Caticlan
Boracay's mainland gate — arrive, cross, go · Aklan
Photo: Iloilo Wanderer / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Caticlan is the small jetty town in Malay, Aklan where every Boracay trip begins and ends. Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH) sits minutes from the boat terminal, making it the fastest gateway to White Beach. Most travelers are across the water in under an hour of landing — but knowing the drill in advance saves stress and money.
Things to do in Caticlan
Caticlan Jetty Terminal
Pay your PHP 100 terminal fee, PHP 75 environmental fee, and PHP 100 boat fare at the separate counters before boarding — buy them in order, the staff will direct you. Ignore anyone who offers to "process" these for you.
Banca Ferry to Boracay
The 15-minute public ferry runs roughly every 30 minutes from 5 AM to 10 PM. Boats leave from Jetty Port 1 to Cagban (south Boracay) or Jetty Port 2 to Boat Station 1 (central). Cagban is faster for most hotels.
Avoid the Touts
Uniformed official staff handle all fees and boarding. Any civilian offering to "help" with your bags, tickets, or "fast lane" access is angling for a tip or commission — politely decline and follow the signs.
Caticlan Overnight Stay
If you have an early morning flight out, staying in Caticlan saves the morning ferry rush. Several guesthouses cluster near the airport and jetty — Villa Caticlan and Ating Bahay Caticlan are reliable mid-range picks.
Malay Town Proper
A 10-minute tricycle ride from the jetty, Malay's main street has local turo-turo canteens, a public market, and a wet market open from 5 AM. Lechon, fresh seafood, and sinuglaw are worth a stop.
Return Departure
The last banca from Boracay to Caticlan departs around 9–10 PM. For early morning flights, book the first boat (5 AM) and allow 30 minutes for the terminal process — MPH check-in closes 45 minutes before departure.
Photos of Caticlan
A visual taste of Caticlan before you go.
Photos: Tuderna (CC BY 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons · Mozhar (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
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🗓️ Best time to visit Caticlan
Caticlan itself is a pass-through year-round, but November to May is easiest for the ferry crossing — seas are calm and the 15-minute banca ride is smooth. June to October brings rougher Habagat winds; crossings still run but expect spray.
✈️ How to get to Caticlan
Fly direct into MPH (Caticlan) from Manila on Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, or AirAsia — the 1-hour flight lands you 10 minutes from the jetty. From Kalibo (KLO) take a shared van or bus to Caticlan Jetty Port — the trip takes 1.5 to 2 hours and costs around PHP 200.
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Frequently asked questions — Caticlan
Is Caticlan airport better than Kalibo for Boracay?
Yes, if price is secondary. MPH puts you at the jetty in under 10 minutes and the total door-to-beach time is roughly 1 hour. Kalibo is 1.5–2 hours longer by van but flights are often cheaper, especially international charters and budget carriers.
Can I book the banca ferry in advance?
No — the public ferry is walk-up only. Pay at the terminal counters on arrival. If you see anyone selling "pre-booked" banca tickets outside the terminal building, they are not official.
How much does the full crossing cost from the jetty?
Budget PHP 275 one way: PHP 100 terminal fee + PHP 75 environmental fee + PHP 100 boat fare. Fees can change; check posted signage at the terminal for current rates.
Are there ATMs in Caticlan?
There are two ATMs near the jetty terminal — a BDO and a Landbank. They work reliably but run out of cash on peak weekends. Withdraw in Kalibo or before you fly if you need a larger amount.
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First time in Caticlan?
Quick essentials so you can hit the ground running.
Most nationalities get 30 days on arrival; extend at the Boracay BI office for another 29 days (PHP 3,030).
PHP is the only currency accepted in Caticlan — bring small bills for terminal fees and tricycles.
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Aklan; buy bottled water from the 7-Eleven near the terminal.
Use the BDO or Landbank ATM near the jetty; GCash and Maya are accepted at most Caticlan guesthouses.
Stay inside the terminal building while waiting for your boat — touts around the exterior can be persistent, especially after dark.
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