Southeast Asia continues to capture the hearts of wanderlust seekers in 2025. From hidden gems in places like Thailand to the gorgeous rice fields of Bali, unknown landmarks in Vietnam, and beyond…there’s much to see. But did you know one particular destination in Southeast Asia has taken the crown again as the world’s best island? The tropical paradise we speak of is the island of Palawan in the Philippines. It draws millions of tourists yearly for its crystal-clear waters, lush limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, untouched beauty, and world-class experience—making it a spectacular island holiday in the region. Here’s why Palawan is the best island worldwide.
World’s Best Island 2025 – Palawan
The accolade for the World’s Best Island 2025 comes from the respected U.S News & World Report. The annual list is based on traveller votes and editorial evaluation, followed by scores for each island on aspects like sights, culture, food, nightlife, and more.
Palawan edged out global competitors on the World’s Best Islands To Visit 2025 list thanks to its pristine turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, rich biodiversity, and natural landmarks like Bacuit Bay in El Nido and the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Meanwhile, the report highlighted Palawan’s blend of sprawling beaches, rich culture, and untouched wilderness for off-the-beaten-path adventures as other key factors it stands out.
Here are the top 10 World’s Best Islands To Visit 2025:
- Palawan, Philippines
- Sardinia, Italy
- Mauritius
- Santorini, Greece
- Faroe Islands
- Cyprus
- Tahiti
- Whitsunday Islands, Australia
- South Island, New Zealand
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Beyond recognition, Palawan offers boundless opportunities for travellers in Asia looking for nearby island getaways. Whether you’re searching for a unique adventure or laid-back serene retreat…it’s the perfect island for your bucket list. Plus, you can easily go island-hopping around the Philippines while based in Palawan.
How to get there
There are no direct flights from Singapore. However, Palawan is easily accessible via a quick 3-hour and 45-minute direct flight from Changi Airport to Mactan–Cebu International Airport, followed by 1-hour and 20 minute direct flight to Puerto Princesa in Palawan. The journey time varies between six and seven hours.
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