The small island paradise of Boracay in the Philippines is considered one of the world’s top beach destinations.

With its idyllic white sands winning praise from holidaymakers and travel publications alike, some of the world’s best beaches can be found in Boracay.

Located about 31 km south of Manila and 2km from the north-west tip of Panay Island, Boracay is made up of the barangays – or small districts – of Balabag, Manoc-Manoc and Yapak. Tourists first began flocking to the island in the 1970s, attracted by its crystal-blue seas, tropical plants and abundance of marine life.

Originally an exclusive destination only visited by those in the know, it became a popular haunt for backpackers in the 1980s. By the 1990s, travellers started acclaiming its beaches as the world’s best, while in 2012 Boracay took sixth place in TripAdvisor’s list of the top beach resorts on the planet.

Arguably the most famous beach on an island known for its perfect sands is White Beach, thanks in part to its warm, shallow waters. However, Boracay offers plenty of alternatives, with more than a dozen beaches to be found ringing the island.

Parasailing and windsurfing are both popular activities, while the locals are happy to take you out by boat to get a glimpse of the island from the sea.

In Yapak, it’s possible to explore the ancient bat caves and take some pictures of the nocturnal creatures. Exploring the area with a knowledgeable guide makes the experience all the more interesting.

Then when evening arrives, you can enjoy a few sundowners in Boracay’s many bars and nightclubs or enjoy a peaceful stroll on a moonlit beach.