It appears that Boracay has not lost its elegance and still captures the imaginations of many foreign tourist in Southeast Asia. An article written by Donna Heiderstadt of Travel+Leisure (T+L) still ranked the tiny island in Western Visayas, Philippines as the top destination based on magazine's annual World's Best survey.
With its powdery white sand, Boracay island is considered one of the best beaches in the world. In 2011, Boracay was ranked only 4th in T+L, while Bali, Indonesia was ranked 2nd. A year later, the 2 ½-mile stretch known as White Beach in Boracay, which is often singled out for having the softest sand in the world, jumped to the top spot.
Respondents of the magazine's survey, now on its 17th year, were asked to rank their favored islands according to these criteria: Natural attractions, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people, and value.
The results came after the magazine readers, who were screened for 'integrity,' participated in a survey that a third party conducted from 1 December 2010 to 31 March 2012.
The complete result of the survey is listed below:
No. 1 Boracay, Philippines
This tiny tropical island in the Philippines is making a big splash. After debuting at No. 4 in the World’s Best Awards last year, it has taken the top prize, appealing to travelers with its natural beauty and still-under-the-radar status—chances are you haven’t "been there, done that."
Best Beach: White Beach, a 2 ½-mile stretch of powder-white sand—often cited as the world's softest—lapped by the translucent Sulu Sea.
No. 2 Bali, Indonesia
It may be one of 17,500 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, but this paradise known for its temples is the country’s crown jewel, offering travelers glimpses into Balinese Hindu history thanks to a vibrant cultural scene filled with music and dance.
Best Beach: To watch the sun come up over the water, head to Sanur. For gorgeous sunsets, upscale resorts, and lively nightlife, stay along Seminyak.
No. 3 Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
T+L readers prove once again that this exotic chain of isolated Pacific islands 600 miles off of South America is one of the ultimate dream trips. Where else can you spy a blue-footed booby or short-feathered penguins?
Best Beach: Here, the best beach is where sea lions catch some rays. Snap hordes of them on Santa Fe Island’s white-sand beach.
No. 4 Maui, Hawaii
This year, T+L readers chose Maui as the golden child among Hawaii’s island siblings (up from No. 9 in 2011). After all, there’s always something new to explore, from the resort-lined stretches of Kaanapali and Wailea to Haleakala’s volcanic crater to the funky surf town of Paia.
Best Beach: Napili Beach, a crescent of golden sand lapped by blue-green sea, is slightly out of the way, but well worth the detour.
No. 5 Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia
Pure white sand and coral reefs teeming with fish are the hallmarks of these castaway islands off of Australia’s northeastern coastline. More familiar islands, including Lizard, Hayman, and Bedarra, are havens for divers, as they provide easy access to potato cod fish and gaping giant clams—and they're home to ultra-chic hideaway hotels.
Best Beach: Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays is the reef's most photogenic beach: a 4.5-mile stretch of sand that seems to go on forever.
No. 6 Santorini, Greece
The cliff-top village of Oia, with its blue-domed churches, sugar-cube houses, and stone pathways leading to caldera vistas, is one of the most idyllic—and photographed—spots in the Greek Isles.
Best Beach: For drama, you can't beat the black sand and palapa-shaded chaises at Perissa Beach, where cafés are perfect for people-watching.
No. 7 Kauai, Hawaii
Sleepy Kauai's old-school charms and serene landscape will soothe even the most frantic urbanite. Two must-see sights: the dramatic Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon, both layered with scenic hiking trails.
Best Beach: If you crave sun and fun, stay on Poipu Beach in the south; for an untamed panorama, stroll Lumahai Beach, between Princeville and Hanalei.
No. 8 Big Island, Hawaii
Hawaii's wild child is an adventure zone, with invigorating lava treks (its volcano, Kilauea, is still active), stargazing atop 13,796-foot Mauna Kea, and night dives with manta rays.
Best Beach: The Big Island has 80 beaches, but there's no reason to settle for ivory and blue when you can unwind at black-sand Punaluu Beach or green-hued Papakolea Beach.
No. 9 Sicily, Italy
The sun shines on Sicily 300 days per year, illuminating an island rich in history (Greek and Roman ruins in Agrigento, for starters) and culinary traditions. Cannoli are made here, as are arancini, decadently golden fried rice balls, and all kinds of dishes showcasing the day’s fresh catch of fish.
Best Beach: San Vito Lo Capo, near Trapani on the northwestern coast, is on a curved bay flanked by photogenic rock formations along the Mediterranean.
No. 10 Vancouver Island, British Columbia
A playground for kayakers, hikers, and whale-watchers, Vancouver Island is covered in stately pine forests that shelter endangered birds and surrounded by waters filled with oysters, crabs, and other shellfish. It’s a short ferry (or seaplane) ride over from the city of Vancouver.
Best Beach: Chesterman Beach in Tofino is ideal for quiet strolls in summer and big-wave-watching in winter. No matter the season, brave surfers can’t stay away from those chilly Pacific swells.
With its powdery white sand, Boracay island is considered one of the best beaches in the world. In 2011, Boracay was ranked only 4th in T+L, while Bali, Indonesia was ranked 2nd. A year later, the 2 ½-mile stretch known as White Beach in Boracay, which is often singled out for having the softest sand in the world, jumped to the top spot.
Respondents of the magazine's survey, now on its 17th year, were asked to rank their favored islands according to these criteria: Natural attractions, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people, and value.
The results came after the magazine readers, who were screened for 'integrity,' participated in a survey that a third party conducted from 1 December 2010 to 31 March 2012.
The complete result of the survey is listed below:
No. 1 Boracay, Philippines
This tiny tropical island in the Philippines is making a big splash. After debuting at No. 4 in the World’s Best Awards last year, it has taken the top prize, appealing to travelers with its natural beauty and still-under-the-radar status—chances are you haven’t "been there, done that."
Best Beach: White Beach, a 2 ½-mile stretch of powder-white sand—often cited as the world's softest—lapped by the translucent Sulu Sea.
No. 2 Bali, Indonesia
It may be one of 17,500 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, but this paradise known for its temples is the country’s crown jewel, offering travelers glimpses into Balinese Hindu history thanks to a vibrant cultural scene filled with music and dance.
Best Beach: To watch the sun come up over the water, head to Sanur. For gorgeous sunsets, upscale resorts, and lively nightlife, stay along Seminyak.
No. 3 Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
T+L readers prove once again that this exotic chain of isolated Pacific islands 600 miles off of South America is one of the ultimate dream trips. Where else can you spy a blue-footed booby or short-feathered penguins?
Best Beach: Here, the best beach is where sea lions catch some rays. Snap hordes of them on Santa Fe Island’s white-sand beach.
No. 4 Maui, Hawaii
This year, T+L readers chose Maui as the golden child among Hawaii’s island siblings (up from No. 9 in 2011). After all, there’s always something new to explore, from the resort-lined stretches of Kaanapali and Wailea to Haleakala’s volcanic crater to the funky surf town of Paia.
Best Beach: Napili Beach, a crescent of golden sand lapped by blue-green sea, is slightly out of the way, but well worth the detour.
No. 5 Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia
Pure white sand and coral reefs teeming with fish are the hallmarks of these castaway islands off of Australia’s northeastern coastline. More familiar islands, including Lizard, Hayman, and Bedarra, are havens for divers, as they provide easy access to potato cod fish and gaping giant clams—and they're home to ultra-chic hideaway hotels.
Best Beach: Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays is the reef's most photogenic beach: a 4.5-mile stretch of sand that seems to go on forever.
No. 6 Santorini, Greece
The cliff-top village of Oia, with its blue-domed churches, sugar-cube houses, and stone pathways leading to caldera vistas, is one of the most idyllic—and photographed—spots in the Greek Isles.
Best Beach: For drama, you can't beat the black sand and palapa-shaded chaises at Perissa Beach, where cafés are perfect for people-watching.
No. 7 Kauai, Hawaii
Sleepy Kauai's old-school charms and serene landscape will soothe even the most frantic urbanite. Two must-see sights: the dramatic Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon, both layered with scenic hiking trails.
Best Beach: If you crave sun and fun, stay on Poipu Beach in the south; for an untamed panorama, stroll Lumahai Beach, between Princeville and Hanalei.
No. 8 Big Island, Hawaii
Hawaii's wild child is an adventure zone, with invigorating lava treks (its volcano, Kilauea, is still active), stargazing atop 13,796-foot Mauna Kea, and night dives with manta rays.
Best Beach: The Big Island has 80 beaches, but there's no reason to settle for ivory and blue when you can unwind at black-sand Punaluu Beach or green-hued Papakolea Beach.
No. 9 Sicily, Italy
The sun shines on Sicily 300 days per year, illuminating an island rich in history (Greek and Roman ruins in Agrigento, for starters) and culinary traditions. Cannoli are made here, as are arancini, decadently golden fried rice balls, and all kinds of dishes showcasing the day’s fresh catch of fish.
Best Beach: San Vito Lo Capo, near Trapani on the northwestern coast, is on a curved bay flanked by photogenic rock formations along the Mediterranean.
No. 10 Vancouver Island, British Columbia
A playground for kayakers, hikers, and whale-watchers, Vancouver Island is covered in stately pine forests that shelter endangered birds and surrounded by waters filled with oysters, crabs, and other shellfish. It’s a short ferry (or seaplane) ride over from the city of Vancouver.
Best Beach: Chesterman Beach in Tofino is ideal for quiet strolls in summer and big-wave-watching in winter. No matter the season, brave surfers can’t stay away from those chilly Pacific swells.
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i missed this place really badly:)
We could only hope that Boracay will not become a wasted island in the near future. One wonders how long can the island sustain its rapid development. For those who haven't been to Boracay, make sure to visit now. Things will never be the same again in the coming years.