Government hails Boracay's inclusion in 'best beaches' list

Sunday, February 5, 2012

MALACAÑANG welcomed Sunday the inclusion of Boracay Island in Aklan province as one of the top beach destinations in the world by travel website TripAdvisor.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the recognition was a testament to the Department of Tourism's effort to invite more visitors to the country through the "It's more fun in the Philippines" campaign.

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"The travel website TripAdvisor has ranked Boracay as the number one beach destination in Asia and second in the world," she said.

TripAdvisor is a travel website that provides travelers information about tourist destinations in the world by posting reviews and opinions and engaging in interactive travel forums.

It picked Boracay over Maldives (2nd) and Koh Phangan in Thailand (3rd), citing "powdery white sand, affordable accommodations and courteous and hospitable people."

"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. 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 TripAdvisor wrote.

Valte also hailed the ranking of Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte in Mindanao as one of the top surfing sites as compiled by CNNGo, the travel advisory website of the US-based Cable News Network (CNN).

Valte said the CNNGo had placed Siargao as the 8th out of 50 top surfing sites in the world. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)