Gadling has a report on the world’s best islands based on ” activities, beaches, culture/sites, lodging, restaurants and scenery.” As our pessimistic mind expected, the Philippines was not on the list.
Here’s a list of those exotic-sounding getaways which made it:
* Bali
* Kauai
* Maui
* Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
* Mount Desert, Maine
* Tasmania
* Hawaii
* Galapagos
* Santorini
* Santo Stefano
* Phuket, Thailand
* Thatch Cay
* Blue Lagoon
* Grand Bogue Caye
* Allan
* Caritas
* Cerralvo
* Pakatoa
* Isla de sa Ferradura
It would take a Google search to know where some of these islands are. For example, I learned that Grand Bogue Caye is in Belize. Blue Lagoon is in Fiji and Thatch Cay is part of the US Virgin Islands. Pakatoa is in New Zealand, while Isla de Sa Ferradura is in Ibiza. Most of them are also on the list of the world’s most expensive private islands.
Am not in a position to argue since I haven’t been to any of them (hmmm, not even Phuket). But I’ve seen a few of the Philippines and I know in my heart that they could give those overrated by the Western world a run for their money. Boracay is certainly there if only it hasn’t turned into a monstrosity with the overcrowding of all those hotels and restos. Amanpulo is on “1000 Places to See Before You Die” but then again, it’s being run and operated by a foreign chain. Most of the great islands I’ve been to are either undeveloped or so remote that even Ferdinand Magellan would have a hard time reaching them. So there.
Somebody I know who works with expats here in Manila said that the Philippines is the best kept secret in the world. They are often surprised when they arrive (seeing as we don’t live in trees), even more so when they go around the country.
Her foreign co-workers even go so far as to ask her NOT to tell the others about the country. They want to keep their co-workers in the dark about how beautiful the country really is. Para daw sila lang lagi ang ipadala dito. Haha.
I guess when you put it in that context, okay na rin na di tayo kasama sa list 😀
You have a point there Nina. There will be a scramble for foreign assignments nga naman if they get to discover our islands. But then again, hindi kaya pampalubag loob lang ito? So much needs to be improved still…
i’ve been to many beaches around the globe, for me boracay is the BEST. problema lang di maganda ang accomodation natin,kung meron man western standard super mahal naman!
oppss sorry you were referring island pala. for me kung di maganda ang beach di nakaka-impress. kaya boracay pa rin ako!
Yes Marissa, I guess nothing compares to the powdery white sand of Bora. But the accoms are very expensive and lacking in quality. Other countries don’t have that good a beach but they make up for it in terms of developments and facilities. Oh well…
that is a list for the rich and famous
the DOT and all Filipinos should really try very hard to promote this country
I have a draft of things we need to accomplish this for the philippines to really catch up first with our neighbors on tourism
but i noticed it’s starting to look like a rant 🙂
I have been to a few islands/beaches in the Philippines. I agree that in many ways the Philippines and its “resort” areas are a best kept secret. However, to be honest, after all the hype I got from Filipinos, I was a little disappointed when I visited Boracay. While it is certainly a very nice beach, IMHO there are many beaches in Mexico and the Carribean that are equal or better. I also agree with Annalyn, the quality of the accommodations is not so great. Compare to the Shangri-La in Cebu/Mactan where the accommodations are first class, but the beach is not so nice!
I have not yet been to Palawan, which I hear is the true “best kept secret”.
We’d be very interested to know your draft Tutubi. I guess every Filipino should do their part in promoting Phil tourism, and am glad bloggers are playing a big role 😉
Valid observations there John. Boracay, IMO,is already very crowded. As I’ve said, the best beaches/islands I’ve been are so remote that have yet to be promoted. But considering we have 7,107 islands, am just flabbergasted not one of them makes it to the world’s best lost. Is that ever true?!!
Sigh Santorini! A place that I’d love to visit before I die! 🙂
I’ve always loved Boracay for its powdery sand, but my best bud says Palawan is just like Boracay, only without alot of people! 🙂 I laughed when she said, “gumulong gulong ” sya sa sand, and no one was really there! 🙂 A lil bit more expensive, but maybe it’s worth the travel! 🙂
I was also wondering why we aren’t included in the lists when I watch Discovery Travel and Living’s hottest beaches, etc. The closest thing I’ve heard is “Bora-Bora” in Fiji. Lol.
Hi Sophie. Boracay and Palawan for me are on different planes. Bora is more of a party place while Palawan is ideal for those solemn moments with your loved one, e.g. “honeymoon” 😛
I’ve been to Bali and Santorini and I must say I am neither rich nor famous. In both places I spent half what I would normall spend in Boracay. We’re really quite expensive, especially compared to our Asian neighbors.
While I like the fact that most of our beaches are still a haven from most tourists, I do know though that our economy needs them so it’s a catch 22 no?
If I have to rethink about it from a marketer’s point of view Christine, maybe it’s time to keep prices down so we can improve the tourist numbers, right? A bigger volume is better for our tourism. And we also have to target budget travellers and backpackers, you know…