Boracay, El Nido beaches voted among Asia’s best

MANILA, Philippines — Despite its six-month closure last year, Boracay continues to gain interest from tourists with its beaches listed among the best in Asia in travel website TripAdvisor’s 2019 Traveler’s Choice Awards.

Boracay White Beach, described as the island’s most popular beach famous for its amazing sunsets and white sand that stays cool in hot weather, ranked ninth among the 25 best beaches in Asia.

In addition, Yapak (Puka Shell) Beach, the island’s second largest beach named after the prevalent white puka seashells, also ranked 25th on the list.

Meanwhile, two more beaches in El Nido, Palawan – Nacpan Beach and Las Cabanas Beach – were also cited in the list, ranking 13th and 22nd, respectively.

“We take it that this TripAdvisor citation of Boracay and El Nido is indicative of the positive reactions to the reforms and new policies being implemented in an effort to inculcate a culture of sustainable tourism. This bodes well with our campaign of highlighting the people’s genuine testaments and reactions to our destinations,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards rank beaches, destinations and attractions, among others based on millions of traveler reviews and opinion.

Boracay White Beach received over six thousand reviews with 62-percent excellent rave reviews and 24-percent very good rating, with most of the comments acknowledging the successful rehabilitation of the island.

“Boracay still has it! After the six months rehab the Boracay White Beach is cleaner and clear. It has maintained its popularity among tourists and locals. It’s really lovely during sunsets. The burst of colors are (sic) awesome. I saw garbage bins which were absent before,” shared TripAdvisor reviewer mariasusnaf2018.

“The best beach in the world. Experience the new, renovated and clean White Beach of Boracay. It is excellent for watersports and I can swim here the whole day. Be careful with the sun and always use your sunblock with high factor. Food are excellent everywhere you go,” commented jguzon from Oslo, Norway.

At present, 320 accommodation establishments in Boracay are cleared to operate by the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force. This translates to a total of 11,662 rooms that have complied with the requirements of the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, and Tourism.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force is excited for the completion of the island’s rehabilitation; the second phase in April and the third in December this year. It will further promote the better Boracay and see #MoreFunForever,” Puyat said.

Boracay was earlier voted by readers of international travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler as the second best island in Asia.

It was joined by Siargao and Palawan, which ranked first and third on the list, respectively.