I happened to visit both Ha Long Bay located in northeastern Vietnam and El Nido located in the northwestern tip of the province of Palawan, Philippines. Both natural wonders are composed of several islands and islets that feature towering limestone cliffs and I couldn’t help but make the comparison which one is better.

Ha Long Bay was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is the New7Wonders of Nature organized by the New7Wonders Foundation. El Nido, on the other hand, is currently ranked #4 in Condé Nast Traveler’s list of “20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World for 2017”. And for the second year in a row (2016-2017) and the third time since 2013, the islands of Palawan has won the best island in the world award by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Considering the beauty of the place alone, here are the reasons why I like El Nido more than Ha Long Bay:

1) The Turquoise-Colored Water

El Nido, Palawan

Ha Long Bay

2) The Pristine Beaches

El Nido, Palawan

The powdery white sand underlies the limestone formations around El Nido. El Nido has around 50 white sand beaches that boast the whitest and finest sand in the world. You can even hire a private boat and have the island entirely to yourself.

Ha Long Bay

If you are going to Ha Long Bay, do not think about the beaches. Think of the boat tour and exploring the caves. Ha Long Bay is bigger and has around 1,600 limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,500 sq km but very few beaches.

3) More Exhilarating Kayaking Experience

El Nido, Palawan

You’ll be blown away as you paddle your kayak in Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon. The calm waters, both shallow and deep, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, will give you a solitary feeling.

Ha Long Bay

4) The Crystal-Clear Water

El Nido, Palawan

Ha Long Bay

5) It’s More Natural

El Nido, Palawan

In Ha Long Bay, you enjoy the karst landscapes as you cruise through the stunning bay on a traditional junk boat for 2-3 days. In El Nido, you get-off the boat during the island-hopping and get to experience the nature. There’s a hidden beach to discover, a secret lagoon to find, a snaking sandbar to walk on, a cave to explore, a cliff to climb, a waterfall to jump off, snorkeling spots to enjoy and plenty of white sand beaches to laze on.

Ha Long Bay

The caves should be naturally beautiful with the formations and natural lighting. But they have installed colorful lighting around the caves and even placed water systems to depict pool of waters that flow naturally.

6) Warm Sea Temperature

El Nido, Palawan

The swimming season in El Nido lasts from January to December, twelve months per year! During those months, the water temperature does not drop below 20°C/68°F. Average water temperature in El Nido from:

September to April is 27.75°C/81.75°F

May to August is 29.5°C/85°F

Ha Long Bay

The swimming season in Ha Long Bay lasts from April to December. During those months, the water temperature does not drop below 20°C/68°F. Average water temperature in Ha Long Bay from:

January to March is 20°C/68°F

April to May is 24.5°C/76°F

June to October is 29.2°C/84.4°F

November is 26°C/79°F

December is 22°C/72°F

7) It’s Just Simply More Breathtaking

El Nido, Palawan

El Nido is a true paradise. It has so much to offer and everywhere you look is spectacular. If you are looking for some activities and you have the desire to be close to nature, El Nido is an amazing retreat from the noise of the cities.

Ha Long Bay

If you prefer relaxing on the deck or on your own private balcony while impressive scenery passes you by, you will love Ha Long Bay.

I understand we should not compare places because each one is unique on its own. But you can’t blame me for having some favorites. How about you? Which one do you prefer?

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