Palawan trumps Boracay as 'World's Best Island'

This is the third year in a row that the Philippines' Boracay made it to Travel + Leisure Magazine's "World's Best Awards," but the famous island lost its top spot to Palawan, which was not even on the list in 2012. 
 

With its majestic limestone cliffs, wondrous underwater scenes, breathtaking beaches, and eco-luxury resorts, Palawan is fast becoming a favorite destination among local and foreign tourists. 

With a score of 95.04, Palawan led the top 10 islands as voted by Travel + Leisure readers.

Islands were voted based on natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people, and value. 
 

Meanwhile, Boracay slipped to the second spot with a score of 93.58.

The two Philippine islands were followed by Maui, Santorini in Greece, Prince Edward Island in Canada, Bali, Kauai, Sicily in Italy, Koh Samui in Thailand, and Galapagos.

 

Earlier this month, El Nido in Palawan, Puka Beach in Boracay, and Palaui Island in Cagayan Valley also made it to CNN's list of the world's top 100 best beaches. 

 

In 2012, El Nido also topped CNNGo's list of the Philippines' best beaches and islands. 
 

In the same year, Palawan was number four in the Top 10 Holiday Destinations category of a worldwide poll by online travel magazine, Smart Travel Asia. 
 

In 2007, Palawan was recognized as one of the world's best tourist destinations in National Geographic Traveler's magazine. Palawan was placed in the "Doing Well" category, for places that are in relatively good shape but face minor problems. 

 

The magazine noted that pollution posed a threat to the diverse marine life surrounding the islands, but conservation efforts were improving.

Boracay's woes

 

Meanwhile, Boracay made its debut on the Travel + Leisure list in 2011. 

 

It rose to number one in 2012, despite the fact that some visitors have noted algae bloom, among the signs of pollution in the place that many describe as a beach paradise. 
 

While tourism has provided livelihood opportunities for Boracay's residents, the negative effects of commercialization cannot be denied. Another problem is the uneven distribution of wealth, with the Ati, the island's original residents, on the losing end. 

 

Boracay has also suffered a tourism glut following the diplomatic row between the Philippines and Taiwan. 
 

To address the declining visits, the Department of Tourism urged Boracay stakeholders to market the island to more countries. 

 

Los Angeles Times travel editor Catharine Hamm was also disappointed by Boracay, with its roads like "pot-holed obstacle courses," crowded beaches, and badly damaged coral. 

 

"This wasn't a love match — not for me. Maybe 30 years ago when Boracay and I were less overdeveloped," Hamm wrote in May. —Carmela G. Lapeña/KG, GMA News