Live Your Best Lives
Puka Beach is known for its pristine beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Here are the most recommended things to do:
Puka Beach, also known as Yapak Beach, is located on the northern coast, facing Carabao Island. It is Boracay's second-largest beach and is famous for its shimmering puka shells. These shells were a popular ornamental material in the 1970s and 1980s, when shell collecting was a major industry on the island. The traces of these shells can still be seen on the beach today.
Puka Beach's remote location makes it difficult to access, but this also creates its beautiful scenery and tranquility. Once you reach it, you can relax and enjoy the sea breeze, feeling as if the entire coastline belongs to you. It's a truly wonderful experience. However, compared to the powdery fine sands of White Beach, Puka Beach's sand is coarser and the slope is less gentle.
The shells at Puka Beach were once a popular ornamental material in the 1970s and 1980s, but these days, they're not readily available in every season. During typhoon season, sand from the ocean flows back onto the beach, covering the previously scattered shells. It's said that shells only become visible after September, when the sand returns to the ocean. Visiting in the evening, quietly shell hunting while watching the sunset is a unique experience. If you don't find any shells, don't worry: vendors selling shell products along the beach offer small bracelets and other accessories made by local residents.
Tropical marine climate; Puka Beach is the second largest beach in Boracay. The average temperature in summer is between 23 and 36 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The advantage of being here is that you can swim freely in the ocean at any time, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Recommended one-day tour
free
All day
Puka Beach is a popular and less commercialized destination located in Boracay, known for its untouched natural beauty. The beach is named after "puka shells" found on the shore, which were once collected for jewelry making. It offers a quieter alternative to the busy White Beach.
Puka Beach is located on the northern tip of Boracay Island, in the Philippines. To get there, take a tricycle from the main White Beach area, which is about a 15-minute ride. You can also walk, but it's more convenient to use a tricycle or motorbike due to the distance.
Puka Beach is open year-round, as it is a public beach. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds. The dry season from December to May is the ideal time to visit.
There is no entrance fee to access Puka Beach. It is open to the public and free to visit.
No booking is required for Puka Beach. Since it is a public beach, you can visit at any time without the need for prior reservations.
A visit to Puka Beach can be completed in 2-3 hours if you want to relax, take a walk, and enjoy the surroundings. If you plan to do more activities like snorkeling, you may want to spend a bit more time.
The main highlights of Puka Beach include:
Guided tours are not necessary at Puka Beach as it is a simple and natural beach destination. There are no audio guides available, but some local vendors may offer basic information about the area.
The best photography spots at Puka Beach are:
The best way to explore Puka Beach is by taking a walk along the shoreline. Start at one end of the beach, explore the quiet corners, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, take a break at one of the beachfront lounges or bars.
Puka Beach does not offer night visits, light shows, or special tours. It is more suited for daytime relaxation and activities such as swimming and snorkeling.
Puka Beach is generally less crowded than White Beach. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends.
There are no major restaurants or shopping malls on Puka Beach. However, there are small stalls selling refreshments and snacks. Toilets and rest areas are available in some of the beachfront establishments.
Puka Beach is not particularly well-suited for visitors with disabilities due to its natural and somewhat rugged environment. It is accessible for children and elderly visitors, but they should be cautious on the uneven terrain, especially if walking along the shoreline.
Most of the small shops and vendors on Puka Beach accept cash. Mobile payments like GCash and PayMaya are accepted in some areas, but it’s advisable to carry cash, especially in more remote locations.
While there are no large restaurants directly on Puka Beach, you can find small local cafes and beachfront restaurants offering snacks, seafood, and refreshing drinks. For more variety, head to nearby White Beach.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at many cafes and restaurants in Boracay, although they may be limited on Puka Beach itself. There are halal food options available at some eateries in the area, particularly in the main tourist areas.
There are several accommodations near Puka Beach, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Options near the beach include The Puka Beach Resort and other resorts along the northern part of Boracay Island.
Nearby attractions include:
There are small souvenir shops on Boracay Island where you can buy local crafts, clothing, jewelry, and items made from Puka shells. These make for great souvenirs from the island.
After visiting Puka Beach, taxis or tricycles are the best transportation options to continue your trip. For longer distances, you can take a boat or hire a motorbike to explore other areas of the island.
