Why I Chose Bulabog Beach Again—and Have No Regrets

How to Choose the Right Hotel in Boracay (2026 Update)

When I first visited Boracay, I accidentally booked a hotel on Bulabog Beach instead of White Beach. At the time, I thought I had made a mistake.

Instead, it became one of my favorite travel surprises.

Fast forward to my second trip to Boracay in 2026, and this time there was no accident involved. I knew exactly where I wanted to stay.

Not on White Beach. On Bulabog Beach.

After already experiencing the island once, I realized that while White Beach is absolutely beautiful, I personally didn't want to stay in the middle of the crowds. During the day, I was perfectly happy walking over to White Beach for swimming, sunsets, restaurants, and exploring D'Mall. But once the day was over, I wanted somewhere peaceful to return to—a place where I could actually hear the ocean instead of music from beachfront bars.

For me, Bulabog Beach became that place.

Understanding the Different Areas of Boracay

If you're visiting Boracay for the first time, chances are you'll be looking at hotels along White Beach. This is where most visitors stay, and the beach is divided into three sections:

Station 1 is known for its luxury resorts and quieter atmosphere.

Station 2 is the heart of Boracay, filled with restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and the island's busiest beaches.

Station 3 offers a more laid-back and budget-friendly experience.

The great thing is that all three stations are connected, making it easy to walk from one to another.

Bulabog Beach sits on the opposite side of the island, and the atmosphere couldn't be more different.

Instead of beach clubs and loud music, you'll find kite surfers riding the waves, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and a peaceful shoreline where you can truly unwind.

For my style of traveling, that's exactly what I was looking for.

Choosing a Different Hotel This Time

During my first visit, I stayed at Palassa Private Residences and had a wonderful experience. Naturally, it was the first hotel I looked at when planning my return.

However, this trip was a little different.

Boracay was just one stop on a much larger adventure through Southeast Asia. During this journey, I visited three different countries and stayed in six different cities, so I wanted to be a little more mindful of my accommodation budget.

When I checked the rates, Palassa was simply outside the budget I had planned for this trip. Since I already knew Bulabog Beach well, I felt comfortable exploring other hotels in the area.

That's when I found Aira Boracay Hotel.

It was more affordable, had excellent reviews, and although it was located a little farther from White Beach than Palassa, the location didn't bother me at all.

In fact, it ended up becoming one of my favorite hotels I've stayed at while traveling.

My Stay at Aira Boracay Hotel

I booked a room facing the beach, and it exceeded every expectation I had.

One of my favorite things about the hotel was its location. It sits a little farther away from the neighboring hotels, making it feel even more private and peaceful.

I stayed on the top floor and had a beautiful, spacious balcony overlooking the ocean. The balcony was actually much larger than the one I had at Palassa, and I found myself spending hours there every single day.

Balcony & View from my hotel room. Aira Boracay Hotel

Almost every evening, I would stop by D'Mall before walking back to the hotel and pick up fresh tropical fruit. I'd sit outside on the balcony, listening to nothing but the sound of the waves while watching the palm trees gently move in the breeze.

There were no crowds.

No loud music.

Just the ocean.

Those quiet evenings quickly became one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.

At night, I slept with the balcony doors open. The room was protected by a screen, so I could enjoy the cool ocean breeze without worrying about insects finding their way inside. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves every night was something I genuinely looked forward to.

Breakfast With One of the Best Views on the Island

Breakfast at Aira Boracay Hotel. Boracay, 2026

Another thing I absolutely loved about Aira Boracay Hotel was breakfast.

Each evening, I simply chose what I wanted to eat the following morning. Then, at my selected time, breakfast would be freshly prepared and waiting for me on the rooftop terrace.

Every morning, I enjoyed breakfast while watching dozens of colorful kite surfers gliding across the water as the island slowly woke up.

It was peaceful.

Relaxing.

And honestly, one of those travel moments you wish you could bottle up and take home with you.

Is It Too Far From White Beach?

This is probably the biggest question people ask when considering Bulabog Beach.

From Aira Boracay Hotel, the walk to White Beach took me about 15 minutes.

Personally, I didn't mind it at all.

I enjoy walking, and I actually liked starting and ending my day with that short stroll across the island. It gave me another chance to take in the atmosphere and discover little places I might have otherwise missed.

If you'd rather not walk, the hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service to White Beach, making it easy to get back and forth whenever you want.

My Honest Recommendation

Having now stayed on Bulabog Beach twice, I can confidently say that this is where I'll continue booking my hotels whenever I return to Boracay.

As much as I enjoyed my stay at Palassa Private Residences during my first visit, I honestly found myself loving Aira Boracay Hotel even more.

The room felt more spacious, the balcony became my little sanctuary, breakfast was included every morning, the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, and the entire experience felt calm, comfortable, and relaxing.

If your dream vacation involves being steps away from the nightlife and having restaurants right outside your door, then staying on White Beach will probably be the perfect choice.

But if you're anything like me—someone who enjoys exploring all day and then returning somewhere peaceful at night—I genuinely recommend looking at hotels on Bulabog Beach.

Sometimes the best part of a destination isn't where everyone else stays.

Sometimes it's the quiet place you get to call home while you're there.

And for me, that place is Bulabog Beach.

If I ever return to Boracay for a third time, I already know exactly where I'll be booking my stay.

Bring a Piece of Boracay Home

During my visit, I also created a collection of fine art photographs showcasing the beauty of Boracay beyond portraits. If this incredible island holds a special place in your heart, I invite you to explore my Boracay Fine Art Print Collection, where you'll find museum-quality prints featuring the island's beaches, tropical scenery, and unforgettable coastal landscapes.

Whether you're looking for artwork to remember your own trip or simply love tropical destinations, I hope these photographs bring a little piece of Boracay into your home.

Explore the boracay collection