If you are on the hunt for a top Christmas and New Year holiday destination, we can recommend you make your way to Goa for a winter holiday. Goa has some incredible beaches and a laidback style in the south. However, if India doesn't interest you, we are positive the Philippines will. The Island of Boracay is sensational and in our opinion, sadly it never gets the international attention it deserves. It seems the Palawan Islands grab most of the limelight.
Boracay Island is a great destination all year round, the average temperature is in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. A tropical climate, there is humidity but it isn't stifling, towards the end of the year, into the next. Peak season for tourists ― foreign and domestic ― is early December through until the end of February. Don't arrive in November though, it's still their rainy season. Wait until the middle of December before flying out, but do book the flights and resort months in advance.
In the run up to Christmas, sights and sounds are evident as a festive mood can be felt on the Island, and why many Filipinos arrive on the Island in their droves the week of the big day. If you've never been on a tropical Island before, for a Christmas then you are in for a very pleasant experience. It's a strange sensation really:
When was the last time you spent your Christmas enjoying a gorgeous beach? Clean tropical waters and 88°F sunshine pretty much guaranteed. Such a tropical setting explains why more people are destined for Asia, before winter grips them. Not neglecting Boracay Island is superb for families, there's a multitude of activities on this Island:
Renowned for spectacular water activities, inland and along the coastline beaches, there's an adventure for every outdoor enthusiast. It matters not if you are an adrenaline junkie, or keener on exploring the natural beauty, Boracay Island has something for you. You will go back home with unforgettable experiences having enjoyed this top-class destination. Even simply lounging on a beach with a good book, the sun tanning your skin constantly reminds you you're on holiday. And it doesn't feel like Christmas, like it normally does back home.
If you find Christmas to be overly stressful and, or over commercialized, perhaps a winter break is just what the doctor ordered. If you can relate to that, then go for it.
There are two very different sides to Boracay Island. The west side is the calmest, with beauty drawn all over it. All beaches on the Island are widely used and hugely popular, some more than others of course. All the same, the west side's beaches are more relaxing. Some of the Islands' best diving is on the west side, we should add. On the east side is where the action is, regards to water-based activities. That's because the winds pick up more speed on the east side, making it perfect for parasailing and other related sports.
Boracay's White Beach is likely to be the most famous of all the beaches, stretching over 3km in length. The beach is broken into three distinct parts or stations (due to the length). The best is Station 1 and where you'll find the highest quality of the luxury resorts on the Island. And Station 1 is less crowded too. The section covered by Station 1 is far wider (compared to Station 2 and 3) with the water being shallower for much further.
Still on White Beach, Station 1 is where you should pick out a resort, ideally, to stay near to the best beach on the Island. But when it comes to eating out, Station 2 has the best cafes and restaurants, and the best street food vendors. The amazing thing about Boracay (and the Philippines overall) is the huge choice in international and authentic Filipino cuisine. If you feel the need to slow down and reenergize, head for White Beach's Station 3 to "chill out". Station 3 is also where the most affordable accommodation can be found, on this amazing beach.
Once you find the urge to explore the Island ― and you will want to ― you can hire a motorbike or one of the motored tricycles. Two wheels or three, it matters not, it's the most convenient way of getting around the Island. Going north of the Island are coconut palm laden beaches. One such beach is Puka Beach, having shade to play volleyball, go paddle boarding and swimming. The beach looks and feels truly like a tropical paradise because of the seashells strewn all over the sand, the corals beneath your feet.
In our opinion, the second next best beach, especially for families. It's where the winds blow the strongest, on the east of the Island and where the majority of the wind-powered activities can be found. It's also where you'll find the best, most amazingly stunning sunrise whilst on Boracay. To go swimming and snorkeling with the marine life, do your best to find Tambisaan Beach.
What is great about popular tropical Islands in this day and age is most of them have an international airport. When holidaying abroad, especially long distances, you are grateful for that. Flights flying from Europe you have a stop half way with many airlines anyway. One more connecting flight isn't welcomed. Be sure the airline you use, it does go to Boracay's Caticlan Airport. If not then you may need to fly from Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a little over an hour from take-off to landing.
Because the peak season tails off towards the end of February, fortunately the Island still packs a punch for romance as Valentines Day approaches. If you can't make Boracay for your Christmas and New Year, definitely put it on your bucket list to be there for February the 14th. What you need to remember is, because the peak season is ending, many flights and hotels will be cheaper.
There are really nice resorts on the Island. Enjoy the very best in spa and beauty treatments. And were that not enough for both of you, many resorts are close to a beach ― perfect for a romantic sunset meal for two. As you can only expect of such a world-class holiday destination, hospitality and service is top notch, of course.
There are also cruises you can book (in advance of course) for a holiday romantic meal for two, watching the sunset.
A holiday to the Philippines isn't considered to be expensive and in fact it's relatively cheap compared to other southeast Asian destinations. Those things that matter the most when on holiday, are very affordable when in the Philippines:
It is accepted that those three are budget friendly for foreign tourists. You only really need to decide what time of year you go for a holiday: either the summer or the winter. And once decided, plan months ahead and book flights and accommodation, because by booking in advance you can get a better deal. The airlines and hotel chains often offer bargain deals, you should look out for those. But avoid going in the months of June, July, August and September ― the monsoon season brings heavy rain and storms.
Boracay's summer months follow its winter months, namely March, April and May. The best of the Island is gotten from December through to May, before the rains arrive. Whether to go in the summer or winter is personal preference but we do recommend going for your Christmas.
There are numerous winter destinations to escape from the bitter cold and Boracay Island adds one more to your potential list of "must have" holidays. With exceptional luxury found in the Islands resorts there is little doubt because so many Filipinos head to the Island. Now ask yourself why should you miss out on this paradise getaway?
We would wager a bet you'd enjoy yourself greatly at Christmas. Boracay, compared to during the summer, the Island has a far livelier show put on for tourists. Aim to arrive on the 23rd, plenty of time to:
And then enjoy Christmas Day in full, what your hotel or resort has put on for the big day in terms of live entertainment, food and drink. Then be back home in time for the New Year, with a tan and a Philippine experience you'll never forget.
For those wanting a more authentic and varied holiday with many different experiences then opt for Palawan Island during the summer. Otherwise during the Christmas festivities, veer off more towards Boracay: there is far more to the entertainment aspect of the Island. Just as many more domestic tourists arrive, there is clearly a jolly atmosphere around the towns of Balabag, Yapak, and Manoc-Manoc.
Restaurants transform into dance floors after the sun has set, and although extreme wildness (drunkenness) isn't tolerated, there is an amazing party mood nonetheless. The variety of music is varied, with domestic and international DJs proving to be popular among the crowds.
