjet domestic in and out flights in the Philippines.
Additional Photos of Terminal 4
Check-in CountersIt’s also less complicated than the rest because you get to line up fast as soon as you get inside for baggage check-in at different counters provided for every airline company.
Boarding/Waiting AreaThe boarding gate area is, as expected, full of passengers waiting for their departure flight schedules to be announced.
Terminal 4 – Food StallsUnlike the other terminals, the food stalls are quite limited with not so many options on what to eat while waiting for the boarding time. If some of the flights got delayed, expect it to be really overcrowded!
Aircraft – Air Asia(bound to Caticlan)Finally, after an extra hour and a half from the supposed flight departure (yep, our flight was delayed), my partner and I could finally board the plane.
Caticlan/Boracay Airport (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport)
Caticlan AirportAs expected, it is just a 40-minute journey going to Caticlan Airport. Upon getting off the plane, passengers are advised to wait near the baggage carousel to claim their stuff once it becomes available.
Boracay Transfer (Mabuhay)After getting the baggage, you can directly approach the airport information counter to check some of the available transport options to get to Caticlan Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal and finally, to Boracay.
Some of these transport units offer package rides like vans or bus rides. The Mabuhay van package ride costs P700 pesos per person and it covers: travel/tour guide, airport – Caticlan Port transfer, Caticlan – Cagban Port(Boracay) – Hotel transfers.
Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal
Caticlan Jetty Port TerminalCaticlan Jetty Port operates 24 hours daily and serves as the main gateway for travelers heading to Boracay for about 15 – 20 minutes via ferry boat.
Additional Photos of Caticlan Jetty Port
Verification Counter for TravelersEach and every passenger needs to go through the verification counter and fill out some needed info sheets.
Arrival Form for TouristsForeigners need to fill out an arrival form while the Filipino tourists need to list down their names on the passengers’ list.
Once you’ve finished the verification process, you can buy your ticket from the ticketing window (booth) and head towards the boarding area.
Cagban Jetty Port (Boracay)
Cagban/Boracay Jetty PortIt was just a 15-minute sail from Caticlan port to Boracay port and it was an awesome sailing journey, never really felt bored as I enjoyed the beauty of crystal clear (blue) water.
Additional Photos of Cagban Jetty Port
Porter Assistance upon ArrivalIf you have heavy luggage, there are some porters who can assist or carry it out for you but please expect that they need service fee later on.
Van Transfer to Hotel from Cagban Jetty PortHere’s the last shot before heading to our hotel destination. The van was jampacked with luggage including other passengers.
Well, it was a little uncomfortable but the good thing was our vehicle was fully air-conditioned and the driver was kind enough to drop us off to our destination.
Advantage of having “Mabuhay Transportation Package”
We don’t need to line up for tickets and we were given priority ride when the ferry boat was ready to board passengers.
Disadvantage of having “Mabuhay Transportation Package”
The only thing that we noticed was the lack of communication. The guides could have explained the details of our trip in a clear manner and refrain from talking in Tagalog(most of the time) so the foreign guests can also understand (just like my partner).
