Palawan, the Philippines: The Most Beautiful Island in the World

The Philippines's Palawan Island was voted the no. 2 island in the world by our readers—and with pictures like these, you can easily see why. Want to have a say in the 2017 results? Take the 2017 Readers' Choice Awards survey now and let us know.

By Lindsay Talbot

January 13, 2016

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"It’s no wonder Palawan ranked as the most beautiful island in the world this year, as the clear aquamarine water, limestone cliffs, and lagoons of the island province of the Philippines are only the most basic highlights," says contributing editor Cynthia Drescher. "Palawan is home to nature reserves on both land and sea, with dolphins just offshore, marine gardens of giant clam, sea turtles nesting on white sand beaches, 600 species of butterflies, and lush palm forest like a Gilligan’s Island fever dream."
The entrance to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Fish swimming at the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
An ice cream vendor outside the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Read More: Why the Philippines Is the Next Great Cruising Destination

Bananas for sale at the Old Market in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
A boy near the port of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

An idyllic sandy sliver of beach on Coron Island, Palawan.
Boats dropping off swimmers at the Twin Lagoons, Coron Island.
Read More: Why You Should Visit this Natural Wonder in the Philippines

A boko shack in Puerto Princesa.
Paraw boats lining the beach in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

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Palawan at sunset...it's enough to take your breath away.