Location

Boracay - Its Name
Several versions exists about the origin of the name Boracay. According to one, it derives from the old local word borac, meaning cotton, in reference to the white, cotton-like color and texture of Boracay's sand.

According to another version, the name came from the local word bora (bubbles) and bocay (white), because Ati elders amazed at the resemblance of the white sand to water bubbles.

Yet another Legend has it that the name dates back to the time when Spaniards came ashore and picked up shells. Meeting with the Atis later, the Spaniards were told that Sigay is the name of those shells. When the Spaniards ask the Atis were planting, they were told boray, a certain vegetable seed. From boray and sigay came the name Boracay.

Boracay Map
Boracay Island is located about 200 miles south of Manila and 2 kilometers off the northwest tip of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Boracay is under the Municipality of Malayand is comprised of three barangays (similar to village) called the Manoc-Manoc, the Balabag, and the barangay of Yapak and is under the administrative control of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.

Boracay island is only about seven kilometers long and 1083 hectares. The center of the Island, where the population of about 16,000 people(as of 2006), is concentrated, is flat and narrow. Both the Southern and northern ends of the island are wider and hilly, with the highest point, Mount Luho which is about 100 meters high is located in the northeast. This Map of Boracay Island includes the dive sites, boat stations, beautiful beaches and other attractions in boracay. For guide and detailed information about the beaches and dive sites, see the links below:

Boracay: Festivals & Events, Fun Activities!
There are a variety of festivals and events for your enjoyment all year around at Boracay Island. Not surprisingly, most occur during the high season. During the peaks of high season, it's party time on boracay. So if you want to party and enjoy live music, plan your visit for Christmas and New year, during Holy Week (easter) or during school holidays in May. The many events during high season include the International Beach Volleyball Soccer, Frisbee and Skimboard Tournaments, Bikini and Muscle Man contests and the Paraw Regatta (a race for outtriger sailing boats). Everybody is welcome to join some of these events. The exact dates for many of these events are not decided until several months or weeks before they occur.'

There are a number of events and festivals that occur the same time each year.

Boracay Calendar of Festivals and Events

• Ati-atihan Festival (January, 2nd Sunday) - the annual celebration in honor of Santo Niño, boracay's version of the very famous Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo. The festival presents a picturesque scene as Filipinos, their bodies painted and some playing musical instruments, parade and dance in tribal groups along the White Beach.
• Boracay international Funboard Cup (January, 2nd half) - Since 1989, Boracay has been one leg of the Southeast Asia Funboard Cup for windsurfing enthusiasts. Held in waters off Bulabog, on the eastern side of the island.
• Yapak Fiesta (February 10 to 11) - At Barangay Yapak, the first of the yearly fiestas held in each of Boracay's three Barangays.
• Malay Municipal Fiesta (April 30 to May 1) - A town fiesta at its best.
• International Beach Volleyball Tournament (May, 1st or 2nd weekend) Every year, Boracay is hosting the International Beach Volleyball Tournament. In 2005, 72 teams from 44 colleges and universities in the Philippines competed in the inter-collegiate tournament.
• Dragon Boat Race (May, 1st half)
• Parochial Fiesta (May 18 to 19) - for the Holy Rosary Parish, which encompasses the entire Boracay Island.
• Manoc-Manoc Fiesta (May 24-25) - another Barangay Fiesta
• Balabag Fiesta (December 28-29) - Fiesta at Barangay Balabag
• New Year's Eve (December 31) - Fireworks along White Beach and many other events, including sandcastle building contests.
• Cockfights - every Sunday - at the Gallera de Boracay Cockpit