Palawan, the Philippines: The Most Beautiful Island in the World
– Conde Nast Traveler

It was originally voted as the number 2 island in the world according to its readers, but this article in Conde Nast Traveler appears to be playing favorite, as it placed Palawan even to the highest spot.

Who am I to say no and disagree, when I myself, together with my husband, finally came to visit Palawan. Coron in particular, which is a natural paradise on earth, we’re obviously impressed.

It’s no wonder Palawan ranked as the most beautiful island in the world this year, as the clear aquamarine water, limestone cliffs, and lagoons of the island province of the Philippines are only the most basic highlights. Palawan is home to nature reserves on both land and sea, with dolphins just offshore, marine gardens of giant clam, sea turtles nesting on white sand beaches, 600 species of butterflies, and lush palm forest like a Gilligan’s Island fever dream.
– Cynthia Drescher, Conde Nast Traveler contributing editor Read more

My Lakbayan map is a constant reminder for me on how much I’ve explored the Philippines. Despite that I’ve been living away for over four years now, my latest map tells me that I’ve traveled around my home country more than ever before. I’m happy to report that my Lakbayan grade is moved a notch higher. It’s C+ now.

Our visit to Cebu and Dumaguete last year definitely added up.  After that holiday, we actually didn’t expect that we would come back soon. Yet for some reason, we’re able to manage to visit the Philippines again. Though I also wanted to explore other places that I haven’t been, our return to Pinas for a holiday was another revisit of sorts for me. Read more

We initially planned to visit Bohol this year, but an earthquake struck the said province last October that we decided to forgo the trip and go somewhere else. It was a choice between Camiguin and Dumaguete. We chose to go eastward.

A very promising itinerary was prepared for our visit to Dumaguete, but somehow along the way, it didn’t go everything smoothly as we planned.

First, we weren’t able to go directly to Dumaguete. Instead, we spent the night in Bohol to take the ferry from there. Well, this overnight stay ain’t so bad at all. It suddenly became my husband’s surprise visit to the island, getting a quick taste of what it has in store.

Unfortunately though in Dumaguete, we missed visiting the islands of Apo and Sumilon, and Oslob, the southern village in Cebu to see the whale sharks. This one was disappointing. It’s mainly because we got sick. We realized that the travel junkies in us deserved a much needed rest. Read more