7 Alternative Travel Destinations While Everyone Is Waiting For Boracay’s Comeback

You’ve probably heard by now that the Philippines’ most famous travel destination, Boracay Island, will be closed to the public for rehabilitation. The government announced that it could take up to 6 months or more for the entire rehabilitation process to finish.

During this period, all hotels, resorts, and other related properties and businesses will stop all operations. This is an unfortunate timing because aside from the fact that livelihoods are going to be affected, it’s the middle of the summer in this part of the globe and many will miss the island and its many attractions.

Luckily, there are lots of other places in the Philippines that tourists could visit while Boracay Island is in recovery mode:

1. PUERTO PRINCESA
Palawan is arguably Boracay’s closest rival when it comes to best travel destination in the country.

Puerto Princesa, its capital city, has a lot of stuff to offer. It is home to the Underground River (included in the New Wonders of the World list) and the crocodile farms and sanctuaries.

Complete the nature-themed trip by booking a stay at Aziza Paradise Hotel to get a taste of a lush and carefree haven through nature-inspired interiors, excellent service, and ultra-convenient facilities.

2. BOHOL
The province of Bohol is not that far from Boracay and Cebu. The main tourist draws are the famed Chocolate Hills and those cute little tarsiers, but many forget that there are also many great beaches in this part of Visayas especially in the towns of Panglao and Danao.

Tip: try the river cruise buffet and stand-up paddling (SUP) on the Loboc River. Stay at the Loboc River Resort and enjoy the modern nipa hut lodgings, captivating river and forest views.

3. BACOLOD
The City of Smiles is famous for its colorful MassKara Festival every October and the local food scene that will make chicken lovers rejoice.

The city and province is rich with natural wonders like beaches, islands, coral reefs, forests, waterfalls, and caves.

Need a place to crash? Check out L’Fisher Hotel—the only first-class accommodation in the locale and right in the heart of the city’s business and commercial center.

4. BATANGAS
Don’t like airports or flying in general? The province of Batangas is just a few hours south of Metro Manila. People go here for the food, switchblades (balisong), tree-top adventures, and of course the beach resorts in Calatagan, Nasugbu, and Laiya.

Palm Beach Resort in San Juan is a place not just for couples on a romantic holiday, but also big groups and long-staying guests, as well as people who are looking for picturesque venues for weddings, birthdays, reunions, and other special occasions.

5. DAPITAN CITY
What Dapitan lacks in adrenaline-pumping adventures, it makes up with centuries-old architecture, amazing mix of cultures, historical sites, and quaint beach resorts.

One great example would be Dakak Beach Resort in Dapitan City. It is a 30-minute drive from Dipolog City and Dipolog Airport. The resort also offers tours, cruises, and travel packages that highlight Dapitan’s rich culture, history, and lush surroundings.

6. ILOILO
The city is known for its annual Dinagyang Festival, but people also come here to taste the local flavors, check out the museums, and explore heritage sites, and experience the nightlife.

If you ever find yourself in Iloilo City, book a night at The Mansion. It’s one of the most prominent landmarks in the locale and features a unique blend of Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino heritage and architecture.

This iconic hotel offers easy access to sites like the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, Molo Mansion, and Calle Real; Atria Park District, Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park, SM City Iloilo, and the Smallville Complex.

7. METRO MANILA
When all else fails, you could always just stay in the city. School’s out. Everybody is on a holiday. This is the best time to explore the historic city and see its real charm and wonder.

Walk the streets of Escolta. Shop at Greenhills. Watch the sunset at Manila Bay. Check out the nightlife at Poblacion.

There are many great and affordable hotels in the metro like Ace Hotel & Suites in Pasig City– a first-class hotel epitomizing an exceptional combination of excellent service, modern technology, and urban lifestyle.

5 Travel Hacks To Save Money On Your Last-Minute Summer Beach Trip

Vacations—as everyone know—are expensive and stressful to organize. So the wise traveler starts looking up flights and booking hotels at least a year in advance to get the best deals. But for people like you—yes, you—lazy and indecisive slobs who didn’t take a few minutes from their Netflix binge to plan your family vacation… there’s still hope.

Here are 5 ways to save money on summer vacations even if it’s last minute… brought to you by Palm Beach Resort.

1. Visit places within driving distance

Your rich friends are in Coron. The party freaks are in Boracay. All the hipsters are in La Union or Baler. Go for a place like Palm Beach Resort in Laiya. San Juan, Batangas. It’s less than 3 hours away from Manila, making it a convenient vacation destination for tourists. The property is easily accessible by private and public transportation.

2. Travel with family and friends

The more is always the merrier—plus there’s more people to split the cost of travel, accommodation, food, and other travel miscellaneous. Palm Beach Resort is perfect for large groups. They have these gorgeous casas that can house up to 25 guests and come with air-conditioning, hot and cold shower, mini-refrigerator, in-room safety deposit box, Wi-Fi internet, satellite/LED TV, and complete toiletries. They also provide wheelchair accessible rooms for the disabled and elderly if you’re traveling with your grandparents.

3. Go for an all-inclusive resort

Most all-inclusive resorts include almost everything for a pretty low price – that includes accommodation, food and drinks, and even entertainment and activities. Palm Beach Resort provides leisure and convenience for all types of guests, right within their compound. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy the vehicles and equipment for kayaking and snorkeling. Older folks will love the sun loungers, cabanas, infinity pools, and Jacuzzi. Kids will go crazy with the outdoor playground and newly built water slide. At the end of the day, everyone can enjoy great dinners at the dining pavilion.

4. Explore the great outdoors

Palm Beach Resort is offering day tours for their guests. For a minimal amount you can rent out banana boats, speed boats, and glass-bottomed boats for some island hopping. There’s also an obstacle course as well as climbing and rappelling walls if you’re feeling a little physical. The whole gang can play beach volleyball and other games at the team building area. Lastly, golf carts can be used to stroll around the vast property.

5. Stay on a weekday

It’s common knowledge that everything is pricier and booked during weekends. So go on a weekday. There’s less traffic and most tourists are still working or studying in the city. Also, this resort in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas is offering special weekday rates as well as other resort deals and packages on their website.