Boracay With Autistic Children

Boracay is a very magical place, one we have felt drawn back to ever since we left. Visiting Boracay with autistic children had some challenges (mostly the travel to get there) but was also filled with fun, excitement and pure joy.

Getting To Boracay

Getting to Boracay, a popular tropical island in the Philippines, involves a few steps since the island itself doesn’t have an airport. Here are all the ways to get there:

• Fly to Caticlan (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport): You can take a direct domestic flight from major cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao to Caticlan. This is the closest airport to Boracay. Some international flights may also land in Caticlan, particularly from nearby countries. However, most international travellers will need to transfer through Manila or Cebu. From Caticlan Airport, take a short tricycle ride (about 5-10 minutes) to the Caticlan Jetty Port. At the Jetty Port, buy tickets for the ferry (banca or speedboat) to Boracay. The boat ride to Boracay Island takes around 15-20 minutes. Once on Boracay Island, take another tricycle or e-trike to your hotel or destination. You can book transfers from Caticlan to Boracay online here.
• Fly to Kalibo (Kalibo International Airport): Kalibo is another option with frequent flights from Manila, Cebu, or other cities. Kalibo receives some international flights from countries like South Korea, China, or Taiwan. Then from Kalibo Airport, take a van, bus, or taxi from Kalibo Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port (about 1.5 to 2 hours). From Caticlan Jetty Port, follow the same procedure as mentioned above for the ferry to Boracay. You can book your transfers from Kalibo to Boracay with GetYourGuide here.
• Ferry from Batangas to Caticlan: If you prefer traveling by sea, you can take a ferry from Batangas Port to Caticlan. This is a longer but scenic route. Companies like 2GO Travel offer overnight ferry services that take around 9-12 hours. Once you arrive at Caticlan Port, you can proceed directly to the Jetty Port for the boat ride to Boracay.
• Drive or Bus to Caticlan: For those already in the Philippines and near Luzon, it’s possible to drive or take a bus to Batangas Port, then ferry to Caticlan, or drive/bus directly to Caticlan, depending on your starting point. Companies like Philtranco, Ceres, and DLTB offer services from Manila to Caticlan.
• Private Yacht or Boat: If you’re coming from nearby islands or if you have access to a private yacht, you can sail directly to Boracay.
• Chartered Flights: For a more exclusive option, you can charter a private plane to Caticlan or Kalibo from major cities in the Philippines.
• Seaplane: There are seaplane services available from Manila directly to Boracay. This is a quick and luxurious option, offering stunning aerial views of the islands.
• Helicopter: Helicopter transfers are available from certain locations like Manila or Cebu directly to Boracay, landing at private helipads on the island.

We flew from Manila to Kalibo, where we took a cramped mini bus to Caticlan. From Caticlan we took a boat over to Boracay.

Where To Stay in Boracay

During our stay on Boracay, we stayed in multiple areas in the south of the island. We first checked into Ferra Hotel – where we spent David’s birthday. We moved then to a little hotel in the mountains near White Beach. We later moved to the other side of the island to a hotel on Tambisaan Beach where we stayed at the end of our time in Boracay.

Family-Friendly Activities in Boracay

White Beach

Spend a day at White Beach, Boracay’s most famous spot, with powdery white sand and calm, shallow waters. It’s perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, or just relaxing.

Island Hopping Tour

Take an island-hopping tour to explore nearby islands and beaches. The trip usually includes stops at Puka Beach, Crystal Cove Island, and snorkelling spots, offering fun and adventure for the whole family. You can book your tour via GetYourGuide here.

Willy’s Rock

Visit Willy’s Rock, an iconic rock formation with a statue of the Virgin Mary. It’s a great spot for photos and a short, easy climb that kids will enjoy.

D’Mall

Explore D’Mall, a shopping and dining area with a variety of restaurants, souvenir shops, and entertainment options. It’s a great place to grab a bite or shop for unique items. We really enjoyed this area, but it was quite busy and overwhelming for Travis so we didn’t hang around long. We still have Boracay vests we got for Travis here, his little brother wears them now.

Puka Shell Beach

Visit Puka Shell Beach for a more tranquil experience. The beach is less crowded than White Beach and offers opportunities for shell collecting, swimming, and picnicking.

Boracay Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the Boracay Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see exotic animals, including birds, reptiles, and monkeys. It’s an educational and enjoyable experience for kids.

Helmet Diving

Try helmet diving, a unique experience where you can walk on the seabed while wearing a helmet that lets you breathe normally. It’s safe for older kids and adults who want to see marine life up close. You can book a helmet diving tour with photos and video here.

Paraw Sailing

Enjoy a paraw sailing trip, a traditional outrigger sailboat ride around the island. It’s a relaxing way to experience the sunset or explore the island’s coastline with the family. GetYourGuide offer a paraw sailing trip with photos.

Visit Motag Living Museum

Take a cultural trip to the Motag Living Museum, where you can experience traditional Filipino village life, including farming, weaving, and cooking demonstrations. It’s both educational and interactive.

Banana Boat Ride

Hop on a banana boat for a thrilling yet safe ride that the whole family can enjoy. It’s a fun way to cool off and enjoy the waves together. Book your banana boat ride here or try an alternative – a flying donut experience.

These activities offer a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, ensuring that every family member has something to enjoy during their trip to Boracay with autistic children. Our favourite thing to do on the island was just chilling at White Beach.

Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Experience on Boracay

Our favourite thing to do on the island was just chilling at White Beach. Although certain areas (known as ‘stations’) are much more busy, we found that there were some really quiet areas where Travis could enjoy the freedom to run and play without too many other people around. On the busier parts of the beach he actually was constantly approached and touched by Chinese tourists because of his blonde hair and blue eyes.

Getting Around Boracay With Autistic Children

During our stay, we mostly walked around the area where we were staying. When moving between locations we took a car because it was too far with bags. During our tours we took the transport they provided. It is probably best to use taxis or other local forms of transport to get around the island. You can also consider renting a car.

Is Boracay Autism-Friendly?

Boracay is a beautiful and welcoming destination, but it may not yet be fully equipped to support the specific needs of individuals with autism. Visitors should plan carefully, choose accommodations and activities that cater to their needs, and be prepared for potential challenges in finding specialized services.

Things That Make Boracay Stand Out

• While Boracay is known for its lively nightlife and festivals, these may not always be autism-friendly due to loud music, crowds, and sensory overload. However, the island’s quieter moments, especially on less populated beaches, can be more suitable for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
• While Boracay has emergency medical services, it’s crucial to have a plan in place for any specific medical needs related to autism, given the limited availability of specialized care.
• Boracay’s main attractions include beaches, water sports, and outdoor activities. While these can be enjoyable for individuals with autism, they can also be overwhelming due to crowds and noise, especially during peak seasons. It may be beneficial to plan activities during less busy times to create a more comfortable experience.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
2. Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
3. Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our Philippines PECS and Boracay PECS to add to your experience.
4. Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.

Boracay is a very magical island, and it is one of our favourite places to travel with autistic children.

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