There is a beach in Aklan that is as beautiful as Boracay’s White Beach. It has the same powdery white sand, the same turquoise water, the same gentle waves and swaying palms. The cliffs are more dramatic. The fish are more visible. The silence is absolute.
Why Hinugtan Matters
A hidden beach in Buruanga that still feels untouched
It is called Hinugtan White Beach. It is in Buruanga, Aklan. And on most days, you will share it with fewer than 30 people.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you visit: how to get there, where to stay, what to do, what to bring, and what to realistically expect when you arrive.
Where Exactly is Hinugtan Beach?
Located in Sitio Hinugtan, Barangay Bel-is, Buruanga
Hinugtan White Beach is located in Sitio Hinugtan, Barangay Bel-is, Municipality of Buruanga, Aklan, Philippines.
It sits approximately 20 kilometres from Boracay’s White Beach, 10 kilometres from Buruanga Poblacion, and 14 kilometres from Caticlan Airport.
The beach itself stretches for approximately one kilometre. At one end, limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the water. At the other, coconut trees lean toward the sea. The water is clear enough to see coral and fish from the shore.
Why Hinugtan is Special
Comparable to Boracay, but quieter and more real
Most visitors who have been to both Boracay and Hinugtan say the same thing: the beaches are comparable in natural beauty, but Hinugtan has something Boracay lost a long time ago, quietness.
There are no vendors walking the beach every five minutes. There are no parasailing boats making constant noise. There is no bass music from beach bars at noon. There is only sand, water, wind, and the occasional sound of a banca arriving.
The water is also notably clearer than Boracay in many spots, particularly away from the resort area. Coral is visible from the surface in several sections, and fish are visible to the naked eye in the shallows.
The cliffs at the northern end of the beach are accessible for exploration and provide one of the most photographed views in all of Aklan.
How to Get to Hinugtan Beach
Two main routes, with the road route being the most practical
Option A — By Road (Most Practical)
The most practical way to reach Hinugtan is by road. From the Barangay Mayapay national main road, you can hire a habal-habal heading to Hinugtan Beach Road. The ride usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes depending on weather and road conditions.
Habal-habal: ₱100–₱150 per personThis is the easiest and most reliable option, especially if you are travelling light. No need to hire a banca if your goal is simply to get to the beach directly.
Option B — By Motor Banca (More Scenic)
The banca route is the more scenic option. Trips usually start from Barangay Alegria, also locally known as Kalipayan, which means happiness. Along the way, you will pass other beautiful coastal spots including Tuburan Cove and Ariel’s Point before reaching Hinugtan.
Shared banca: ~₱100–₱200 per person Private banca: variesTravel time is usually 15 to 20 minutes, depending on sea conditions. This is a more memorable route, but it is weather-dependent.
No Direct Public Transport
There is no regular jeepney or bus that goes directly to Hinugtan Beach. Your realistic options are habal-habal via Hinugtan Beach Road, a banca from Alegria/Kalipayan, or a private vehicle with prior arrangement.
Entrance Fees and Costs
Access varies depending on where you enter and where you stay
Hinugtan is not a government-managed beach park with a single entrance fee. Access depends on where you enter and where you stay.
Staying at a resort usually includes access in your room rate. Day visitor fees vary by resort. General beach access is usually free or subject to only a minimal environmental fee.
Environmental fees, if any, are typically around ₱50 to ₱150 per person. It is best to check with the resort or the barangay upon arrival.
Where to Stay at Hinugtan Beach
From boutique eco-resorts to simple beachfront cottages
Tuburan Cove Beach Resort
The most complete accommodation at Hinugtan. A private boutique resort on a secluded white-sand cove near the main Hinugtan stretch. Solar-powered, eco-certified, and known for diving, snorkelling, cultural walking tours, and hiking trails.
Website: tuburancove.com
White Beach Front and Cottages
Located directly on the main Hinugtan white sand stretch. King-size beds, private balconies, beachfront views, breakfast included, and pet-friendly.
White Sand Hinugtan Beach Resort
A well-reviewed beachfront property known for friendly staff and good value. Direct snorkelling access from the resort.
Emen’s Cottages / Emen’s Paradise Resort
Simple beachfront nipa cottages. Budget-friendly and ideal for travellers who want direct beach access without frills.
Tay Ugoy’s Resto Place
More of a restaurant with cottages than a full resort, but one of the most loved spots in Hinugtan because of the food, prices, and atmosphere.
Important: Most Hinugtan properties only have Facebook pages and no formal booking system. Message them in advance, especially for weekends, Holy Week, or Panagat Festival period.
Things to Do at Hinugtan Beach
More than just swimming and taking photos
Swimming
The water is calm and clear during the dry season. The shallow reef areas near the cliffs are ideal for relaxed swimming.
Snorkelling
The reef sections near the limestone cliffs offer good snorkelling. Fish are visible without needing to swim far from shore.
Scuba Diving
Tuburan Cove can arrange diving in the Hinugtan area. Ariel’s Point is also reachable by banca if you want a combined beach and cliff-diving trip.
Cliff Exploration
The limestone cliffs at the northern end of the beach are accessible on foot at low tide and offer exceptional views back toward the full beach stretch.
Kayaking
Some resorts offer kayaks. Paddling along the coast toward the cliff areas gives you a different perspective of Hinugtan.
Sunset Watching
Hinugtan faces west toward the Sulu Sea, so sunsets here are a major highlight, especially from the cliff side of the beach.
Signal, Internet, and Real-Life Conditions
What to actually expect once you arrive
No mobile signal in Hinugtan
Signal is weak to non-existent in many parts of Hinugtan. Do not assume you will stay connected the whole time.
Piso WiFi exists
Some areas and properties have piso wifi machines. This is a small local internet setup where you insert a coin, usually ₱1, in exchange for roughly 15 minutes of internet access. It is enough for messaging and basic browsing, but do not expect strong or fast connectivity.
Power and convenience are basic
Bring a power bank, download offline maps, and let family or friends know your plans before you lose signal.
Food at Hinugtan
Fresh, local, and as real as it gets
Seafood here is as fresh as it gets. Fresh seafood is abundant and very affordable, because Buruanga is a fishing community and the catch often comes in the same day.
What to expect
Local small restaurants and cottage kitchens serve excellent home-cooked Filipino meals. Do not expect printed menus or polished restaurant concepts. Expect genuine home food, fresh catch of the day, and simple cooking done well.
You can also ask for ihaw-ihaw, grilled barbecue, depending on what is available that day.
What to Bring
Simple, practical, beach-first essentials
Cash. No ATMs in Hinugtan, so withdraw in Caticlan or Buruanga before arriving.
Sunscreen. The sun is intense, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM.
Snorkelling gear, if you have your own.
Insect repellent, power bank, offline maps, and extra water or snacks.
Best Time to Visit
Plan around weather and crowd levels
November to April is the dry season and the ideal time for Hinugtan. Water is calmer and the sky is clearer.
March is typically the driest and strongest month for beach conditions.
May is a great time if you want to combine the trip with Panagat Festival in Buruanga.
June to October is habagat season. Seas can be rough, and banca trips may be limited.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
Small things that make a big difference
Contact your resort before leaving home. Most communicate through Facebook Messenger and can help arrange transport.
Arrive before noon if possible, so you can settle in and enjoy the beach with daylight to spare.
Respect the environment. Hinugtan remains pristine because the community takes care of it.
Bring exact or near-exact cash for transport and small purchases.
Hinugtan vs Boracay: An Honest Comparison
Different experiences, not just different beaches
Sand quality: Comparable. White and powdery.
Water clarity: Often clearer in Hinugtan.
Crowds: Very few visitors in Hinugtan versus heavy crowds in Boracay.
Facilities: Basic to comfortable in Hinugtan, extensive in Boracay.
Nightlife: None in Hinugtan. That is part of the appeal.
Authenticity: Hinugtan feels completely genuine. Boracay feels fully commercialized.
Final Thought
What Hinugtan really is
Hinugtan is not a substitute for Boracay if you want nightlife, restaurants on every corner, and instant convenience. It is a different experience, quieter, rawer, more rewarding in ways that are harder to photograph but easier to remember.
Why people come back
Many visitors who discover Hinugtan say the same thing afterwards: they did not expect to prefer it.
Need help arranging a trip to Hinugtan? Contact the Buruanga Municipal Tourism Office at lguburuangatourism@gmail.com or 09209789602.