What to Pack for Studying English in Boracay: A Checklist

Good news: you need to pack much less than you think. Boracay is warm all year, beachwear and towels are sold everywhere on the island, and the school has free Wi-Fi and drinking water. Focus on your documents, a few light clothes, the right plug adapter and some sun protection. Everything else you can buy when you arrive.

Here is a complete checklist to help you prepare for your English course on Boracay.

1. Travel documents

These are the only things you really can't replace on the island, so pack them first and keep them in your hand luggage.

• Passport. Check that it's valid long enough for your stay. Many countries require several months' validity beyond your arrival date. Check the current rules for your passport before you book.
• Return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and immigration often ask for proof that you'll leave the Philippines.
• Your course confirmation from Paradise English.
• Documents for your visa and Special Study Permit (SSP). Every student in the Philippines needs an SSP, and longer stays need a visa extension. Our office prepares the paperwork and tells you exactly what to bring. Read our guide to the Special Study Permit and visa extension.
• Travel insurance details. Keep a copy of your policy and emergency number.
• Copies of everything: a photo of your passport and documents on your phone and in your email.

2. Money

• A debit or credit card. ATMs all around the island accept foreign cards (the main banks are BPI, BDO, Metrobank and PNB), though most charge a fee.
• Some cash to exchange. The currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). Exchange rates are often better at Manila's international airport than on the island.
• A backup card, kept separately from your main one.

Small change is useful for e-trikes, snacks and the small fees at the jetty port. For a full budget, see what it costs to study English in the Philippines for one month.

3. Clothes: pack light

Boracay is warm all year, 25–38 °C depending on the season, and island life is relaxed. A small suitcase is enough.

• T-shirts, tank tops and shorts
• One or two pairs of light trousers or a long skirt (useful for evenings, church or more formal places)
• Swimwear (you can also buy it on the island)
• A sweatshirt or light jacket for cooler nights, especially from November to March, and for air-conditioned rooms and flights
• A light rain jacket if you come in the rainy season (around June to October)
• Good sandals for walking, plus flip-flops for the beach
• Comfortable shoes for trips and hikes
• A hat or cap

Don't bring towels or lots of beachwear. They're sold all over the island. Laundry services are easy to find, so you don't need clothes for every day of your stay.

4. Electronics and plugs

• A travel adapter. The Philippines uses plug types A, B and C (two flat pins, two flat pins with earth, or two round pins) and 220 V, 60 Hz.
• Check that your devices are dual-voltage. Most phone, laptop and camera chargers work from 100–240 V. Hair dryers and straighteners from countries with 110–120 V often don't.
• An unlocked phone. Buy a local prepaid SIM card from one of the two main networks, Smart or Globe, for calls, texts and mobile data. If your phone is locked to your home network, a local SIM won't work.
• Laptop or tablet (optional). Handy for homework, IELTS writing practice and video calls home. The whole campus has free Wi-Fi.
• A power bank and charging cables
• A camera if you prefer one to your phone. The sunsets are worth it.
• A small flashlight, or use your phone's light for walking home at night

5. Sun, sea and health

• Sunscreen, ideally a reef-safe one that's kinder to the corals you'll see snorkelling
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent, especially for evenings and trips inland
• After-sun lotion or aloe vera
• Any prescription medicine you need, in its original packaging, with a copy of the prescription
• A small first-aid kit: plasters, painkillers, something for upset stomachs
• A reusable water bottle. Tap water isn't safe to drink, but you can refill your bottle at the water dispensers on campus and at the dorm.

There are several medical clinics on Boracay, and our office can tell you which one to visit if you need a doctor.

6. For your classes

• A notebook and pens (you can also buy them on the island)
• A vocabulary app or notebook to collect new words every day
• Your test date and goals if you're preparing for IELTS, TOEIC or TOEFL, so your one-to-one teacher can plan from day one

Textbooks cost $16 per book. Before you arrive, take our free English level test so you know your starting level.

7. Nice to have

• A dry bag to keep your phone safe on boat trips
• A small daypack for weekend trips
• Snorkel mask (you can also rent gear)
• Earplugs and an eye mask for flights and shared rooms
• A small padlock for your bag or locker

What you can leave at home

• Towels and beach towels
• Lots of swimwear and summer clothes
• Heavy jackets and winter shoes
• Bottled water (buy it on the island or refill at school)
• Expensive jewellery

Your accommodation

What you pack also depends on where you stay. Our student dorm is a 3-minute walk from school, with air-conditioned rooms and a private toilet and hot/cold shower. We also offer home stays, our Annex hotel with a pool, and a 4-star resort. A shared standard dorm room starts at $148 for one week.

Planning your trip? Read how to get to Boracay, find out about the best time to come, and see how safe Boracay is for students. Our FAQ has more island tips.

FAQ

Do I need a plug adapter in the Philippines?

Probably. The Philippines uses plug types A, B and C at 220 V, 60 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and check that your chargers are dual-voltage.

Can I buy clothes and beachwear on Boracay?

Yes. Beachwear, towels and summer clothes are sold all over the island, including the malls and markets along White Beach. Pack light.

Is there Wi-Fi at the school?

Yes. The whole campus has free Wi-Fi for students. Ask the office for the login. You can also use mobile data with a local Smart or Globe SIM.

What documents do I need for my study permit?

Every student needs a Special Study Permit (about $200). Our office prepares the documents and tells you what to bring. Always check the visa rules for your own passport before you book.

Ready to plan your stay? Contact us with your dates and goals for a free personal quote within one working day.