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Voykit pocket guide · Philippines
Malay, Aklan
Malay
Malay is the mainland gateway to Boracay: spend 1–2 hours here to transfer, not a full day. Stay only if you miss the last boat.
Malay is a municipality in Aklan, best known for Caticlan, the jump-off point for Boracay. The town itself has a few sights and local eateries, but most travellers pass through in under two hours. Plan your trip around the ferry schedule, not the town.
- Country
- Philippines
- Local name
- Malay
- Best months
- Nov–May (dry season, best for Boracay transfer)
- Avoid
- Jun–Oct (typhoon season, ferry cancellations possible)
- Stay
- 0 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PHP
- Money
- Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
- Daily spend
- Budget ₱500–1,000 (just transfer costs) · Mid ₱1,500–3,000 (including a meal and tricycle) · High ₱3,000+ (hotel and dining) (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
- Emergency
- National emergency 911
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
- Toilets
- Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tricycle airport to jetty port | ₱50 per person |
| Ferry to Boracay (incl. terminal and environmental fees) | ₱150–200 |
| Simple meal (rice + viand) | ₱80–150 |
| Bottle of water (500 ml) | ₱20–30 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- MPH · Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (Caticlan)
- Small airport 10 min walk or ₱50 tricycle to Caticlan Jetty Port. Flights from Manila and Cebu.
Typical fares
- Tricycle airport to jetty
- ₱50 per person
- Ferry to Boracay
- ₱150–200 (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Tricycles (₱50 per person from airport to jetty) and walking. The town is compact.
See and do
Known for
- Caticlan Jetty Port – gateway to Boracay
- Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH)
- Tabon Port
- Local seafood and eateries
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Boracay | Ferry from Caticlan Jetty Port, about 10–15 min crossing | About 30 min from airport to Boracay beach |
| Kalibo | Van or bus, about 1.5–2 h | About 2 h |
| Buruanga | Tricycle or jeepney, about 30 min | About 45 min |
Sleep
- Caticlan
- Near the jetty port; budget inns and a few mid-range hotels. Best for early morning ferries.
- Tabon
- Quieter area near Tabon Port; fewer options, mostly lodges.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| How much? | Magkano?mag-KA-no |
| Thank you | Salamatsa-LA-mat |
| Where is the port? | Saan ang pantalan?sa-AN ang pan-ta-LAN |
| I need a tricycle | Kailangan ko ng traysikelkai-LA-ngan ko ng trai-SI-kel |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
- Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
- Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
- Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
- Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass
Scams and watch-outs
- Last ferry to Boracay departs around 17:00–18:00 (check seasonal schedule).
- Typhoons can cancel all ferries; have a backup plan.
- Tricycle drivers may quote higher prices for tourists – agree on fare before boarding.
- Airport is small; arrive 1 hour before domestic flights.
Malay is generally safe, but watch for overcharging by tricycle drivers and petty theft at the port. Typhoon season (Jun–Oct) can disrupt travel.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Malay, Aklan yet. Suggested stay: 0 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Caticlan Jetty Port – gateway to Boracay
- Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH)
- Tabon Port
- Local seafood and eateries
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Malay (Aklan), revision 5336671 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5336671
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Malay, AklanMalay
Sa Caticlan Jetty Port, please
To Caticlan Jetty Port, please
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
- National emergency911
Aklanons speak Aklanon and Filipino; English is widely understood.
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/malay-aklan). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.