One of the picturesque islands of the Philippines, Palawan, has been dubbed the best island in the world anew by international magazine Travel and Leisure.
Every year T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers ranked islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
Palawan first received the coveted top spot in the list in 2013 and “it’s a little surprise that the island is back at the top,” wrote Travel and Leisure on its website. “Visitors are greeted with mountains rising out of impossibly turquoise waters, where shipwrecks and reefs make for prime scuba diving and snorkeling,” the travel magazine said.
“The island is every beach lover’s dream destination” and a “wonderful and magical place, ” it also quoted a voter as saying. The travel magazine also took note of Puerto Princesa’s five-mile-long underground river and its limestone caverns.
Palawan also boasts coral reefs with abundant species of marine life. Adventure-seeking tourists can also go snorkeling and hiking in the island paradise.
Aside from Palawan, the Philippine islands of Cebu and Boracay also made it to the list. Boracay ranked second, while Cebu ranked sixth.
Boracay is known for its white sand beaches and exciting night life. Some readers described the island as a “natural treasure.”
Cebu is known for its historical sites. Visitors can also try hiking and swimming with the whale sharks in the said island.
Here are the other islands included in the list are:
• Bali, Indonesia (Rank 10)
• Kauai, Hawaii (Rank 9)
• Hilton Head, South Carolina (Rank 8)
• Maui, Hawaii (Rank 7)
• Santorini, Greece (Rank 5)
• Waiheke Island, New Zealand (Rank 4)
• Ischia, Italy (Rank 3)
