Palawan Once Again Named Best Island in the World by Travel + Leisure

(SPOT.ph) It's not the first time one of the Philippines' very own islands is lauded as the best in the world. Every year, Travel + Leisure magazine comes out with the world's best travel destinations and accommodations, from cities and destination spas to airlines and cruises, as voted by their readers. Back in 2013, Boracay was dethroned by a first-timer on the list—Palawan. Now, this island once again gets the coveted title as the World's Top Island.

Palawan was described by Travel + Leisure readers as "relaxing," "affordable," and "rustic." With hiking trails that wander through lush forests, impressive mountain ranges, picturesque limestone cliffs, and a vibrant mix of marine life, who wouldn't call it paradise? The island outranked tough competitors like the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, Santorini in Greece, Kauai and Maui in Hawaii, and Bali in Indonesia.

The Philippines also dominated this year's list of Top Islands in Asia, snagging five spots out of the 10. Boracay was ranked third in the world and second in Asia (after Palawan). Panglao Island, Cebu, and Luzon were also in the list of Asia's Best.

Photos from quiquefepe and Christian Bortes embedded from Flickr.