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What the World Says About Palawan!
Palawan has been voted ‘Best Island in the World 2020’ for the fourth time by renowned travel magazine.
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The World's Most Beautiful Beaches by Condé Nast Traveler, 2023.
Hidden Beach, Palawan, Philippines
It’s not quite so hidden any more, but this beach still makes its mark as one of the world’s best.
Palawan is filled with pristinely beautiful spots but Hidden Beach—surrounded by imposing limestone cliffs and with startlingly bone-white sand – is separated from the turquoise ocean by a small keyhole-like opening, through which visitors must climb in order to access the lagoon.
25 Best Places to Go Snorkeling in the World. in 2023
29 Best Tropical Vacations Around the World in 2023
A favorite with budget backpackers and intrepid couples, the Philippines offers an inexpensive tropical beach vacation in Southeast Asia. Palawan’s towering limestone mountains that plunge into the turquoise sea make a postcard-worthy backdrop. When you’re ready for a splurge, set your sights on the private island resort of Amanpulo in Northern Palawan, where green and hawksbill sea turtles nest on the beach and you can snorkel and scuba dive over pristine reefs just offshore.
23rd. Palawan, Philippines
Top 100 beaches on Earth 2023: Ranked
El Nido is an unspoilt tropical paradise often referred to as the Philippines’ last frontier. Situated towards the northern tip of Palawan island El Nido is much more than just a single beach. In fact it comprises around 50 beaches set among a series of small islands, towering marble cliffs, lush tropical vegetation, ancient caves and enchanting lagoons.
As if that wasn’t enough, El Nido is the largest marine sanctuary in the Philippines with turtles, sea cows and whale sharks all native.
Located on the northeast shores of the El Nido region of the Palawan archipelago’s Matinloc Island, Hidden Beach takes its name from the fact its soft pale sands are all but invisible to passing boats. Situated within a small cove guarded by sheer cliffs, this tropical idyll provides a fantastic contrast to streets that roar with motorbike engines.
The level arc of sand circles a shallow sea lagoon of extraordinary clarity, and is backed by a fusion of palms and rocks busy with birdsong. The only access to the beach is a quick swim, some of it over corals, adding to the feeling of arriving somewhere truly special.
While growing in popularity, Hidden Beach’s isolated location means it’s rarely crowded, and those that do come tend to spend only around an hour here as part of a wider tour of the island’s treasures despite the obvious beauty. If you plan to stay a little longer, you should note that there are no toilet facilities on the beach, nor is there anywhere to find food or drink.
4 Hidden Beach – . El Nido, Palawan
19. White Beach, Boracay
Palawan hailed ‘Most Desirable Island’ in 21st Wanderlust Travel Awards
Palawan was named the world’s “Most Desirable Island” at the 21st Wanderlust Travel Awards in London, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Thursday.
The UK’s longest-running travel magazine cited it as such, with Ireland in Europe.
DOT said that the awards were presented on November 9 by Wanderlust, an organization that has been at the forefront of environmentally responsible travel for the past 29 years.
In addition, the Dive7 Program, which was run by the country’s Tourism Board and submitted through the Philippine Department of Tourism-Central Visayas Office, garnered sixth place out of hundreds of special entries in the Wanderlust Sustainability Initiative Category.
The World’s Best Islands for Beaches: 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards
Protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, your third-favorite island in Asia doesn’t skimp on the geological drama, from its karst limestone cliffs to its subterranean river. Offshore, its trapped-in-time beaches give way to an underwater landscape of seagrass meadows and coral reefs, which are home to sea turtles, dolphins, manatee-like dugongs, and endangered giant clams. You’ll find some of the most gorgeous and unspoiled beaches along the island’s northern tip in El Nido, which takes its name from the Spanish words for “the nest”—a reference to the swiftlets who build their (edible) nests on the cliff faces. And it’s also the perfect gateway for island-hopping among the lush and mostly uninhabited islets of the Bacuit Bay archipelago.
2 Palawan
5. Boracay, Philippines
The Top 5 Islands in Asia 2021
This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
The Philippines’ Palawan not only made this regional list again at No. 5 (though down from No. 1 last year) but also earned a spot in the World’s Best Islands list. When they arrive, guests find mountains as well as white sand beaches washed by the Sula and South China seas. Resorts range from eco-chic stays to the spectacular Amanpulo resort, accessible only by private plane. Its 58 casitas and villas are nestled in the lush hillside and along the beach; each villa has its own chef and butler.
5. Palawan, Philippines
The best Philippines islands: a local’s guide to the 10 prettiest islands
Referred to as the Pearl of the Orient by those who’ve visited and loved the Philippines, this archipelago in Southeast Asia has so much to offer to those looking to find a slice of tropical escapism. This rich, biodiverse country is made up of 7,641 islands (depending on the tide) – and to our minds, is one of the most alluring destinations on the planet.
3. El Nido, Palawan
4. Coron, Palawan
5. Pamalican Island, Palawan
10. Puerto Princesa, Palawan
The Best Islands in the World: 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards
For our 34th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey, registered voters weighed in on their favorite islands around the planet. As the world has begun to reopen, the results reflect the kinds of places you longed to visit when you couldn’t travel and the ones you returned to first once you could. Over 800,000 of you filled out our survey, and there were so many responses for islands this year, we’ve broken the results out by region: the best in Africa and the Indian Ocean, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, Central and South America, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean and Atlantic (phew).
Top 5 in Asia
3. Palawan, Philippines
1. Siargao, Philippines
The Top 25 Islands in the World 2021
This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.
The best islands in the world, according to T+L readers, are the kind of Instagram-perfect destinations that travelers fantasize about on winter evenings: dreamy, sun-drenched landscapes surrounded by the bluest waters. And since there’s an island destination for everyone, what constitutes “paradise” likely boils down to specific interests — history, culture, heart-pumping adventure, or something else entirely.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
19. Palawan, Philippines
The 30 best beaches in the world 2020
There’s something about a good beach that enlivens the senses: the briny scent of salt in the air, the calming murmur of waves, the gentle nip of sand whipped up by the soft breeze. A favourite beach is like a favourite poem – individual, important and something that makes our hearts sing, and now more than ever we are dreaming of days spent wriggling our toes in the sand and wallowing in salty water.
Instead of the typical sandy spots dotted with sun umbrellas and gaggles of tourists, we’ve sought out spaces that you may have to venture a little further for, but that remain incredibly beautiful and very often crowd-free. From the most exquisite beaches in Europe to far-flung stretches in Asia, Africa and more, these are the best beaches in the world.
Hidden Beach, Palawan, Philippines
It’s not quite so hidden any more, but this beach still makes its mark as one of the world’s best. Palawan is filled with pristinely beautiful spots but Hidden Beach – surrounded by imposing limestone cliffs and with startlingly bone-white sand – is separated from the turquoise ocean by a small keyhole-like opening, through which visitors must climb in order to access the lagoon.
World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2021
Palawan was recently chosen as the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” by Uzakrota, a leading tourism organization with members all over the globe, with headquarters in istanbul.
Palawan garnered the highest number of votes among Uzakrota members comprising hotels, travel agencies, tourism technology companies, and other tourism stakeholders worldwide. Palawan edged out Bodrum and the Maldives. Last year, the Philippines also won the Uzakrota Travel Award as the “World’s Leading Country Tourism Destination.”
The Top 25 Islands in the World in 2020
Last year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, 2020, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope the honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be.
Turquoise water, fine-sand beaches, palm trees — when we think about islands, it’s often the castaway sort that comes to mind. Something tiny and tropical, even Gilligan-esque.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
1. Palawan, Philippines
World's Leading Dive Destination 2021, 2020, 2019
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World’s Leading Top Beach Destination for the Fifth Time.
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The 15 Best Islands in the World in 2019
One of the greatest rewards of traveling — discovering the new — is reflected in T+L readers’ picks for the world’s best islands. Not only do several islands make their debut but one newcomer to the list also vaulted directly into the No. 1 spot. Thanks to those adventurers who have gone before you, all you need to do is pick your desired body of water to find your paradise.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
2. Palawan, Philippines
10 Affordable Beach Vacations Around the World
Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach. Beach vacations are the classic family vacation, but they’re also great for romantic getaways, trips with friends, or even solo trips. Whether you want to relax with your toes in the sand or try surfing and snorkeling, there’s a perfect beach destination for you. Thankfully, you can have an incredible vacation without spending too much. We’ve put together a list of cheap beach vacations in the U.S. and around the world so you can enjoy the sand and surf on a budget.
The Top 10 Islands in Asia in 2018
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
After two years of winning the No. 1 spot, the Philippine island of Palawan has been unseated, although it still makes an appearance on both this and the overall islands list thanks to its friendly locals, crystal-clear seas, and top-notch diving (don’t miss El Nido, with its limestone islets, and Coron Island, where you can dive among World War II shipwrecks). Sister island Cebu also made the cut. One reader, who swam with whale sharks there, calls it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
5. Palawan, Philippines
The 15 Best Islands in the World in 2018
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
6. Palawan, Philippines
The Top 10 Islands in Asia in 2017
Should you hesitate for a moment when it comes to booking a flight that might take a day (and possibly a night) of your life, consider this: the No. 1 island in Asia is also the No. 1 island in the world this year. So this is as fine time as any to download a few seasons of shows you’ve been wanting to binge-watch and high-tail it to Palawan, an island province in the Philippines. “Point and shoot anywhere, and you’ve got the best sunsets and vistas,” said one reader. Added another, “Palawan is a beautiful paradise with its limestone islands, clear waters for snorkeling, coral reefs, and variety of underwater life. There is so much to see.”
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
1. Palawan, Philippines
The World’s Best Islands in 2016
The Philippines are having a moment. This year, three of the top 10 islands in the world, as decided by Travel + Leisure readers, are in this Asian archipelago.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, 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.
No. 1: Palawan, Philippines
The World’s Best Islands in 2013
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
1. Palawan, Philippines
