Rain or shine, there’s still more reason to celebrate because Cebu emerged as the 7th Best Island in Asia in the recent survey conducted by the international travel magazine based in New York – Travel + Leisure. Every year, Travel + Leisure Magazine asks readers to share their opinion and rate the top airlines, airports, car rental agencies, cities, cruise ships, destination spas, hotels, hotel brands, tour operators, safari outfitters, and islands of the year. From November 6, 2018 – March 4, 2019, readers evaluated the activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value of the islands in Asia.
Three of the Philippine islands were included in the Top 10 Islands in Asia with Palawan on the 2nd spot, Cebu on the 7th, and Boracay on the 9th. These islands are longtime favorites of travelers because of their top-notch reefs and wreck diving sites, white sand beaches, hiking trails with waterfalls, and very hospitable locals. Cebu bested Boracay and continues to flourish with 25 percent increase of international tourist arrivals in 2018. According to Tourism Undersecretary Art Boncato Jr., this is such a great new because while the norm in the Philippines yields greater domestic tourists than foreign, Cebu’s totally doing the opposite and this gives Cebu the opportunity to continue growing.
HERE ARE THE TOP ISLANDS IN ASIA:
| RANKING | 2019 | 2017 |
| 1 | Sri Lanka | Palawan, Philippines |
| 2 | Palawan, Philippines | Boracay Island, Philippines |
| 3 | Bali, Indonesia | Bali, Indonesia |
| 4 | Maldives | Panglao Island, Philippines |
| 5 | Koh Lanta, Thailand | Maldives |
| 6 | Naoshima Island, Japan | Cebu, Philippines |
| 7 | Cebu, Philippines | Phuket, Thailand |
| 8 | Koh Samui, Thailand | Luzon, Philippines |
| 9 | Boracay, PhilippineS | Sri Lanka |
| 10 | Java, Indonesia | Koh Samui, Thailand |
