Photo By: Elin Chow

Sunset watching is one of our favorite and most enjoyable things to do in Boracay island. Apart from sitting on the beach, sailing through the Paraw is another awesome way to enjoy the spectacular sun set in Boracay.

Just like Helmet Diving, I have read and heard so much about this activity that I wanted to try it myself. So, other than the Helmet Diving package, we also purchased a Paraw Sunset Sailing package from the same tour agent from Shingley Helmet Diving and Tours at 2,000 PHP (about RM 182).

The tour agent initially quoted us an exorbitant rate of 4,500 PHP (about RM 409) for an hour sunset cruise. Just like what I have mentioned in my previous posts, most of the vendors in Boracay will usually start with an absurdly high price because they expect to negotiate. Bargaining in Boracay is a common practice and whether you get a good price depends largely on your bargaining skill.

We decided to lower the starting price to half of the original price, offering only 2,000 PHP. Surprisingly, they were willing to accept our initial offered price. Not exactly cheap, but we decided to book them for Paraw Sailing even though we knew that we still overpaid.

Our Paraw Sailing package includes:

- Free transfer from the hotel to the boat pick up location in Station 3
- An hour sunset cruise on a Paraw

The agent came to pick us up from our hotel at 5 pm sharp and escorted us to the boat pick up location at Station 3. We were introduced to the captain of the Paraw and were surprised to find out that we will be sharing the boat with two other groups of people. For the price we paid, we actually thought that we would be having the entire Paraw to ourselves. This means that we might have ridiculously overpaid the tour agent. Even after slashing the original price in half, the package was still expensive. That was the time when we really regretted for not offering a much lower price.



A Paraw is a traditional Filipino sailboat with two outriggers and sails. Its single shallow hull is usually made from wood and bamboo and there are two floaters or logs on its sides to help the boat balance and prevent it from capsizing.

Unlike pump boats which has outboard motors to give it power, the Paraw relies solely on the wind, so they are actually very eco-friendly. It was very relaxing and peaceful to ride on a Paraw as it does not have the noisy motor like most pump boats.

The hull of the boat is very slim, allowing only one person to sit in the boat. The captain of the boat will be the one sitting in the actual boat. There are netting stretched over the outriggers for passengers to sit and lie down to appreciate the beautiful sunset. In the center of the hull, there is also a compartment for us to store our belongings.


Before Boracay became a tourist attraction, the Paraws were mainly used for fishing and transportation of people and goods. However, since the tourism industry in Boracay thrived, Paraws are no longer used for fishing. Instead, local captains offer their paraws for island hopping and sunset sailing. Paraw Sailing is a great way to explore many beaches and snorkel site in Boracay. Due to the absence of a deep keel, Paraw has an advantage of being able to moor right on the shoreline, making it perfect for beach hopping.




With one hand holding onto the boat and another holding my camera, I quickly snapped several pictures of the breathtaking sunset.



The entire experience lasted about 45 minutes. It was short, but enjoyable.


Paraw sailing is a must do in Boracay. It is a lovely experience to catch the beautiful sunset of Boracay aboard a Paraw, especially when you are sailing with your loved ones. There is nothing more peaceful and romantic than sailing across the crystalline blue water as the crimson sun dips into the horizon.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates on my 4 days adventures in Boracay! You might also want to check My Wanderlust page for some of my other travel adventures.