Last October 20, 2015, Conde Nast Traveler (CNTraveler.com) released a list for Readers' Choice Awards 2015 In relation to their 28th Annual Survey, this year is participated by 128,000 travelers who submitted millions of ratings and tens of thousands of comments which helped create a list of favorites from all over the World which includes Top 20 Best Islands in the World, Best Cities in the World and 100 Best Hotels & Resorts in the World.
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Luckily, Philippines has Three Entries in their Top 20 Best Islands in the World - Cebu in 19th, Boracay in 15th and Palawan in Number One Spot.
19. Cebu, Philippines | Overall Rating: 80.404
The most densely populated island in the Philippines, Cebu is famous for its beaches, on the mainland as well as around many of the surrounding islands. Not as wild as Phuket in Thailand, Cebu City is more personal, with plenty of up-and-coming restaurants and shopping.
Pro tip: To get a true taste of island life, head off the grid on the Camotes Islands, two hours east of Cebu. Bring cash because there are no ATMs.
Getting there: Many Asian airlines have direct flights to Mactan Cebu International Airport from neighboring countries like Singapore. Note that the airport is located on a different island and it takes about 30 minutes by taxi to get to Cebu City.
15. Boracay, Philippines | Overall Rating: 80.856
This itty-bitty island (just under 4 square miles) in the Western Philippines is as close to the tropical idyll as you’ll find in Southeast Asia, with gentle coastlines and transporting sunsets. Add in a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the top tourist spots in the region.
Pro tip: The aptly named White Beach is Boracay’s main draw, with powdery white sand and shallow azure water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Getting there: Fly from Manila to Caticlan in Malay; from there, pump boats ferry passengers to White Beach.
1. Palawan, Philippines | Overall Rating: 85.937
This small island—one of the Philippines’ 7,107—shot to the top of our list again this year with a recent claim to fame: It’s now home to one of the new seven natural wonders of the world, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.
Pro tip: Palawan's natural wonder is one of the longest underground rivers in the world, traveling five miles through a subterranean cave system. Guided boat tours take visitors down a portion of the waterway, where karsts, natural rock formations created by dissolving limestone, loom in every direction.
Getting there: From Manila, it’s an hour-and-15-minute flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s main airport. Alternately, ferries travel between Manila and the island several days a week (about 24 hours each way).
Here's the complete list of Conde Nast Traveler's Top 20 Best Islands in the world:
20. Hvar & Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
19. Cebu, Philippines
18. Sta. Lucia
17. Orkney Islands, Scotland
16. Maldives
15. Boracay, Philippines
14. Mykonos, Greece
13. St. John, USVI
12. British Virgin Islands
11. Cook Islands
10. Tasmania, Australia
9. Santorini, Greece
8. Bali, Indonesia
7. Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
6. Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, Australia
5. Bermuda
4. Waiheke Island, New Zealand
3. Moorea, French Polynesia
2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
1. Palawan, Philippines
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| Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa Photo by Agoda |
In addition, Cebu got an entry for Conde Nast's 100 Best Hotels & Resorts in the World. With a score of 94.916, Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa ( located in Lapu-Lapu City ), ranked 51 next to Cheval Blanc Randheli of Maldives. See the complete list HERE.
