Holidays in the Philippine Islands are a fairy tale! Here you can find both party resorts and secluded, as if lost corners! Many tourists, going to the islands, wonder: Boracay or Palawan? It is quite difficult to make a choice between the two resorts, because both of them are unique and inimitable. The only thing that can be guaranteed, regardless of the decision made, are magnificent beaches and coral reefs of unique beauty.
Climate
The climate in the Philippines is tropical, which means that it is warm all year round, but the air humidity is high. It must be borne in mind that there is a rainy season. Locals call it tagulan. It lasts from May to October, which means that tsunamis are possible, especially in the north. As for tropical rainfall, it is possible even during the dry season. The rainy season does not scare off tourists, because prices are falling, and it is quite easy to predict the weather. It rains either in the morning or at night. The rest of the time it is sunny and a beach holiday is quite possible. The best time to visit the islands is from December to March. However, it is difficult to accurately determine this or that seasonality in general, since the location of a particular resort matters.
On the island of Boracay, tagulan lasts from June to October, while it is also worth considering that the hottest months are April and May. The high tourist season in Boracay is the period from December to April.
Palawan has a slightly different seasonality, with the rainy season on the island from mid-May to early October. The rest of the time is considered suitable for rest.
Comparing the weather and the length of the holiday season, Palawan takes the lead.
Distinctive features
Boracay is a very popular tourist destination that attracts with the stunning beauty of beaches with white sand and gentle sea. One of its beaches - White Beach is one of the top best beaches in the world. Tourists can be found here at any time of the year, but you can always find a free seat. The best diving centers are concentrated on Boracay, so everyone can learn to scuba dive and enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. On the opposite side of the island there are surf schools for those who like to catch the waves. They are quite tall here and are ideal for practicing this sport.
Beach holidays on the territory of Palawan Island are chosen by those tourists who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city. Palawan boasts a unique and inimitable in its kind nature, it combines wild unexplored beaches with dense tropical forests, you can see rare species of animals and birds. Diving here will leave an indelible impression, because you can explore the sunken ships for weeks, of which there are a lot. The resort is also famous for the fact that it was here that the largest pearl in the world was found. Maybe you will be lucky to find something unique. Honda Bay is considered one of the best underwater exploration destinations in the Philippine Islands. The best beaches are El Nido, Honda Bay, Tubbataha.
So, if you like noisy parties, gatherings in bars until the morning, then you are in Boracay. If you are looking for solitude, quiet rest, then you are in Palawan. Gorgeous beaches, tropical nature, emerald sea await you at any of the resorts.
Lodging
Finding budget accommodation options on the territory of Boracay Island is quite difficult. The first and second lines near the sea are built up with expensive luxury hotels. To find an affordable housing option, you need to go to the third station near White Beach. There are two budget options for tourist recreation. The first one is Greenhouse, the cost of living is about four hundred rubles a day, you can't find cheaper housing. The second option for an economical vacation is the Tree House Resort da Mario, the price for a room in this place starts at a thousand rubles per day. The rooms are equipped with everything you need: air conditioning, en suite bathroom, wi-fi, veranda.
More expensive but acceptable holiday options are Salidos Place Resort and Trafalgar Cottages Hostel. A separate small cottage will cost a tourist 15 thousand rubles per month of residence, the price is not very high, given that there will be no neighbors nearby. Also, the resort has luxurious villas for the services of vacationers who are not accustomed to saving on vacation! The cost of living in a luxury apartment starts from 40 thousand rubles per month.
Palawan Island also boasts budget accommodation. The first and most profitable option is the Brendalie’s Guest House apartment. Rooms with air conditioning, bathroom, beautiful interior for only 800 rubles per day. The rooms have two double beds, can accommodate a large family or a company of four. The second interesting budget accommodation option is Felix Pension. Here the cost of living for one person per day is from 600 rubles.
An acceptable budget hotel option is the Tropical Sun Inn. A standard double room will cost a tourist 1200 Russian rubles, breakfast and airport transfers are included in the price. Renting a villa will cost a tourist on the island of Palawan 80 thousand rubles per month of residence, the capacity of such houses is 12 people.
In general, housing prices in Boracay and Palawan are in the same range.
Food
Boracay resort is famous for its variety and range of products. There are expensive restaurants, where you will have to pay a very significant amount for dinner, and buffets, where an unlimited amount of food is offered for a fixed fee. The best option is dinner at a fish restaurant on the waterfront. Always fresh and delicious seafood prepared according to traditional recipes will satisfy the palate of gourmets. The prices for groceries in stores are different, depending on the proximity or distance from the main tourist areas. Buying food in the local market can save you a lot! The resort is also famous for its excellent Korean cuisine.
The island of Palawan is a place with an abundance of seafood: lobsters, shrimps, sea crabs, fish of various varieties are presented on the shelves of shops, as well as in the resort's establishments. The food is always fresh and tasty, prepared only from natural products!
Entertainment
Beach holidays in Boracay are far from the only entertainment; active sports are also developing and in demand here. You can go snorkeling, sailing, water skiing, diving or windsurfing. There are many training centers on the island, where training for diving is carried out from the beginner level. The best diving points for experienced divers are Yapak and Angol, where the underwater world is rich and interesting, sharks and rays are found.
Boat excursions are especially popular on the island.All natural attractions of the island are clearly visible from the water surface. Mountain biking on rocky cliffs and impassable places will be the best kind of extreme pastime. There are many bays and wild beaches on the island, so feel free to go in search of adventure in this amazing place.
As you know, Palawan is famous for its unique nature, thanks to this, there is a widespread network for underwater diving on the territory of the island! The diving sites are equipped with the latest technology, which is good for all skill levels. One of the most interesting dives to the wreck sites of the Second World War, it is in great demand among tourists.
A very interesting and informative excursion to the caves in the interior of the island, with a mandatory visit to the underwater river - the main attraction of the island. There are many places in Palawan that have not yet been touched by civilization, so there are an extremely large number of options for exploring.
Prices
If we talk about prices for housing, food and entertainment, then the two resorts - Boracay and Palawan can be compared. The same scheme works - the further you move from the beach, the more acceptable the prices become. Accommodation does not have to be booked in advance, the best option would be an independent search, as a result of which you can significantly save on the cost of living.
If the traveler still has doubts and is thinking about which resort to choose, then it is worth giving preference to a calm and relaxing vacation on the island of Palawan or a noisy and cheerful one on Boracay! Enjoy your travels!
