In the early 1970s, standing on Boracay's White Beach, you'd have seen the same pristine white sand and vistas out to sea that you do now. What's new now is the bustling world that has taken up residence behind the beach.
Boracay was virtually unknown for millennia. A secret jewel in the Western Visayas that the most daring explorers only visit. Boracay, like the rest of the Philippines, was difficult to reach. In the history of Boracay Island, regular flights, buses, and even boats were not available.
1521 – 1960, Prior to Boracay Tourism
Boracay was home to roughly 100 people who produced rice, fished, and reared goats when the Spanish came to the Philippines under Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. The Ati tribe is the name given to the original indigenous residents in the history of Boracay.
Boracay residents made their living primarily from fishing and coconut farming in the 1940s and 1950s. They also conducted business with companies on the nearby island of Panay.
During this time, cyanide-based overfishing severely harmed neighboring reefs, and the expense of farming had risen to an unsustainable level. So, in the 1960s, Boracay shifted industries and began trading puka shells, which were still plentiful on the island's aptly called Puka Beach at the time.
Boracay's First Glimpse on the World Stage in the 1970s
Two films about Boracay Island were released in 1970. Nam's Angels, also known as "The Losers" and "Too Late The Hero" in the United States. Boracay's culture and beauty were suddenly showcased internationally for all to witness for the first time.
In his book about the Philippines, German writer Jens Peter hailed the island as "heaven on earth" a few years later in 1978, significantly raising awareness of Boracay's culture and tradition.
The Boracay island began to draw some tourism as a result of the unexpected international interest. However, the number of visitors was still relatively low.
At the time, the island's only guesthouses were Aguirre's Beach House and White Beach Resthouse, which cost 5 and 10 pesos per night, respectively.