Last updated on November 13, 2023 by Krysti
Planning a trip to the Philippines but struggling to choose between Boracay and Palawan?
I get it; I’ve been there – and it’s a difficult decision to make!
Both of these islands are incredibly beautiful destinations that offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and endless sunshine. Yet, they also provide uniquely different opportunities and experiences.
While, ideally, it would be great to include Boracay AND Palawan on your Philippines itinerary (and I highly recommend doing so, if you can), that’s not always possible. So which one should you choose?
Luckily, I’ve been to both, and I’m here to help you make that decision. From the weather to the beaches, the nightlife, the attractions, and the activities, here’s everything you need to know when comparing Boracay vs Palawan.
Boracay vs Palawan: A Quick Comparison
Don’t have time to read the article in full? Here’s a quick breakdown analyzing Palawan vs Boracay.
Topic | Boracay | Palawan |
Highlights | Known as “the island that never sleeps,” Boracay is a lively destination popular among sunbathers and partygoers. The island is famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, unforgettable sunsets, and thriving nightlife. | Known as the “Last Frontier,” Palawan is an off-the-beaten-path destination that offers an abundance of adventurous activities. The island is famous for its stunning scenery, pristine coral reefs, unspoiled beaches, and towering limestone cliffs. |
Location | Located in central Philippines, Boracay is part of the Visayas region. On average, flights from Manila to Boracay take about an hour and 10 minutes. A ferry ride is required to reach the island. | Located on the western edge of the Philippines, Palawan is part of the Luzon region. Flights from Manila to Palawan take, on average, about 1.5 hours. |
Travel Season | The best time to visit Boracay is in either November or May during the shoulder season. | The best time to visit Palawan is in either November or May during the shoulder season. |
Length of Stay | Boracay is a small island, so 3-4 days should be enough time to see the major highlights. | Palawan is a large island, so you’ll want to plan for at least a week here. However, I’d recommend 10-14 days. |
Transportation | Given that Boracay is a small island, it’s very easy to get around. Tricycles, bicycles, and scooters are common modes of transportation here. | Although a larger island, it’s still fairly easy to get around Palawan. Tricycles, scooters, buses, jeepneys, and minivans are common modes of transportation here. |
Activities | Popular activities in Boracay include island hopping, parasailing, snorkeling, sunbathing, sunset cruising, and bar hopping. | Popular activities in Palawan include island hopping, caving, hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and zip lining. |
Safety | Boracay is very safe for tourists. Although petty crimes, such as theft, pickpocketing, and scams, have been known to happen. | Palawan is very safe for tourists. Just be sure to avoid the southern Sulu Sea, which is currently under a travel alert. Petty crimes similar to Boracay are also known to happen here. |
Expenses | Boracay is a popular destination that is home to quite a few high-end accommodations. Given this, it’s generally more expensive to visit Boracay than Palawan. | Palawan is more of an “undiscovered” destination; as such, it doesn’t experience the same level of popularity as Boracay. Given this, the island is generally more affordable. |
Boracay vs Palawan: A General Overview
While Boracay and Palawan are both unforgettable destinations, there are some pretty stark differences between the two. Let’s start with a quick overview.
Boracay – The Island That Never Sleeps
Known for its beaches, Boracay offers a variety of watersports.
Dubbed “the island that never sleeps,” Boracay is a lively and vibrant paradise. Here, you’ll find white sandy beaches, unforgettable sunsets, stunning blue water, and a thriving nightlife. Popular among sunbathers and partygoers alike, Boracay is the place to go for some fun in the sun.
It also happens to be a small island, so it’s perfect for those who may be short on time or are just looking for a quick getaway. Generally speaking, 3-4 days in Boracay is enough time to get a feel for the island and all it has to offer.
Palawan – The Last Frontier
Palawan is home to a variety of small rock islands, like this one off of El Nido.
Celebrated as the Philippine’s “Last Frontier,” Palawan is a rugged and adventurous destination. Known for its incredible natural landscapes, the island is home to stunning lagoons, towering limestone cliffs, and flourishing coral reefs. With an abundance of thrilling activities available, it’s the perfect destination for anyone interested in exploring off-the-beaten path.
It’s also a great place to visit if you have some extra time to spare. The island is large, so there’s quite a bit to see. While you could get away with a 7-day stay here, I’d recommend 10-14 days in Palawan if you’d like to explore beyond the highlights.
Some of the most popular destinations in Palawan include:
- El Nido – Famous for its white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and island hopping.
- Coron – Known for its wreck diving, crystal-clear waters, and rock formations.
- Puerto Princesa – The capital city and home to the island’s famous underground river.
- Port Barton – A small, quiet village that offers incredible beaches and island hopping.
- San Vicente – Home to Long Beach, the longest white sand beach in the Philippines.
Boracay vs Palawan: Location & Transportation
Boracay and Palawan are located in two different regions. While Boracay lies within the Visayas region in Central Philippines, Palawan is located along the western edge in the Luzon region. Regardless of this, both islands are quite easy and affordable to get to.
Map of the Philippines
To help you get a lay of the land, I’ve included a map of the Philippines below.
How to Get to Boracay
In order to get to Boracay, you’ll not only need to fly, you’ll also need to take a ferry.
See, the island of Boracay actually doesn’t have its own airport. Instead, most people fly to Panay Island and transport themselves from there.
The two airports that are most commonly used for this purpose are Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (also known as Caticlan Airport) and Kalibo International Airport. While Caticlan is located just down the road from the ferry port, Kalibo is about two hours away.
If you’re coming through Manila, I’d recommend flying to Caticlan, as it’s closer and much easier to navigate. You’ll get to Boracay faster and will spend less time in transit.
That being said, flights to Kalibo are generally a bit cheaper. So, if you’re on a tight budget, that is something you can consider. Additionally, Kalio is an international airport, so some travelers are able to bypass a layover in Manila and fly directly there.
Regardless of the airport you choose, you will need to hire someone to drive you from the airport to the ferry. Luckily, this is easy to do, as both airports offer a plethora of transportation options.
At Kalibo Airport, you’ll find taxis, buses, and vans available for hire. Meanwhile, Caticlan has tons of tricycles (also known as tuk-tuks) that you can hop on. If you prefer, you can also arrange for transportation ahead of time through your hotel, if they offer it. Or book a private transfer.
Once you reach the dock, you’ll have to pay a small fee to board the ferry over to Boracay. The trip itself is pretty quick and only takes about 10-15 minutes.
Getting Around Boracay
Since Boracay is so small, it’s really easy to get around the island. A lot of places are within walking distance, and if they’re not, tricycles are readily available for hire pretty much everywhere you go.
If you prefer, you can also arrange for your own transportation. While cars are hard to come by, it is possible to rent motorbikes and scooters. Some hotels even offer bicycle and e-bicycle rentals.
Driving in the Philippines
Tourists are allowed to drive in the Philippines for up to 90 days using their home country’s driver’s license, provided it’s in English. If it is not in English, then you will need to obtain a translation of your license. Some embassies provide this service or, alternatively, you can purchase an International Driver’s Permit.
If you plan to stay in the Philippines for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for an official Philippines driver’s license through the Land Transportation Office.
How to Get to Palawan
Getting to Palawan is definitely a bit easier than Boracay, as you can fly directly to the island. There are a few airports here for you to choose from. However, most people fly into one of the following: Puerto Princesa International Airport in Puerto Princesa, El Nido Airport in El Nido, or Francisco B. Reyes Airport (also known as Busuanga Airport) in Coron.
While the airport you choose will largely depend on your itinerary and personal preferences, I recommend flying into Puerto Princesa, if you can. Not only is it the largest airport on the island, it also offers the most flights and is typically the most affordable.
That being said, if you only plan to explore northern Palawan, then El Nido Airport and Francisco B. Reyes Airport are going to be your best options.
**A quick note on El Nido Airport: It is owned and operated by AirSwift Airlines; as such, AirSwift is the only company to offer flights here.
Getting Around Palawan
Despite the fact that Palawan is a bit bigger, it’s still relatively easy to get around – locally and long distance.
Transportation between destinations can be arranged with tour buses and vans. And you can even book your own private driver if you prefer.
There are also car and motorbike rentals available. However, the roads here aren’t always in the best condition. So, if you’re not comfortable driving “off-road,” I recommend hiring a driver instead.
Flying is another option, as there are airports in each of the main tourist hubs. Although direct flights aren’t offered for every route. As of writing this article, I was only able to find direct flights between Coron and El Nido. All other routes required a layover in Manila.
Finally, there are ferries that you can utilize to travel between destinations. The ferry between El Nido and Coron is the one most commonly used by tourists.
In terms of getting around locally – it’s very easy to do so. Tricycles are available for hire across the island. And there are Jeepneys or public buses that you can utilize as well.
Boracay vs Palawan: Best Time to Visit
The dry season is the perfect time to explore Crystal Cove, one of Boracay’s outer islands.
The best time to visit both Boracay and Palawan is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. However, not all months throughout the dry season are created equal.
During peak travel, which typically occurs between the months of December and March, the Philippines experiences significantly more crowds. This time of the year coincides with holidays and spring breaks for many tourists and also offers some of the best weather – so it can definitely get busy on the islands. This means that you’re also likely to encounter higher prices – especially on Boracay.
Meanwhile, April is a big month for domestic travel, as Holy Week is a major holiday within the Philippines. During this time, hotels fill up quickly, prices skyrocket, and businesses close down.
So when should you actually visit the Philippines?
I’d recommend coming during the shoulder season, either in November or May. Both of these months offer decent weather but without the crazy crowds and inflated prices.
Boracay vs Palawan: Climate & Weather
During the dry season, sunsets in the Philippines are stunning!
The climate in the Philippines can generally be divided into two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.
The rainy season runs from June to November, while the dry season runs from December to May. This applies to both Boracay and Palawan. So, regardless of where you go, you can expect to encounter similar weather.
Generally speaking, the rainy season brings with it more rain and tropical storms. This is also when the Philippines experiences its typhoon season. While typhoons typically appear between the months of July and October, they can happen at any time during the rainy season.
On the flip side of that, the dry season experiences less rain, fewer storms, and more sunshine. Surprisingly enough, the hottest and coldest months in the Philippines both occur during the dry seasons. Typically, April and May are the warmest months, while December and January are the coolest.
That being said, temperatures here don’t vary all that much. Regardless of when you go, you can expect the average temperature to fall somewhere between 70°- 90°F or 21°- 32°C.
Boracay vs Palawan: Beaches
White Beach is one of Boracay’s most famous beaches.
The beaches in Boracay and Palawan are beautiful and magnificent! So, no matter which you choose, you can’t really go wrong here.
In Boracay, you’ll find a mix of long white sandy beaches and small hidden coves surrounded by palm trees. The water here is crystal clear, and the coral reefs are vibrant. Best of all, amenities usually aren’t too far away. So you can experience the island’s beauty while enjoying local fare and entertainment.
One of the most popular beaches on Boracay is White Beach. Covering half the island’s west coast, this beach offers 2.5 miles of white sandy shores and is known for its incredible sunsets.
Other well-known beaches on the island include Tambisaan Beach, famous for its coral reefs; Puka Shell Beach, home to countless seashells; and Diniwid Beach, a private, tranquil escape hidden away from the crowds.
Meanwhile, the island of Palawan offers pristine white sandy beaches encompassed by palm trees, as well as wild, untouched beaches set against the backdrop of limestone cliffs. Given the island’s size, there are plenty of beaches to choose from here. So you can usually find a slice of paradise to enjoy on your own.
While all of the beaches in Palawan are incredible, the two most famous are Long Beach and Nacpan Beach. Located in San Vicente, Long Beach, which spans more than 8 miles, is the Philippines’ longest white sand beach. Meanwhile, Nacpan Beach in El Nido is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on the island.
Other popular beaches in Palawan include Hidden Beach in El Nido, which, as the name suggests, is entirely concealed by sky-high limestone formations; Seven Commandos Beach, a paradise escape in El Nido; and Banol Beach, Coron’s most picturesque beaches.
Boracay vs Palawan: Activities & Attractions
Kayaking near El Nido, Palawan.
Boats for diving & island hopping near Boracay.
Boracay and Palawan both offer a wealth of activities and adventures. Regardless of which island you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an incredible time!
5 Amazing Things to Do in Boracay
- Take a Sunset Cruise – Sunsets in Boracay are stunning, and there’s no better way to observe them than from the water.
- Go Island Hopping – Island hopping tours are plentiful and offer the opportunity to explore some of Boracay’s beautiful outer islands.
- Enjoy the Nightlife – Boracay, which is home to countless bars, pubs, and dance clubs, is known for its nightlife
- Snorkel at Tambisaan Beach – Tambisaan Beach is known for its coral and marine life, so snorkeling and diving are very popular here.
- Partake in Watersports – Boracay offers a wide variety of water sports, including snorkeling, diving, parasailing, kayaking, kiteboarding, helmet diving, and more.
5 Unforgettable Things to Do in Palawan
- Trek Through the Jungle – Palawan is home to countless waterfalls and incredible lookout points, so there are plenty of hiking opportunities on the island.
- Dive Below the Sea – Palawan offers a variety of unforgettable diving experiences, including coral diving, shipwreck diving, deep diving, and liveaboard diving.
- Kayak Among the Rock Islands – Many island hopping tours include kayaking among Palawan’s famous limestone islands – this is the best way to experience them.
- Visit Kayangan Lake – Kayangan Lake, located in Coron, is considered one of the country’s clearest lakes, so swimming and snorkeling are very popular here.
- Explore the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this underground river is an incredible natural wonder.
Boracay vs Palawan: Nightlife
Night club photo by Alfonso Scarpa via Unsplash.
Nightlife in the Philippines is festive, exciting, lively, and usually involves a bit of karaoke. Which is exactly what you can expect from both Boracay and Palawan.
However, out of the two islands, Boracay is definitely the destination most known for its nightlife. Home to a plethora of bars, pubs, and dance clubs, the island offers a variety of late-night fun.
That being said, there have been some recent legal changes set in place by the government of Boracay to try and calm things down a bit. For environmental and safety reasons, parties, drinking, eating, and smoking are no longer allowed on the beach. Despite this, Boracay continues to maintain its designation as one of the best party islands in the Philippines.
Palawan, on the other hand, is a bit more laid back and less restrictive. While there are a few upscale dance clubs in Puerto Princesa, most venues here are small, casual, and chill. Typically located along the beach, these bars and pubs are known to feature live music from local musicians.
Boracay vs Palawan: Safety
I always felt very safe and welcomed when traveling around Boracay and Palawan.
Boracay and Palawan are both safe destinations for foreigners. In fact, they’re considered to be some of the most tourist-friendly islands in the Philippines.
The one exception to this is the Southern Sulu Sea. This area of the Philippines, which lies off the southern tip of Palawan, is a known hot spot for terrorists and modern-day pirates. Given this, the US Department of State currently has a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory in place for the Sulu Archipelago and surrounding Sulu Sea.
I realize this probably sounds scary. But please keep in mind this alert only applies to the seas near the southern tip of Palawan, not the actual island. The island itself is very safe. And it’s also large. So, if this does make you nervous, you can always limit your explorations to northern Palawan if you prefer.
Personally, when I went to Palawan, I traveled between Puerto Princesa and El Nido with friends, and we never once felt unsafe. Everyone we met was incredibly friendly and welcoming. And we had the most amazing time exploring the island.
So don’t let this scare you or hold you back. Just be aware and vigilant if you decide to travel to southern Palawan. And absolutely avoid venturing out into the Sulu Sea. It’s just not worth the risk.
Aside from this, both Boracay and Palawan have very low crime rates. The only types of crime that tourists experience on these islands are petty crimes of opportunity. Similar to many other tourist destinations, these crimes include pickpocketing, petty theft, and tourist scams.
To avoid falling prey to any of these offenses, it’s important to remain alert, lock up your valuables, and always discuss prices before purchasing items or hiring guides.
Boracay vs Palawan: Costs & Expenses
Activities like hiking to this waterfall in Palawan are very affordable.
In general, the Philippines is a very affordable destination. Especially when compared to Western countries. However, in regards to Boracay vs Palawan – I’d say that Boracay is typically the more expensive island.
Of course, specific costs will vary depending on the time of year you visit and your preferred level of luxury. However, generally speaking, prices in Boracay are higher.
The island is very popular, so there’s more of a demand here – which certainly drives up the costs of expenses, such as food, drinks, transportation, and activities. In addition to this, Boracay is home to many upscale resorts – so accommodations here can be quite costly.
Palawan, on the other hand, is usually more affordable. Partly because it’s not as popular as Boaracy but also because it’s larger. So you have more options to choose from.
How to Visit Boracay & Palawan
Boracay and Palawan are both great places to visit!
Decided that you’d now like to visit both islands? I don’t blame you; I’d do the same!
While it is possible to take a ferry, the easiest and fastest way to travel between Palawan and Boracay is by plane.
The best route available at this time is a direct flight between Caticlan Airport and El Nido Airport. Operated by Airswift, this flight takes just over an hour.
Other flights from Boracay to Palawan (or vice-versa) take between 4 to 7 hours, on average, and usually require a layover.
Regardless of your travel route, airline tickets between these two islands are very affordable.
Final Thoughts: Boracay vs Palawan
So, there you have it – a complete breakdown comparing Boracay and Palawan!
While I certainly believe both destinations are absolutely amazing and worth visiting. They do have their differences.
If I had to sum it up, I’d say that Boracay is perfect for those looking for a classic beach vacation. If you like white sandy beaches, watersports, high-end resorts, and lively party scenes, then Boracay is the place for you to go.
On the other hand, Palawan is great for those looking to explore a bit more off-the-beaten path. If you enjoy calmer atmospheres, splendid nature, pristine beaches, and adventurous activities, then Palawan is your best bet.
Or, you could just visit both! Like I said, that’s my preferred choice!
Have you been to Boracay and/or Palawan? What did you think? Which do you prefer? Let me know in the comments below!
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