| This 2003 file photo shows tourists sunbathing on Boracay’s fourkilometer, sun-kissed strip of shoreline called “White Beach”. AFP PHOTO |
A travel website has named the Philippines’ famous Boracay island as the best beach in Asia. The website www.TripAdvisor.com’s Travelers’ Choice 2011 also voted the island as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
“At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don’t let its small size fool you—you’ll have several excellent beaches to choose from,” it said.
“Yapak Beach is known for beautiful white shells; White Beach has picture-perfect sunsets; and Balinghai Beach is a secluded spot, perfect for honeymooners. As long as you visit during dry season, you’ll agree this is one of the best beach destinations in the world,” the website added.
Included in the list of 25 best beaches in the world were Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (No.
1); Boracay, Philippines (No. 2 ); Palm/Eagle beach, Aruba island (No.3 ); Negril, Jamaica (No. 4); Tulum, Mexico (No.5); Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (No. 6); Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman island (No. 7); Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (No. 8); Cape May, New Jersey (No. 9) and Santa Teresa, Costa Rica (No. 10).
The website said that the ranking was based on the travelers’ reviews and ratings.
In Asia, the top best beaches were: Boracay, Philippines; Maldives, Koh Phangan, Thailand; Koh Samui, Thailand; Khao Lak, Thailand; Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand; Gili Trawangan, Indonesia; Krabi Town, Thailand; Ko Lanta, Thailand; and Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.
Best destinations
The website also included the summer capital of the Philippines—Baguio City—in its Top Best Destinations in Asia.
The City of Pines ranked 22nd in the best destinations category.
“Baguio, perched high in the Cordillera Central Mountains, is a great place to escape the heat of the Philippine lowlands. Camp John Hay, originally built as a recreation area for US soldiers, now is a full-fledged resort complete with a world-class golf course. Definitely stop at the city market, where you can buy almost anything (just be prepared to haggle),” it said.
Hong Kong was named the best destination in Asia while Cape Town, South Africa was adjudged the best in the world.
In its list of best hotels, TripAdvisor’s included Dave’s Straw Hat Inn in Boracay and Padre Burgos Castle Resort in Southern Leyte as Top Hotels for Service in Asia, which ranked 14th and 18th, respectively, while the Alegre Beach Resort in Cebu ranked 25th in All-Inclusive Resorts in Asia.
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