Travel + Leisure: Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu Among World’s Best Islands

Three island destinations in the Philippines made it among “The 25 Best Islands in the World” of the New York-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure (T+L).

On the T+L World’s Best Island list, Boracay ranked 9th; followed by Palawan at 11th; and Cebu, the 16th spot.

One of the world famous white sand beaches of Boracay

According to T+L, readers were asked 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.”

Coron, Palawan

Boracay and Palawan also topped T+L’s 5 Best Islands in Asia alongside Phuket, Thailand, Bali, Indonesia, and the Maldives. “Travel + Leisure readers fondly recalled pre-COVID-era visits to the best islands in Asia. Now that the region is reopening, they’re surely eager to return to these five ports of call, including the islands of the Maldives, as well as those found in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines,” stated T + L.

Moalboal, Cebu

“We express our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all tourism stakeholders from the public and private sector, the national and local government units, the efforts of the previous administration included, and all the hardworking employees and officials of the Department across the country for forging forward amidst the challenges of the pandemic and contributing in their own ways so our country may earn the title as one of the most beautiful in the world. The natural beauty of a country can truly shine through when we are united in heralding our best qualities,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.