Previously, I shared a guide to the liveliest part of White Beach—Station 2. Now it's time to slow things down and explore the northern stretch: White Beach Station 1, one of the most peaceful and iconic areas on the island.
Station 1 sits at the northern end of White Beach and was one of the first parts of Boracay to be developed for tourism. The beach here is noticeably wider and quieter compared to Station 2. While it might not be as buzzing with nightlife or shopping, it gives you every reason to slow down and stay a while.
Got your sunscreen and shades? Let’s walk the beach.
Station 1: Home to Boracay’s Softest, Powdery White Sand
While White Beach is known for its smooth and soft sand that stretches over 4 kilometers, Station 1 stands out for having the finest, most powdery texture. Some even call it “flour sand” because it feels just like sifted flour when held in your hand. No wonder it's a favorite among beach lovers!
Before we get carried away admiring the sand, here are a couple of quick heads-ups to keep in mind:
- The finer the sand, the bigger the threat to your gadgets!
Our trusty little travel camera isn’t weather-sealed, so I was constantly worried this might be its last adventure. Shooting waves and walking barefoot through ultra-fine sand? A true test of nerves. 😅 - Also, if you’re wearing sandals with back straps, don’t fasten them too tightly. Fine grains can get trapped, and with friction, it’s easy to get blisters. And just a reminder—Boracay has no hospital, only a very small clinic. You don’t want to risk an infected wound from saltwater and sand.
Back to admiring that powdery white sand...
Boracay’s Impressive Sand Art
Okay, so you can't bake buns with this flour-like sand—but it’s perfect for sand sculpting! As you walk along White Beach, you’ll spot local sand artists crafting intricate sculptures all day long. From castles and carved text to elaborate reliefs and 3D art, these sand creations are full of charm and creativity.
Some of the artists offer custom sand sculptures for a small fee—just like the one we filmed in our video. It made such a memorable souvenir that we were seriously tempted to get one ourselves.
As beautiful as the sculptures are, don’t forget this is a paid service—so yes, haggling is expected 😉
And speaking of haggling, here’s the fun part: with language barriers in play, the whole process becomes like a silent auction—written in sand. The artist scribbles a price with their finger, you counter it with yours, and then the “sand talk” begins. Call it sand-tag, call it beach bartering—it’s the most poetic way to negotiate a deal!
Willy’s Rock & Fridays Beach: Station 1’s Most Photographed Spots
Walk a bit farther down Station 1, and you'll soon come across Willy’s Rock—arguably the most iconic landmark on White Beach. The rock formation is named after the nearby resort “Willy’s,” but what makes it stand out is the statue of the Virgin Mary perched right on top. That’s why many simply refer to it as “Virgin Mary Rock.”
Did you know? The Philippines is the world’s third-largest Catholic country, so this small shrine actually draws many local devotees.
When the tide is high, most of the rock is surrounded by water, and you’d have to swim to reach it. But during low tide, you can walk up to it easily. Look closely and you'll spot tiny sea creatures like crabs and small fish in the shallow waters—fun for kids and adults alike. We were lucky to catch it during low tide and were able to walk right up, climb the rock, and take in a completely different view of Station 2 from above. Totally worth it!
Right across from Willy’s Rock is one of Boracay’s most famous smoothie shops: Jonah’s, known for their legendary mango shakes. Highly recommended!
Keep walking along the beach and you’ll hit another Instagram-famous location: Fridays Beach. It earned its fame thanks to a now-iconic wooden "Fridays" logo that used to stand right on the sand in front of the Fridays Resort. It was basically made for social media—rustic driftwood letters, white sand, palm trees—every influencer’s dream.
We say “used to” because sadly, the original wooden sign has been moved to the resort entrance. The old spot now features a sand art version instead. So if you’re hunting for the classic photo-op, don’t spend forever searching—several tourists were doing just that when we visited. 😅
Station 1: The Most Romantic Stretch of White Beach
The far end of Station 1 looks completely different from the rest of White Beach. Here, black volcanic rock formations jut out into the turquoise sea, contrasting beautifully with the powdery white sand and open sky. It’s a popular spot for wedding photoshoots—picturesque, peaceful, and just a little dramatic.
In fact, this area has become known as the most romantic part of White Beach, thanks to its popularity among soon-to-be-weds. It’s common to see couples posing for pre-wedding shots here, especially at sunset.
Once you've soaked in all the romance, you'll find yourself at the end of the beach. There’s a little trail that seems to lead over to Diniwid Beach, a smaller and quieter cove just beyond. But don’t let appearances fool you—it’s actually a narrow cliffside path with narrow bends and overhanging cliffs.. We tried several times to muster the courage to cross... but gave up each time. T_T
On our way back, we saw a tourist casually cross that narrow trail—with a huge backpack and a bicycle in tow! We could only shake our heads and laugh. Maybe next time we’ll just take the Main Road like responsible tourists. 😅
Station 1 is also home to some of Boracay’s best-known beachfront resorts, like Fridays Boracay, Discovery Shores, and White Beach Villas. The vibe here is extra magical at golden hour: picture yourself sipping a mango shake, watching the sunset, and spotting brides in flowing gowns. Now that’s what a beach vacation is all about!
And don’t forget to check out our full Boracay Station 1 travel video here: