Your guide to the best Boracay gay bars, LGBT venues and events

The entire island of Boracay is a paradise for LGBTQ+ travelers! Boracay, a glittering gem in the Philippine archipelago, where the sands are as welcoming as the smiles! This pint-sized paradise is a technicolor dream, bursting with vibrant life, boundless energy and some of the best queer bars in Boracay.

Boracay used to be party central and one of the craziest islands to rage on, but back in 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte dropped the mic and the hammer on Boracay, calling it out as a giant "cesspool." Ouch! With bacteria-infested waters and overrun by mass tourism, something drastic had to be done. So, from April to October 2018, Boracay took a well-deserved time-out for an epic cleanup.

Fast forward to today, and Boracay is back and better than ever, but with some serious island rules. Only 19,000 people can be on the island at once, with a cap of 6,000 new visitors daily. And those casinos? Gone! Litterbugs beware—there are hefty fines to keep the island pristine. Beachfront parties are a thing of the past, and you'll only find designated areas for drinking and smoking, so help keep this beautiful island clean!

Boracay gay bars are as fleeting as a tropical breeze—one minute they’re here, the next they’ve danced off into the sunset. But don’t fret, our insider scoop from local friends ensures we keep you in the know. Right now, Boracay’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene doesn’t feature any official “gay bars,” or a gayborhood per se, but the island's vibrant energy guarantees plenty of fabulous fun wherever you go! Here are our favorite queer-friendly spots around Boracay:

Cocoloco 

Found within the Coco Loco Beach Resort, it is a charming queer-friendly beachfront bar and restaurant that's perfect for a seaside escape. Just a short stroll from the lively Station 2 and conveniently close to Villa Caemilla in Station 3, Cocoloco is the ideal spot for cocktail enthusiasts. Don’t miss their evening happy hour, extending its liquid bliss until 9 pm. It’s the perfect prelude to a fabulous night out!

OM Bar

By day, in Station 2 serves up delectable grilled delights, but when the sun sets, it morphs into a gay dance haven. This gay-friendly hotspot features a live DJ that turns up the heat as the night progresses. With a unique sand dancefloor, it’s the ultimate place to let loose and feel the island vibes. A must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Boracay’s nightlife at its finest!

epic 

Not be an official gay club, but it sure feels like one! This trendy spot in D'Mall draws a fabulous crowd, making it one of Boracay’s hottest party venues. Known for its epic (pun intended) summer parties, epic is where the dance floor is always buzzing. If you’re in the mood to mingle with a diverse crowd and enjoy some serious beats, epic is your go-to destination. Plus, Station 2 boasts other packed clubs for those keen on a bit of straight exploration!

Jungle Queer Party 

The highlight of gay festivities. Held annually around late April to early May, this gay dance extravaganza attracts thousands of sexy gay men from across Asia. Expect topless revelry at various themed parties, including the ever-popular “Foam Party,” the flamboyant “Sexy National Costume,” and the steamy “Rainforest Wet and Wild.” It’s the ultimate celebration of pride, dance, and pure island fun!

Since the 2018 "Big Clean Up," tourists and travelers are only permitted to stay in a government-approved hotel that has had specific sewage system regulations signed off on by the Boracay government. Here is a list of gay-friendly spots to try out:

Roger's Place

This is the only all-male hotel on Boracay and is gay-owned and operated.

Villa Caemilla

A LGBTQ+-friendly boutique hotel on the beautiful waters of White Beach.

Shangri-La

This friendly and luxurious resort is a stunning hidden oasis, located close to Puka Beach.

Thrill-seekers, rejoice!

Boracay is your playground. Dive into the deep blue to discover a world of colorful coral reefs, or soar high with parasailing and witness the island's splendor from the skies. Then have a cocktail at one of the best gay bars in Boracay. Prefer to keep it chill? Yoga sessions by the beach or a tranquil sail on a paraw (a traditional outrigger boat) at dusk offers peace and serenity.

The island's world-famous White Beach

Your canvas for adventure and sun-worshipping. Find White Beach along Boracay's west coast, in Balabag and Manoc Manoc barangays (districts). White Beach is divided into several stations, each with its own lifeguards. Station 1 boasts premium hotels and resorts. Station 2 features lots of shops. Last but not least, Station 3, in Manoc Manoc, is the quietest, southernmost section; it's got a couple of LGBTQ+ guest houses, although some are male-only. White Beach is a palm-lined stretch around 2.48 mi / 4 km with calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling from November to May. Step back from the water and stroll along that namesake white sand—the ideal medium for sandcastles and sand sculptures! Sunsets are spectacular on White Beach, whether you're taking them in from the shores or from a bar along the main road, White Beach Path.

Bulabog Beach - the island's best kiteboarding and windsurfing spot

On the other hand (or coast!), Boracay's windswept east side makes Bulabog Beach the island's best kiteboarding and windsurfing spot. You're brave enough to ride the waves, so don't be afraid to haggle for a deal on equipment and lessons! And don't be afraid to wow the crowd at a beachside karaoke bar. Prefer soaring heights to soaring vocals? Take a short hike up Mount Luho, where you'll get a bird's eye view of the entire island.

Puka Beach

Don't overlook it on the island's north coast in Yapak barangay. It shares White Beach's picturesque quality and placid waters, but not White Beach's crowds. Preserve that picturesque quality with an Instagram shot or several, and with some common environmentally-friendly sense: don't litter!

Your taste buds are in for a treat, with a smorgasbord of flavors waiting to be discovered. From beachfront BBQs serving the freshest ingredients to cozy nooks offering tantalizing local delicacies, or you can just pop into a restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood and mango specialties. Then kick back and relax by the waves on beautiful Boracay!In Boracay, every day is a celebration of life and joy on the beach! So, pack your bags (and don't forget your sunscreen), for an island experience that's as unique and colorful as you are queer traveler!

Travel Tips

• Would-be visitors must show proof of accommodation booking before taking a ferry to Boracay.
• Smoking, drinking, and eating are banned on the island's beaches.