Palawan

Palawan in the Philippines continues to take pride of place in the annual “best” lists of such upscale travel magazines as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and National Geographic Traveler. And for the best of reasons: this archipelago of 1,780 islands and islets offers one-of-a-kind tropical adventures and astonishing vistas, including limestone bluffs rising from the sea, secluded sugar-fine white beaches, awesome scuba diving sites, and swathes of coral reefs and virgin forests, among other superlative treats. What’s more, this island-province straddling the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea is not beset by tourist overcrowding…yet. Boasting not just one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Palawan is a treasure trove of wildlife and biodiversity—and gentle, friendly people welcoming you to its thrilling seascapes and mountainscapes. Palawan has a lot to offer for adventure ­seekers out there. From fun water activities such as snorkeling and diving to exciting island­ hopping and caving, the island has what it takes to keep any outsider want to stay.