They say that the best way to enjoy life is not by buying material things but traveling. Indeed, as I wander through my years, I realize that traveling brings me a different kind of satisfaction. Being with nature and wildlife gives me a sense of fulfillment that no electronic gadgets or sports car can bring. If you are someone like me, I have prepared a list of amazing islands that I have visited or would like to visit soon – and recommend you do, too.
Palawan, Philippines
It is not hard to believe that with more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines have a lot to offer for nature lovers. One of the most visited is the island province of Palawan. Located in the western part of the country, this island draws the attention of thousands of tourists every year.
You will never run out of scenic spots to visit in Philippine’s Last Frontier. For starters, you can visit its world-renowned Puerto Princesa Underground River. Included in the 7 New Wonders of the world, this subterranean river boasts majestic formations of stalactites and stalagmites developed by nature over thousands of years.
Other famous spots on and around Palawan are Coron and El Nido. Known for their white powdery sands and stunning limestone formations, these places are also home to some of the most beautiful diving spots in the world. Be amazed by the diversity of marine life with thousands of species thriving under the island’s crystal clear waters.
The Galapagos
If you want to see species of animals that you’ve never seen before, there’s no other island to visit other than The Galapagos. Located in the Pacific Ocean part of Ecuador, this island is a melting pot of both marine and land species thriving in their natural habitat. Visited by Charles Darwin during his prime years, The Galapagos is heaven for adventure lovers who love to witness wildlife in the place they considers home.
Galapagos is an isolated group of islands believed to have been formed by the eruption of several volcanoes. The best thing about visiting The Galapagos is being a few inches away from animals you’ve never seen in person before. From tortoise to Darwin’s finches, Flightless cormorants, and rare iguanas, this island fulfills its promise to every visitor – to give them a once in a lifetime wildlife experience.
Kodiak Island, Alaska
King Crabs is not the only thing Alaska can be proud of. Have you heard about the Kodiak Island? If not, you better start planning your vacation and start with this amazing island. Home to Alaska’s biggest fishing port, this archipelago is also home to some of the rarest species of wildlife. Kodiak Brown Bears are a common sight for tourists in this island. To top it all off, you can also enjoy up to six species of salmon and sumptuous king crabs that many tourists are drooling for.
Aside from surfing, one of the reasons why Kodiak is famous is because of birdwatching. It is home to over 250 species of birds that flock the island due to its temperate climate. Finally, you will surely love the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning over 1.9 million acres, this place is habitat for various wildlife perfect for picture-taking and viewing.
Kangaroo Island, Australia
There are no adjectives that can perfectly describe how stunning Kangaroo Island is. Known as KI to locals, this place covers 509 kilometers of coastline packed with vegetation, wildlife, and adventure. If you think Kangaroo Island is all about “Roos”, think again. This gorgeous wilderness has a lot more to offer.
Home to some of Australia’s endemic animals, KI is one of your best options to be one with nature while wandering around. It may be remote and isolated but this makes the island more mysterious and appealing to adventure seekers and nature lovers. In fact, it is considered to be a sanctuary to some of the most abundant wildlife on the whole continent. With 24 protected areas and 19 conservation parks, Kangaroo Island offers a once in a lifetime island getaway experience.
Indeed, our world is abundant with nature spots and wildlife that we can hardly explore even within a lifetime. Hence, we should not waste time. Take time to travel and enjoy the world before it’s too late.