The return to Boracay Island, Philippines

Once called a “cesspool” by then-president Rodrigo Duterte, Boracay was closed for 6 months in 2018 as part of efforts to rehabilitate the island. CNA's Jack Board visited recently to check out the changes as more travellers begin to make their way to the island once more. Read his report: cna.asia/3DeL1LO
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[@bystander-es8zl]

Not a fan of Former President D2rte, but this Boracay project was an excellent job... It's a decision Pro Environment, pro locals and it's difficult to implement because a lot of businesses will be affected.. so kudos to him on this one 👍

[@miaya3898]

Boracay should be a high end destination like St Tropez. Let the cheap Australians go to Bali. Let the cheap Americans 🇺🇸 go to Thailand

[@anythingmimi]

@@miaya3898😂😂

[@whitepouch0904]

@@miaya3898lol and us Filipino, Manila bay? 😂

[@miaya3898]

@@whitepouch0904 Pasig River 😀

[@realchocochoco]

@@miaya3898 and let the cheap Filipinos not go there too? We already have Amanpulo for the rich.

[@gecko1131]

I Like this, good job CNA, instead reporting bad image for other countries you must promote positivity. Southeast Asian Nations must be united to promoting peace, economy, culture, Nature, tourism etc. Let us show to West and other nation the beauty of our region. 😊😊😀😀

[@lukasloh2509]

A good reporting is reporting everything that needs to be heard and seen whether it is positive or negative. Most government will not take actions to a certain problem unless it got the world’s notice. It is better to expose the problem so that authority can take actions thus benefiting the people in the long run. Reporting only the positive side is a one side journalism. That is why “expectations vs reality” exists because most people only saw the good side. And people shouldn’t be onion skinned when they see a negative reports about their country esp if it is based on facts.

[@slipknot8441]

​@@lukasloh2509Yeah go tell that to the managers and heads of CNA themselves.. Too afraid to broadcast any negative news about Singapore.. Pffttt!!!

[@midknight5812]

​@@slipknot8441bruh! You know the reason.

[@raffle3002]

With that kind of thinking the Mayor is obviously not concern about the long term effect of over tourism to Boracay. If he wants Boracay to stay a top tourist destination he must have a strong control over the numbers of tourist flocking in, otherwise everything that has been done to rehabilitate the Island will be all for nothing. He must not have learnt anything when the island was shut down and the locals lost their earning capacity, he probably wants to have it again. His statement tantamount to abuse of authority.

[@walkwithrose]

Boracay is my go to vacation place. I've been there so many times & would love to go back again & again.

[@picoolio]

I was at Boracay a few days ago, Can definitely see the changes happening. Saw a few hotels going up and being built next to the existing one. The infrastructure and roads are being built, but far from perfect. Went on a island hopping tour and saw some of the shanties the locals live in. Whatever the money the government is spending on the tourist areas, hope they can allocate some funding for better housing for the locals that lives there. If you haven't been to Boracay yet, its still a worth a few days trip there.

[@drojeen2580]

Lol.. the government sold those native tribal agricultural lands to the chinese casino investors and land developers. Poor native islanders of boracay but abused. Land developer-oligarch is even voted as Senator. Corruption at its finest

[@Ondraya44]

Was about to write a response but yours indicates my exact thoughts as I visit the island. Am thinking of island hopping and am thankful to know what I can expect.

[@snarveien1853]

Some of those shanties are indigenous with specific required style of housing. I remember the govt offered a climate resilient design for housing of an indigenous, the lefties groups complained lol. I think they chose shanty design lol

[@angiejerez4727]

The mayor reasoning is just full of BS. If you want to promote Boracay keep it clean and stick to the capacity limit according to the Tourism guidline don't just think about money.

[@k-studio8112]

6k capacity per day is a little bit too small for a famous place like Boracay. Maybe that's the reason why many tourists are flocking in El Nido and Siargao

[@okamsug]

@@k-studio8112Boracay is a tiny island. It was already too crowed when I was there.

[@cynthiabianzon5408]

When Boracay gets crowded, there are many islands to choose from whether they be in Luzon, other islands in the Visayas, or in Palawan/Mindanao.

[@rosebir7529]

@@privatefam in your dreams in Jesus Name. Greedy!

[@springflower00]

@@privatefam*spits on your face*

[@privatefam]

@@rosebir7529 What dream?? Dreams that becoming true??😎🙄 Now, we already got back some of the Islands in Spratleys. Thanks to our great Leader, next is Palawan. Palawan is very beautiful. We will take good care of it, and we can hire you people in our future businesses there. Your economy will rise from third world to middle income country. Let's help each other 🇵🇭❤️🇨🇳

[@logik1973]

​@@privatefamshut it, dont go nowhere near my country!!

[@BisayangdakoVlogz]

​@@privatefamYou should wake up from your dreams haha since its imposible. You are just delusional thats why you need doctor to treat your craziness😂.

[@derbdep]

Boracay isn't the only place here. There are places that are relatively unspoilt but yet benefit from all the newer infrastructure built during the last 8 years - places like Siargao ("the new Bali" many call it, and place where most Western Millennial and Gen Z tourists/digital nomads come to. it's a more ethical and inclusive destination that Boracay ever was), Siquijor, Batanes, Panglao/Bohol, Mindoro, rural Cebu, Palawan, Maripipi, Banaue, Romblon, Camiguin, among many others. Singaporeans should think about some of the other places in the list above. If they go to Boracay, they would wonder 'why is it just mainlanders here?'. That's because everyone else (all the Westerners, Anglophone travelers, ASEAN and local tourists) is all enjoying their holiday time in the places I mentioned above.

[@Edwinibis1988]

A new Bali?

[@miaya3898]

Siargao will become the next cesspool if this keeps up.

[@arbhyfulgar916]

Bro new bali is not siargao. Siargao is siargao

[@alexespanto5270]

siargao will never become new bali ever. im sure you havent been to bali .the reason why vloggers call it new bali is just to garner more views for their vlogs . you can never compare bali to siargao . all world jet setters and billionaires know what bali offers . they have luxury villas that you will never see in the philippines ever.been to 49 countries .how about you kiddo????

[@cardsbybel4395]

The current mayor need to have the political will to protect Boracay for the long term. I recall the former mayor of Baguio who had the same reasoning - how do we turn visitors back? Baguio eventually became a mess. Fortunately, the current Mayor of Baguio is a better administrator and the summer capital is cleaner and better managed. I hope LGU and people of Boracay will ensure the island will be developed sustainably and learn from past mistakes.

[@kitchg5526]

Kaso nadismaya ako sa bagal ng action nya sa tactile issue, kahit madami ng nadulas/nauntog/na-injury dahil madulas nman talaga kapag nabasa. Na-curious tuloy ako, sino va amg contractor nun?

[@cesartabasa3204]

Let us not abuse Boracay. Maintain its carrying capacity. LGU and DENR must collaborate to sustain its beauty.

[@kenkenx110]

I haven't visited Boracay yet and though it is recognized as the best beach in the country in my personal opinion the most beautiful beaches can be found in Surigao Del Sur especially in Britania Group of Islands. It's like a foretaste of heaven. Also the Philippines has so much to offer and I'm more than ready to explore all of it. Let's all #LoveThePhilippines ❤️🤍

[@whitepouch0904]

Are you from Mindanao? Check the Basilian area also have many beautiful beaches

[@NIRA-ff7zq]

Actually All the islands in the Philippines are gorgeous and world class hehe and it depends on how you feel and appreciate it 😅

[@octavia7408]

Shhhsss, don't tell them or else there will be an influx of tourists and then that nature you love so much will be gone.

[@Nothing-nf8ve]

Tawi tawi

[@wormboii]

They said tawi tawi is the true gem of the phils. Super underrated. One of my friends family is from tawi tawi.

[@appledapple6802]

I hope the mayor would be very strict to comply with the cap that the national government has ordered so that there wouldn't be another shut down needed

[@rainieresguerra4780]

The clean up of Boracay, Manila Bay, Pasig River is one Duterte's most outstanding legacies.

[@fkoff7649]

INCLUDING POGO, 7 TRILLION DEBT, FAILED DRUG WAR, AND STILL MANY CRIMES GOING ON AS WELL AS CORRUPTION, DUTERTE LEGACY INDEED.

[@japanesefilipinorinsan]

Agree

[@reggiecordial]

Yes agree. PRRD used strong political will to make changes.

[@fkoff7649]

@@reggiecordial but some changes didn't last long or never took place at all. Duterte was a big failure. His supporters are dumb puppets.

[@okamsug]

Manila bay and Pasig river are still filthy, polluted, toxic. They have signs to not swim there.

[@kevinnecorpuz4890]

Been there before the 6 month closure. The shoreline was packed with people, chairs and tables. Just got back there this year and there’s a huge improvement!

[@luvmirh8mi]

I fondly remember Boracay in the late 80s and the 90s when I was in my 20s. It was still a fishing village. It was so beautiful.

[@MsLilac88]

Boracay looks like a beautiful place in the Philippines. 😊

[@johnrogerobera]

Indeed it is😇😇😇

[@TheHilda1974]

We're so grateful for having president Duterte for giving a lot of effort to make BORACAY Amazing again ...

[@onlynice9567]

Been there last year. It's magnificent as ever. My favorite beach is Diniwid beach in morning. Can't wait to return 🤩

[@rodneyd9921]

The mayor is not doing his job properly and should be penalised for not implementing rules imposed to restrict congestion and crowding in the island

[@carloregalado7751]

he only cares about the money. you can see it in the stupid smug on his face.

[@rodneyd9921]

@@carloregalado7751 obviously corrupt and untrustworthy

[@pinoyislander4400]

Improvements in Boracay is okay as long as the locals of that islands especially the local tribes (Ati people) should not be left behind. The local government should take care of them, because it's thier land where they were born and live. Long live Boracay!!!

[@LifeInAfricaVlog]

I am born and raise in Philippines but For me, South Palm Beach In Panglao Bohol is 3x better than boracay, Not Crowded Crystal Clear Blue Gatorade Water, Lots Of Palm tree

[@paulyoutobe9742]

been to both places. Boracay is better to be honest Panglao though whitesand but the sand is not that good compare boracay which is powder like. Pero maganda naman both.

[@OHANA-Beach-Suites]

Love Boracay been there before the clean up. I will go again soon.

[@84vietskater]

I just came back from Boracay from the US and I can say Boracay was one of my favorite beaches and the locals where really nice. Definitely would go back again whenever I get the chance again.

[@mariebriones4755]

All I can say Boracay is a rich Island..Cost of living is really expensive😂But because of the beautiful view,delicious food and calming vibe we forgot about the money we spent during our 2weeks vacation on the last week of June.Definitely we will comeback there.

[@mariebriones4755]

@@NomadicByNature good for you, im just sharing our expenses we spent cause we stayed in 5star hotel and book a private yacht for us to be comfortable and relax during our family travel.

[@Moss_piglets]

My parents visited Boracay in 1978. There were very few foreigners. No electricity, water or bathrooms. The natives (ati) were welcoming. My Filipina grandma grew up in Roxas city/iloilo and often visited the island with her relatives from Cebu when she was a little girl. This was probably in the late 30s. Puka shells were abundant back then and they collected them to make crafts. We went back in 2010, her first time back in the Philippines. I'd say she was pretty said how things have changed not just in Boracay but also many destinations where she visited when she was a young woman. It's sad that Boracay wasn't protected. Filipinos are lucky to have such a beautiful country but sadly many lack the discipline to take care of their surroundings. Progress doesn't mean destroying your environment too for money. In the end, everyone loses.

[@antongavutti4376]

Yes FELIPE-nos are corrupt when they smell MONEY. ....anyway i meet a felipe-no chinese Kaloocan guy around early 2018. He accompany his son (40yrs plus) at kaloocan city hospital for stroke rehab. He mention (he's late 60's that time we meet) during early 80's he have friend from Roxas City. Boracay at that time have lot's topless European womans.

[@merceditajarabejo1327]

Thank to our former president Duterte. Boracay was rehabilitated by cease operation for 6months removing structures near the bay. Fixing the drainage systems. And also they rehab manila bay and all the water ways in the city and provinces.Only Duterte did this sumultaneously with the critism from opposion and private businesses. If the government has the will changes will follow.Beaches are more cleaner now.

[@adobo5502]

Sana konti lang ang mga turista at hindi highly densed sa gayon hindi siksikan at para mas ma feel talaga ang Ganda ng boracay. Ang daming undiscovered na mga pasyalan sa ating bansa sana mabigyan rin ng opportunity.

[@pearlrosalita502]

When was this video taken? I think this is not updated. Was there in Bora last month and its almost overcrowded with foreign tourists especially Koreans.

[@MyDogRescuer]

It’s summer all over the world. Just as stated in the video, sometimes they get too much people. The local government wants to increase the capacity. The National Government does not want to approve it. In the video, the mayor said the DENR Secretary called him and was angry. We have LGU law. The LGU has the most power to decide, but if there will be a major environmental incident, they can be charged. But ONLY if there will be a really obvious case or someone will make a deeper investigation and complain to the DENR. The difficulty of the Capacity Limit imposed is it is not included in the law, thus if they go beyond it, technically the National Government cannot do something about it. The congressman also from that area ofc will not file the capacity limit to be a law. He might lose support from the mayor and the majority of the people whose livelihoods depends on the tourism. That is why it is very important to elect a National Leader that the local government also fear/respect too much, because our law has certain limitations or elect a national leader who does not care much if he will be criticized.

[@mariviccarrasco3790]

Hats off to FPRRD❤...

[@mindaluzsaipuddin5657]

I’m afraid of the mayor smiling when already he been called out by the tourism sec. MAYOR take it seriously we know your just being positive . Perhaps if u exceed again and abused the nature u May loss it forever ! Hope it won’t happen again !

[@cynthiabianzon5408]

1. Most Filipinos speak English; 2. They are warm hearted, kind, helpful, and welcoming; 3.There are 7, 604 islands to see- from breathtaking mountains / hills to pink, golden, black, pebbled and white sand beaches to blue-green waterfalls and more; 4.unusual land and water formations to see 😊as in Banawe and Kalinga Apayao rice terraces plus picturesque volcanoes, chocolate hills, hot springs, underground river; 5.Relics and artifacts from the Spanish colonization; 6.Festivals and street merrymaking during fiestas in the provinces, and more.

[@totoybancaso2599]

7,641 islands

[@josephbarpaulomoises4977]

@@totoybancaso2599is this before or after Duterte? Joke

[@midknight5812]

​@totoybancaso2599 maybe that is when low tide.

[@midknight5812]

​@josephbarpaulomoises4977 I thanked God Leni didn't won or else there will be 1700 Islands alone.

[@Ishikawa745]

Maintain the beauty and cleanliness of boracay at the same time develop other areas in the Philippines :)

[@FR12369]

I was very lucky with my first time in Boracay that was after reopening.It was so clean that was 2019 and i want to go back again😊 We stayed in a beach front and woke up early and saw the cleaning bulldozer truck cleaning the shores everyday.

[@lyricsking754]

I just came back from Boracay, and man was it beautiful.

[@shedrick2417]

the local government should do something to the natives.. giving finacial gifts evry december would be a help or respect to them as they were the oldest residents on the island.. the mayor should do something not only minding about tourism..

[@nexusdues3028]

I’ve ❤to return their.

[@cherylpink1544]

I miss to swim boracay beach

[@ladyingrid8842]

There should be closure yearly at least 2 weeks for massive clean up and breathe of Boracay😢

[@okamsug]

That happens every rainy season anyway. Boracay is empty during the rainy season.

[@elmernagui744]

the number 1 tourist destination in Philippines - BORACAY - the best sunsets.. my advice is to visit boracay and panay island (iloilo, gigantes island, guimaras, capiz) for 9 days..

[@francisbackmask3472]

That's one destination I want to go before I die I guess😊

[@josephc8628]

Just increase enforcement and higher fines to people who do not follow the rules.

[@pinaytravelsinuk5852]

The mayor needs some more reprimanding.

[@etonsot392]

You guys should try Siargao and Baler, really beautiful islands

[@kapoyani3498]

A carrying capacity cap is actuqlly better as a visitor as we arent as crowded so crazily. They can slightly limit it through transportation and a visitor entry and exit log program

[@Ace-zw1db]

The Mayor clearly doesn't know how to exercise his power😢. History will truly repeats itself if that is the kind of leader Boracay has.

[@I.TChannel497]

4:47 I think the Department of Tourism should do its job to control all tourists who are coming to Boracay, not the Mayor of Boracay. he can't say NO to all tourists who are already in Boracay and already spent money! The DOT should control all the travel agencies That are selling tickets going to Boracay.

[@marioignacio3440]

Great Content.. im very impressed

[@user-le7zc7qm1n]

Best beach in the world. White powdery sand. That even in the hottest afternoon sun the sand do not get hot. You can even walk barefoot without stone or shateered glass to hurt your feet. Not to mention the crystal clear water.

[@Lurking_aliens_]

Imagine during the pandemic when there is no tourist, and only the locals how relaxing it was I imagine..

[@bhello99]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Andrey_Babenko]

WOW. super good place

[@gambit7195]

I remember people were complaining about the shut down and thay what about the livelihood, how are they going to earn, eat and it wasnt a good idea to clean up. Now look, everyone benefits and more importantly clean and clear waters.

[@21whichiswhich]

Will be there in August 2023. Can’t wait.

[@A.l.e.x20]

if you dont have hotel bookings from accredited hotel, you cannot enter Boracay.

[@ravenreyes6676]

Yes💕💕💕🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭💕💕💕

[@MrWackydoodles]

boracay pride of vietnam 👌

[@loretafalcutila501]

I just like & subscribed 🎉 welcome to 🇵🇭

[@ronelnerona8415]

One of the best island in the world #ITSMOREFUNINTHEPHILIPPINES🇵🇭

[@noelbmagalona]

I would love to go back to Boracay!!!

[@hazecliff7173]

I was there not long ago and the water and beach were better and there was no longer a smell after low tide like before the shutdown. My problem is that I found it quite expensive. It might be cheap for foreigners and I might be able to afford it, but a local and normal Filipino really needs to have a tight budget and get creative. The white sand is good, for foreigner standard it is world-class, but I'm a ph local and I have a few secret cheaper spots with better sand, water, and beach in particular. That being said, if someone asks me to travel back, I might just for the nightlife and snorkeling activities. But I hope they do something about the pricing in the area just so the locals can also enjoy it. Thailand was nowhere as expensive tbh, but Boracay has a better beach. XD

[@neilacero6761]

Couldn't agree more. Boracay is expensive AF, halos kalevel na ng mga European destinations.

[@shankarbalakrishnan2360]

Need a beach holiday 25 yrs was the last in jamica❤❤🎉🎉

[@patz668]

I was just here 1 week ago, and I noticed that there were a lot of plastic bottles and bags being brought by the waves of water to the shore.. I wish that the rehabilitation will still be implemented at least for a month every year to maintain the beauty of the whole island and restrict the tourist from littering.

[@Siopaoko]

Wow never seen this before. CNA was reporting positive about the Philippines? Wow just Wow

[@kitchg5526]

Yup, former President Duterte have political will. Most of the big businesses there were owned by rich powerful people but were not able to stop the 6mo closure, Pacquiao who was senator then is an investor in one of the hotel.

[@alaehvlogs5676]

❤❤❤wow❤❤❤just❤❤❤wow❤❤

[@moriel01]

*_I have been to Boracay before the rehabilitation and I really hated it, I told myself not to return again because there were too much people, you can't sit under the coconut trees because the restaurants placed tables and chairs there and installed barriers around. But now that it is cleaner I am thinking of going back to experience a cleaner Boracay._*

[@nunyabiznes33]

You really know what thumbnail to pick.

[@pauliejojo8241]

Certain protocols should be imposed strictly, especially among tourist behaviors.

[@cherylpink1544]

❤❤❤

[@jaylordvaldez9943]

Be careful of overpriced sellers

[@piaangelibernal633]

Looks like Mr. Mayor likes to break rules with a smile and a laugh. Maybe he should become part of the next set of improvements filed under "To replace."

[@FG-cc3qk]

I'm curious if the Ati people have a legal claim on the whole island as this IS their ancestral land.

[@travelwithtony5767]

I’m waiting at Manila airport to go to Boracay and I found this video very informative and helpful prior to my arrival, seems the timing is perfect now that the Island has been restored and the island won’t be overwhelmed with tourists..😂

[@markjoseph196]

Visited Boracay in 1988and in 1989. I was 21 years old living like a hippie..There were no electricity then , some houses have generators but that’s it. Boracay was a small fishing village mostly inhabited by local Ati .It only took 20 odd years to changed the island landscape for the worst ..

[@julius3729]

A thousand times better

[@16abadeer]

hope it's not just boracay. been to few islands throughout the philippines and it's sad to see that elsewhere there aren't really that much regulations regarding pollution especially wastewater. though, some places such as camiguin have a stricter stance on garbages, but it's not fullproof and you can still see a lot of garbages loitering around the shore and the sea.

[@wesparsons5331]

It would be great if they levied a tourist tax to help out the local population, to improve their housing and infrastructure. As someone looking to visit a fee of 100 to 500 pesos to enter the Island would be fine if it was going for these purposes. Sanitation improvement would also be a good area they could invest some of the funds as it would be great for locals and tourists and provide jobs.

[@CypressC2j]

As far as I know tourist are limited to come in to avoid such pulution again

[@pinoyclasico8932]

Thank you Pres.Duterte

[@javeregaspi8769]

this news forgot to mention that together with the 6 month rehabilitation was the revoking of the license of Filipino owned businesses and replacing it with chinese owned businesses.

[@hadjijalotjot7439]

Went there last June...while the beach is stil very very great....it is just too crowded now for me...plus my experience in the island hopping isnt that good...very inefficient for a tourist spot earning hundreds of millions if not billions

[@cool82yuan]

The interview former President of Tourism in Boracay was not true to her statement. NEVER have we avoided the water back then. I've been to Boracay more than 40 times in the last 15 years and we love the sea, even before. We love it even more now.

[@bobafett5757]

*Will OBS be holidaying here ?*

[@ntabile]

Cannot! Restricted already lah!

[@smallestkitchen2386]

Siargao is now the new boracay

[@juderuiz1445]

I hope their will be more visitors from the COUNTRY of Taiwan.

[@Nowseemypoint]

Make the island rest for at least one month annually to rejuvenate

[@eyeseeyu]

President Duterte leadership is ACTION AND FAST. compared to his successor Bongbong Marcos

[@paul5475]

I didnt recognize Boracay anymore. Its way better than before

[@paulyoutobe9742]

need to increase the capacity. 6k is way too low. cap it to 10k.

[@marclor09]

whats the name of the reporter?

[@ntabile]

I missed Boracay. I'm amazed visiting the place last March with my family.

[@judesantillan]

i shared twice

[@HKspurs10]

i wonder if they can spread the tourists over to the main Panay island. I heard they are building a bridge

[@adolphdelatorre3102]

Most of the foreign tourist in the Philippines are South Koreans

[@marjunmarcelocristobal2678]

Philippines..❤❤❤❤

[@armadox9773]

And those thousands of tourist are alarming again

[@jamesgilbert2181]

its ok but once youve been there once its hard to go back its just a high price tourist trap

[@krakenwindzstorm961]

Wish they tidy up the wires too like in BGC. Its one of the main problem of this country. Interloping of cables and wires is not only aweful to look at but also a fire hazard. Also the trash bins should be constantly cleaned up specially if its full. Pretty sure LGU can cope with that or they just too lazy to do that and cutting corners to fill their pockets.

[@batasgamer8511]

I've been hearing news that foreigners are taking the businesses of the locals in boracay. I wonder how true is that.

[@jarrodyuki7081]

top 7 rules in every nation and top 3 rules for life..

[@TheBlueskyson]

Yes, i wonder if the infrastructure can handle thousands of people a day. What's the waste management and recycling plan?