Comparison · Boracay vs Palawan · Philippines
Boracay vs Palawan
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, nightlife and free sights; choose Palawan for El Nido lagoons and Island-hopping. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 421 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 421 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Boracay
- January–May
- Best time for Palawan
- January–April
Side by side
| Boracay | Palawan | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Philippines | Philippines |
| Known for | White Beach, Sunsets and Paraw sailing | El Nido lagoons, Island-hopping and Coron wreck diving |
| Best time to visit | January–May | January–April |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 9 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$180 | $90–$200 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | May, 32°C (90°F) | April, 33°C (91°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 29°C (84°F) | January, 31°C (88°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 3 | 4 |
| Beaches | White Beach | Nacpan Beach |
| Airports | MPH, KLO | PPS, USU, ENI |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Boracay for…
White Beach, Sunsets, nightlife and free sights. 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…
Choose Palawan for…
El Nido lagoons and Island-hopping. Palawan is a long, narrow island province of about 1,700 islands between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. Most visitors fly into Puerto Princesa, the capital, for the UNESCO-listed underground river, then head north by road to Port Barton and El Nido…
Top sights compared
| # | Boracay | Palawan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | White Beach | Puerto Princesa Subterranean River |
| 2 | Willy's Rock | Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon |
| 3 | Puka Shell Beach | Hidden Beach and Matinloc Shrine |
| 4 | Island hopping | Snake Island and Tour B |
| 5 | Sunset paraw sailing | Nacpan Beach |
Food compared
| Boracay | Palawan |
|---|---|
| Fruit shakes | Chao long |
| Calamansi muffins | Kinilaw |
| Chori burger | Tamilok |
| Seafood paluto | Crocodile sisig |
Which is cheaper?
Boracay and Palawan cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $90–$180 in Boracay and $90–$200 in Palawan (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Boracay on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Boracay and Palawan are about 421 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 5 days in Boracay and 9 in Palawan.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Boracay or Palawan cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $90–$180 in Boracay and $90–$200 in Palawan (estimates).
+Is Boracay or Palawan better for a first trip?
Pick Boracay for White Beach, Sunsets, nightlife and free sights, or Palawan for El Nido lagoons and Island-hopping.
+How far is Boracay from Palawan?
About 421 km in a straight line.