By Brian Campued
The unparalleled beauty of the Philippines continues to shine on global lenses as Boracay, Palawan, Cebu & the Visayan Islands, and Siargao have been included among “Asia’s Top 10 Islands” by a renowned luxury and lifestyle travel magazine.
In the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler’s (CNT) Readers’ Choice Awards published on Oct. 1, Boracay ranked third with a score of 91.94, followed by Palawan at sixth (90.68), Cebu & the Visayas Islands (90.29) at eighth, and Siargao at tenth (89.2).
In addition to its natural beauty, the four islands are also celebrated for its rich cultural diversity and culinary heritage, which provide visitors with immersive tourism and cultural experiences, the Department of Tourism (DOT) noted.
In a statement, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco thanked international visitors for helping the country solidify its position as a premier island destination.
“We are immensely grateful to the global travelers who have chosen the Philippines and continue to explore the natural beauty and vibrant culture of our islands. Your support fuels our growing reputation as a leading destination in Asia,” Frasco said.
Meanwhile, the Tourism chief urged travelers to practice responsible tourism to help preserve the beauty and integrity of these destinations as she reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism initiatives.
“We invite all travelers to join us in safeguarding these islands through responsible tourism practices, from reducing waste to respecting our ecosystems. By doing so, we can ensure that these pristine destinations remain protected for future generations to enjoy,” Frasco said.
“We are honored by the global recognition and committed to preserving the natural and cultural treasures of our islands. Together, we can continue to inspire, enrich, and uplift travelers and our communities, securing a sustainable future for Philippine tourism,” she added.
The top 10 islands in Asia are as follows:
- Koh Samui, Thailand – 93.54
- Langkawi, Malaysia – 92.14
- Boracay, Philippines – 91.94
- Sri Lanka – 91.28
- Phú Quốc, Vietnam – 91.01
- Palawan, Philippines – 90.68
- Phuket, Thailand – 90.44
- Cebu & Visayan Islands, Philippines – 90.29
- Bali, Indonesia – 90.15
- Siargao, Philippines – 89.2
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