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PALAWAN IS NUMBER 1

PHL dominates top 4 spots in 'World's Friendliest Islands' list


The Philippines cornered the top four spots in the 2016 list of "The World's Friendliest Islands," which is based on a survey by international travel magazine Travel + Leisure.

The readers of the New York-based magazine voted Palawan as the number one friendliest island.

 

El Nido, Palawan. Photo courtesy of Biyahe ni Drew

 

Palawan was followed by Cebu, Luzon and Boracay.

"While the politics of the nation have grown ever-more volatile, the people of the islands remain friendly to visitors exploring their scenic home," Jess McHugh wrote on the T+L website.

"For many travelers, it's especially helpful that English is one of the official languages of the Philippines, and that islanders are so welcoming of tourists," she added.

The list which was published on the T+L website on March 31 showed that remote islands from around the globe had dominated the top 15 friendliest destinations. 

Travel + Leisure conducted its annual survey among its readers from November 2, 2015 to February 29, 2016 through its website tlworldsbest.com.

The readers were asked "to score their travel experiences across the globe, evaluating everything from cruise lines and airports to resorts, cities, and hotels."

"When it came to islands, readers scored the best according to characteristics like romantic charm and the friendliness of the people," McHugh wrote.

Of Palawan, a reader gushed, saying, "People are very welcoming, respectful, and friendly."

"The island's green-and-turquoise lagoons have long put it on the bucket lists of travelers around the world, and this year it is also the world's most convivial island destination," T + L said.

In the second spot is Cebu. T + L wrote, "Cebu is a former Spanish colony, and people still travel to see the remaining architecture, Of course, the helpful locals are one of the island's greatest qualities."

Luzon came in third and was described as the "largest island of the Philippines, home both to coral reefs as well as the capital of the country, Manila."

"The island is also extremely diverse, making it a dynamic destination for travelers seeking a rich cultural experience," the magazine noted.

Boracay known for its white sand and clear blue waters landed in the fourth spot. T + L noted its "welcoming people" and "undeniable beauty."

'Definitive guide'

McHugh, meanwhile, urged travelers who are in need of a hospitable retreat to consider the list as a "definitive guide to the friendliest islands on Earth."

Here's the full list of world's friendliest islands in 2016 according to Travel + Leisure's readers:

1. Palawan
2. Cebu
3. Luzon
4. Boracay
5. Waiheke, New Zealand
6. Ischia, Italy
7. Tasmania, Australia
8. Fiji Islands
9. Bali, Indonesia
10. Great Barrier Reef Islands
11. Moorea
12. Paros, Greece
13. Bora Bora
14. Exhumas, Bahamas
15. Caye Caulker, Belize

—Marlly Rome Bondoc/KG, GMA News

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