Boracay, Cebu also in "World's Best Islands" list of travel magazine

MANILA -- Palawan has been dubbed the best island in the world once again by international magazine Travel and Leisure.

The island first received the coveted top spot in the list in 2013 and "it’s little surprise that the island is back at the top," wrote Travel and Leisure on its website.

"Visitors are greeted with mountains rising out of impossibly turquoise waters, where shipwrecks and reefs make for prime scuba diving and snorkeling," the travel magazine said.

It also quoted a voter as saying that “Palawan is every beach lover’s dream destination" and a “wonderful and magical place.”

The travel magazine also took note of Puerto Princesa's five-mile-long underground river and its limestone caverns.

Palawan also boasts coral reefs with abundant species of marine life. Adventure-seeking tourists can also go snorkeling and hiking in the island paradise.

It is also home to species of endangered wildlife.

Aside from Palawan, the Philippine islands of Cebu and Boracay also made it to the list. Boracay ranked second, while Cebu ranked sixth.

Boracay is known for its white sand beaches and exciting night life. Some readers described Boracay as a "natural treasure."

Cebu is known for its historical sites. Visitors can also try hiking and swimming with the whale sharks in the said island.

Other islands also included in the list are:

• Bali, Indonesia (Rank 10)
• Kauai, Hawaii (Rank 9)
• Hilton Head, South Carolina (Rank 8)
• Maui, Hawaii (Rank 7)
• Santorini, Greece (Rank 5)
• Waiheke Island, New Zealand (Rank 4)
• Ischia, Italy (Rank 3)