3 Philippine islands named most beautiful in Asia

If you’re looking to surf, enjoy a relaxing island holiday or simply lounge by the beach, look no farther than the Philippines.

The country has recently laid claim to the first three of this year’s top five most beautiful havens in Asia, with their awe-inspiring landscapes and Instagram-worthy sunsets.

The 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards of lifestyle magazine Conde Nast Traveler, ranked surfing destination Siargao as the best island in Asia, followed by Boracay and Palawan in the second and third spot, respectively.

Located 800 kilometers southeast of the country’s capital, Manila, Siargao is among the lesser-known tourist destinations in the Philippines although it is becoming increasingly popular among surfers from around the world.

“We like to say that surfers are the vanguard of travelers, scoping out some of the more remote parts of the world for surf breaks before the rest of us get there,” the editors wrote.

Siargao is described as the “teardrop-shaped” island that is home to more than 15 separate surf breaks, including the legendary Cloud 9, which has attracted the likes of American professional surfer Kelly Slater and Red Hot Chili Pepper's frontman Anthony Kiedis, who is also a skilled surfer.

Taking the second spot, Boracay has been known for its white, super fine sandy beach— not to mention its gorgeous sunsets.

The small island, according to Conde Nast, has “gentle coastlines and made-for-Instagram sunsets,” as well as a “thriving nightlife scene.”

In the third position is Palawan, just above Langkawi, Malaysia, and Bali, Indonesia.

El Nido, Palawan

A regular on Conde Nast’s world’s best islands list, Palawan is noted for being the home of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a Unesco World Heritage Site, as well as El Nido, which attracts hordes of both local and international tourists.

5 best islands in Asia:

1. Siargao, Philippines

2. Boracay, Philippines

3. Palawan, Philippines

4. Langkawi, Malaysia

5. Bali, Indonesia