Palawan

Palawan has been voted the world best island multiple times by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, and one visit makes it clear why. The island stretches 270 miles through the western Philippines, offering a stunning diversity of experiences from the Underground River (a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Puerto Princesa) to the otherworldly limestone karst landscapes of El Nido and Coron. The best time to visit is November through May, during the dry season when calm seas make island-hopping and diving conditions ideal.

El Nido is the crown jewel, where towering limestone cliffs frame hidden lagoons, secret beaches, and snorkeling spots teeming with marine life. Island-hopping tours through the Bacuit Archipelago reveal one jaw-dropping cove after another. Coron, further north, is famous for wreck diving on sunken Japanese WWII ships and the crystal-clear Kayangan Lake. Puerto Princesa serves as the main gateway with its Underground River boat tour through a 5-mile cave system. The local seafood is fresh and incredibly affordable.

Points travelers will find a small but growing selection of hotels, with properties positioned near Puerto Princesa. While the luxury resort scene in El Nido and Coron is dominated by independent boutique properties, the loyalty-bookable options in Palawan provide a comfortable base for exploring this extraordinary island.