Bang for Your Buck at Boracay Paradise Island!

Bang for Your Buck at Boracay Paradise Island!

A short brown and white sundress gleamed through the storefront window. The price tag read: 450 Php! Just under $10 US for a garment that would easily cost $50 in North American malls. Strolling through the pedestrian-only outdoor shopping plaza, D-Mall, can easily take up a few hours.

With the sun blazing aloft, the breeze whistling through the palm trees, the sand softening every step, the outing made for the perfect day here on Boracay Island. Known for its 7 km white sand beaches, Boracay Island in the Philippines draw tourists from all over. Located right off of the commercial strip, D-Mall is surrounded by cool shops, vendors, and hip cafes pulsating with life.

A shop filled with a vast array of artwork stands at the corner, a designer clothing store just next door, and local vendors offering fine hand-made jewelry are spread throughout. Excitement and curiosity can easily overcome a shopper.  The sounds of laughter and conversation, along with the intoxicating aroma of exotic dessert dishes, permeates the atmosphere. With irresistible bargains ranging from high fashion clothing, wines, dessert cafes, shoes, arts and crafts, as well as souvenirs, tourists are sure to bring home bundles of gifts. $20 US in value (approximately 950 Php) can go very far in this market: pearl bracelets and ornaments can be found for 100 Php, and good quality souvenir T-shirts can go for 75 Php. 

​For those wanting art at reasonable prices, original oil paintings and artwork average $60 - $100 US. Although some stores have fixed prices that can't be negotiated, prices generally are very affordable. A good suggestion for bargain-hunters: walk around the entire mall first to ensure you get the best prices by comparing. When it comes to market shopping, don't be afraid to initiate the negotiation of the price. If the sales person does not agree, it doesn’t hurt to go next door and try there for the same product.  In most cases, if you are aggressive and persistent enough, you'll get the item at your price!

Sidebar:
The common route to get to Boracay, take a flight from Manila. There are a few airlines you can take. Most common, take Cebu Pacific or Philippines Airlines to either Kalibo or Caticlan airport. Flight is about an hour and costs on average 3000 Pesos (around 100 dollars). From Kalibo airport, you take a 2 hour drive to Caticlan Jetty Port where you will then take a 20 min motorized outrigger boat ride to Boracay. From Caticlan airport, it is a 5 min drive to Caticlan Jetty Port and a 20 min boat ride.