Palawan in the Philippines named world's top island

IF you have been to Thailand, done Bali and bought the T-shirt in Vietnam, consider Palawan, one of 7,107 islands belonging to the Philippines that's just been named the world's top island by readers of CN Traveler magazine.
About an hour's flight from Manila, Palawan's virtue lies in the fact that it remains largely uncolonised by international hotel chains and developments – and consequently heaving throngs of fellow tourists.
Along with its lagoons, beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs, one of its most astounding natural features can also be found in the capital city of Puerto Princesa, an 8 km (5 miles) subterranean river that snakes through an underground cave system.
Not surprisingly, dominating the list of top islands in the world is Hawaii, which landed three spots in the top 10 ranking for Maui, Kauai and Big Island.
Interestingly, the second highest-ranked island doesn't hail from French Polynesia or the Caribbean, but...South Carolina.
A short drive away from Charleston, Kiawah Island is described as a small barrier island on the Atlantic coast that can feel like it's "a world away."
The destination is particularly popular for golf enthusiasts, as it's home to a sprawling 90-hole golf resort.
Here are the top 10 islands according to readers of CN Traveler:
1. Palawan, Philippines
2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA
3. Maui, Hawaii, USA
4. Kauai, Hawaii, USA
5. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
6. Great Barrier Reef & Whitsunday Islands, Australia
7. Santorini & Cyclades, Greece
8. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
9. Kangaroo Island, Australia
10. Big Island, Hawaii, USA
The full list can be found at http://cntrvlr.com/1Fx5uXO
– AFP Relaxnews