Regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Boracay is set to finally reopen on October 26, after a much controversial 6-month closure.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who called the island a “cesspool” in April, demanded the closure to rehabilitate the island, with the goal of cleaning up the pristine waters, implement new ordinances, and preserve Boracay’s genuine beauty.

But it won’t be the same Boracay as experienced by returning visitors: a lot of changes have been and will be made. So what to expect once it opens on October 26?

Here are 4 major changes to expect:

 

1. The Number of Visitors Will be Limited

According to government data, about 4,500 new visitors arrived each day in Boracay before its closure on April 26, 2018. And during the famous “Laboracay” weekend (a three-day event during the summer that falls during the Labor Day holiday), about 60,000 to 70,000 arrived on the island in just a span of 3 days.

Though no definite number has been announced yet, the country’s Tourism Department has already begun talks with local airlines, limiting the number of flights and even the number of airlines that operate in Caticlan, which is the closest airport to the island.

 

2. A Limited Number of Accredited Hotel Rooms Will Be Implemented

Only about 2,000 accredited hotel rooms will be available for guests on the reopening date (data released by the Department of Tourism as of 31 August 2018), plus a limited number of  Boracay private villas and home vacation rentals. Hotels and accommodation will have to comply with environmental laws, ordinances, and requirements before they are allowed to operate.

 

3. No More Beach Parties

Boracay had been notorious for its bustling nightlife, with restaurants, bars, and hotels setting up tables on the famous White Beach where guests get drunk and party the night away. Concerts and events had also been held on the famous beach, leaving trash and creating an environment which wasn’t safe for visiting families with kids and the elderly.

And the famous Laboracay weekend will not be allowed, too. Tourists can still drink and party but inside establishments and not on the beach. Drinking and smoking on the beach will not be allowed, also. The government wanted the new Boracay to be more wholesome, where families can enjoy the island without having to worry about other tourists who become rowdy and drunk on the beach.

 

4. Sustainable Tourism Will be Pushed

A new council ordinance prohibits the use of single-use plastic, which includes single-use plastic bottles, containers, and eating utensils. Tourists are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags and containers when they visit the island.

Hotels and resorts are also prohibited to use single-use containers such as single-use shampoos, disposable toothbrushes, combs, and styrofoam packets.

 

These are just some of the major changes to expect when the island reopens on October 26 but only the first phase of the rehabilitation program has been completed, with the second phase expected to be done by April 2019, and the final phase expected to finish by the end of 2019.

So if you decide to visit Boracay on October 26, expect a lot of work that are still ongoing – such as the widening of roads, demolition of certain structures, and establishments not yet being opened.

But the sand, and water – well, you can finally enjoy a beautiful sunset without the loud bass of speakers filling the air, tourists who are smoking in the table behind you, or drunken visitors stumbling on the beach with a beer in hand.

Image source: instagram.com/boracaynication