The top three best islands in the world are from the Philippines

Luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler named Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan as the top three best islands in the world. The winners were determined via a survey done for the Readers’ Choice Awards in 2017 where 30,000 travelers from all over the world participated in.

According to Conde Nast Traveler, the 30th annual Reader’s Choice Awards survey set another new record with millions of ratings and hundreds of thousands of comments submitted by travelers that served as votes in coming up with the winners.

Boracay

Boracay Island has been named as the best island in the world for the second time in a row. Conde Nast Traveler described the tiny island as being as close to a tropical idyll as you’ll find in Southeast Asia. The island is characterized by gentle coastlines and breathtaking sunsets. Boracay also offers a load of activities such as parasailing, diving, and island-hopping to cater to those who want a little action instead of just spending a leisurely day on the island’s powdery white sand.

By sundown, Boracay comes alive with its bustling nightlife. Party-goers will love the rows of bars serving cocktails and alcoholic beverages along the beach. Expect island music to keep the night energetic and awake. Nonetheless, if you want to take things slow, there are cafes in Boracay where you can quietly enjoy a cup of cappuccino and a slice of dessert.

Also read: Third time’s the charm in Boracay

Cebu

Cebu is the most densely populated island in the country. Similar to Manila, it is very metropolitan but without much of the clutter and pollution. Travelers can look forward to historical churches and sites in the main island. Cebu also prides itself with its notable restaurants, five-star hotels, and first-class shopping destinations.

Bantayan Island in Cebu

The main island, as well as the surrounding islands, is also home to some of the most pristine beaches in the Philippines. Try visiting Bantayan Island or Camotes Island if you want less crowd and true island vibe.

Also read: Journeying through Bantayan Island

Palawan

Palawan is composed of thousands of islands and is popular for its natural attractions, lakes and lagoons, and karst formation. Its three most popular destinations are Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa City, home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Palawan also prides itself with some of the best diving sites in the Philippines.

Luli Island in Palawan

A popular delicacy in Palawan is the tamilok or the woodworm, commonly harvested from dead mangrove tree trunks. It is actually a shell-less mollusk and is commonly eaten fresh, dipped in spicy vinegar sauce.

Also read: That Pristine Paradise Called Palawan: Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

The Philippines, being a tropical archipelago, is also home to other beautiful beach and island destinations aside from Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan. Some of the best diving sites can be found in Batangas, Negros Oriental, and Davao, just to name a few. There are also natural wonders and mountain retreats for those who are looking for an adventure other than beach hopping.

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Source: Conde Nast Traveler (https://www.cntraveler.com)