What to Pack for Boracay. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Dry Season Attire Nov-May

This period calls for light and comfortable attire.

Packing Essentials

Daytime: Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, skirts, light dresses.
Swimsuits: Needed for beach activities.
Evening: Light long-sleeved shirt or thin jacket for comfort in air-conditioned spaces (optional).

Wet Season Attire Jun-Oct

Continue to pack lightweight, quick-drying fabrics.

Rain Readiness

Daytime: Same clothing types as dry season.
Rain Gear: A Lightweight rain jacket or a Compact umbrella.
General: Prioritize quick-drying materials due to higher humidity.

Footwear Recommendations

Beach & Island Strolls

Sandals or flip-flops for beach activities and general walking. Consider durable options like Birkenstock Arizona EVA.

Comfort and beach suitability.

Water Activities

Water shoes or Aqua socks protect your feet from coral or shells.

Protection during snorkeling or island hopping.

Exploring & Day Trips

Comfortable walking shoes, such as Sneakers or Comfortable sandals, for town exploration or light hiking.

Suitable for extended walking.

Essential Documents

Travel Paperwork

Keep your important documents secure and accessible. Carry physical copies and digital scans.

Passport & Visa Documentation: Valid for 6+ months; print visa if needed.
Travel Insurance Policy: Print and save digital copies; note emergency numbers.
International Driving Permit: For Panay Island car rentals (if applicable).
Vaccination Records: Bring card/record and doctor's notes for prescriptions.

Reservations: Copies of flights, hotel bookings, and tours (print & digital).
Emergency Contacts: List family/friends, local emergency numbers, embassy.
IDs for Discounts: Student/Senior/Press IDs (less common in Boracay, but possible).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Bring the right electronics to stay connected and capture your memories.

Essentials

Power Adapter: Philippines uses 220V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs are common. A Universal travel adapter is recommended.
SIM Card Options: Unlocked phones can use local SIMs (Globe, Smart) available at airports. Consider Airalo eSIM.
Portable Chargers: For phones and cameras, especially during tours or power outages. A High-capacity power bank is useful.

Camera & Data Management

Capture your Boracay memories with suitable equipment and ensure data security.

Gear & Backup

Waterproof Camera: A GoPro or similar Action camera is excellent. B&H Photo has options.
Protection: A Dry bag safeguards electronics on boat trips.
Backup Solutions: Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or a Portable hard drive.

Recommended Apps for Travel

Navigation

Google Maps for offline maps. Waze is useful for Panay Island.

Translation & Communication

Google Translate for offline language packs. WhatsApp and Messenger are common for local communication.

Travel & Booking

Booking.com, Agoda, Skyscanner for finding deals. Grab for airport transfers on Panay (limited on Boracay).

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

Prepare a personal health kit for common travel ailments and sun exposure.

First Aid Essentials

Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape.
Pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), antihistamines, anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium A-D, rehydration salts.
Hydrocortisone cream for bites/rashes, blister treatment.

Medications & Hygiene

Ensure you have an adequate supply of personal and prescribed medicines.

Essential Supplies

Prescription Medications: Carry in original packaging with doctor's notes.
Over-the-Counter: Remedies for cold/flu, digestive aids, antacids.
Personal Hygiene: Pack specialty items that may be hard to find locally.

Specific Health Needs

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness medication is useful for boat trips.
Water Purification: A LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle or Purification tablets are useful for sustainability and emergencies.

Sun & Insect Protection

Insect Repellent: High DEET or Picaridin content (e.g., Sawyer Products Picaridin or Repel 100).
Sun Protection: High SPF (30-50+) reef-safe sunscreen. A Wide-brimmed hat and Sunglasses with UV protection.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling & Diving

Gear for underwater adventures.

Snorkel masks and fins are often provided by tours.
Bringing your own Full-face snorkel mask or Mask and snorkel ensures comfort and hygiene.
A microfiber Quick-dry towel is convenient.

Hiking & Watersports

Gear for land excursions and water activities.

For off-island excursions, pack Light hiking shoes, a Small backpack, and a water bottle.
A Rash guard provides sun protection and helps prevent chafing during activities like surfing or paddleboarding.

Rental vs. Bring

Decide what to rent on the island versus what to bring from home.

Rent: Snorkel and dive gear (unless specific requirements), paddleboards, kayaks, kitesurfing equipment are widely available.
Bring: Your own comfortable Mask and snorkel, Reef shoes, action camera, and reusable water bottle.

Cultural Dress Code & Activity Attire

Cultural Etiquette

Beachwear is accepted on the beach and around resorts.
Town Areas/Restaurants: A cover-up over your swimsuit shows respect.
Religious Sites (off-island): Shoulders and knees covered.

Specific Attire

Swimming/Beach: Multiple swimsuits, board shorts, Rash guards.
Water Activities: Rash guard, swim shorts, Water shoes.
Dining Out: Casual smart attire for most restaurants.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items enhance comfort and security during your travels.

Travel Aids

Neck pillow and Eye mask for long flights/ferries. A Trtl Travel Pillow.
Small padlock for hostel lockers; TSA-approved luggage locks.
Money belt or neck wallet for valuables. Consider Pacsafe or RFID-blocking wallet.

Reusable Items

Contribute to responsible travel by reducing waste.

Eco-Friendly Packing

Reusable water bottle for reduced plastic waste. A Hydro Flask keeps water cold.
Reusable shopping bag for markets.
Reusable utensils/straw for street food.
General travel gear for tropical destinations.

Items Difficult or Expensive Locally

Sensitive Skin Products

Specific brands might be hard to find.

Certain Medications

Specialty or uncommon medicines.

High-Quality Hiking Gear

For serious trekkers.

Specific Camera Accessories

Niche equipment for photography.

Activity Specific Attire

Beach & Water Attire

Bring multiple swimsuits, board shorts.
Rash guards for sun protection during extended beach time.
Water shoes protect feet from sharp coral or shells.

Dining Out & Cultural Visits

Casual smart attire is appropriate for most restaurants.
Some upscale resorts may have a slightly stricter dress code.
For religious sites (off-island), cover shoulders and knees.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll clothes tightly to save space. Use packing cubes for organization. Weigh your luggage before heading to the airport.

Consider a travel backpack for easier mobility on the island, rather than bulky suitcases.

What to Pack for Boracay