TripAdvisor recently released a list of "Travelers' Choice Destination on the Rise" and many were not surprised when El Nido Island in Palawan made it to the list. The island is famed for its sandy-white beaches and coral reefs and has become a favorite tourist spot for locals and foreigners alike.

Tourism Secretary, Wanda Corazon Teo, said in a statement to Manila Bulletin:  "We are very happy with the recognition of El Nido as a destination on the rise, especially as this is based on the unbiased reviews and opinions submitted by Trip Advisor users all over the world."

El Nido is the only Southeast Asian destination that made it to the list.  San Jose del Cabo, in Mexico got the top spot, followed by Whistler, Canada;  Jericoacoara, Brazil; Kihei, Hawaii; Baku, Azerbaijan; El Nido, Philippines; El Nido, Philippines; Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Jodhpur, India.

GMA News reported that the island is a favorite even for celebrities like Suicide Squad's Margot Robbie, who said that she felt like she "died and went to heaven" after visiting the island paradise.

The island of Palawan is not new to getting recognitions like this. As a matter of fact, Condé Nast Traveler hailed Palawan as one of the "Best Islands In The World" for two straight years. Another famed Philippine island, Boracay, also made it to this list. 

"This is an affirmation of the Department of Tourism's continuing efforts to enable quality destinations through enabling regulations and standards. The initiatives to enhance tourist experience are reinforced by recognitions like this. We hope to have more of them throughout the Philippines as we work together with the industry in making our destinations the best choices for the travelers," the DOT chief concluded.