El Nido in Palawan has been included in the BBC's list of the world's eight best beach escapes, the Department of Tourism said. BBC journalist Francis Augustin praised its lagoons and secluded beaches. DOT Officer-in-Charge Secretary Verna Buensuceso welcomed the recognition.
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism said on Monday, April 1, that El Nido in Palawan is among the British Broadcasting Corporation's eight best beach escapes worldwide.
BBC journalist Francis Augustin, who visited the area, praised its hidden beaches and lagoons. "My family, friends, and I booked a tour with a local speedboat crew, spending the day cutting across the crisp blue waters of Bacuit Bay in search of secluded beaches and lagoons. Among these limestone island clusters, we swam, kayaked and snorkeled before anchoring in a solitary beach cove where our guides set up a meal of traditional Filipino meat and seafood dishes," he said.
He also noted mainland beaches such as Las Cabanas, Lio and Corong Corong as places to relax and watch the sunset. DOT Officer-in-Charge Secretary Verna Buensuceso stated, "Citations such as these affirm the beauty and prestige of the many treasures that we boast to the world. This recognition proves that El Nido, like our other coastal destinations, can offer the same level of quality vacations as our global counterparts."
El Nido is drawing attention as a cruise stop. In January, the luxury liner MV Luminara called at the port with more than 200 tourists, who explored Coron and Puerto Princesa. The BBC list, favoring less-crowded authentic spots, also includes destinations in New York, Italy, Puerto Rico, India, St. Maarten, Scotland and Tasmania.