Comparison · Boracay vs Manila · Philippines
Boracay vs Manila
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Choose Boracay for White Beach, Sunsets and beaches; choose Manila for Intramuros, San Agustin Church, free sights and day trips. Manila is generally less expensive, and the two are about 310 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 310 km
- Less expensive
- Manila
- Best time for Boracay
- January–May
- Best time for Manila
- December–March
Side by side
| Boracay | Manila | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Philippines | Philippines |
| Known for | White Beach, Sunsets and Paraw sailing | Intramuros, San Agustin Church and Manila Bay sunsets |
| Best time to visit | January–May | December–March |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$180 | $80–$160 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | May, 32°C (90°F) | April, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 29°C (84°F) | January, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 3 | 6 |
| Beaches | White Beach | — |
| Airports | MPH, KLO | MNL, CRK |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Boracay for…
White Beach, Sunsets and beaches. Boracay is a small island about 7 km long off the northwest tip of Panay, best known for White Beach, a roughly 4-km stretch of fine pale sand on its west coast divided into Stations 1, 2 and 3. Most visitors fly into Caticlan, cross to the island by a…
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Choose Manila for…
Intramuros, San Agustin Church, free sights and day trips. Manila is the historic core of Metro Manila, a capital region of more than 13 million people on Manila Bay. Its walled Spanish city, Intramuros, holds Fort Santiago and the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, while the National Museum complex beside Rizal Park…
Top sights compared
| # | Boracay | Manila |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | White Beach | Intramuros |
| 2 | Willy's Rock | Fort Santiago |
| 3 | Puka Shell Beach | San Agustin Church |
| 4 | Island hopping | Manila Cathedral |
| 5 | Sunset paraw sailing | Casa Manila |
Food compared
| Boracay | Manila |
|---|---|
| Fruit shakes | Adobo |
| Calamansi muffins | Sinigang |
| Chori burger | Lechon |
| Seafood paluto | Sisig |
Which is cheaper?
Manila is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $80–$160 per person there, against $90–$180 in Boracay (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Manila on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Boracay and Manila are about 310 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 5 days in Boracay and 3 in Manila.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Boracay or Manila cheaper?
Manila is usually less expensive: about $80–$160 a day mid-range against $90–$180 (estimates).
+Is Boracay or Manila better for a first trip?
Pick Boracay for White Beach, Sunsets and beaches, or Manila for Intramuros, San Agustin Church, free sights and day trips.
+How far is Boracay from Manila?
About 310 km in a straight line.