Once again, Cebu is recognized as one of the best islands in Asia.
Condé Nast Traveler (CNT) has ranked Cebu among the Best Islands in Asia yet again for 2024.
This comes after the US-based travel magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards, which had over 575,000 readers cast their votes. The results were revealed on the CNT website on October 1st.
Cebu ranked 8th on the Best Islands in Asia category, together with three other islands in the Philippines: namely Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. Each ranking had a total of 100 points, with most garnering a score close to 90.
The top spot was given to Koh Samui, Thailand, which had an aggregate score of 93.54.
Here is the full list of CNT’s Best Islands in Asia:
- Koh Samui, Thailand – 93.54
- Langkawi, Malaysia – 92.14
- Boracay, Philippines – 91.94
- Sri Lanka – 91.28
- Phú Quốc, Vietnam – 91.01
- Palawan, Philippines – 90.68
- Phuket, Thailand – 90.44
- Cebu & Visayan Islands, Philippines – 90.29
- Bali, Indonesia – 90.15
- Siargao, Philippines – 89.2
In an article by the Philippine News Agency, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco expressed her gratitude to international visitors who helped the Philippines become a premier destination in Asia. (2024)
She noted that the accolades reflect the beauty and diverse experiences offered in the Philippines through its combination of cultural avenues and culinary heritage.
Frasco also emphasized the importance of responsible tourism to preserve the beauty and integrity of these locations.
PREVIOUS AWARDS
CNT has recognized Cebu as one of Asia’s premier tourist destinations by giving it several accolades in the past. In many instances, Cebu was merged with the entire Visayas islands as one entry.
In 2020, CNT crowned Cebu as the top island in Asia, surpassing the likes of Sri Lanka and Koh Pha Ngan. (2020) The magazine lauded Cebu’s pristine beaches and diving spots, as well as its Spanish and Roman Catholic influences.
It highlighted the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, which houses the original Sto. Niño image offered by Ferdinand Magellan during his arrival in 1521.
They recommended Kawasan Falls as well, which is one of the top tourist locations in Cebu. The three-tier waterfall in Badian is known as a great place for swimming, hiking, and trekking.
Aside from that, CNT awarded Panagsama Beach in Moalboal as one of the Best Beaches in Southeast Asia. (2024) The magazine pointed out that it is unlike most beaches in the region because of what lies deep within.
This is where divers go to experience the one-of-a-kind sardine run, which consists of millions of small fish forming unique patterns.
Panagsama is also close to Pescador Island, which is famous for its abundance in marine resources and picturesque coral reefs.
Moreover, Cebu was hailed Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination during the World Travel Awards in September. It highlights locations around the world with strong wedding industries and exceptional wedding venues.
Digital booking agency Agoda claimed that the island was one of the most searched getaways in Southeast Asia, putting it in the 10th spot.
The rankings were unveiled during International Beach Day, compiling search data from September and October 2024.
A news article in The Freeman (2024) claims that the awards highlight locations with “a diverse array of beach destinations that cater to various preferences, from serene retreats to vibrant beach parties.”
Cebu and Boracay were the only places in the Philippines in their ranking.
An article in The Freeman also says that the Department of Tourism sees this as a sign that there is a growing interest in the island from all around the world.
Cebu reportedly garners nearly two million travelers every year.
That being said, it’s clear that the scenic beaches of Cebu and its neighboring islands continue to entice tourists on an international level. Thanks to the warm hospitality of the locals, experiencing Cebu is always a worthwhile experience.
REFERENCES:
Rocamora, Joyce Ann. 2024. “4 PH islands named among Asia’s top in Conde Nast Traveler ranking.” Philippine News Agency.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1235083.
Erram, Morexette Marie. 2020. “Cebu named as ‘best island in Asia’.” CDN Digital.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/344433/cebu-named-as-best-island-in-asia.
Codis, Denis Mae. 2024. “Panagsama Beach ‘1 of Southeast Asia’s best’.” Sunstar Cebu.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/panagsama-beach-1-of-se-asias-best.
Magsumbol, Caecent No-ot. 2024. “Cebu in list of most searched getaways in Southeast Asia.” The Freeman.
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2024/10/03/2389835/cebu-list-most-searched-getaways-southeast-asia?fbclid=IwY2xjawF9UTxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQEXKWMx6Q3YAC-ZKmtHRewzgd890cWWIII9nZEBggpa2WdWja4jmGh6CA_aem_ckw4sfjnLv3T3pKLFKSirA.
