DOT praises Palawan for being 'World’s Best Island' of 2017
The Department of Tourism commended Palawan for being voted as the "World’s Best Island" by an international travel magazine for two consecutive years. George Tapan, File
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism commended Palawan for being voted as the "World’s Best Island" by an international travel magazine for two consecutive years.
Palawan, famous for Puerto Princesa, Coron, and El Nido, took the top spot in prestigious travel magazine, Travel + Leisure’s "World’s Best Island" list again with the highest score of 93.15. It also seized the first rank in 2016.
“We are truly proud of our country’s 'Last Frontier' for the accolades gained and we enjoin the community, industry and local government leaders to continue preserving this valuable travel jewel for our future guardians and visitors to enjoy,” Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo says in a statement.
Palawan was first chosen as the "World’s Best Island" by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2013 but only returned to the top spot last year.
According to the magazine, most readers described Palawan as “rustic,” “romantic,” “affordable,” and “relaxing” that is why it is often singled out from other islands in other countries.
“It’s the single most beautiful place on earth,” a Philippine island fan was quoted by the magazine.
The international travel magazine attributed Palawan’s two-year rule to its hidden lagoons that teem with ocean life and rustic-luxe resorts. It also took note of Palawan's five-mile-long Underground River in Puerto Princesa, as well as mountains, limestone caves, and spectacular scuba diving areas with turquoise waters.
Besides Palawan, another top tourist destination of the country made it to the roster. Boracay landed on the third spot with an 89.67 percent score.
Last year, Boracay and Cebu also made it to Travel +Leisure’s list.
The top ten islands that made it to the World’s Best Island list of Travel + Leisure are as follows:
10. Bali, Indonesia; Score: 87.61
9. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia; Score: 87.75
8. Ischia, Italy ; Score: 88.53
7. Kauai, Hawaii; Score: 88.72
6. Maui, Hawaii; Score: 89.17
5. Santorini, Greece; Score: 89.19
4. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador; Score: 89.20
3. Boracay Island, Philippines; Score: 89.67
2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Score: 90.83
1. Palawan, Philippines Score: 93.15
