Safety Information
Health risks: Boracay is relatively safe, requiring no vaccinations and the tides at most beaches are safe enough even for children. Malaria and Dengue fever are both an issue in the Philippines but Boracay is usually a low risk area. However, drinking the tap water is NOT recommended, sunscreen virtually essential and repellent against mosquitoes and annoying sand flies is worth considering. The most likely way to get seriously hurt here for most tourists is to fall off of a motorbike while drunk - so don’t drink and drive!
Security: Pickpockets and thievery are not prevalent in Boracay but common sense still applies: make use of hotel safes and think that the free drink offered by an overly friendly stranger could be drugged.
Filipinos can be very emotional and hold a grudge when they feel wronged or insulted, so avoid misunderstandings by clearly negotiating prices for services beforehand and keep friendly.
Police: at Bulabog Beach, provides 24-hour emergency telephone hotline:166, 288-3066, Warning: although the island has a strong party culture, the cops are said to have zero tolerance for drugs. Coast Guard: tel.; 288-6150
Medical services: 24-hour basic services at: Boracay Emergency Hospital, Main Road at the center of the island, tel.: 141 or 288-3689; Metropolitan Doctors Medical Clinics, Balabag Plaza, tel. 288-6638, and at Plaza Main Road near Talipapa, tel. 288-6357. There are also a couple of good pharmacies where in contrast to Europe, many medications can be purchased without a prescription.
