‘Northern Palawan among world’s best birdwatching destinations’

MANILA, Philippines — Northern Palawan has been described as one of the best birdwatching destinations in the world, in an article in travel magazine Condé Nast.

In a feature post, Sri Lanka-based travel writer Lydia Swinscoe noted how Palawan’s rich biodiversity and presence of endemic species cemented the island’s status as a global birding hotspot amid the growing wildlife tourism interest in 2026.

“Whether you’re a bird-watching obsessive completing a checklist, a nature-loving globe-trotter or simply want to delight in the joy that spotting colorful birds brings, these destinations are a perfect place to land,” Swinscoe wrote.

She described Palawan as the birding capital of the Philippines, with 27 of 260 endemic bird species found on the island.

“Black-naped orioles, large-tailed nightjars and olive-backed sunbirds are just a few of the amazing creatures that can be spotted in the Philippines,” the article stated.

Palawan was listed by Condé Nast along with Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Scotland, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.