One of the top reasons for visiting Boracay is to enjoy the island’s famous white sand and clear waters in White Beach. However, Boracay’s popularity may often lead to huge crowds, especially during peak season. This may not pose an issue for travelers who want to be part of that energy. However, those who prefer a little more peace and quiet may not be able to enjoy White Beach as much. Fortunately, Boracay is more than just White Beach.

If you’re looking for experiences in Boracay that offer a more relaxing getaway while giving you a taste of local life, then this list is for you. Get away from the crowds in Boracay by adding any of these five hidden spots and activities around Boracay:

1. Diniwid Beach

Looking for a place to relax and enjoy a nice, clear sunset without being swarmed by people? If so, Diniwid Beach is your answer. Located just a few minutes past Station 1 and easily accessible by tricycle, Diniwid Beach is home to a white sand and picturesque sunsets reminiscent of a renaissance painting. The serene setting Diniwid Beach offers is perfect for families who want to take their time sunbathing and snorkeling.

2. Ilig-Iligan Beach

Far away from the party-centric crowd of White Beach, Ilig-Iligan Beach is the perfect place to go if you want to experience Boracay before it became the huge tourist attraction it is today. Visitors often claim that Ilig-Iligan Beach reminds them of Boracay in the late 90s and early 2000s. If you want to enjoy a day here, make sure you pack your bag with everything you need as Ilig-Iligan doesn’t have any establishments or hotels. Ilig-Iligan Beach is easily accessible via tricycle.

3. Tambisaan Beach

If you like the idea of having a “private beach” during your stay in Boracay, make sure to check out Tambisaan Beach. Located in Barangay Manoc-Manoc, Tambisaan Beach is often overlooked in favor of the island’s more popular beaches. However, that doesn’t stop Tambisawaan from being one of the most Instagrammable beaches in all of Boracay. The 500-meter beach is lined with coconut trees, providing ample cover from the summer sun and the waters are teeming with life. This makes Tambisaan Beach a fantastic place for snorkeling and diving.

4. Nabaoy River

If you’re looking for some unique things to do in Boracay and you’re willing to spend some time back in Caticlan, a day trip to Nabaoy River should be on your to-do list. Just thirty minutes away from Caticlan Port, Nabaoy is a tranquil river that boasts the cleanest water on the entire island. Here, guests can rent tire tubes and lazily float down the river. The site also offers kawa bathing, a relaxing medicinal bath in a massive cauldron. If you get hungry during your stay, make sure you sample fresh, native cuisine in any of the nipa huts in the area.

5. Hinugtan Beach

Looking for an experience near Boracay that takes you back in time? Hinugtan Beach is the perfect place to go. Another attraction in Caticlan, Hinugtan Beach is a private beach that has retained most of its natural beauty and easily rivals that pristine beaches of Boracay. There is a small entrance fee of Php 500, but this is inclusive of renting out a beachfront cottage. Inside Hinugtan, one can experience a true Boracay island experience, minus the copious amounts of tourists.

Boracay is a destination that offers more than its famous White Beach. By seeking out these new and unique experiences, you will be able to gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s natural beauty. So why settle for a typical beach vacation when you can create a one-of-a-kind travel experience in Boracay? Start planning your adventure today and discover all this amazing island has to offer.