KEY tourism destinations in the Philippines continued to reap worldwide recognition for their white beaches and stunning vistas.
In its latest Readers’ Choice Awards, Condé Nast Traveler listed Siargao (ranked 4th of 20 island destinations) and Palawan (8th) among the “Best Islands for Scenery.”
Of Siargao, Condé Nast Traveler writer Joseph Hernandez says, “Often described as the surfing capital of the Philippines, it’s no surprise that Siargao has gorgeous beaches. A grouping of islands within the vaster archipelago, Siargao is an inviting natural playground for nature lovers who are looking to do more than hang ten.”
He added, “Island hopping is popular, bopping around such spots as Dako, Guyam and Naked Islands. Each offer their own thrills: Lush vegetation, total seclusion, and picturesque tidal pools. If you head into the island’s interior, you’ll come upon waterfalls and the Tayangban cave pools, watering holes accessible by a cave passage and hidden by an emerald green forest.”
Meanwhile, Hernandez writes, “Palawan’s rich biodiversity and impressive views will blow your mind. Sure, miles of stunning beach can compete head-to-head with Thailand’s equally impressive coastline, but vibrant interior rainforests serve as the perfect backdrop for adventurous campers. Don’t worry—towns like El Nido and Coron are still within reach—but do head deeper into the jungle for the Tabon Caves, a fascinating cave complex and museum where scientists have found the remains of the archipelago’s earliest human inhabitants.”
Commenting on the CNT recognition, Tourism Congress of the Philippines president Jose C. Clemente III told the BusinessMirror, “As the community quarantine marches into its fourth month, clients, both domestic and foreign tourists, are now antsy and want to resume normal routines like traveling. In listening to our partners overseas, the demand for the Philippines continues to be strong and interest remains high. We just really need to get our numbers under control. That’s what international markets are looking for, destinations that have a good grasp on how to deal with the pandemic.” In 2019, foreign visitor arrivals in the Philippines reached 8.26 million.
Last month, CNT also cited the Hidden Beach in El Nido, Palawan, as one of the 30 Best Beaches in the World.
The Philippines is slowly reopening to foreign nationals, but largely for those holding immigrant visas. According to the Department of Justice, about 75,000 foreigners are holders of such visas. Earlier, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Managing Emerging Infectious Diseases had also allowed foreigners working in the diplomatic community and international organizations to enter the Philippines.
The Department of Tourism, however, is hoping to resuscitate the tourism industry by helping reopen local destinations to domestic travelers. Only recently, the municipal government of El Nido, Palawan, approved a dry run on the entry of tourists, which the DOT and El Nido Resorts will be co-hosting. But those joining the dry run will first have to pass RT-PCR tests for Covid-19, before allowing to travel.
Only last week, another popular travel publication, Travel + Leisure, recognized Palawan with a “World’s Best Island” award, the fourth for the province known as the Philippines’ Last Frontier.
Boracay was also ranked 14th on T+L’s World Best Islands list, and fifth in Asia this year.
Image credits: Tatiana Kornylyeva | Dreamstime.com