Is this the most beautiful place on the planet?

THIS hidden piece of paradise was recently named the “top island in the world” by a prestigious travel magazine. So what makes it stand out from the rest?

There’s no doubt about it, this is paradise. Picture: Jerick Parrone

IT’S hard to believe the Philippines are an under-appreciated tropical travel destination, especially with their extraordinary hiking, diving, beaches and of course — islands that are THIS beautiful.

And while we’d like to visit every single island in the Philippines, there’s one island in particular we’re zeroing in on — Palawan, a hidden piece of paradise that was recently named “The Top Island in the World” by Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards.

There, beautiful blue water mixes with emerald green, jungle-filled mountains that appear to rise up from the ocean, and small fishing villages dot the island. Together with its neighbouring islands, it creates the Palawan province, aka paradise.

Palawan, Philippines: pic supplied for Escape

Described as “the last frontier,” Palawan has artefacts that date back 50,000 years. The island is accessible by either boat or aeroplane — it’s about an hour and a half by air from Manila — although you can also get there from Iloilo and Cebu. Many say the ideal time to head to Palawan is between about October and May, so we suggest booking tickets ASAP.

A longhorn cowfish (Lactoria cornuta) in Palawan.

High points include island-hopping around the Bacuit archipelago for the cliffs, sinkholes and lagoons, venturing to Puerto Princesa for its culinary delights and staying in one of Coron’s “otherworldly” luxury hotels.

We’ll set up camp right here, thanks.

Incredible (and rare) wildlife can be found on the islands, from purple crabs and Philippine mouse-deer to Philippine pangolin and beautiful butterflies. Just be sure to avoid the creepy-looking Palawan bearcat at night.

Palawan bearcats.

We suggest heading into the water and going below the surface. Palawan has some of the best spots to scuba dive in the world — barracuda-filled shipwrecks, for example, line the bottom of Coron Bay.

If diving sounds too scary, try a tour of Palawan’s subterranean river (which UNESCO calls “one of the most unique” in the world) or take a bangka boat to travel between the islands.

Once you’re back on land, hop on a “tricycle,” one of the preferred methods of transportation on Palawan. We’re pretty sure that after all the biking, swimming and exploring you’ll do — you’ll never want to leave.

This article was written by Carly Ledbetter from Huffington Post and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.

You’ll never want to leave.