Willy's Rock
A volcanic rock islet in the shallows off Station 1 of White Beach. A shrine on top holds a statue of the Virgin Mary. At low tide you can wade up to it. It is Boracay's most recognizable landmark and a classic sunset foreground.
Willy's Rock is a black volcanic rock about 5 metres tall, rising from the shallows in front of Station 1 of White Beach. It takes its name from the nearby Willy's Beach Resort. A small niche on top holds a statue of the Virgin Mary, and stone steps lead up to the summit. It is Boracay's most famous landmark, and nearly every postcard and promotional photo of White Beach uses it as the foreground. At low tide, usually in the morning or evening in the dry season (check the tide tables), the water drops to ankle depth. You can wade to the foot of the rock to take photos, or climb the steps to the statue. Please keep quiet and show respect, as local Catholics pray here. At high tide the rock is surrounded by water, and photos of its reflection and sunset silhouette from the beach are equally classic. The water around the rock is clear and calm, making this one of the most comfortable stretches for swimming on White Beach. The sand here at Station 1 is also the finest and widest on the island.
Tips: Arrive at 6 to 7 a.m. if you are staying at Station 1 or 2. There are fewest people then, and the sand is smooth with no footprints. Claim a spot before 17:30 for sunset photos, when sailboats pass in front of the rock.
Getting there: Walk north from D'Mall along the beach path for 10 to 15 minutes.
Notes: The rock surface is sharp and slippery, so wear non-slip shoes to climb. Do not make noise near the statue or pose inappropriately for photos. In peak season the sunset crowds are very large, so use a telephoto lens or shoot from a low angle to avoid people.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Holy Rosary Parish Church
- White Beach
- D'Mall
- Diniwid Beach
- Bulabog Beach
- Mount Luho
- D'Talipapa Seafood Market
- Balinghai Beach