Asia’s best islands: Siargao, Boracay, Palawan top Conde Nast list

MANILA, Philippines — Three Philippine islands remain on the radar of global tourists, grabbing the top spots as the best islands in Asia voted by readers of international travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler, while two hotels have been cited by Forbes Travel Guide in its first annual list of most luxurious hotels in the world.

Siargao ranked first, driven by the island’s popularity among surfers.

“We like to say that surfers are the vanguard of travelers, scoping out some of the more remote parts of the world for surf breaks before the rest of us get there. Take Siargao: the teardrop-shaped Philippine island home to more than 15 separate surf breaks, including the legendary Cloud 9,” Conde Nast Traveler said.

Despite its current closure to tourists, Boracay remains of interest to foreign tourists as it secured second spot on the list.

“This itty-bitty island (just under four square miles) in the Western Philippines is as close to a tropical idyll as you’ll find in Southeast Asia, with gentle coastlines and made-for-Instagram sunsets. Fold in a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the top tourist spots in the region,” the magazine said.

It also cited Boracay’s White Beach as main draw, with powdery white sand and shallow azure water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

The island is not new to the list as it was voted the best island in the world by ­­ readers last year.

Palawan is also no stranger on the list as it grabbed third spot this year.