Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao placed among the top 10 islands in Asia in a recent readership poll for Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Of the three Philippine islands that made the cut, Boracay took the top spot, ranking fourth at 90.54 points. It was followed by Palawan in fifth place with 90.23 points. Meanwhile, Siargao landed in the seventh spot with 85.49 points, based on the results published on the travel publication’s website on October 7, 2025.
Other Placers on the List
Phú Quốc in Vietnam was named the top island at 95.51 points. Rounding out the top 10 by order are Langkawi, Malaysia (92.99 points); Koh Samui, Thailand (92.7 points); Bali, Indonesia (89.84 points); the Andaman Islands, India (85.33 points); Phuket, Thailand (84.62 points); and the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand (83.27 points).
Why These 3 Idyllic Philippines Getaways Remain Close to Travelers
Boracay
Boracay is no stranger to “best islands and beaches” lists and polls, thanks to its natural beauty. Located in the Western Visayas region, off the northwest coast of Panay Island, tourists often rave about the powdery sand of White Beach, its crystal-clear, kid-friendly, turquoise waters, and spectacular sunsets.
Additionally, the compact island is a hub for diverse activities, from vibrant nightlife and watersports to island hopping and world-class diving sites. Other beaches on the island, such as Bulabog Beach, are ideal for watersports due to stronger winds. The island is also popular for kite surfing, windsurfing, helmet diving, parasailing, and paraw sailing.
While Boracay is an island, it is relatively easy to get to, with major airports in Manila and Clark serving multiple flights daily to Caticlan Airport and Kalibo International Airport.
Palawan
Often referred to as the country’s “Last Frontier”, Palawan in western Philippines is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and vibrant lagoons.
The Philippines’ largest province, this archipelagic island is world-famous for its diverse geography, vibrant marine life, and unique natural wonders, such as the Puerto Princesa Underground River—a navigable underground river system within a limestone cave designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts sublime coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity. These, along with various sunken warships, are much sought-after by divers.
Siargao
Situated in the southern province of Surigao del Norte, Siargao is known as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines.” It’s the easternmost island in the country, situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Trench.
The island is known for its world-class surf breaks, such as Cloud 9, among other legendary surfing spots. Travelers from around the world are drawn to its diverse natural attractions such as lagoons, waterfalls, and rock pools, and its laid-back island vibe. It is also a hub for eco-tourism, with activities like caving, rock climbing, and island hopping.
Siargao is also known for its lively social scene, particularly in areas like General Luna, home to many bars and restaurants.
Emphasis on Sustainability
With the publication of Condé Nast’s list, the Department of Tourism (DOT) stressed the importance of preserving the island’s natural wonders and ensuring sustainability.
“To see Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao once again among Asia’s top islands reaffirms our commitment to preserving their natural wonders, advancing sustainable tourism, and ensuring that the prosperity these destinations bring reaches every Filipino,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a statement.
“These awards belong to our people, their craft, and the spirit of ‘Love the Philippines’ that we proudly carry forward,” she added.
In 2024, four Philippine islands—Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and Siargao—were also recognized in the same list, making it the only country in the ASEAN region with the most entries.
