Palawan named world's best island to visit for 2025
Palawan has once again captured the hearts of travelers and experts as it was named the World's Best Island to Visit for 2025.
US News & World Report released its annual list of 24 Best Islands to Visit on April 22.
The Philippine island emerged in the top spot and was praised for its beauty, rich biodiversity, and destinations, making it perfect for people who love adventure or relaxing at the beach.
"This Philippine archipelago's 1,700-plus islands and islets entice adventure seekers and beach bums alike," it said.
The ranking also noted some remarkable places and activities on the island, such as visiting the Kayangan Lake in Coron, touring the lagoons of Bacuit Bay in El Nido, and riding a kayak through caves on the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.
"Those who prefer to vacation at a slower pace can lounge on serene beaches overlooking limestone formations or catch a glimpse of marine life on a snorkeling tour."
The report urged the public to visit the island during its dry seasons from November through May.
Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, ranked second, followed by Mauritius, Santorini, and the Faroe Islands, respectively.
Cyprus, Tahiti, Whitsunday Islands, South Island, New Zealand, and Bora Bora, on the other hand, bagged the sixth to tenth spots.
According to their website, the US News & World Report travel rankings are based on an analysis of expert opinions and traveler reviews. They also rely on the "in-destination writers and editors for their recommendations and insider knowledge.
Meanwhile, Travel + Leisure, a New York-based travel magazine, also named Palawan among the best islands to visit in 2024.
It ranked 13th with a reader score of 90.59, boasting "unparalleled natural beauty" due to its stunning limestone cliffs, lagoons, and rainforests.
The island was also featured in TripAdvisor's Trending Destinations in the same year, following Tokyo, Japan, in first place; Seoul, South Korea, in second place; and Halong Bay, Vietnam, in third place.
