Palawan named best island in southeast asia- again

In Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, Palawan claimed the top spot as the No. 1 Island in Southeast Asia, scoring 93.60 out of 100. That’s ahead of global heavyweights like Bali (No. 2) and the Maldives (No. 3). The award is based on votes from seasoned travelers who rated destinations on natural attractions, activities, and sustainability. One respondent said it best: “Paradise.”

This isn’t just a popularity contest. It’s proof of what Palawan now represents, a model for tourism that works.

While other islands struggle with overtourism and ecological decline, Palawan has leaned into preservation. Vast areas of the island are under environmental protection. Sites like the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a navigable underground waterway through limestone caves, remain untouched by commercial sprawl. Off the coast, coral reefs thrive in protected waters, drawing world-class divers and marine biologists alike.

Tourism experts are paying attention. Palawan’s sustainable practices are being used as case studies by environmental think tanks in Asia. The local government, in partnership with NGOs, has banned single-use plastics in key tourist areas and expanded marine sanctuaries.

Meanwhile, the competition is shifting, Bali, long a regional favorite, came in second, with readers citing its “temple-dotted hillsides” and spiritual appeal. The Maldives, known for luxury overwater villas and manta ray-filled reefs, slipped to third. Thailand’s Phuket (No. 4) and Koh Samui (No. 5) rounded out the list, offering vibrant nightlife and international resort chains. But none matched Palawan’s balance of wild terrain and intentional tourism policy.

Here’s the full ranking:

1. Palawan, Philippines – 93.60

2. Bali, Indonesia – 93.25

3. Maldives – 92.65

4. Phuket, Thailand – 89.47

5. Koh Samui, Thailand – 89.31

Why does this matter now? Because travelers are more selective, and more vocal. Climate anxiety is changing how people book their trips. Destinations that protect their natural assets are being rewarded not just with praise, but with economic impact. In Palawan’s case, local tourism has fueled new jobs, supported indigenous communities, and helped fund conservation projects.

If there’s a lesson in this win, it’s that beauty alone isn’t enough anymore. Travelers want accountability, sustainability, and authenticity, and Palawan delivers all three because in a crowded travel market, that makes all the difference.