Palawan has replaced Boracay as the best island for international travelers, according to the latest survey conducted by New York-based Travel+Leisure magazine.
The two islands in the Philippines claimed the top two spots in the magazine’s “2013 World’s Best Islands” list published this July.
Indeed, Palawan being well-known for its untouched beaches, biodiversity, and natural wonders like the Puerto Princesa Underground River, landed on the number one spot.
Hence, Second place went to Boracay, a popular tourist destination because of its blend of natural beauty and the vivacious night life.
Travel+Leisure magazine readers gave Palawan a score of 95.04 points as against Boracay’s 93.58 based in the survey conducted from December 2012 to April 2013.
Accordingly, the islands were rated by the respondents based on their natural attractions and beaches as well as their activities, food and people.
Palawan and Boracay beat other world-famous islands in the list, even those that are in Travel+Leisure’s hall of fame.
The others that made it to the Top 10 list are Santorini, Greece (score: 89.37), an island notable by its boxy white buildings overlooking the Aegean Sea; and Koh Samui in Thailand (score: 87.43), recognized for its abundant wildlife, coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and coconut trees.
Meanwhile, latest recognition of Palawan’s and Boracay’s beauty follows the two islands’ inclusion in “CNN’s 100 best beaches” list, published in May.
