Friday, September 8, 2017

Gay Boracay

This website used to be for Rainbow Rooms, who specialized in providing gay friendly accommodation in Boracay. That was 7 years ago. Now in 2017 times have changed and the Filipino people are generally more welcoming to the LGBT community.

Nowadays there are a few hangouts where gay and other LGBT people gather more, but on the whole the island of Boracay is extremely gay friendly and you will almost never have any problems.





Gays are welcome
Transwomen are advised to dress a little more conservatively when going to bars at night. This is because there are some transpinay transwomen who have a bad reputation as "ladies of the night" on the island. A small minority of locals have got in trouble with unsuspecting tourists and there have been a few cases escalating into heated exchanges. We don't want to preach, but maybe play it safe on the first night out, especially if going to one of the more popular Boracay bars.

Most Gay Friendly Bar in Boracay


The most friendly bar in Boracay has always been Juice Bar. It is beachfront and always a lot of fun. It tends to get busy later, so don't be put off if you visit and it is empty.

Juice bar features some outrageous cocktails which are a lot of fun. The music is good and the crowd can get very rowdy, in a good way. It is our number 1 pick as the best Boracay gay bar. It also caters to everyone else, one and all are welcome at this relaxed hang out.

Gay Friendly Boracay Hotels

Boracy hotels range from backpacker friendly, usually in the south of White Beach in Station 3, or at the "back beach" Bulabog, where the kitesurfers can be seen kiteboarding. Even if not staying on Bulabog, you should visit to watch the often "hot" guys performing gravity defying jumps and tricks.

Then there is a wide selection of mid-range hotels which are generally based in the busiest part of the island- Station 2. By the way the "Station" names come from the old boat stops, which have now stopped. The port is at the south end of the island. A short ferry ride away from Caticlan airport. Or you can get a van to Kalibo airport.

On the northern strip of White Beach in Station 1 you will find some of the best 5 star Boracy hotels. Here the sand is even whiter than elsewhere. It is a beautiful powdery white sand and the beach is wider in parts of Station 1.

Continue walking north from Station 1 and you will meander around a trail which leads you to the amazing Diniwid Beach, where there are mid range and luxury hotels. We have lived on Diniwid beach and Station 3. Both ends of White Beach. These are quieter areas, for those who want less crowds and vendors.

We have not encountered any hotels on the island who are homophobic. The only things that still happens a little is transwomen are sometimes annoyingly referred to as "sir". However, this is changing and hotels are giving their staff orientation sessions so that they act appropriately and respectfully. It is more of a case of ignorance than staff trying to cause offense. If this happens please speak to a manager and file a formal complaint. It won't take long and it should help improve things in the future.
The sunset on Boracy is infamous and often spectacular

Before going out to a bar at night you have to go for a sunset sail, then cocktails on the beach

Take a small sailing boat, known locally as a paraw, along the shoreline of Boracay White Beach at sunset for the perfect romantic evening activity. Then the next evening drink a happy hour cocktail at one of the many beachfront bars and restaurants.

Sailing into the Boracay Sunset

Gay Hangouts on Boracay

The south end of White Beach used to have a reputation as a bit of a pickup place, close to the rocks. I have not been for a while so can't comment now. However, in the past, it always seemed fairly quiet there. You will probably be better off using an app or visiting the bars.

Other activities the LGBT community may enjoy on Boracay Island

  • Visit one of the many amazing spas on the island. These range from cheap massages on the beach, through to boutique style spas like Bella Isa, to 5 star luxury spas like Mandala Spa and Shangri-La, which has it's own beach on the north west tip.
  • A more private beach is Puka beach on the north coast of the island. You can also find other quiet beaches if you are prepared to explore. 
  • Just be aware of the seasons when choosing a beach: from June to October the East side of the island is calmer, during the rainy season. The rest of the time the west of Boracay is the place to be, on beautiful White Beach or Diniwid beach just to the north. 
  • Get your skimpiest sun bathing suit on or bikini and sunbathe on the beautiful white sand. Take a walk in the afternoon when the heat drops a little to check out the "action". 😉
So... what are you waiting for? Get booking your hotel and flight now for a fabulous holiday on Boracay 😍👭👬

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Gay Friendly Boracay Hotels, Bars and Beaches

gay friendly hotel roomsBoracay is the most popular vacation destination in the Philippines. Boracay is certainly a gay friendly place to visit. In December 2010 Rainbow Rooms became the first “official gay-friendly” Boracay hotel. Their plan was to keep it full so that it became a dedicated, gay Boracay hotel. Below are some of the better things to do and see whilst on the island:

 daytime activities in Boracay LGBT

Daytime in Boracay:

  • Enjoy the beautiful white sand and clear water
  • Take a scenic paraw (sailing boat) trip at sunset
  • Hire a buggy and drive to the highest point of the island and visit the small zoo
  • Jet ski, banana boat, parasailing, scuba diving and many more water sports
  • Take a boat trip around the island or to Ariel's Point for cliff diving
  • Pamper yourself in the brand new Bella Isa Spa
  • Play a round of golf on the island's excellent course

gay bar boracay nightlife

Nightime in Boracay:

  • Start with an exotic cocktail on the beach at sunset
  • Dine at one of the many beachfront restaurants serving every world cuisine
  • Take a disco nap before hitting the bars
  • Dance the night away in the bars (Juice Bar is popular with gay crowds)
gay hotel boracayBoracay residents are a friendly bunch and will be happy to give you advice on specific activities and restaurants. There are detailed maps available for free all over the island too. If you have any questions or tips about Boracay please comment below.

If you need specific advice just ask the staff, who will be happy to inform you of prices and various activities to suit your needs. There is lots to do on the island, many people end up staying longer than expected. It is very easy and cheap to extend by changing flights at a nearby travel agent.