This Week in Boracay (May 4 to 10, 2019)

There will be plenty of sun throughout the week in the island. As the summer continues, the heat is still on the rise. This week, minimum temperature is at 29°C while the maximum is at 32°C [1]. With this heat, it is not advisable to stay long directly under the sun especially during midday. To beat the weather, you may also opt for some fresh fruit shake to quench your thirst.

The second phase of the road rehabilitation of the island’s main road is finally underway [2]. This part of the project includes the rehabilitation of 1.9-kilometer road the from Elizalde property to City Mall Boracay. This will be connected to the 4.1-kilometer road from Cagban Port which is included in the first phase of the project. In line with this, tourists and residents are urged to bear the temporary inconvenience of the ongoing road rehab.

With the expected influx of tourists to Boracay, Airlines operating in Kalibo and Caticlan airports are ordered to review their flight schedules in the aim to ensure the carrying capacity [3]. The order came from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) issued on April 17. Even Roxas Airport in Roxas City and Iloilo International Airport in Iloilo are required to do so. If the final destination of the passenger is only “Boracay Island”, airlines are required to inform them of the current policy of the island. Only 6,405 tourist arrivals per day are allowed to enter the island. Tourists are likewise required to present their booking reference in a hotel in Boracay upon arrival at the Caticlan port.

More than six months following the island’s reopening, the water quality in Boracay continues to improve [4]. In a recent media interview, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu confirmed that cleaner water is now being enjoyed by both tourists and residents. He said that the coliform level in Boracay waters has significantly gone down.

Cruise ships with more than 2,000 passengers are no longer allowed to make port calls in Boracay [5]. They are also barred during peak seasons, particularly from April 24 to May 31. Docking of cruise ships are also not allowed on long holidays such as during All Saints/All Souls Day, Christmas, and New Year. These measures are taken to prevent overtourism in the island.

Parties, drinking, and smoking in public areas such as the beach are still strictly prohibited in Boracay, the Department of Tourism reiterated [6]. However, it is allowed if it is within the premises of the establishment and certain rules are followed. This is so that tourists who would rather relax and enjoy some peace and quiet will be able to do so.

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