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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Travel devider LOOK: Palawan listed as the world's best island to visit in 2025

LOOK: Palawan listed as the world's best island to visit in 2025

An abundance of trees, clear seas, and the lush bloom of the island's natural wonders continue to make Palawan a captivating destination

Published May 14, 2025 01:17 pm
Based on a recent list put out by “US News & World Report,” Palawan is considered “#1 in World’s Best Islands to Visit for 2025.” According to the report, the placement owes itself to numerous island hopping options to explore, serene beaches for lounging around, and the marine life you can spot when on a snorkeling tour.
TARA, PALAWAN! Tourists marvel over the mangrove forests of Puerto Princesa. (MB file photo)
TARA, PALAWAN! Tourists marvel over the mangrove forests of Puerto Princesa. (MB file photo)
Even more amazing is how our very own managed to beat out 23 other destinations, including global favorites like Greece’s Santorini (ranked fourth), Tahiti (ranked seventh), and the Bahamas (ranked 17th). Among our Southeast Asian neighbors, Bali managed to make the list as well, ranking in 19th place.
Key destinations listed in the report that make Palawan worth visiting are Kayangan Lake in Coron, El Nido’s Bacuit Bay, and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just last year, Palawan also received recognition as the 13th Best Island in the World out of 25, and ranked fifth in Asia based on a list by “Travel + Leisure.” Another publication, “Wanderlust Travel Magazine,” also has Palawan among its list of “Most Desirable Islands in the World,” placing 10th after going through three million votes cast by 168,000 readers.
If there’s one thing we can take from all these accolades, it’s that sustainable tourism practices help in keeping Palawan a top vacation spot. A common factor among these ranking lists praises how seemingly untouched the island’s natural beauty is. Pairing this with our well-known hospitality, it comes as no surprise that tourists continue to flock to the island.

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