For some, Boracay can feel stuffy, overdeveloped, and so far away from nature.
But head up to the northernmost tip of the island, and you’ll find Puka Beach.
This place is unique because it’s probably the closest one to nature that you can find.
With the strong wind, big waves, and glorious sunsets, it’s worth visiting.
In this blog post, I’ll go over how Puka Beach is different from the other Boracay beaches, how to get there, then finish off by answering the big question:
Is Puka Beach worth visiting?
Let’s hop right in!
Looking for tips on traveling Boracay? Check out my travel guide here!
White Beach vs Puka Beach
The main difference between White Beach and Puka Beach is that White Beach is very developed, with hotels, restaurants, and all kinds of stores wherever you look. Meanwhile, the backdrop of Puka Beach is a lush forest with a steep cliff.
In Puka Beach, you won’t get your typical Boracay feel.
You won’t run into flocks of tourists, or hustlers always trying to get your attention.
Yes, there are a few establishments here and there. But you only need to walk a few meters away to feel alone with the sand, the waves, and the sun.
In Puka Beach, there are plenty of props in the sand that you can use for pictures (these are banned in White Beach).
There are several “PUKA” signs built from sticks too.
The sand in Puka isn’t as fine as the sand you find in White Beach. After all, the name “Puka” comes from the crushed shells that are found all over the beach.
You can still walk barefoot around (like me), but it’s slightly uncomfortable to do so 😂.
Finally, we were told that you can see flying foxes (a.k.a. big bats) in the forest during dusk, but we didn’t see any while we were there.
Puka Beach vs Other Boracay Beaches
How does Puka compare to other beaches in Boracay?
Well, here’s a quick summary:
White Beach – Main, touristy beach
Bulabog Beach – Windy beach for extreme sports (like kite surfing)
Ilig-Ilagan Beach – Windy, empty beach, perfect for quiet time
Puka Beach – Most “nature-y” beach, with a forest backdrop
How to Get to Puka Beach
Found on the northernmost tip of Boracay, roughly 6 kilometers away from White Beach, most people get to Puka Beach as part of either an island-hopping tour or a Boracay land tour. However, you can hail any tricycle and get there for around php100-150 ($2-3), or get a hop-on hop-off bus pass.
The hop-on hop-off bus passes cost php180 for 1 day, php280 for 2 days, and php390 for 3 days if you book on Klook. Check it out here.
These have unlimited rides, and it’s a great way to explore the entire Boracay without spending too much. They make stops on all points of interest in Boracay.
To get to Puka Beach, you’ll cross through the hilly, less-developed north side of Boracay.
The trip there is interesting because you’ll notice how the hotels and tourist establishments slowly but surely make way for simple homes and sari-sari stores.
When you’re close to Puka, you’ll begin to feel like you’re not in Boracay at all! Instead, it’ll feel just like any other barrio in the Philippines.
What To Do In Puka Beach
There are several things you can do in Puka Beach including:
- Chill and watch the sunset
- Take pictures with the props
- Kayak
- Play volleyball
Again, all you have to do is walk a little way from the entrance, and you’ll be all alone again.
That’s why I recommend coming here during sunset. You’ll get to enjoy the majestic Boracay sunset without the crowd.
Again, there are so many props you can play around with too.
There are stones stacked on top of one another, and there are the PUKA signs, some wrapped with flowering vines.
Then there are kayaks and paddleboards for rent. But I must warn you, the waves can get pretty big here, so you may want to be careful!
Finally, there’s a volleyball net close to the entrance.
It seems to be a local favorite, with lots of people playing when we arrived.
So if you want some fun, why don’t you join in?
Conclusion: Should You Visit Puka Beach?
I always say that even if you spend all your time in White Beach, you’re already getting the full Boracay experience.
However, if you want to see the other parts of the island, the parts where it feels a lot closer to what Boracay was before it became a tourist hotspot, then Puka is a great place to go!
Even though the photo props feel “touristy,” the lack of a crowd and the backdrop of nature separates it from the rest of Boracay.
Again, the sand isn’t as fine here, and the big waves make it less than ideal for swimming. That’s why White Beach is more popular.
But if you’re looking for something refreshing, Puka Beach is a must visit!
Want to learn more about Boracay and the spots you can visit? Check out my travel guide or my tourist spots blog posts!