Boracay, a small island in the central Philippines but one of the world's famous islands, will be open to tourists once again on October 26, after being closed for 6 months due to rehabilitation work.
Planning to visit Boracay when it reopens? Here's what you should know:
Limited number of tourists
The Boracay inter-agency task force will be limiting the number of people entering the island daily. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat said that only 6,405 tourists will be allowed to enter Boracay daily, assuming that they will be staying for 3 days. The government is also planning to issue access cards to monitor entry to the island.
No more beach parties
The government will also ban parties on the beach. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said that partying will still be allowed, but only within establishments.
Puyat earlier said that visitors can expect a "more peaceful" Boracay, with government also banning the annual Labor Day parties dubbed "Laboracay." The inter-agency task force is also eyeing imposing a curfew.
No water activities
Diving and other water activities will be suspended as well. Environment officials said that these have contributed to the degradation of the marine ecosystem.
No beachfront obstructions
Placing tables and chairs along the beachfront will be banned, as it limits movement in the area. This means that massage chairs put up by masseuses in Boracay, as well as henna tattoo pop-ups, will no longer be there.
Illegal structures violating the 25+5-meter easement rule were demolished, giving wider walking areas for visitors.
Regulation of sandcastle-making
The government will also be regulating sandcastle-making along Boracay shores.
Rigor said that some residents "are just making a business out of the sand."
Smoking ban
A smoking ban along the beachfront will be strictly enforced.
Less vendors
The government will also be regulating vendors entering the island to somehow decongest the island.
No more single-use plastics
Firms will not be allowed to hand out plastic straws, bags, or styrofoams. Establishments will also be encouraged to use environment-friendly alternatives for toiletries. Violators will be penalized.
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