Siargao and Palawan are both islands located in the Philippines, with Palawan also an archipelagic province. Both are popular tourist destinations in the Philippines for various reasons. Siargao is a small island located in the Philippine Sea that is blessed with white sandy beaches and is popular for surfing. And Palawan is located between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea and is also blessed with white sandy beaches.
The two islands offer a very different experience for tourists. Where Siargao is known for its surfing as well as its beaches. The island has a more relaxed chilled vibe. While Palawan is considerably bigger and is more tourist-driven that is well known for pristine white beaches, water sports, and good nightlife.
In this post, we will go through which is better to visit Siargao or Palawan in the Philippines. So let’s get started!
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Siargao Or Palawan
Siargao and Palawan are both good islands to visit for a few days. Just remember that Palawan large island that is more tourist-focused with good nightlife and plenty of beaches. While Siargao is a small beach island that is popular for surfing as well as its beaches.
In comparing these two places, we will compare things to do in each place, accommodation, and any other factors that would have an impact on your visit.
Let us compare Siargao and Palawan.
Which One Has Better Beaches?
Siargao and Palawan are both islands where the beaches on islands are an important attraction for tourists to visit each island.
The beaches on the islands can get busy in the late afternoon but there is a good range of restaurants and bars all waiting to serve up some pretty good local food.
Beaches In Siargao
Some people consider that Siargao has some of the best beaches in the Philippines. Some of the beaches are easy to access and while some others require a boat trip. Generally, the beaches are well maintained.
Here is a list of some of the beaches in Siargao Philippines.
- Cloud 9 Beach.
- Doot Beach.
- Naked Island Beach.
- Pacifico Beach.
- Magpupungko Beach.
Beaches In Palawan
Palawan is well-known for a number of reasons in particular the beaches with crystal clear waters. As well there are plenty of resorts located around the island.
Here is a list of some of the beaches in Palawan Philippines. These are only a few.
- Nacpan Beach.
- Seven Commandos Beach.
- Talaudyong Beach.
- Duli Beach.
- Las Cabanas Beach.
- Banol Beach Coron.
- Marimegmeg Beach.
- Pinagbuyutan Island.
Accommodation In Siargao And Palawan
Choosing the right accommodation is important regardless of whether it is in either Siargao or Palawan. Siargao is a little bit more basic in accommodation and there is less supply of accommodation. Whereas Palawan is more developed and there is more accommodation available when compared with Siargao.
The challenge is getting one with good standards, and this requires reading the reviews left by their previous guests.
Staying In Siargao
Siargao has a limited supply of hotels and resorts. There are hotels and resorts near or on the beach but the island is small so everything you will need is within walking distance, where prices can start from $24 for a basic hotel room. Whereas resort prices tend to start from $42.
Staying In Palawan
Palawan has a good supply of resorts and hotels with pools and bars. The accommodation in Palawan does vary from Puerto Princesa to being slightly cheaper than Coron. Prices can start from $19 for a basic hotel room. Whereas resort prices tend to start from $40.
What To Do See In Siargao And Palawan
Siargao and Palawan are both blessed with amazing beaches to enjoy. Both offer good nightlife and places to go snorkeling and scuba diving.
Here are some of the best things to do on each island.
Things To Do In Siargao
Siargao is not as lively as Palawan but it is a good place if you want to relax at the beach and explore the island and the scenery.
Here is our list of things to do in Siargao Philippines.
- Go, Island Hopping.
- Visit Cloud 9.
- Learn To Surf.
- Go Scuba Diving.
- Trek To Taktak waterfall.
Read more about things to do in Siargao here.
Things To Do In Palawan
Palawan is a lively island with the capital city of Puerto Princesa being lively and Coron not as lively. There is a lot to enjoy such as relaxing by the beach as well as you can go scuba diving and snorkeling.
Here is our list of things to do in Palawan Philippines.
- Visit The Beaches.
- Go Scuba Diving.
- Visit Tabon Caves.
- Explore The Waterfalls.
- Go, Island Hopping.
- Visit Tay Tay.
Which Is Better Siargao And Palawan?
These two islands offer two very different things. Siargao has a more relaxed chilled surfer vibe with good nightlife but not wild. The island is considered the best place in the Philippines to go surfing as well as enjoy some of the best beaches in the Philippines.
Whereas Palawan is more tourist-focused that has plenty of beaches to visit and a good nightlife that in some areas can get wild as well as offering places for a quiet night.
Personally, I would choose Palawan over Siargao simply because I have no interest in surfing but do like scuba diving wherein Coron there are wrecks from World War 2 and prefer a slightly busier nightlife.
Best Time To Travel To Siargao
The best time to visit Siargao is from March to September. If you are interested in surfing then the best time is between July to November. The island has an average temperature of 32°C.
Best Time To Travel To Palawan
The best time to visit Palawan is between November to April. As this is the dry season.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, which one to choose really depends on your personal preference. If you are looking to enjoy the beach and the nightlife with all the resort hotel comforts and do a little bit of exploring then it is Palawan. While if it is looking to go surfing and step a little out of your comfort zone then it is Siargao.
And that’s it for now! I’d love it if this post on Siargao or Palawan, which is better was helpful to you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.
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