News
Palawan, Cebu join travelers’ Top 15 Islands of 2018, Boracay drops from list
“The Edenic Philippine outpost of Palawan scored the top spot on this list in 2013 and in 2017; it also makes the grade this year, although it cedes the top spot to a surprise entry,” T+L wrote. (Shutterstock photo)
Footprint-makers were asked to nominate and vote for the most beautiful islands to visit and travel to in the world and two of the Philippines’ made it in the list.
International magazine Travel + Leisure (T+L) featured 15 destinations from Asia’s pearl of the orient seas in its annual World’s Best Awards survey.
“The Edenic Philippine outpost of Palawan scored the top spot on this list in 2013 and in 2017; it also makes the grade this year, although it cedes the top spot to a surprise entry,” T+L wrote.
“It remains in fine company, voted in along with its sister island Cebu,” it added.
Cebu landed on the 8th spot garnering a score of 89.10, while Palawan – a known favorite – ended on 5th with a 90.04 score.
The top three islands, according to the travellers, were all from Indonesia – Java, Bali, and Lombok.
“Java, with a population of 140 million, makes its first appearance on this list. Celebrated for its ancient culture, breathtaking vistas, and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage sites like the Borobudur Temple Compounds, the island also offers the opportunity to indulge in modernity (five-star hotels abound). Waterfalls, volcanoes, protected parks, and white-sand beaches also allow visitors to get away from the thrum,” the magazine wrote.
Only the Philippines and Indonesia had more than one island picks.
Unfortunately, the paradise island that was T+L’s best island in 2012 did not make it in this year.
Currently, Boracay island – one of the Philippines’ top tourist spots – is being rehabilitated for six months since April this year as ordered by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The closure came after the President called the island a “cesspool.”
T+L’s yearly survey not only features islands, but also travel experiences on cities, cruise ships, airlines, and others.
