My time in the Philippines is all too brief. After three full days in Manila, I depart without having laid eyes on the spectacular islands dotting most of this nation. After chatting with fellow travelers and browsing photos on-line, it’s decided: I need to go back someday.
Two islands in particular sit at the top of my Philippines Bucket List — Palawan (“A” on the map below) and Boracay (“B” on the map below). Both are short flights from Manila or Cebu.
Let’s start with Boracay. It’s your typical tropical island paradise, if such a place can ever be called typical. There are white sand beaches, regular dramatic sunsets, and clear water perfect for snorkeling. It’s a place where I’d sit on the beach all day while drinking frozen cocktails, reading a book, and taking an occasional dip in the ocean.
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Fellow travel blogger Adventurous Kate recently posted this photo from her stay in Boracay. I love the framing of this shot and mix of warm sunset colors with cooler cloud hues. Doesn’t this make you want to sink into a lounge chair and chill out?
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The next batch of photos caught my eye on Google Images. They all reinforce my understanding that Boracay is a place to get away from it all and unwind.
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And now for the second half of this Bucket List post… Palawan is another pristine island in the Philippines, but with more variety than Boracay.
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Coron and El Nido (located in the north) rank highest on my short list of places to visit in Palawan. You’ll find giant limestone formations surrounded by turquoise and emerald water, perfect for exploring on boat or with snorkel gear. These remind me of the Rock Islands in Palau, but cheaper to access.
These next five images are all from Coron or El Nido.
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I’d love to go scuba diving here too. I hear that Baraccuda Lake is a popular spot.
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And last but not least, there is a subterranean river in Puerto Princesa that is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’d love to explore these caves by boat.
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Honda Bay is near Puerto Princesa, the island’s largest city located in central Palawan. An island-hopping tour and snorkeling are two popular activities here.
In researching this Bucket List post, I found the following links helpful. Perhaps you’ll find them useful if you’re planning your own trip:
- A Solo Traveler’s Photo Story of Backpacking in Palawan
- Our Palawan Adventure: What to Do in Palawan
- Backpacking Adventure in Coron, Palawan
