The Best Travel Destination in the Philippines Isn’t Palawan—It's Panay Island

In Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards for Popular Destinations in Asia, the highest ranking Philippine destination isn’t Palawan—it’s Panay Island.

Top story: Sultan Kudarat: The Philippines’ Most Powerful Sultan

Panay Island, the lone Philippine travel destination on the 2020 list, came at 20th place. Bali, Indonesia, bagged the top spot, followed by Phuket, Thailand, in second place, and Goa, India, in third place. Other popular locations that made it are: Bangkok, Hanoi, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Beijing. The Philippines’ Panay Island still ranked higher than Singapore, Seoul, and Taipei.

This year’s rankings are based on feedback and interest of travelers based on Tripadvisor’s website data, particularly reviews, bookings, and searches.

Much of the data gathered occurred in the months prior to the pandemic when travel was stopped worldwide. And based on the Travelers’ Choice Awards, Panay Island is a must-visit destination for 2021.

Panay Island is home to four provinces where some of the best beaches and cities in the country are located: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo.

Here’s a look at Panay Island to see what you’re missing.