Palawan has once again been voted the best island in the world. In 2024, Palawan reclaimed its title in the Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, earning high praise for its stunning natural beauty and unique attractions such as diving in World War II wrecks, exploring old-growth rainforests, and paddling along the subterranean river in Puerto Princesa. This accolade marks another recognition of Palawan’s consistent appeal to travelers worldwide. In fact, Palawan has been honored as the best island in the world a total of five times by Travel + Leisure magazine. These accolades were received in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2020, and most recently in 2024.
Furthermore, Palawan has received recognition as the best island in the world from other well-known publications and figures besides Travel + Leisure. Notably, Palawan has been consistently recognized in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2022, it was ranked among the world’s top islands and was placed 8th in the Asia category. This recognition underscores its consistent appeal and the efforts of local communities and stakeholders in promoting sustainable tourism.
Additionally, individual destinations within Palawan, such as Banwa Private Island, have received accolades from luxury travel platforms like Destination Deluxe, which named it “Private Island of the Year” for three consecutive years. These recognitions highlight Palawan’s global reputation as a premier travel destination, celebrated for its natural beauty and commitment to sustainable tourism.
What concerns famous figures, Bill Gates stayed on Palawan with his family for a vacation in April 2015 at the luxurious Amanpulo Resort on Pamalican Island, Palawan. They also visited El Nido during their stay. Amanpulo is known for attracting high-profile guests due to its exclusivity and stunning natural surroundings, making it a fitting choice for a private and luxurious getaway.
Other notable figures include:
- Beyoncé and Jay-Z: The celebrity power couple reportedly enjoyed a vacation in El Nido, Palawan, staying at a luxurious resort and enjoying the island’s stunning natural beauty.
- Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: During their time together, the Hollywood stars visited the exclusive Amanpulo Resort on Pamalican Island, part of the Palawan archipelago.
- Mariah Carey: The famous singer spent time at Amanpulo, enjoying the resort’s privacy and pristine surroundings.
- Michael Bloomberg: The former mayor of New York City and billionaire businessman has also been reported to have vacationed at Amanpulo Resort.
- Paris Hilton: The socialite and media personality has visited Palawan, sharing her experiences on social media and praising the island’s beauty.
- Manny Pacquiao: The world-renowned Filipino boxer and politician frequently visits Palawan for both vacation and business, often highlighting the island’s attractions in interviews and social media posts.
Some reasons why Palawan was voted best island in the world
Palawan has been voted as the best island in the world multiple times for several compelling reasons:
- Stunning Natural Beauty: Palawan is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring limestone cliffs, pristine white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The island’s dramatic scenery is a major draw for tourists seeking picturesque destinations.
Twin Lagoons in Coron. - Rich Marine Life: The island offers exceptional diving and snorkeling experiences, particularly in places like the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Divers can explore vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine species, and World War II shipwrecks.
- Unique Attractions: Palawan is home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This underground river is a major tourist attraction, allowing visitors to paddle through its cavernous tunnels.
- Ecotourism and Conservation Efforts: Palawan is celebrated for its commitment to ecotourism and sustainable practices. Efforts to preserve its natural environment, including initiatives in El Nido and Coron, have been well-received by both tourists and environmentalists.
- Adventure Activities: The island offers a wide range of adventure activities, such as kayaking through lagoons, exploring hidden beaches, and hiking in lush rainforests. These activities provide thrilling experiences for adventure seekers.
- Exclusivity and Luxury: Palawan boasts luxurious resorts and private islands that cater to high-end travelers. Banwa Private Island, for example, has been recognized for its exclusivity and top-notch services.
- Cultural and Historical Significance: The island’s rich cultural heritage and historical sites add to its appeal. Visitors can explore indigenous communities, historical landmarks, and cultural festivals that showcase Palawan’s unique traditions.
- Warm Hospitality: The friendliness and hospitality of the local people contribute to a welcoming and enjoyable experience for tourists. The warmth and helpfulness of the residents often leave a lasting impression on visitors.
- Accessibility and Connectivity: Despite its remote location, Palawan has good accessibility through its airports in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. This makes it relatively easy for tourists to reach the island from major cities in the Philippines and beyond.
These factors, combined with its consistent recognition in various travel awards and publications, solidify Palawan’s reputation as one of the world’s top travel destinations.
Book a tour in Palawan
We organize several tours in Palawan, such as single day private tours around Coron, diving tours around Coron, single day private tours around El Nido, Port Barton, and multiday expeditions between El Nido and Coron. Just contact us so we can design the perfect package for you!
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We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.