Palawan named world’s 'most desirable island' by UK travel magazine
Palawan has been named the world's "Most Desirable Island" for 2022 by a London-based publication.
Wanderlust Travel Magazine, one of the longest-running travel magazines in the United Kingdom, said readers selected Palawan to be "not just the best in the country, but the best in the world" for 2022.
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the 21st Wanderlust Travel Awards 2022 were given on November 9 by the publication. Wanderlust Travel Magazine has been at the forefront of sustainable travel for the past 29 years.
“The scenery here is heaven on earth with sparkling waters and white sand beaches. One of the most photographed sites is Kayangan, a dazzling freshwater lake with spectacular rock formations above and below the surface,” wrote Wanderlust Magazine.
Palawan took home the gold, besting Tobago and Viti Levu in Fiji.
The Top 10 Most Desirable islands (rest of the world) according to their list are:
- Palawan
- Tobago
- Viti Levu
- Cuba
- St Helena
- Rapa Nui / Easter Island
- St Lucia
- Zanzibar
- Bali
- Tasmania
The publication praised Palawan for its underground river and “delicious cuisine” in the island's capital of Puerto Princesa. Cebu was also nominated as Most Desirable Region (Rest of the World) by the award-giving body.
The latest award comes after various recognitions the country has earned amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this year, Conde Nast Travel (CNT) also named the Philippines as part of the 40 Most Beautiful Countries in the World, citing Puerto Princesa Underground River, Chocolate Hills of Bohol, as well as the Banaue and Cordilleras Rice Terraces.
Boracay was also named as one of the 50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022 by TIME Magazine.
Last September, the Philippines was named Asia’s leading dive and beach destination, while the historic Walled City of Intramuros was named Asia’s leading tourist attraction at the World Travel Awards (WTA) in Vietnam.
