Palawan reclaims title as ‘best island in the world’

Palawan has reclaimed its title as the “Best Island in the World,” according to a survey conducted by renowned travel magazine Travel + Leisure.

In an article on Wednesday, Travel + Leisure writer Sara Clemence described Palawan, one of the Philippines’ top tourist spots, as “dramatic at sea level, with mountains rising directly from the ocean palm-edged beaches.”

Palawan scored 94.83 in the survey of the magazine to regain the “Best Island in the World” title. Palawan placed second last year after registering 90.87 points.

“Though it’s difficult to reach from many parts of the world, once travelers get there they can dive in World War II wrecks, explore old-growth rain forests, and paddle one of the world’s longest subterranean rivers at Puerto Princesa,” Clemence wrote.

According to the magazine, the survey closed on March 2, 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 that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be," it said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism on Thursday celebrated the recognition.

“Palawan reclaimed its rightful place in the World’s Best Awards. The citation as the Best Island in the World is all the more important because this is voted upon by the readers of the prominent Travel + Leisure (T+L) magazine,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement.

“It’s wonderful to see that our rehabilitation and sustainable development efforts last year, especially in El Nido and Coron, were well-received by tourists everywhere,” she added.

The DOT also underscored that Palawan has so far topped the World’s Best Islands list four times already.

Apart from Palawan, Boracay, world famous for its white sand beaches, also made it to the list, placing 14th with a score of 88.22.

Palawan edged out other famous tourist destinations, including islands in Greece (Páros, Milos, Crete), Italy (Sicily), Thailand (Koh Lanta), and Indonesia (Bali). -MDM, GMA News