Asia is a region rich in stunning natural landscapes, including exotic islands where tourists flock for a vacation. The 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards have released a list of the top 10 islands globally and within Asia.
This ranking was created based on ratings from hundreds of thousands of respondents who filled out surveys from April to June 2024. Winners were evaluated on various aspects using a standard five-point scale, from “excellent” to “poor,” with the ratings then summed into a 100-point scale.
Bali surpassed its competitors and proudly claimed the top spot on the list, with an impressive score of 95.71, close to perfection! Known as the Island of a Thousand Temples, Bali is popular with international tourists and has become a favorite destination for long-term stays, not just two-week vacations.
Bali offers everything from breathtaking beaches and fresh seafood to magical tropical forests and ancient temples. Alongside Bali, the Indonesian island of Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara) also made it to the top 10 list, landing in 10th place with a score of 90.21.
Here’s the top 10 list of Asia’s best islands for 2024, on a 100-point scale:
1. Bali, Indonesia (95.71)
2. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (95.36)
3. Koh Samui, Thailand (94.29)
4. Langkawi, Malaysia (94.21)
5. Penang, Malaysia (91.34)
6. Phuket, Thailand (90.83)
7. Koh Lanta, Thailand (90.71)
8. Andaman Islands, India (90.48)
9. Sri Lanka (90.34)
10. Lombok, Indonesia (90.21)
Earlier in 2024, Bali was already recognized as the top tourist destination by TripAdvisor experts, while Ubud ranked 4th among the world’s best cities in 2023 according to Travel+Leisure magazine.
Bali’s popularity among tourists stems from its natural beauty, rich culture, and spiritual atmosphere. However, what makes Bali unique among other Southeast Asian islands is its history of resistance and determination to preserve its traditions. Balinese culture has largely been untouched by modernization and Islamization seen in other parts of Indonesia. The Balinese have maintained their Hindu identity and traditional lifestyle, which is still visible in their temples, ceremonies, dances, music, art, and crafts. This distinct culture creates an atmosphere of harmony that captivates visitors from around the world.
Lombok, on the other hand, is known for its pristine beaches, Indonesia’s second-highest active volcano (Mount Rinjani), excellent surfing and diving spots, and more moderate accommodation prices, as it doesn’t experience Bali’s heavy tourist influx. Lombok offers a tranquil retreat with few nightclubs and parties, making it a place to connect deeply with nature. The predominantly Muslim population also favors a quieter lifestyle, with alcohol being less common, which contributes to the island’s serene appeal.
Sources: cnnindonesia.com
You can add one right now!