Palawan has been named among the world’s top birdwatching destinations in a recent feature by Condé Nast Traveller, which listed 11 global hotspots for birding as interest in wildlife tourism grows in 2026.
The magazine identified Northern Palawan as a key site for bird enthusiasts, citing its biodiversity and number of endemic species.
“Black-naped orioles, large-tailed nightjars and olive-backed sunbirds are just a few of the amazing creatures that can be spotted in the Philippines,” the article said.
“Amazingly, the country has roughly 260 endemic bird species, with 27 of those found only on the island of Palawan, hence why it’s often known as the birding capital of the Philippines,” it said further.
The publication included Palawan alongside other destinations such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Kenya, India, Madagascar, Scotland, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Mauritius, and Ecuador.
The feature also described a surge in birdwatching tourism, driven by travelers seeking nature-based experiences, eco-lodges, and wildlife encounters, with destinations now combining biodiversity with guided and curated stays.
