Hi,

I'm going to the Philippines the first week of May. I initially was planning on going to Boracay, but I’m discovering there are a ton of great islands/beaches/resorts. My main goal is to relax at the beach and go snorkeling/kayaking. I would prefer to say at hotels around the $100-200 range, but I’m willing to spend more if it’s a great hotel. Any ideas/suggestions.

Thanks.

Have you looked into Palawan? Lots of hotel options there. Also good snorkeling on Bohol (Balicasag and Pamilacan). I haven't been myself, but did at one point explore the possiblity.

White Beach in Boracay
El Nido in Palawan
Panglao in Bohol
Mactan in Cebu

All eyes are on CARAMOAN ISLANDS in Camarines Sur. It was the venue of Survivor France (Kohlanta). Haven't been there but raves are everywhere.

Bohol is a good choice if you dont want the busy-ness of Boracay.

Palawan is very good too (choices within palawan will be Coron, El Nido or Honda Bay)

Mactan Island in Cebu has great beaches and diving. Bohols about 2 1/2 hours away. Palawan is a great choice but you will be limited may be limited depending on what else you want to here. You can get idea of what these destinations have to offer here. http://hubpages.com/hub/Philippines-Travel-Guide

So, have you settled on what beach to go to? I wouldn't blame jyoung because with 7,100 islands, it's really quite hard to choose. Best I think is to bundle them together since there are ferries that can take you say - from Bohol to Cebu. Or from Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Davao.

Enjoy!

I would cautuion about going to Palawan- its south and that is an area where they have had problems in the past with rebels. It is a very nice area with great resorts and beaches but.....

Not true about Palawan; my family just came back from a wonderful island hopping in Coron and Culion and we had the most amazing experience. The prisinte lakes, lagoons, and beaches are unbelievable; price of hotels and food very reasonable and the people are exceptionally nice and hospitable. Go while it still not commercialized like Boracay.

I would suggest Bohol or Palawan as aside from its beautiful beaches there are other things to do and explore. In Palawan, there's the famous underground river and Calauit wildlife. In Bohol, you can go to a Bee Farm, see old churches and the famous chocolate hills.

Boracay and Palawan are the must-go places when it comes to beaches in the Philippines. But there are other beautiful and cheap resorts in Bohol and Cebu. Camiguin is also a great place.

I must agree, Borocay is gorgeous. Take me with you!