PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – The province of Palawan has been cited anew by a New York-based travel magazine as one of the “Top 15 Best Beach Destinations to Visit in January.”
Maribel Buñi, chief of the Provincial Tourism Promotions and Development Office (PTPDO) of Palawan, said Wednesday that the US Travel + Leisure Magazine particularly cited the town of El Nido for its clear and calm blue water fit for snorkeling and diving during the first month of the year.
“It’s so elating. It’s another international recognition for the province of Palawan being a natural destination. That’s what we are really proud of – being a natural destination. So, if you are a tourist or a person who wants to commune with nature, Palawan is the place where you want to connect and reconnect,” said Buñi.
She added that the inclusion in the list of best beaches also meant the province had to continue protection and conservation measures to maintain the pristine status of its natural sites.
“It also calls for all of us to protect the natural environment,” she said.
Other destinations that were also included are Koh Lanta, Thailand; Tulum, Mexico; San Blas, Panama; and Maui in Hawaii.
Palawan, according to Buñi, made it too, in the “13 Places Where You Can See the Bluest Water in the World” written by blogger Melissa Locker.
Locker described the province as a “jungle-filled islands surrounded by stunning teal waters teeming with fish and coral reefs and an incredible array of lagoons, coves, and secret beaches.”
She principally mentioned the rich waters of El Nido, Linapacan Island and Underground River in Puerto Princesa City.
“These are international recognition. Travelers these days, they always refer to good publications about anything or a place. They have always viewed the internet as a good source of information. It’s a good promotion on our side, and we are really thankful for the recognition,” said Buñi.
Other places included are Egremnoi, Greece, Crater Lake, Oregon, Con Son, Vietnam, Devil’s Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Five-Flower Lake, Jiuzhaigou National Park, China, Havelock Island, India, Islas de Rosario, Colombia, Peyto Lake, Alberta, Canada, The Maldives and To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa.
In the past two years, Travel + Leisure Magazine recognized Palawan as “World’s Best Island” for 2016 and 2017. (Celeste Anna Formoso/PNA)
