If you’ve been waiting for a sign to book your dream Palawan island escape, this is it!
When it comes to travel, the Philippines is packed with bucket-list destinations. But with so many stunning places to choose from, it can take time to decide where to go first. So, what are the must-visits?
Well, travelers worldwide have finally spoken. According to Travel + Leisure, Palawan—along with three other Philippine islands that made it to the 2025 World Best Awards—should be your next destination.
Palawan Ranked 13th in the 25 Best Islands to Visit Around the World List
Palawan is known for its unparalleled natural beauty. It features crystal-clear turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs. The region is also home to lush rainforests and vibrant marine life. With a rating of 90.59 from travelers worldwide, Palawan ranks alongside dreamy destinations like the Maldives and Bali.
Visitors can explore natural wonders such as the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Travelers can also dive into local culture with the Batak and Tagbanua indigenous communities.
This ranking isn’t random. It’s based on reviews from over 186,000 Travel + Leisure readers. They rated islands on various factors. These include natural beauty, beaches, food, friendliness, and value. The votes are in, and Palawan is a fan favorite.
Earlier this year, Palawan also made waves when it topped TripAdvisor’s “Trending Destinations” list, rubbing shoulders with hotspots like Tokyo, Seoul, and Halong Bay. El Nido’s Hidden Beach was also ranked 19th on Condé Nast Traveler’s 34 Best Beaches in the World. And it’s not just Palawan—other Philippine islands like Boracay, Mactan, and Panglao are up for next year’s World’s Best Awards too!
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco summed it up perfectly: “This award will serve as an inspiration to tourism stakeholders of the rest of our Philippine destinations, encouraging them to promote sustainable tourism and showcase the Philippines’ unparalleled natural beauty and hospitality.” Meanwhile, Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles from the Tourism Promotions Board added that this global recognition is a testament to Palawan’s beauty and the islanders’ passion for delivering unforgettable experiences.
Cultural Richness
Palawan offers plenty of activities for everyone. You can snorkel in vibrant coral reefs or kayak around lagoons. Trekking in lush rainforests is also a popular choice. You can soak up the sun on pristine white sand beaches. If you want to experience local culture, Palawan has that too. Enjoy the fresh harvest from the sea while you’re there. Palawan truly has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Update your group chat, start planning your itinerary, and get ready for the ultimate island getaway to Palawan!
Cover image credit: Condé Nast Traveler
