Boracay, Palawan, Cebu hailed world’s best islands

CEBU – The New York-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure (T+L) has named Boracay Island, Palawan Island and Cebu Island as among “The 25 Best Islands in the World” because of its pristine beauty and rich natural resources.

The Philippines is also included in the “The 40 Most Beautiful Countries in the World” by lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler (CNT). TimeOut.com also ranked Manila among the top cities in the world. The ranking comes as a result of a survey among city-dwellers worldwide.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it is elated over the choices made by the T+L and CNT.

“The Philippines is truly blessed with the unrivaled beauty of our natural resources coupled by the warmth and endless talent of the Filipinos manifested in this citation of Travel + Leisure that included our Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay in their prestigious list,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

Boracay Island featuring its postcard-perfect sunset ranked 9th in the T+L World's Best Island list, followed by Palawan at 11th with a photo of an idyllic lagoon in El Nido, and Cebu at 16th with Taoist Temple, in Cebu City.

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.”

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,” the international magazine said.

Frasco thanked the two prestigious magazines for featuring the Boracay, Palawan and Cebu; and the Philippines.

“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,” she said.

Aside from the Philippines, the CNT also listed other countries such as Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, and the United States of America, among others.

TimeOut.com said the choice is a result of several criteria that include aspects like walkability, good public transport, safety, and sustainability other than a thriving nightlife, amazing food and drink, and art and culture.

It should be noted, nonetheless, that Manila is usually in reference to Metro Manila or the Philippines’ National Capital Region.

“May this global recognition of the beauty of our natural resources inspire our efforts to raise the Philippines’ standing in the tourism industry by introducing tourism infrastructure development and improvements that would enhance connectivity and convenience in reaching our destinations,” Frasco said. (Cebu Examiner)