AFTER being named as the top island in the world by the readers of the renowned United States travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler in October, the province of Palawan once again received recognition from well-known American news website Huffington Post.
In an article titled “Palawan, the most beautiful island in the world, is sheer perfection,” which was published on the website last week, HuffPost Travel writer Carly Ledbetter described the Philippines as an “underappreciated” tropical travel destination, especially since it is home to “a hidden piece of paradise”, like Palawan.
She wrote that the province’s “beautiful blue water mixes with emerald green”, and noted its “jungle-filled mountains that appear to rise up from the ocean”.
Ledbetter listed island-hopping around the Bacuit archipelago (for the cliffs, sinkholes and lagoons); traveling to Puerto Princesa City (for its culinary delights); and staying in one of Coron town’s “otherworldly” luxury hotels as some of the province’s high points.
She also cited the province’s incredible and rare wildlife—from purple crabs and the Philippine mouse-deer to the Philippine pangolin, butterflies and the Palawan bearcat.
Ledbetter suggested to her readers to try scuba-diving in Palawan, since it is one of the “best spots to scuba-dive in the world;” tour Puerto Princesa’s underground river; or take a boat to travel between the islands.
“We’re pretty sure that after all the biking, swimming and exploring you’ll do—you’ll never want to leave,” the writer said.
“Many say the ideal time to head to Palawan is between about October and May, so we suggest booking tickets ASAP,” she added.
Palawan is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Philippines, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
In fact, the island is featured in the DOT’s official television commercials that are aired internationally and can also be viewed on the video-sharing website YouTube.
Azer N. Parrocha
Image credits: Alvin I. Dacanay