What to expect when visiting Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines — an old city often disregarded by travellers who use it only as a gateway to the country’s more visually appealing islands. But if you have an extra day in your itinerary, we think Manila’s colourful history is a great way to kick off your trip.
Explore the walled city of Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church — all of which were first built in the late 1500s. Art and anthropology also attract many locals to Manila. You will find here the National Museum, a complex of three museum buildings that tell the story of the Filipinos.
3 ways to get from Boracay to Manila
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 440 kilometers (273 miles) from Boracay to Manila by flight via Caticlan (1 hour 10 minutes), ferry (2 hours 30 minutes) and flight via Kalibo (4 hours 35 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 10 minutes to 4 hours 35 minutes and the quickest way is by flight via Caticlan. The lowest priced tickets start from 1,630 PHP ($28) for the flight via Kalibo.Where to stay in Manila?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Manila at the bottom of this page.
Boracay to Manila by Flight via Caticlan
When taking a flight from Boracay to Manila, it is best to take one from Caticlan, where the nearest airport is located. This route can be quite expensive though, especially during peak season.
A cheap alternative that is available all year round is the flight route via Kalibo, which we also talk about in detail in this post.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Boracay to Caticlan by Bus+Ferry
From your hotel, take a tricycle or multicab going to Cagban Port. Travel time is around 15 minutes.
At the port, head to the ticketing office to pay for your boat ride and the port fee. Keep the ticket then follow the signs that will take you to the boarding area. It takes about 15 minutes to get to Caticlan Jetty Port by boat.
From the port, you can hop on a tricycle heading to Caticlan Airport.
See here a summary of costs for this leg of the journey:
- Tricycle ride from your hotel to Cagban Port: 50 PHP ($0.90)
- Boat ticket: 50 PHP ($0.90)
- Port fee: 100 PHP ($1.70)
- Tricycle ride from Caticlan Port to Caticlan Airport: 50 PHP ($0.90)
Alternative: Boracay to Caticlan Airport transfers with Klook
For a more convenient transfer, you can book either a private or shared land and sea transfer with Klook. This includes hotel pick-up, ferry ride, and van ride to the airport.
A shared transfer from Boracay to Caticlan Airport via Klook costs 620 PHP ($10.80) for foreign tourists and 590 PHP ($10.30) for local tourists.
If you’re travelling in a group, you can also consider booking a private transfer from Boracay to Caticlan Airport. Rates start from 1,440 PHP ($25) per person for a group of 4 – cheaper if there are more people in your group!
Alternative: Book a hassle-free Boracay to Caticlan Airport transfer through BookAway
For a seamless travel experience, we recommend booking a direct transfer from your Boracay hotel to Caticlan Airport through BookAway. Island Star Express, My Boracay Guide, and Southwest Travel and Tours offer this service with multiple departure times daily.
They’ll pick you up directly from your hotel, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The travel time to Caticlan Airport is about one hour.
Check the schedule below for departure times of BookAway transfers.
Step 2: Caticlan to Manila by Flight
AirAsia, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) all have flights operating from Caticlan Airport to Manila.
Airfares from Boracay to Manila via Caticlan start from 1,700 PHP ($30) but can go as high as 4,000 PHP ($70) during peak season. We recommend booking at least a month in advance for cheaper flights.
Flights arrive at either Terminal 2 or Terminal 4 of Manila Airport after 1h 10m.
Tip: Cebu Pacific and AirAsia offer many promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these flight promos so you can book cheap flights for this route!
Boracay to Manila by Flight via Kalibo
Flights from Boracay to Manila via Kalibo are often cheaper, but they add at least an hour to your travel time.
Step 1: Boracay to Caticlan by Ferry
For the first leg of this journey, you’ll first have to take a tricycle or multicab to Cagban Port. Fares start from 50 PHP ($0.90) per person.
And then take a boat going to Caticlan Port. You’ll have to pay 50 PHP ($0.90) for the boat ride and 100 PHP ($1.70) for the terminal fee.
Step 2: Caticlan to Kalibo Airport by Van or Bus
Once at Caticlan Jetty Port, you can either take a bus or a van heading to Kalibo Airport. These are easily available at the port.
We recommend taking the bus because they are more spacious and comfortable. You can pay for your ticket directly to the driver. But to secure seats, you can also pre-book a bus ticket via BookAway for 595 PHP ($10.40).
A van ride is a bit cheaper at 250 PHP ($4.40). Vans can be a bit cramped though, especially if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.
Alternative: Boracay to Kalibo Airport Transfers with Klook
If you don’t mind spending a bit more to skip the lines at the port and have everything taken care of for you, then you can also book a shared or private transfer from Boracay to Kalibo Airport via Klook. This includes land and sea transfers, as well as ferry and port fees.
Rates for a shared transfer from Boracay to Kalibo Airport via Klook start from 680 PHP ($11.80).
You can also get a private transfer via Klook with rates starting from 1,640 PHP ($29) per person for a group of 4.
Alternative: Book a direct transfer from Boracay to Kalibo Airport through BookAway
We recommend booking a direct transfer through BookAway. Island Star Express and My Boracay Guide are known for their excellent customer service and offer multiple departure times daily.
Keep in mind that the travel time from your hotel in Boracay to Kalibo Airport is around 3 hours, so plan accordingly for your flight.
Check the schedule below for departure times of BookAway transfers.
Step 3: Kalibo to Manila by Flight
You can book with AirAsia, Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines for flights from Kalibo to Manila. The first two often have cheaper airfares.
Airfares from Boracay to Manila via Kalibo start from 800 PHP ($13.90). The journey takes about 1h 05m.
Tip: Cebu Pacific and AirAsia offer many promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these promotions so you can book a cheaper flight for this route!
Boracay to Manila by Ferry
Want to travel by ferry from Boracay to Manila? It is certainly doable – if you don’t mind travelling for about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Since there are no direct ferry trips from Boracay to Manila, you’ll have to make several transfers – a boat to Caticlan, a ferry to Batangas, and then a bus going to Manila.
Step 1: Boracay to Caticlan by Ferry
From your hotel in Boracay, it takes about 30 minutes to get to Caticlan Port. This includes a 15-minute tricycle or multicab ride going to Cagban Port on the island. And then a 15-minute boat ride going to Caticlan Port.
Combined land and sea fares plus port fees cost around 200 PHP ($3.50) incl. miscellaneous fees.
Step 2: Caticlan to Batangas by Ferry
When taking a ferry from Caticlan to Batangas, you can choose from two companies: 2Go Travel and Starlite Ferries. Both are reputable ferry operators. Starlite, however, caters more to locals, while 2Go Travel is popular among tourists.
Ticket prices for a ferry bunk start from 1,780 PHP ($31). The ferry ride takes 10h - 11h.
All ferries depart from Caticlan Jetty Port and dock at Batangas Pier.
Step 3: Batangas to Manila by Bus
There are various companies operating from Batangas Pier to Metro Manila. Bus operations start at 06:00 and end at 19:00, with departures almost every 30 minutes.
The bus journey from Batangas to Manila takes about 2h. Ticket prices start from 375 PHP ($6.50). You can also buy your ticket from the driver.
When travelling on weekends or holidays, we recommend booking your tickets online beforehand via BookAway to secure a seat at your desired time.
Departure station
You will already find a lot of buses at Batangas Pier. But if you want to take a short break for food, you may also board the bus at Batangas City Grand Terminal, located 5 km north of the port.
Arrival station
When choosing your bus, make sure to check which station they’re headed to in Manila. There are at least four bus arrival points available. Pick the one that will bring you closest to your destination.
- Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), 3.5 km west of Manila Airport
- Jam Liner Bus Terminal in Buendia, 4 km west of central Makati
- Jam Liner Bus Terminal in Cubao, 12 km north of Makati
- Ceres Bus Terminal in Buendia, 4 km west of Makati
Best places to stay in Manila
Manila is a bustling metropolitan city that can be slightly overwhelming at first. Not just because of the busy streets and towering skyscrapers, but also because of the number of hotels to pick from. There are a lot!
No matter your price range, we’ve found some great places to stay in the best locations so you don’t have to do that research.
Before you start reading about our favourite stays, it’s good to know a bit about the best areas to stay in Manila. That way, you’re picking the best accommodation in the area that’s right for you.
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- Makati is our favourite area to stay in Manila, and where most of our favourite stays are. It’s one of the most upscale areas in Manila and is known for its shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife.
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- Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is a newer development in Manila and is known for its modern architecture, restaurants and shopping centres.
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- Malate is a lively area known for its bars, nightclubs and restaurants. It’s also close to several tourist attractions, such as Rizal Park and Intramuros.
Somerset Central Salcedo Makati - Treating Yourself
Area: Makati City centre — approx. 10-minute walk to shopping malls and business centre
As soon as you step into Somerset Central, you forget about the hustle and bustle going on outside the doors. Inside the hotel you’re met with luxury, relaxation and a chance to rejuvenate yourself in the gym or outdoor pool.
The grandeur of the hotel continues in the rooms, decorated in a stylish and modern design. The highlight of the room are the beds. They’re huge and super comfortable, guaranteeing you a great night’s sleep.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Gym
- A la carte restaurant
- Continental breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Hotel 101 Manila - Mid Range
Area: Along Mall of Asia complex — approx. 10-minute drive to shopping malls and airport
Hotel 101 Manila has everything you could ask for from a city hotel. It has a refreshing outdoor pool, a delicious on-site restaurant and it’s close to the airport — perfect if you’re flying in or out of Manila.
The rooms are large, comfortable and exceptionally clean. With their incredible hospitality, the staff make you feel like you’re staying in a 5-star hotel.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- On-site restaurant
- Amazing staff
- Great and convenient location
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Hop Inn Hotel Makati Avenue - Budget Friendly
Area: Makati City centre — approx. 5-minute drive to nearest shopping mall
Only passing through Manila? Hop Inn Hotel is perfect for those spending just a few nights in the busy city. It’s clean, modern and has all of the basic amenities that you could possibly need.
Modern minimalism would be a good way to describe this place. Plus you won’t be spending too much time in your room as you’re located in Makati, one of the best neighbourhoods in Manila.
- Clean and modern rooms
- Great location
- Air conditioning
- Helpful staff
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Boracay to Manila
What is the distance from Boracay to Manila?
The distance from Boracay to Manila is 440 kilometers (273 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Boracay to Manila?
The fastest way to get from Boracay to Manila is by flight via Caticlan and takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Boracay to Manila?
The cheapest way to get from Boracay to Manila is by flight via Kalibo with ticket costs starting from 1,630 PHP ($28).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Boracay to Manila. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
