In addition to underwater rivers and impressive coral formations, the breathtaking sugary beaches, coves and islets of the province of Palawan was voted as the tourist destination with the Best Beaches Overall in Asia by American magazine Conde Nast Traveler in its Great Asian Beach Finder review.

Conde Nast Traveler is one of the pioneering and most respected tourism publications in the world, catering to high-end luxury tourists and adventure seekers.

"Palawan is undoubtedly one of the Philippines ’ prized jewels.  This achievement validates the collaborative efforts of the department, the local government and the private sector in preserving and promoting the country’s nature attractions," said Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano.

Palawan, composed of 1,780 islands has also landed in the international travel

polls of other magazines including Smart Travel Asia.com and Forbes Traveler.

In Conde Nast Traveler, the beaches of Palawan bested other first-rate destinations in the Asian region including Beach No. 7 in Havelock Island, India , the Nihiwatu Beach in Indonesia , and the Laem Tong Bay in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand which was made famous by the Hollywood movie "The Beach."

Palawan also bested the shores of Baa, North Ari and North Male Atolls in Maldives.

Conde Nast Traveler marveled at the various spectacular sites in the province. Among the Palawan attractions cited was the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, located southeast of Puerto Princesa. The ecosystem is made up of two atolls that lie on a line of extinct underwater volcanoes and is a sanctuary for marine life.

Source:  Philippine Embassy Webmaster