Relaxation, nightlife both more fun in Boracay

A famous beach in the Philippines can be "more fun" both for travelers seeking "relaxation and tranquility" as well those up for an exciting nightlife, results of new polls showed.

The island of Boracay has been named as the number one Asian destination for relaxation and spa treatments in a list released by international hotel booking website Agoda.

It also ranked third in a global list of tourism sites for "best nightlife excitement" in a separate poll by the same website.


"The idyllic tropical island in the middle of the Philippine archipelago offers everything one would expect in a tropical paradise," Agoda said in its website.

Boracay topped Bali, Indonesia, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai in Thailand; as well as Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in the list based on a survey of 130,000 respondents.

Rounding out the list of 10 Asian relaxation sites are Krabi, Thailand; Langkawi, Malaysia; Hua Hin and Phuket, Thailand; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.


Boracay, which Agoda said is "famous for its white sand beaches and swaying palm trees," as well as neighboring Caticlan was also rated as a top nightlife spot.

Bangkok, Thailand sat on top of the list based on 113,000 respondents in the website's nightlife poll. It was followed by Dubai, UAE.

Ranked lower the the Philippines are Pattaya, Thailand; Tokyo, Japan; Phuket, Thailand; Hong Kong; Macau; Taipei, Taiwan; and Bali, Indonesia.


Boracay Island has also earlier been named as the world's "best island destination" for 2012 by Travel+Leisure Magazine.

It bested several famous beaches in this year's list, including Galapagos in Ecuador, Maui in Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef Island in Australia.

The island in the Visayas also emerged as 2012's top beach destination in Asia according to international travel website TripAdvisor, beating beaches in Thailand, Indonesia and India.


Also reaffirming Boracay's fame is the continuous rise of five-star developments by international hotel lines.

Meanwhile, featuring one hotel each in the Asia relaxation destinations, Agoda has chosen Discovery Shores Hotel in Boracay.

"From the pick up at the airport in Caticlan all the way to the foot bath in the room, this was the beginning of a great getaway weekend,"Agoda quoted U.S.-based respondent as saying.

"The hotel's Mandala Spa made the trip!" the user named Elijah further said.