We’ve been to many beaches in Asia, but Boracay is among the prettiest, and our one trip to the Philippines island changed our lives forever. The picturesque Boracay makes an ideal beach getaway, and the locals are so hospitable and welcoming!

During our trip, we’ve had several memorable meals, and the places that we are going to share are highly recommended even by locals themselves. Think fruit shakes and smoky BBQ meats.

No one says you have to eat shitty food at touristy places when you are on a holiday. We’ve previously covered 10 reasons why you should visit Boracay at least once in your life. Here, we share 7 Food Places That You Must Try in Boracay. With this simple guide, we hope you’d have as much fun dining as you would sun-tanning and surfing!

I LOVE BACKYARD BBQ

Steaks, BBQ seafood and meat, you name it, I Love Backyard BBQ has it. Treat yourself to a feisty dinner here, with smoky meats, an assortment of seafood (P560), and the best Baby Back Ribs (P299) – all BBQ-ed with a brilliant char. We also love the upbeat vibe here, and island dining this way is so sexy!

D’ Mall, Boracay Station 2

JONAH’S FRUIT SHAKE & SNACK BAR

They say Jonah’s Fruit Shake & Snack Bar has the best fruit shake on the island, and we cannot agree more. On a hot sunny day, what we wouldn’t say no to is a mango shake. Very Instagrammable against the coconut trees and White Beach too, we’d say. Just for the record, they offer more than forty milkshake flavours.

Boracay Station 1
Tel: +63 942 474 2185

MANG INASAL

Mang Inasal may be a restaurant chain (with over 400 branches in Philippines) but that should not stop you from dining here. The food is not only super affordable, it is also extremely satisfying. Once you taste the chicken inasal from Mang Inasal, you will never see grilled chicken in the same light again. Masarap!

D’ Mall, Boracay Station 2
Tel: +63 2 854 5692

MESA

Located at the North Wing of Boracay Regency, Mesa is an upmarket dining establishment that offers modern Filipino cuisine. Highlights include Crispy Boneless Pata (P440), Grilled Liempo (P180), and Pan-fried Pork Belly (P190)

Besides Boracay, Mesa also has branches all over Philippines in Manila, Cebu and Davao.

Boracay Station 2
Borcay Regency North Wing
Tel: +63 6 288 6111
Daily: 11am – 11pm

REAL COFFEE & TEA CAFE

Nobody should leave Boracay without having the legendary Calamansi Muffin from Real Coffee & Tea Cafe. It is moist and sweet and tastes more like a cupcake than a muffin. And if you have enough stomach space, try the Brownie, too!

Boracay Station 2 2/F Sea World
Tel: +63 36 2885340
Daily: 7am – 7pm

SABABI D’ TALIPAPA

D’ Talipapa is a famous wet market in Boracay where you buy fresh/live seafood from the stall vendors, and proceed to the restaurants (located beside the market) to have the seafood prepared in your favourite styles. It is fascinating to see the array of seafood right before your eyes, but bargaining for a fair price may be a challenge.

Among the numerous seafood restaurants at D’ Talipapa, we would suggest going to Sababi D’ Talipapa.

SMOKE RESTO

A local Filipino eatery which you must check out in Boracay is Smoke Resto. It serves many local favourites including lechon, spicy garlic pork and kaopad, but the highlight here is the Beef Salpicao – stir-fried beef strips in chilli dark sauce, topped with crispy garlic bits. Not the most photogenic dish, but it is so damn good.

Boracay Station 2
D’Mall (Near Andok’s)
Tel: +63 36 2886014
Daily: 24 Hours

Here are 10 reasons why you should visit Borcay at least once in your life.

Boracay is truly Philippines’ paradise, and it is the best beach in Asia that we have ever stepped foot on – yet. Every morning, we woke up to awe-inspiring views of the White Beach; palm trees swayed and seemingly orchestrated a symphony, azure waters still and calm, sands as white as cotton fluffs, heaven and earth merged. Nothing lingers in the mind more than this picturesque sight, and we could use hours just daydreaming and frolicking by the beach.

Here are 10 reasons why you should visit Boracay at least once in your life.

1. GORGEOUS BEACH WITH PRISTINE WHITE SAND AND AZURE BLUE WATER

You have probably seen photos of Boracay on magazines, postcards, travel websites, Facebook, and Instagram before, but trust us – seeing it in real life will make you cancel your return ticket and not leave the beautiful island. The sand is so pristinely white and the clear water has an amazing gradient of blues.

We have been to many beautiful beaches in Asia, but nothing comes close to Boracay. It is in a different league from the rest.

2. DIVE OFF A CLIFF

Cliff diving at Ariel’s Point is another popular activity in Boracay. There are different levels that are suitable for everyone – beginners can take the easiest jump and experience cliff diving for the first time, while dare devils who embrace thrill can challenge themselves by jumping from the highest spot. A day trip includes the boat ride, snorkelling, cliff diving, and BBQ buffet lunch.

3. ISLAND-HOPPING ADVENTURE

A visit to Boracay is not complete without going for an island-hopping tour. The island tour itinerary typically includes snorkelling for an hour at Crocodile Island – not to worry, the island is not infested with crocodile, it is named so because it resembles the shape of a crocodile – and heading over to other island(s) (depending on the arrangement with the tour operator), before going to Puka Beach – located at the Northern tip of Boracay – for lunch at what seemed like your private paradise.

4. LECHON, THE MUST-EAT LOCAL DELICACY

Lechon, or suckling pig, is the must-eat local delicacy in Philippines. Similar to the Balinese Babi Guling and the Chinese suckling pig, lechon is prized for its crispy skin and flavourful meat. While Boracay may not be the best place to eat lechon – Cebu is known to have the best lechon in Philippines – it is definitely still worth a try, especially if it is your first time to Philippines.

5. THE FRIENDLY AND HOSPITABLE LOCALS

Filipinos are some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world, and having been to Manila, Cebu and now Boracay, I have to say that the locals on this island are exceptionally friendly.

6. CALAMANSI MUFFINS FROM REAL COFFEE

I am not a fan of muffins – for the record, I prefer cupcakes – but the legendary calamansi muffin from Real Coffee stole my breath away. It is moist and sweet and tastes more like a cupcake than muffin. This alone is reason enough for me to leave on a jet plane for Boracay.

7. BEST FRUIT SHAKE ON THE ISLAND

Another thing that you must try in Boracay is the fruit shake from Jonah’s Fruit Shake. They say this is the best fruit shake on the island, and we cannot agree more. What better way to brave the hot afternoon sun than with a smooth mango shake?

8. THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD AT D’ TALIPAPA

D’ Talipapa is a famous wet market in Boracay where you buy fresh/live seafood from the stall vendors, and proceed to the restaurants – located just beside the market – and have the seafood prepared in your preferred styles. Blend into the local culture and dine by the roadside. Don’t forget the fresh coconut water, too!

9. CATCH THE MOST AMAZING SUNSET FROM A SAILBOAT

With a gorgeous sandy beach surrounded by turquoise blue water, you know that the sunset here will be more than spectacular. But Boracay brings it to a different level with its sunset sailing on a Paraw sailboat.

10. SUPPORT LOCAL BEAD CRAFTS

Philippines may not be a fashion capital, but if you look beyond this, you would find beauty in the local bead crafts. They can be found along the beaches, usually in the form of bracelets and necklaces, and the palette of colours are so pretty to look at.

While it is said that such local merchandises are becoming touristy and mass produced, we have no doubt that it is still one worth supporting, simply because the accessories are as lovely as the locals.

GETTING TO BORACAY FROM SINGAPORE

Getting to Boracay is quite a tedious journey, but it is made easy by Tigerair, where we get to fly in to the nearest Kalibo airport before changing to land and sea transfers. While it was physically taxing, the reward is the very gorgeous Boracay that we deem the best beach in Asia yet.

Tigerair is offering “all-in round trip fares from S$79″. Traveling to Boracay need not be bank-breaking expensive, and with this promotion, it can be a dream come true! Booking date closes on the 13th this month, but the travel period is valid till August/ September (depending on your destination). Check the list of prices here – they are inclusive of taxes, but do remember to add a S$9 booking fee.