When you think of white-sand beaches and the perfect seaside paradise, Boracay Island usually comes to mind. Rustic huts, fresh seafood, and beach parties at night–Boracay Island offers these and more activities and refreshing views for you to explore.

With Boracay being restored to its immaculate state and reopening to tourists this year, the island actually has other underrated attractions that you and your family and friends can explore after the pandemic lifts. Here are seven of Boracay Island’s hidden gems.

Baling Hai

This beach resort is tucked away in an area that is separated from the resorts of the iconic White Beach. While it may not seem like the premier hotel and beach resort destination, Baling Hai’s location is perfect for those who want more privacy. 

Baling Hai is the perfect place for you to read your favorite book, reconnect with yourself and nature, and disconnect from the chaos of the city and the beach parties of crowded resorts in Boracay. You can also enjoy parasailing, surfing, birdwatching, and admiring the hermit crabs pitter-pattering on the shore.

Bat Caves

Boracay isn’t only a place for swimming, island hopping, and wading through the crashing waves. The island also has bat caves if you want to take a look at where fruit bats sleep and breed. Likewise, trekking to the bat caves is also one way to get those leg muscles working and seeing Boracay Island from a whole new perspective.

The most famous bat cave is in the Ilig-Iligan Beach, which is at the east end of Boracay Batcave Beach Road. You can access this road via the Boracay Central Highway.

Dead or Sunken Forest

This “dead” forest was once a breeding ground for mangroves located at the tip of Bullabag Beach Resort in Malay, Aklan. However, a flooding incident caused by a dam breaking engulfed the entire mangrove thicket resulting in the “death” of the once mangrove-rich area. 

While the Dead or Sunken Forest is now a grove of rotten and eerie stumps, it remains a popular tourist destination for many. It provides a stark contrast to the bright azure waters, white-sand shores, and vibrant atmosphere of Boracay Island.

Puka Shell Beach

Located at the northern tip of Boracay Island, Puka Shell Beach is named after the puka shells that are abundant in the area. Puka Shell Beach is one of the less-crowded resorts on the island, so it is the sublime destination for you to have time for yourself. The waters of this beach resort are crystal clear although they are rougher and can be a challenge for novice swimmers.

The vast landscape of Puka Shell Beach is also perfect for panoramic shots and for updating your travel feed. You can even take a shot of the tropical-themed condos and hotels overlooking the whole of Puka Shell Beach.

Carabao Island

If you are looking for more privacy and fewer people, consider traveling to Carabao Island. This island resort is located to the north of Boracay Island and is deemed as its “quieter sister.” The tranquility of Carabao Island is the perfect escape from the more vibrant White Beach resorts. Enjoy swimming in the deep azure waters, island hopping, and watching the rising and setting of the sun.

Diniwid Beach

Another calmer alternative to the White Beach is Diniwid Beach. Because it is much smaller and tucked away at the eastern shores of Boracay Island, Diniwid Beach is not that popular, making it perfect for tourists who want to relax and avoid larger crowds. Enjoy boat-riding and drinking champagne by its white-sand shores.

Diniwid Beach is located along Diniwid Beach Road, a thoroughfare that meets the Boracay Central Highway, and neighbors other resort communities such as Punta Bunga Beach, Hagdan Beach, the Boracay Beach Golf and Country Club, and Alta Vista de Boracay. 

The Spider House

The Spider House is a treehouse-like restaurant and bar located in Diniwid Beach. It is, perhaps, the perfect beachfront accommodation and hang-out place for those who love watching the horizon. The resto-bar is also open to the public where you and your company can enjoy local dishes and cocktail mixes. The Spider House is also a cliff-diving point in Diniwid Beach for those who are looking for an adventure. 

Now that you know about these seven underrated yet premier destinations within Boracay Island, consider adding these destinations to your bucket list of places to explore after the COVID-19 pandemic has lifted.