Siargao Makes a Comeback as Asia's Best Island

Once a year, international magazines and travel awards confirm what we already know: that the Philippines has some of the best natural wonders in the world. And for the 34th Readers' Choice Awards by U.S.-based luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, Siargao in Surigao del Norte snags the title as best island in Asia.

Siargao first made it to the top of the list in 2018, when the Mindanaoan island booted out Boracay. Boracay and its world-renowned, powder-white beaches, however, reclaimed its title in 2019; at least until Cebu made it to first place in 2020. For 2021, Cebu is out of the list of 10, while Palawan and Boracay are at third and eighth place, respectively.

The other best islands in Asia include Raja Ampat Islands and Bali in Indonesia; Sri Lanka; Langkawi in Malaysia; and Koh Samui, Phi Phi Islands, and Phuket in Thailand. Condé Nast Traveler started categorizing their list of world's top islands by region (e.g. Asia, United States, North America, Europe, etc.) in 2018, probably because they're tired of the Philippines just dominating the Readers' Choice Awards. (We can only assume, of course.)

Condé Nast Traveler readers also ranked their favorite countries around the world—and the Philippines actually made it last in the selection of 20. Portugal bagged the top spot with New Zealand and Japan just trailing behind.

For the Top 25 Resorts in Asia, the four El Nido Resorts properties (Lagen Island, Apulit Island, Pangulasian Island, and Miniloc Island) collectively take the ninth spot; Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa ranks 11th; and Discovery Shores—also in Boracay—is at number 17. Six Senses Bhutan in South Asia has the top spot.

Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Award is an annual worldwide survey where hundreds of thousands of registered voters weigh in about the world's best islands, must-see cities, and top countries. Around 10,000 hotels, resorts, and spas are also ranked and rated by their readers. It is hailed as the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. Results are published online every October and in print every November.

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This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.