Asia has certainly become a tourism hotspot over recent years, with Thailand being one of the most popular destinations. Last year, the beautiful country known for its golden sandy beaches saw over 35 million people visit, a big increase of seven million from the year prior. As well as it’s coastal spots, Thailand is loved by travellers across the world because of its breathtaking landscapes, incredible cuisine, and low costs.
However, for those who like to experience a holiday away from crowds, Thailand might not be the place for you, but you don’t have to miss out. Asia is full of beautiful destinations to visit, including a stunning island that has been claimed to be even better than Thailand.
Palawan Island in the Philippines and named after the archipelagic province Palawan was said to be more impressive than three of Thailand’s most popular destinations – Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, and Phuket.
A Reddit user asked how Palawan compares to the three Thai destinations, to which user whydidyouruinmypizza responded: “I have visited both, I was more impressed with Palawan simply due to competing with far less other tourists, lower prices, friendlier people. It also felt far more wild, untouched.”
Another wrote: “Palawan has one of the best underwater life and diving sites in the world.. If that’s your thing, then Thailand won’t even compare.”
Palawan lies between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, and welcomes only a fraction of the tourists that visit Thailand on a yearly basis. In 2023, only 1.5 million people headed over to Palawan compared to the 28.15 million that travelled to Thailand.
It boasts lovely weather with average temperatures hitting up to 31C throughout July and August, and cheap prices with a can of beer from the supermarket only setting you back 65p or one from the bar 91p.
And even better, you can enjoy both on one of the many world-class beaches the island has. El Nido is one of Palawan’s most popular destinations, and is known for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoises waters, limestone cliffs and diverse marine life. But the best part? No crowds.
Beyond the sandy stretches, Palawan has incredible tourist attractions that are a must-see, including the El Nido Marine Reserve Park, and the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary – home to exotic African animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan.
You’ll also find two UNSECO World Heritage Sites – The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the world’s longest underground rivers, that has been named as one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature”. The eight-kilometre stretch showcases limestone karsts, diverse species and a tropical rainforest.
The second is the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, a unqiue example of an atoll reef featuring a high denisty of marine species such as birds and marine turtles. The park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
Swimming lovers ought to find themselves in Palawan’s calming waters at Barracuda Lake, while those who enjoy diving should visit the shipwrecks at Coron Bay.
Palawan has everything you need to experience the most tranquil and idyllic holiday that is truly away from the noise.