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Finding a vacation spot that ticks all the boxes for a family of four is no easy feat. You need a place to stay that is clean, comfortable, and centrally located, paired with an itinerary that balances island exploration with direct access to incredible food.



2 years ago, we celebrated Yuan's first birthday and wrapped up a beautiful 4-day staycation on Boracay Island. From our smooth DIY commute and our hidden gem of a hotel to a day-by-day food diary that took us from comforting local fast food to a romantic beachfront violin serenade, here is the complete look at our ultimate Boracay family experience.


DIY Caticlan Transfer

While our hotel, Altabriza Resort, actually offers a free transfer service from the Caticlan Jetty Port, we decided to handle the journey ourselves via the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) route to keep our schedule fully flexible. 


If you are traveling as a family, skipping the pricey 2,000 PHP per person hotel airport packages is a massive money-saver—and honestly, the DIY process is incredibly straightforward.


Our Step-by-Step DIY Route


Airport to Jetty Port: Right outside the Caticlan Airport arrival gates, we skipped the expensive van packages and hopped straight into a tricycle headed for the Caticlan Jetty Port. The ride takes less than 10 minutes.

The Port Process: Once at the port, you enter the tourist line to verify your documents (make sure to have a printed or digital copy of your accredited hotel voucher and your valid IDs ready).

Paying the Fees: You then pay your entry fees. We settled the standard Terminal Fee (150 PHP), the Environmental Fee (150 PHP for local tourists), and grabbed our Boat Tickets (around 50 PHP).

Crossing to the Island: We filled out the boat manifest, hopped onto the ferry, and enjoyed a breezy 10-to-15-minute boat ride across the water to Boracay’s Cagban Port.

Port to Hotel: Once we landed on the island, we chartered a private e-tricycle directly to our hotel. It’s a seamless way to travel, and doing it DIY instantly saved us thousands of pesos that went straight into our food budget instead!

Watch this vlog to know more:


Altabriza Resort Boracay

Choosing the right base camp can make or break an island vacation. For this trip, we checked into Altabriza Resort Boracay, located right along the Main Road in Balabag, near Station 2.


The Price and Value

At Altabriza, we secured a spacious setup with two large beds (perfect for 4 pax) for around 5,000 PHP per night. For a clean, modern resort right in the center of the action, this price point is an absolute steal.


Our Room Highlight: The Private Dip Pool

The absolute showstopper of our room was the private dip pool right outside our door. Whenever we wanted a quiet break from the beach crowds or a quick, private wash-off after swimming in the ocean, we could just step into our own little pool.


Combined with pristine, reliable daily housekeeping that provided absolutely everything we needed, the room felt like a luxurious sanctuary.

RELATED: Finding the Best White Beach Boracay Station for You!



An Unbeatable Central Location

Altabriza sits perfectly in the heart of the island’s conveniences:

White Beach (Station 2): A flat, very manageable 10 to 15-minute walk brings you right to the legendary shoreline.

D’Mall & Balabag Lake: You are just steps away from the island's primary hub for shopping, changing currency, and finding a Jollibee.

Bulabog Beach: If you want to check out the island's windsurfing side or catch an early sunrise, it’s a straightforward 20-minute walk in the opposite direction.

Island Travel: Because it is on the main highway, you can step out and flag down an e-tricycle to effortlessly whisk you away to Station 1 or anywhere else on the island.

RELATED: What to See in Station Zero (Boracay's Exclusive Luxury Zone)


4-Day Food Diary

You can't have an unforgettable island vacation without talking about the food. Here is exactly how we ate our way through Boracay, day by day.


Our Morning Anchor: Tangerine Restaurant

Every single full day started at Tangerine Restaurant, Altabriza’s in-house buffet located on the 2nd floor right by the main pool area. The free breakfast buffet featured a rotating spread of classic Filipino breakfast favorites (perfect garlic rice and savory meats), a live egg station, fresh fruits, and pastries.


It gave us the energy we needed for long beach days without draining our wallets first thing in the morning.


Day 1: Comfort Food & Local Hidden Gems


Lunch: After the journey to the island, we kept it classic and incredibly convenient. We walked right over to the Jollibee located directly in front of Altabriza Resort for a quick round of Chickenjoy and sweet spaghetti.


Dinner: For our first night, we wanted an authentic, budget-friendly local spot. We headed to Jasper's Tapsilog And Restaurant. It’s a legendary island staple for affordable, delicious Filipino comfort food.

Midnight Snacks: Being night owls, we wrapped up Day 1 by grabbing snacks and drinks from the groceries and the Watsons right next door to our resort.


Day 2: From the Highway to a D'Mall Fiesta


Lunch: Following a long morning of swimming, we stopped by the McDonald's along the main highway for a fast, familiar meal to refuel.


Afternoon Grazing: We dedicated our afternoon to exploring D’Mall, stopping at various small food stalls for quick bites and refreshing drinks while browsing the shops.

Dinner: Hidden within the bustling energy of D'Mall, we found Ole Boracay. Craving a big, satisfying dinner, we ordered a feast of Spanish paella, juicy beef steak, and pizza. It’s an excellent, lively spot for a hearty family meal.


Day 3: Station 1 Walks, Sunset Snacks, and a Magical Finale


Morning: We started our third day with a scenic, slow walk up to the powder-soft sands of Station 1, stopping by a beach stall for some ice-cold fresh fruit juice before relaxing at the beachfront Starbucks near Station 2.

Sunset: For the main event of the afternoon—the iconic Boracay sunset—we grabbed a front-row seat near Station 1. We ordered snacks and drinks from The Sunny Side Cafe, watching the sky shift into brilliant hues of purple and gold.


The Highlight of Our Trip: Dinner at Smooth Cafe Boracay

For our final dinner on the island, we discovered an incredibly cozy beachfront spot called Smooth Cafe Boracay, and it instantly became our favorite experience of the entire vacation.


Smooth Cafe bridges the gap between elegant casual dining and footprint-in-the-sand island culture. Specializing in authentic Italian cuisine, we spent the evening enjoying:

Perfect, comforting plates of savory, al dente Italian pasta.

Crisp, beautifully mixed Margarita drinks.


What took the night from great to unforgettable was the atmosphere. As the beach breeze picked up, a live violinist began performing right on the shore, serenading diners with smooth, romantic melodies under the stars. It was soulful, intimate, and the ultimate way to celebrate our last night on the island.



Day 4: One Last Feast

We officially wrapped up our dream family getaway where it all began: enjoying one final morning together at the Tangerine Restaurant breakfast buffet, soaking in the last bit of resort life before heading home.

Boracay is a world-class destination, but the secret to enjoying it to the fullest as a family is finding the right balance. By pairing the affordable, clean comfort of a highway-accessible gem like Altabriza Resort (and handling the transit yourself via DIY) with a mix of quick comfort eats and unforgettable beachfront experiences like Smooth Cafe, we managed to create a vacation that was stress-free, budget-conscious, and deeply memorable.



BORACAY TRAVEL GUIDE: 4-Day Itinerary for Station 2 Accommodation Near D'Mall


Our 4-day Boracay getaway was filled with incredible moments, but if you ask me which single experience took the crown, it wasn't the famous White Beach sunset or the hotel luxury. It was a cozy, unassuming beachfront spot we stumbled upon on our third night: Smooth Cafe Boracay.

If you're tired of crowded, chaotic party spots and want a dining experience that feels genuinely soulful and relaxing, let me tell you why this place became the absolute highlight of our trip.



The Vibe: Cozy Beachfront Elegance

Located beautifully right on the sand, Smooth Cafe manages to hit that elusive sweet spot—it's laid-back enough for the beach but carries a sophisticated, inviting charm.


We arrived just as the evening breeze was picking up. The warm lighting, comfortable seating, and the sound of waves breaking just meters away immediately set a relaxed tone.


It felt like stepping out of the bustling island traffic and into a private sanctuary.

Check out our Boracay Food Trip, too!


The Food: A Taste of Italy on the Shore

While the cafe boasts premium 100% Arabica coffees and artisanal treats by day, their evening menu shines with authentic Italian specialties.


We were craving comfort food, so we decided to lean heavily into their Italian offerings. We ordered:

  • Rich, Savory Pasta: Plated beautifully, cooked perfectly al dente, and packed with traditional Italian flavors.

  • Classic Margaritas: Crisp, refreshing, and the ultimate beachside cocktail accompaniment to the meal.



Every bite felt carefully prepared with fresh ingredients. It turns out that pairing a hearty plate of Italian pasta with a chilled drink while your toes are practically in the sand is the exact recipe for vacation bliss.

RELATED: Finding the Best White Beach Boracay Station for You!



The Highlight: A Live Violin Performance

What transformed an already great dinner into an unforgettable, core family memory was the entertainment. That night, Smooth Cafe featured a live violinist.


As we ate, the musician serenaded the beach with smooth, soulful, and classical melodies. The combination of the violin strings, the crashing ocean waves, and the beach breeze created an incredibly romantic atmosphere. It was one of those rare travel moments where everything aligns perfectly, and you just have to pause and take it all in.

RELATED: What to See in Station Zero (Boracay's Exclusive Luxury Zone)


Smooth Cafe Boracay


Operating Hours: Open daily from 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight). It’s perfect whether you want an early morning Spanish Latte or a late-night beachfront cocktail.

Location: Casa Pilar Beach Resort, Station 3 Beachfront, Boracay Island.


Menu








The Verdict

Smooth Cafe Boracay is a gem. It bridges the gap between premium Italian dining and casual, footprint-in-the-sand island culture. Whether you’re on a romantic date or just looking for a peaceful, melody-filled dinner with the family, make sure to save an evening for this spot. It completely stole the show for us!



SMOOTH CAFE: Romantic Beachfront Find in Boracay


Let’s be honest: as much as Boracay is about the powdery white sand and stunning sunsets, a huge part of the vacation is the food. During our recent 4-day family staycation, we embarked on a mini culinary tour around the island. From classic comfort food to beachfront dining and cozy romantic cafes, we tried a bit of everything.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to eat near Station 2 and beyond, here is our day-by-day Boracay food diary!



Our Daily Anchor: Breakfast Buffet at Tangerine Restaurant

Before diving into our daily eats, I have to give a shoutout to our morning fuel station. Since we stayed at Altabriza Resort, our package included a free daily breakfast buffet at Tangerine Restaurant on the 2nd floor.


It was the perfect, hassle-free way to start our mornings. They served a rotating selection of classic Filipino breakfast staples (think savory meats and garlic rice), an egg station, fresh fruits, and pastries. We actually ended our entire vacation here on Day 4, filling up one last time before heading home.



Day 1: Comfort Food and Budget-Friendly Local Eats


Lunch: Jollibee (Convenience is King)

After traveling to the island, we wanted something quick, familiar, and satisfying. Luckily, there is a Jollibee located right in front of Altabriza Resort along the Main Road. You can never go wrong with Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti to officially kick off an island vacation!


Jollibee Boracay (998th Store)

Dinner: Jasper's Tapsilog and Restaurant

For dinner, we wanted to keep it casual and budget-friendly, so we headed to Jasper’s Tapsilog. It’s a well-known local spot on the island for affordable, delicious Filipino comfort food. If you are looking to escape beachfront prices for a night, their silog meals and local dishes are a must-try.

Jasper Tapsilog Boracay

Midnight Snacks: Quick Grocery Run

Since we are night owls, we grabbed some midnight snacks from the groceries nearby. There is also a Watsons right next to Altabriza, which was super convenient for grabbing drinks, chips, and extra toiletries.



Day 2: Highway Fast Food to a Mexican Fiesta at D'Mall


Late Lunch: McDonald's

We spent our second morning swimming, so by lunchtime, we needed something fast. We stopped by the McDonald's located along the highway for a quick burger and fries fix before heading out to explore.

McDonald's Boracay

Afternoon: Snacks at D'Mall

We spent the afternoon walking around D’Mall, the central hub of Station 2. The area is packed with little food stalls, so we spent a couple of hours just grazing on random snacks—from refreshing coolers to quick bites—while window shopping.


Dinner: Ole Boracay

For dinner, we stumbled upon Ole Boracay inside D'Mall. They specialize in Spanish and Mexican cuisine. We wanted a big, hearty meal, so we ordered a mix of everything: a juicy beef steak, pizza, and a classic Spanish paella. The portions were generous, and it was a great, vibrant spot for a family dinner.



Day 3: Cafes, Sunsets, and Our Absolute Favorite Meal


Morning: Fresh Juice & Starbucks Beachfront

On our third day, we took a long, scenic walk toward the premium shores of Station 1. Along the way, we beat the heat by grabbing fresh fruit juice from a local beach stall. We eventually made our way back to the Starbucks beachfront at Station 2 to grab some iced coffee and enjoy the view from their second floor.

Starbucks Boracay

Sunset: The Sunny Side Cafe

You can't visit Boracay without properly watching the sunset. We secured a spot near Station 1 and ordered some snacks and drinks from The Sunny Side Cafe. Watching the sky turn vibrant shades of orange and purple with a cold drink in hand was pure bliss.

Sunny Side Cafe Beachfront Boracay

Dinner: Smooth Cafe Boracay (The Highlight of Our Trip!)

For our final dinner, we discovered a cozy beachfront spot called Smooth Cafe Boracay, and it easily became our favorite experience of the entire vacation.

Smooth Cafe Boracay

We ordered plates of comforting pasta and paired them with refreshing Margarita drinks. But what truly made the night unforgettable was the ambiance—they had a live violinist performing right there on the beach.


It was incredibly romantic, soulful, and the perfect way to wrap up our last night on the island.

RELATED: The Ultimate 4-Day Boracay Travel Guide For Family With Kids



Final Thoughts on Boracay Dining

What I love about eating in Boracay is the sheer variety. In just four days, we balanced affordable local carinderia-style food and fast-food convenience with upscale beachfront dining.

If you only have time for one special dinner on your next trip, do yourself a favor and look for Smooth Cafe Boracay—the music, the food, and the beach breeze are worth every single peso.



BORACAY FOOD TRIP: Everything We Ate on Our 4-Day Island Getaway


Walking from the lush lawns of Burnham Park up to the rooftop terraces of SM City Baguio is one of the most classic inner-city treks you can do. But make no mistake: while it looks short on a map, this walk introduces your legs to Baguio’s defining characteristic—its steep, rolling hills.

Here is your complete guide to conquering the uphill walk from Burnham Park to SM City Baguio.



What to Expect

Because Baguio is built on mountains, a flat 1-kilometer walk in Manila is vastly different from a 1-kilometer walk here.

How Far: Approximately 1.1 to 1.3 kilometers (depending on whether you start from the Burnham Lake lagoon or the Harrison Road edge).

How Long: 15 to 25 minutes. It takes longer than a standard flat walk because the final half of the route is entirely uphill.

How Many Steps: Roughly 1,500 to 2,000 steps.



Step-by-Step Walking Route

The most scenic, foot-friendly, and straightforward way to do this trek is by using Session Road as your main pathway.


The Start (Burnham Park): Exit the park on the eastern side near the Melvin Jones Grandstand or Harrison Road.


The Transition: Cross the road toward Lower Session Road (near the Maharlika Livelihood Center / Baguio Public Market area).

The Climb (Session Road): Walk straight up Session Road. This is a gradual but continuous incline. Enjoy the storefronts, the cool breeze, and the historic mid-century buildings to distract yourself from the elevation change.



The Final Stretch: Once you reach the very top of Session Road (the Post Office Loop/roundabout), follow the pedestrian sidewalk heading toward Governor Pack Road or the Baguio Cathedral steps.

The Arrival: Cross safely using the pedestrian lanes leading up the final steep ridge of Luneta Hill, which brings you directly into the lower or main entrance of SM City Baguio.


SM City Baguio in 2012

Great Things to Do Nearby (Along the Route)

Instead of just racing to the mall, treat this walk as an open-air itinerary. You will pass or be within a 2-minute detour of these iconic spots:


Baguio Public Market & Maharlika Center: Located right where you transition from Burnham to Session Road. Stop here if you want to buy fresh strawberries, native Sagada coffee beans, or affordable souvenirs.

Baguio Cathedral (Our Lady of the Atonement): Right at the top of Session Road. Climb the 100+ stone steps to view the beautiful rose-colored structure and take a quiet breather.

Baguio Cathedral in 2012

Session Road Cafes & Thrift Shops: Drop by institutional spots like Luisa’s Cafe for a quick siopao or hunt through multi-level ukay-ukay buildings along the side streets.

The Sky Terrace (SM Baguio): Once you reach the mall, head straight to the open-air roof deck. It offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the city's pine trees and rolling mountain ridges.


The Verdict: Is It Worth Every Step?


Yes, absolutely.

If you are reasonably healthy, skip the taxi or jeepney and walk it. Here is why it's worth every single step:



The True Baguio Experience: You haven't truly experienced Baguio until you’ve tested your calves on its inclines. Walking is how locals navigate the downtown core, and it lets you feel the drop in temperature as the mountain wind funnels through the streets.

You Defeat the Traffic: Central Baguio traffic around Session Road and Governor Pack Road can get notoriously bottlenecked. Quite often, walking uphill is actually faster than sitting in a idling taxi trying to navigate the roundabouts.

Earn Your Calories: Baguio is a culinary heavy city full of rich hot chocolates, strawberry shortcakes, and sizzling plates. Treating the walk to SM Baguio as a mini-workout is the perfect way to justify your next food stop!

Local Tip: If your knees or lungs start complaining halfway up Session Road, don't force it. Grab a quick brewed mountain coffee at a local coffee shop, rest for five minutes, and then continue your march up the hill!

Session Road in 2012

HOTELS NEAR SESSION ROAD


You may also check the full list of hotels and lodging in Baguio. You can also look for an affordable Airbnb in the city. Get up to P3,100 FREE credits on your first booking.

You may also check Top10 hotels in Baguio on our separate blog.

Read my COMPLETE BAGUIO TRAVEL GUIDE to know more about Baguio City.


ALSO READ:

IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please message us on Facebook.

WHERE TO STAY IN BAGUIO:


Walking from Burnham Park to SM City Baguio (Is It Worth It?)


Finding the perfect family-friendly accommodation in Boracay can be a bit of a puzzle. You want something budget-friendly but comfortable, close to the action but quiet enough for a good night's sleep. During our recent 4-day tropical getaway, we stayed at Altabriza Resort Boracay, and it hit every single requirement on our checklist.

If you are planning a family trip to the island and want a modern, clean, and highly accessible place to stay, here is my honest personal review of our experience.



AltaBriza Resort Boracay

Traveling as a family of four usually means booking multiple rooms or paying premium prices for a suite. At Altabriza Resort, we managed to book a spacious room equipped with two large beds—perfect for 4 pax—for around PHP 5,000 per night.


Considering the quality of the room, the amenities, and the fact that it included a free daily breakfast buffet, this price point is an absolute steal for Boracay standards.



Our Room Highlight: The Ultimate Private Dip Pool

The biggest surprise—and the absolute highlight of our stay—was our room setup. Our room actually featured its very own private dip pool right outside!


Whenever we wanted to wash off the saltwater from the beach or just unwind in privacy without heading to the main pool deck, we could just step out and enjoy a relaxing soak. It was a massive hit with the family and added a luxurious, exclusive vibe to our staycation.


Must also try is their rooftop infinity pool where you can get great views of Boracay's shores.


The room itself was kept pristine throughout our 4-day stay, thanks to their excellent daily housekeeping service. From extra towels to daily essentials, the staff provided us with almost everything we needed without us having to constantly ask.




Dining at Tangerine Restaurant

Every morning of our stay started at Tangerine Restaurant, Altabriza’s in-house dining spot located on the 2nd floor. It’s conveniently situated right near the main pool area, giving it a bright, breezy ambiance to start the day.


The complimentary breakfast buffet offered a great rotation of classic Filipino breakfast favorites, eggs, fresh fruits, and pastries. Fueling up here before heading out saved us a lot of time and money, making our mornings completely stress-free.


The Location: Right in the Middle of It All

Altabriza Resort is located right along the Main Road in Balabag, positioning it almost perfectly near the center of the island.


Proximity to Key Spots


Station 2 White Beach: It’s a very manageable, flat 10 to 15-minute walk down to the famous beachfront.

D’Mall & Jollibee: Since it's located in Balabag, you are just a short walk away from D’Mall for shopping, currency exchange, and endless restaurant options.

Balabag Lake: Located just around the corner, making navigation super simple.

Bulabog Beach: If you love water sports or want to catch the sunrise, it’s just a 20-minute walk in the opposite direction toward the eastern side of the island.

Book a Stay at Altabriza Resort Boracay!


Getting Around the Island

Because the resort sits directly on the main Boracay Highway, catching transport is incredibly easy. You can flag down an electric tricycle (e-trike) right outside the lobby to take you anywhere—whether you want to explore the powdery sands of Station 1, visit Puka Shell Beach, or travel further down south.


The Transport Dilemma: Resort Transfer vs. DIY

One great feature that Altabriza offers is a free transfer service from the Caticlan Jetty Port directly to the hotel.

While this is an amazing perk for families who want a seamless, hands-off travel experience, we actually opted for a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) route instead to keep our itinerary flexible. However, knowing that the resort provides this option for free gives peace of mind to anyone looking to skip the hassle of organizing their own boats and trikes upon arrival.




The Verdict: Would We Stay Here Again?

Without a doubt, yes. Altabriza Resort Boracay gave us the best of both worlds: a clean, modern, and hospitable sanctuary away from the noisy beachfront crowds, while still keeping us close enough to walk to the sand whenever we wanted.

Between the private dip pool, the delicious breakfast at Tangerine, and the central location, it is a fantastic mid-range option for families who want to maximize their budget without sacrificing comfort.

Watch the vlog here:






IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please message us on Facebook.

WHERE TO STAY IN BORACAY:

ALTABRIZA RESORT BORACAY: Review and Personal Experience (4 Days 3 Nights Stay)

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