Buko the freshest coconut you'll get on Boracay
But what is Buko on Boracay?
Well it is basically fresh coconut. Literally plucked from the tree and then hack up to leave it open at one end and flat on the other. Normally served with straw and soon as you want to eat the delicious white flesh within side. I remember being a kid in England and attending summer fairs and the like – and yes there was the coconut shy, where you had to throw balls at coconuts to win them as the gift.
Now those coconuts don’t look anything like these – these were the brown and hairy type, dried out coconut and a little coconut milk. Buko can have about a pint of milk and a beautifully refreshing dessert, great on a hot Filipino day. So to the making of a Buko, on Boracay.
I want to share some videos with you from whilst we were in Boracay, Philippines.
One lady was filmed in the markets of D’Mall – opposite Smoke Restaurant (see blog here of that restaurant). She was incredibly embarrassed as you can see. Great big hairy foreigner asks to video you perhaps I’d be scared too ha ha. I said to her I would only film her hands – nighty me. Now I thought she did a great job.
BUT – then we visited Crystal Cove Island – and met a Ninja Master. Boy was this guy showboating. Seriously showed up our little lady from the market – man this guy was GOOD.
Daddy-Pedia time now – did you know The Philippines has a Coconut Authority it is so important to the country. It is known as “The Tree of Life” because of the endless list of products and by-products derived from its various parts. Food, shelter, fuel, drink – in fact you name it, the coconut has it.
The coconut industry is considered a major dollar earner that provides livelihood to one-third of the country’s population.
So folks get yourself a Buko when you’re next in The Philippines. Get your shoes off, sink your toes in the sand. We certainly did at Crystal Cove, Boracay. Even being pursued by a guy on a surfboard selling them.
Loved this guy – we were just about to do some snorkelling and up he comes trying to sell to us. The Semi-Naked Chef says to try Buko, on Boracay.
Right… let’s be honest — buko in the Philippines isn’t just a drink, it’s basically a survival tool. You’re hot, slightly melting, questioning your life choices… and then someone hands you an ice-cold coconut and suddenly everything makes sense again. It’s simple, no nonsense — crack it open, sip straight from it, maybe scrape a bit of that soft flesh at the end like you’ve just unlocked a bonus level. No branding, no marketing fluff, just nature doing its job properly. And somehow, it always tastes better when you’re standing by the road, a bit sweaty, and very, very happy.
And that’s the thing about buko — it doesn’t try to impress you, but it wins anyway. Whether it’s turned into buko juice, buko shake, or mixed into desserts, it’s always refreshing, always reliable, and always exactly what you need in that moment. It’s the kind of Filipino staple that quietly carries the whole team — no drama, just results. You don’t overthink it, you don’t analyse it… you just drink it, smile, and go, “yeah… that hits the spot.”
Enjoy!!!