Palawan named one of the world’s best islands to visit

FILE PHOTO

At the start of the year, the Philippines, with its Palawan Island, was recognized as Asia’s Best Cruise Destination for 2023 by the World Cruise Awards.

This honor sets the stage for an exciting tourism season, marked by the arrival of the first cruise ship of 2024, further solidifying Palawan’s reputation as a premier travel destination.

Adding to its accolades, Palawan – the last ecological frontier of the Philippines – has also captured the attention of global travelers through Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for 2024. It was named one the “25 Best Islands to Visit Around the World,” securing 13th place, with a reader score of 90.59. 

Palawan has been described as an island with “unparalleled natural beauty.” 

“This thin island off the western coast of the Philippines is known for its unparalleled natural beauty, including limestone cliffs, lagoons, and rain forests,” according to Travel + Leisure. 

As stated on the website, travelers to Palawan can immerse themselves in the wonders of the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Here, visitors can explore an intricate network of caves and waterways while also engaging with the cultures of Indigenous communities, such as the Batak and Tagbanua tribes, who have inhabited the region for centuries.

In the Travel + Leisure survey, readers were invited to share their experiences across various travel categories, ranging from hotels and resorts to cities and islands. 

The islands were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Natural attractions/beaches
• Activities/sights
• Restaurants/food
• People/friendliness
• Value

This year, over 186,000 readers participated, casting more than 700,000 votes across 8,700 properties. 

While the Maldives claimed the top spot as the best island to visit, followed closely by Vietnam’s Phú Quốc and Bali, Indonesia, Palawan’s inclusion on this elite list as one of Asia’s favorite islands underscores its growing significance in the global travel landscape.

With its offerings and commitment to sustainable tourism, Palawan continues to attract visitors seeking unforgettable experiences in a paradise of natural wonders.

Here’s the complete list of the 25 best islands to visit around the world

1. Maldives
2. Phú Quốc, Vietnam
3. Bali, Indonesia
4. Milos, Greece
5. Dominica
6. Crete, Greece
7. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
8. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
9. Koh Samui, Thailand
10. Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia
11. Ischia, Italy
12. Cuba
13. Palawan, Philippines
14. Fiji Islands
15. Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island), United States
16. Phuket, Thailand
17. Sicily, Italy
18. Anguilla
19. Moorea, French Polynesia
20. Corfu and the Ionian Islands, Greece
21. Sardinia, Italy
22. Madeira, Portugal
23. Skye and the Hebrides, Scotland
24. Paros, Greece
25. Zanzibar, Tanzania