Banyan Tree Expands to Philippine Island Touted as Next Phuket

The President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo has touted Isla Dirawan in Palawan as the next Phuket according to press reports. The 55 hectare Dirawan island in is aiming to be Asia's largest island integrated island resort. Banyan Tree founder K. P. Ho has been quoted that the group looks to open a resort by 2012, who is developing the property with the Filipino group Tranzen.
Palawan remains one of Asia's most naturally spectacular areas and attracts divers from all over the world. The well established luxury Amanpulo resort is located nearby. Phuket continues to be the envy of the region in terms of its tourist success and certainly developments of this nature look to raise the bar for competition.