MANILA—Palawan has made Lonely Planet's list of best places to visit in Asia-Pacific this year.
Dramatic seascapes, wildlife-laden jungles, and El Nido's skyscraping rock formations were cited as the main reasons the island was chosen among the top spots in the region in the guidebook publisher's list.
Lonely Planet wrote about the country's last frontier, saying: "Palawan has ridden a slew of media accolades to the cusp of international superstardom. Fortunately, it’s not there yet."
"These are the heady days when new air routes and upgraded roads make it easier than ever to explore the dramatic seascapes and wildlife-laden jungles of the slender 400 km-long main island (also called Palawan) before it inevitably becomes more developed.
"The crown jewel is El Nido, where skyscraping karst formations rise out of blue water in Bacuit Bay.
"New rules restrict visitor numbers at signature sights like Big Lagoon on Miniloc Island, while a ban on single-use plastic bottles on tour boats is helping to tackle marine pollution."
Palawan placed No. 8 on the list, just above Cambodia and Shanghai and behind Fiji.
Taking the top spot is Australia's Margaret River.
Japan's Shikoku island and New Zealand's Bay of Islands placed second and third, respectively.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
