Palawan and Cebu are almost always included in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 15 Best Islands in the World each year. Their rankings may vary from year to year, however, Palawan and Cebu continue to be the favorites among travelers.

Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu

Palawan and Cebu: Two Of The Best Islands In The World 

Why is that so? Well, it's because both Palawan and Cebu boast of stunning beaches, breathtaking natural wonders, and bustling city life, hence, catering to broad types of adventure-seekers. 

With the two island provinces' regular inclusion in the world's best islands list, the Philippines further solidifies its status as a favorite world-class destination among international travelers.

Palawan held the top spot in the World’s Best Islands list in 2013 and in 2017. Cebu, meanwhile, is at number eight with a score of 89.10. Both Palawan and Cebu are among the most popular destinations in the country, both among local and foreign travelers. 

 

Asia is a force to reckon with

Aside from Palawan and Cebu, other Asian destinations are regularly included in the list. Occupying three spots are all Indonesian islands – Java, Bali, and Lombok. 

Another Asian destination is the island country of Maldives, which boasts crystal clear, cerulean waters, and seemingly endless shores of white sand.  

Other worthy inclusions in the world's best islands list

The other islands from some of the best destinations in the world that also make it to the list almost every year are Waiheke, New Zealand, Mauritius, Páros, Greece, Tasmania, Australia, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, Cook Islands, Orkney Islands, Scotland, Maui, Hawaii, and the Azores, Portugal.

  

In order to come up with the World’s Best Islands list, Travel + Leisure Magazine conducts a survey among its readers in which they were asked about their travel experiences around the world. 

Their opinions were taken on the best cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, and airlines, to name a few. Travel + Leisure Magazine also asked travelers to evaluate islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.

Also read: Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan are the top three best islands in the world