Where to Stay in Boracay: Station 1 vs Station 2 vs Station 3

Itallo Olimpio
Dec 13, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Let me start by saying this: Boracay is tiny. Like, “you can walk from one end of White Beach to the other before your iced coffee gets warm” tiny. So don’t stress too much, wherever you stay, you’re gonna be fine. But yes, the three stations do have different vibes, and choosing the right one can make or break your trip. So let’s get into it.

Google Maps screenshot — From Google Maps

Station 1 — Chill, Quiet, “I Want Peace but on a Budget… Actually No, Not on a Budget”

Station 1 is the pretty girl of the island. Powder-sugar sand, wider beachfront, calmer water, and resorts that scream you’re paying for the view, baby.

If you want to relax, avoid loud crowds, and wake up to a beach that looks straight out of a Windows XP wallpaper, Station 1 is your spot. It’s quieter, cleaner, and has that “soft life” energy.

But: food options are limited and you’ll be walking more. Or you’ll be taking tricycles and pretending it’s “part of the experience.”

Best for: couples, honeymooners, tired adults, people escaping real life, anyone who likes quiet mornings and expensive smoothies.

Where to stay:

The Lind — luxury, beautiful pool, very “I’m doing well in life.”
Henann Crystal Sands — beachfront, amazing comfort, not cheap but worth it.
Astoria Boracay — pretty solid without destroying your bank account.
Happiness Hostel — my personal budget-friendly recommendation in the Station 1 area (or close to it). Chill vibe, social without being chaotic, cute design, great staff, and perfect if you want to stay in Station 1 without selling a kidney (not sponsored, but you can book them throught Booking.com using my link :)

Station 2 — The Chaos, The Action, The Noise, The Life

This is Boracay’s beating heart. Station 2 is where everything happens: bars, restaurants, shops, people yelling “MA`AM-SIR WATERSPORTS,” DJs playing at 2 PM for absolutely no reason, and crowds that magically triple after sunset.

If you like convenience and want to be right in the middle of everything, Station 2 is the move. You’ll walk out of your hotel and instantly have options: food, drinks, beach massage, souvenirs, sunset cruises… all of it.

But: It’s loud. It’s busy. If your soul gets tired easily, don’t do it.

Best for: groups of friends, solo travelers who want to meet people, party-goers, anyone who wants to walk 20 meters to find everything.

Where to stay and use Booking.com to make reservations:

Coast Boracay — stylish, fun, amazing service.
Henann Regency — big resort, multiple pools, classic Boracay vibe.
Azalea Hotels — great for groups, huge rooms, super central.

Station 3 — The Underrated Chill Zone

Station 3 used to be the “backpacker area,” but honestly it has evolved. It’s still cheaper than 1 and 2, but in a good way, calmer, more spacious, more relaxed. You’ll find cute cafés, beach bars, and quieter spots to watch the sunset.

If Station 1 is elegant and Station 2 is chaos, Station 3 is the middle child who just wants to relax with a mojito and mind their business.

Best for: solo travelers, long stays, digital nomads, backpackers who aren’t broke anymore but still appreciate a deal.

Where to stay:

Kaiyana Boracay — beachfront, peaceful, simple.
Surfside Resort & Spa — Japanese-owned, cozy, great food.
Mandala Spa & Resort Villas — very zen, very green, very “I’m healing.”

So… Which Station Should You Choose?

Want luxury and quiet? Station 1.
Want nightlife and action? Station 2.
Want affordability and chill vibes? Station 3.

Boracay is walkable, safe, and has tricycles everywhere, so you won’t get “stranded” in any station. Worst case scenario? You take a 10-minute walk and suddenly you’re in a totally different vibe eating mango sticky rice.

Life is good.