There’s a reason why people travel – a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life, and a chance to explore the beauty of the world. And this beauty, magnificent and enchanting, can be found in two of the best islands in the world – Palawan, and Cebu in the Philippine archipelago.

Voted by Travel + Leisure magazine readers as two of the 15 best islands on earth, Palawan got the 6th place while Cebu ranked 8th place in 2018. Published by one of America’s most influential travel magazines, Travel + Leisure launched a reader survey listing the best islands in the world according to these key factors: sights, activities, food, natural sights and attractions, friendliness, and overall value.

So what makes these islands among the best in the world? Let’s discover the very reasons why:

Palawan

Dubbed as the best island on Earth by the very same magazine in 2013, 2016, and 2017, Palawan is an island in the Philippines surrounded by 1,800 islets. Located in South Luzon, Palawan is often called the Philippines’ “last frontier,” as it’s relatively unspoilt and its rustic authenticity remains intact, making it a far-flung destination with easy accessibility.

The main spots in Palawan are Puerto Princesa, the capital; El Nido, with its enchanting beaches; and Coron, considered as a diver’s paradise with its Word War II-era shipwrecks.

Featured in Hollywood films such as The Bourne Legacy, James Bond’s The World is Not Enough, and the very inspiration behind the famous book, “The Beach,” simply looking at epic pictures of Palawan’s magnificent natural beauty will awe and inspire.

While this idyllic island boasts of hidden lagoons, limestone structures sprouting out off clear waters, and powder white sand beaches, it all boils down to the warm, hospitable, and welcoming personality of the local people that make Palawan a true paradise.

You’ll find everything here, from cozy hostels where you’ll meet people from around the world; to stylish boutique hotels; to the most exclusive private island resorts in the world – Palawan has it for every kind of traveler. And if the freshly caught seafood cooked right in front of you doesn’t seem enticing enough, world-class restaurants serving international cuisine will definitely delight as you dine on the beach watching the marvelous Palawan sky right above you.

Cebu

A small and narrow island located in Central Philippines is the perfect mix of modern and rustic charm. Cebu City, the island’s capital, is a bustling metropolitan with fantastic shopping, a lively nightlife, and world-class cuisine. But it’s the islands offshore and the rural towns both North and South from the capital that truly enchant.

Take your pick from the island’s South offerings, such as Oslob with its whale sharks and waterfalls; to Sumilon Island with its powder-white sandbar; to Kawasan Falls with its cool ice waters dropping to a turquoise blue river and activities such as canyoneering, rock climbing, and rappelling.

Or head up North to Cebu’s dazzling and rural white sand beaches like in Bantayan Island, or enjoy thresher shark sightings in Malapascua Island.

And if that’s not all, Cebu is also home to countless festivals, with the main attraction being Sinulog in the capital, and reveled by tens of thousands of visitors each year for its street parties and religious significance.

There are many reasons why Palawan and Cebu are a definite must-visit if you’re looking to travel to the best islands in the world. But don’t just take our word for it, witness their glorious beauty yourself and you’ll definitely be craving for your next visit once you head home.