The Department of Tourism lauded the selection of White Beach in Boracay as the top beach in the world for sunbathing, surfing and doing nothing in the Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
The 2.5-mile stretch of white sand in Malay, Aklan, secured the number 1 spot on the luxury travel magazine’s list of the top 15 global beaches.
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the recognition affirms the Philippines as a world-class destination, noting that Boracay, Palawan and Siargao also ranked among the top 10 islands in Asia for 2025.
Condé Nast writer Kat Chen labeled the island as a premier destination where the seaside landscape is matched by a vibrant social and nightlife scene.
The magazine said that while the island is less than four square miles in size, its powdery sand and clear waters continue to attract international travelers despite a temporary closure in 2018 for environmental rehabilitation.
The island is divided into three stations that offer distinct experiences, ranging from high-end luxury at Station 1 to a lively atmosphere at Station 2 and a more laid-back environment at Station 3.
Readers highlighted the island’s club culture, where visitors frequently congregate for live music and cocktails along the beachfront.
Beyond Boracay, Palawan ranked number 5 among Asia’s best islands, with voters highlighting the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River.
The underground river spans more than 5 miles and is recognized as one of the longest navigable subterranean waterways in the world.
Siargao took the number 7 spot in the Asian category. The teardrop-shaped island, located about 500 miles from Manila, was praised for its coconut groves and mangrove forests. Despite the recent construction of the P1 billion Catangnan-Cabitoonan Bridge and a new sports complex, the island maintains a reputation as an unspoiled getaway for its 160,000 residents and visiting surfers.
