The world-famous Boracay is one of the hottest travel destinations in the Philippines.

Nestled in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, Boracay is a picture-postcard paradise dotted with resorts, shops and restaurants. The west-facing White Beach is divided into three stations. Station 1 is the northernmost part that has the widest beachfront and it houses most expensive resorts. Station 2 is the heart of the beach and plenty of travellers frequent here to shop, eat and party. Station 3 is perfect for those who want to get away from the crowds.

Aside from lounging around on the sand and getting the perfect tan, there are numerous activities can be enjoyed in Boracay. For the ultimate vacation, here are 12 travel missions to put on your Boracay Bucket List.

1. Challenge yourself cliff diving

A popular activity in Boracay is cliff diving at Ariel’s Point or Magic Island. You can get to these spots as part of a boat package. While there are many activities to do at Ariel’s point, such as snorkelling and kayaking, Magic Island is solely dedicated to cliff diving. In both destinations, everyone is sure to have a good time because there are easy spots for the beginners and high points for the daredevils.

2. Walk along the length of the White Beach

A leisurely stroll along the coast is one of the most relaxing activities you can enjoy in Boracay As an unofficial initiation for the first-time visitor, take a 4 kilometre stroll from Station 1 to Station 3 (or the other way around). This is a good way to appreciate the differences in atmosphere, scenery, and sand in the different stations. Station 1 has my favourite type of sand – fine and powdery. Another plus of spending your first day in Boracay walking along White Beach is that you’ll get to discover food haunts that you can go back to over the rest of your trip.

3. Hop from one island to another

One of the most popular activities Boracay is island-hopping, which you can do this either via a private or group tour. This tour will take you not only to the islands around Boracay such as Laurel Island and Crocodile Island, but also to Boracay’s best beaches such as Puka Beach and Tambisaan Beach.

4. Enjoy one of Jonah’s fruit shakes

Almost all restaurants on Boracay serve fruit shakes, but Jonah’s fruit shake located in Station 1 is the best you can find on the island. Hunting down this shop for their refreshments is definitely worth your time. Most of the drinks on the menu are a combination of two fruits with a splash of milk and some nuts or chocolate. Their best-sellers are those with a fusion of chocolate, banana and peanut.

5. Buy a box of calamansi goodness

Before you head home, purchase a box (or a few boxes) of calamansi muffins from Real Coffee and Tea Café for your family and friends. Calamansi is known as calamondin in some parts of the world. Its unique sweet and sour taste makes it a staple treat among tourists and locals. Real Coffee and Tea Café also serves traditional Filipino hot chocolate.

6. Take up poi dancing lessons

Boracay comes alive at night with fire dancers. While fire dancing would be an awesome ability to add to your skills set. you can start with poi dancing lessons. In poi dancing, you will be using UV-sensitive materials or LED lights instead of fire. Once you mastered the art of poi dancing, you can wow your friends and then upgrade your choice of dance equipment from harmless glowing things to blazing fire.

7. Be a mermaid for a day

Isn’t it cool if you can swim as gracefully as a mermaid? There are so many people around the world who would love to know what it feels to be Little Mermaid for a day. This dream can actually be realised through the Mermaid Swimming Academy. In this academy, mermaid swimming lessons are available together with costume rentals. Bonus: it’s a great physical workout and if you keep this up, you’ll be rewarded with toned abs.

8. Catch the sunrise from Bulabog Beach

Waking up early for one of nature’s spectacular daily shows may be a challenge. However, if you do manage to wake up early for the sunrise, it will be well worth it. Make sure that catching the fiery orange sun rising slowly from the blue-gray sea is on your Boracay Bucket List. One of the best spots to capture this moment is Bulabog beach, located at the eastern side of the island opposite to White Beach.

9. Have the most romantic day with your significant other

If you’re travelling as a couple, plan out the most romantic day and surprise your partner. Be it a helicopter ride, a sailing trip on the Paraw or a candlelit dinner by the beach, it is all possible in Boracay.

10. Experience Christmas in Sampaguita Gardens

The Sampaguita Gardens is a 2.6 hectare boutique resort located 15 minutes away from Kalibo Airport. This garden is owned by Sam Butcher, the creative genius behind the Precious Moments doll that has the signature teardrop eyes. Right in the heart of the garden is Jojo’s Christmas Cottage where you can experience Christmas all year round. It is filled with sweet-looking Christmas dolls and souvenir items for sale.

11. Experience kitesurfing

If you love watersports, then you have to try kitesurfing and kiteboarding in Bulabog Beach, Asia’s top kitesurf destination. Thanks to year-round large waves and strong winds, Bulabog beach is the watersports centre of Boracay.

12. Catch the sunset every single day of your trip

There are many great spots for a memorable sunset in Boracay. You can catch it while lazing on Diniwid beach or while sipping cocktail on a yacht. Make it a point to catch every single sunset on your trip to Boracay – you won’t regret it.

This article originally appeared in Tripzilla Magazine on March 9, 2015.