Head to popular islands for a refreshing summer of water fun!

Written/Compiled by Li Xinyi | Source/MOOK Editorial Department

A hot summer is perfect for island-hopping and water activities abroad. Traveling to Palau, Guam, or Boracay only takes four days and three nights or five days and four nights, at quite economical prices. For example, a group tour to Palau for four days and three nights starts at 29,000 yuan, Boracay — just a two-hour flight from Taiwan — offers a four-day, three-night trip for about 20,000 yuan, while a five-day, three-night Guam self-guided tour starts at around 19,000 yuan. All are great summer escapes abroad to beat the heat.

Snorkeling enthusiasts will find Palau offers numerous snorkeling spots with diverse landscapes — Milk Lake, Jellyfish Lake, and the Big Drop-Off are all unforgettable. For those who want to enjoy the water and shop at luxury outlets, Guam can satisfy both desires. Meanwhile, Boracay boasts the most beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife. Choosing which popular island to vacation on takes some thought!

Boracay is located in the northern part of Panay Island in the Visayas region of central Philippines. Its long, narrow shape gives the island a variety of landscapes, with each beach and coastline offering its own charm. Once named one of the world’s seven most beautiful beaches, it has been a highly attractive holiday destination in Southeast Asia since its development in the late 1970s, beloved by tourists from Europe, America, Korea, and Japan.

It is situated in an island nation just a two-hour flight from Taiwan. The waters here are warm year-round, and the air carries a lazy sense of ease. Every peak season, travelers from around the globe flock here, braving the distance just to enjoy a carefree holiday filled with wonder and joy.

Must-Visit Attraction: White Beach

Among the many Southeast Asian islands, if you were to choose the most beautiful beach, Boracay would definitely rank near the top. The nearly 5-kilometer stretch of White Beach on the southern coast features snow-white, delicate, and strikingly fine sand, so impressive that it has been praised by the British BMW Travel Magazine as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Many people come to Boracay specifically because of this beach.

White Beach is the liveliest spot on Boracay. Behind a large expanse of coconut and palm trees lies a row of beachfront restaurants, hotels, cafes, and inns. Some shops even have floors made of the fine white sand — diners and guests can take off their shoes and bury their feet in the cool sand.

Must-Try Food: Halo-Halo

This is a Filipino-style shaved ice dessert. "Halo-Halo" means "mix" or "combination" in the Filipino language. Sometimes, Filipinos even jokingly call themselves Halo-Halo, as the majority of Filipinos are of mixed descent — typically Spanish, American, or mixed with indigenous ancestry. This local dessert features a bowl of crushed ice topped with sweet beans, corn, tapioca pearls, jackfruit, coconut gel, and more, finished with a drizzle of coconut milk and a scoop of ice cream — incredibly refreshing.

Must-Shop Spot: D'Mall

D'Mall is the most famous shopping mall on Boracay. Its small Ferris wheel is the landmark of D'Mall. It divides the area into two sides — one for premium goods and the other for budget-friendly items. The premium section sells trendy bags, purses, accessories, sandals, and essential beachwear like bikinis, shorts, sarongs, and cover-ups. Shopping here is relaxed and low-key, and if you have time to explore the alleys, you might even find hidden treasures.