Six Major Pitfalls of Traveling to Boracay, Hurry Up and Learn from My Mistakes!

As someone who was once fined for an electronic cigarette 🚬 by customs, I tearfully compiled these six major pitfalls. At best, you lose half a month’s salary; at worst, you get deported and have a record! Everyone, check this quickly and don’t make the same mistakes I did! 🚫 Taboo 1: Smoking on the beach? Instant sky-high fines! Smoking (including electronic cigarettes 🚬) is banned throughout Boracay Island, only designated yellow smoking areas are allowed!! If caught, fines range from ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 (about ¥256-640) plus community service. Suggestion: Look for yellow smoking booths (D'Mall, beside the main road). 🚫 Taboo 2: Flying drones illegally? Equipment will be confiscated! Flying drones without permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Fines up to ₱50,000 (about ¥6,400) plus equipment confiscation. Suggestion: Apply on the official website 7 days in advance ▶️ CAAP Drone Permit System If you don’t have an essential need to film, it’s better not to bring a drone. 🚫 Taboo 3: Damaging coral? Jail time awaits! Stepping on/touching coral, collecting shells—be especially careful when snorkeling! Severe cases may result in fines of ₱100,000-₱500,000 (about ¥13,000-64,000) plus 6-12 years imprisonment. Suggestion: Wear a life jacket while snorkeling to avoid sinking, and don’t buy coral souvenirs. 🚫 Taboo 4: Drinking alcohol in public? Painful fines! Drinking outside bars (such as on the beach or streets) Will be fined ₱2,000 plus 24-hour detention!! Suggestion: Alcohol is only allowed in bars/restaurants; buy alcohol from supermarkets and take it back to your hotel in a bag. 🚫 Taboo 5: Littering? You’ll be fined while cleaning! No throwing cigarette butts or plastic bottles on the beach! Fines of ₱1,000 (about ¥128) plus mandatory 1-hour beach cleaning. Suggestion: Carry a foldable trash bag with you; here’s a map of trash bin locations. 🚫 Taboo 6: Driving a tricycle without a license? Deposit fully forfeited! Don’t try to cheat by renting motorcycles/tricycles without an International Driving Permit (IDP)! If caught, fined ₱3,000 (about ¥384) plus vehicle confiscation. Suggestion: Get your IDP in advance, and check rental transaction receipts and vehicle registration documents. 💥 Local insider tips on common pitfalls: Sunscreen that harms coral: Sunscreens containing oxybenzone/cinnamates are banned from sale and carrying (violators fined ₱2,000). Look for “Reef-Safe” labels. Unpaid island fees: ₱300 environmental fee + ₱100 terminal fee must be paid before boarding. Seafood market scams: Water is added to plastic bags during weighing; dead crabs are swapped for live ones after payment. If you know other common pitfalls, feel free to add them in the comments~