Palawan placed 1st in 'World's Best Islands' Top 25 list

In a survey, Palawan is once again recognized as the “best island in the world” after getting the most number of votes from the magazine's readers, conducted by renowned international travel magazine Travel+Leisure.

Photo credit: guidetothephilippines.ph

In an article published on July 8, Travel + Leisure writer Sara Clemence described the popular Philippine destination as "dramatic at sea level, with mountains rising directly from the ocean palm-edged beaches."

The world-famous island scored 94.83 in the survey topping the roster of the top 25 Best Islands in the World.

"Though it's difficult to reach from many parts of the world, once travelers get there they can dive in World War II wrecks, explore old-growth rain forests, and paddle one of the world's longest subterranean rivers at Puerto Princesa," Clemence wrote. 

The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrated Palawan's latest achievement through a post on its Facebook page. Palawan previously held the title in 2013, 2016, and 2017.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said, "Palawan reclaimed its rightful place in the World's Best Awards. The citation as the Best Island in the World is all the more important because this is voted upon by the readers of the prominent Travel + Leisure magazine."

"It's wonderful to see that our rehabilitation and sustainable development efforts last year, especially in El Nido and Coron were well-received by tourists everywhere," she added. 

Another Philippine destination that made the cut this year is Boracay, famous for its white-sand beaches, wound up in the 14th place and the 5th best island in Asia in the list.

The magazine said this year’s World’s Best Award survey was concluded on March 2, before the several countries implemented the “stay-at-home” orders in a bid to curb COVID-19 cases.