Palawan Island in the Philippines is gaining international acclaim in the tourism sector. At the beginning of this year, it was acknowledged as Asia’s Best Cruise Destination for 2023 by the World Cruise Awards. This recognition has paved the way for a promising tourism season. It coincides with the arrival of the first cruise ship of 2024, further enhancing Palawan’s status as a premier travel destination.
In addition to this distinction, Palawan has drawn the attention of global travelers through Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for 2024. The island secured the 13th spot on the list of the “25 Best Islands to Visit Around the World,” achieving a reader score of 90.59. The island is celebrated for its “unparalleled natural beauty.”
Travel + Leisure describes Palawan as a “thin island off the western coast of the Philippines” known for its natural beauty, including limestone cliffs, lagoons, and rain forests. Visitors to Palawan can explore the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. This site offers an intricate network of caves and waterways. Visitors also engage with the local cultures of Indigenous communities like the Batak and Tagbanua tribes, who have lived in the region for centuries.
Travel + Leisure conducted a survey inviting readers to share their experiences across various travel categories, including hotels, resorts, cities, and islands. The islands were assessed based on the following criteria: natural attractions, activities, restaurants, local people, and overall value.
This year, the survey attracted the participation of over 186,000 readers, who cast more than 700,000 votes across 8,700 properties. Islands were ranked based on their natural attractions, activities, local cuisine, and the friendliness of their residents. The Maldives emerged as the top island to visit, followed by Vietnam’s Phú Quốc and Bali in Indonesia.
Despite not claiming the top position, Palawan’s presence on the list of Asia’s favorite islands highlights its increasing significance in the global travel landscape. With its attractions and dedication to sustainable tourism, Palawan continues to draw visitors looking for unforgettable experiences amidst its natural wonders.
Here is the complete list of the 25 best islands to visit around the world according to Travel + Leisure:
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
