If you’re considering Boracay as a digital nomad destination, there are a few things to keep in mind. Boracay is a stunning and vibrant spot, but it’s definitely more of a tourist hub than a hidden getaway. Here’s what my experience was like working remotely from this island paradise.
Overview of Boracay
1. Tourist Vibe Everywhere
Boracay is undeniably beautiful, but it’s very touristy. The beaches, restaurants, and attractions are mostly filled with other visitors rather than locals. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. You’ll encounter a lot of beach vendors selling everything from excursions to souvenirs, which can get a bit overwhelming at times.
2. Work-Life Balance Perks
That said, one of the biggest perks of digital nomading in Boracay is being able to unwind at the beach after a day of work. The beaches are clean, with beautiful white sand and stunning sunsets that are an absolute must-see. And when you want to take a break from the laptop, there are plenty of excursions, like boat rides to nearby islands, to enjoy.
3. Challenging to Get There
While Boracay is incredible, getting there is no small feat. You’ll need to take a plane, then a boat, followed by a tricycle or bike ride to finally arrive. If you’re looking for a location where you can easily settle down and get straight to work, Boracay might not be ideal due to the logistics of traveling there.
4. Internet Can Be Spotty
Because it’s an island, Wi-Fi can be hit or miss, especially during rainy weather. We were fortunate to visit during sunny days, even though it was technically rainy season. If you’re dependent on stable internet for video calls, it’s something to keep in mind. As a web designer that mostly works on client work asynchronously, I didn’t have issues with wifi. It is quite slow, but stable. Make sure your accommodation has a reliable connection, and have a backup plan in case of outages.
5. Café Scene and Workspaces
Most cafés on the island are filled with other tourists, and finding a quiet, focused workspace can be tricky.
My recommendation? Choose accommodations that have a designated work area, and then explore the island after your workday. This way, you’ll be able to maintain productivity and still enjoy the island vibes when you’re off the clock.
6. Food and Cost of Living
While Boracay’s food scene is good, it’s more expensive than other parts of the Philippines. It’s not as pricey as cities like Vancouver (where I’m from), but it’s definitely not “dirt cheap.” One plus is that we didn’t have to worry about food safety or sanitation, unlike some other destinations where “Bali belly” or similar concerns are common. However, I did notice that overall food quality in the Philippines wasn’t quite on par with places like Vietnam or Thailand.
7. Transportation
While transportation in Boracay isn’t overly expensive if you’re earning CAD or USD, I did find it pricier compared to other places I’ve been to in the Philippines. I read a blog post about how there’s an artificial price inflation for tourists and that there’s a way to score cheaper 20-peso rides, but honestly, I didn’t bother. Our Airbnb was on top of a hill, and with the intense heat, we opted for tricycle rides more than half the time instead of walking. If you’re planning to stay here, keep transportation costs in mind—you’ll likely end up using tricycles or bike taxis regularly since the heat can make walking tough.
8. People
The people in the Philippines are incredibly kind and welcoming. Filipino hospitality truly stands out to me compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Being half-Filipino, I might be a little biased, but I found that the locals in Boracay are so joyful, warm, and friendly, always willing to help and share a smile. It’s one of the things that makes the Philippines such a special place to visit, and it certainly added to the overall experience.
To sum things up…
Boracay offers a unique balance of work and play, but it’s important to understand the tourist-heavy vibe and logistical challenges. If you’re okay with working around spotty internet and navigating a bustling island atmosphere, it can be an incredible experience for digital nomads who want a beautiful beach setting to unwind after work.
