And Lombok Crowned Asia’s Best Islands for 2025
- Why it Matters: Reinforces Indonesia's position as a premier travel destination and boosts tourism.
- What's Next: increased tourism expected; potential for infrastructure development to support growth.
- Bali secured the first position,and Lombok followed closely in second place,in the 2025 Conde nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards for the best islands in Asia.
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Bali adn Lombok Crowned Top Islands in Asia by Conde Nast traveller
The Recognition
Bali secured the first position,and Lombok followed closely in second place,in the 2025 Conde nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards for the best islands in Asia. The announcement, made on October 7, 2025, awarded Bali a score of 96.86 out of 100, while Lombok achieved a score of 94.86. This prestigious ranking places both Indonesian islands above globally popular destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui, which ranked 8th and 9th respectively.
The awards are based on a comprehensive survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveller, gathering opinions from over 757,000 readers worldwide. Participants shared their experiences and preferences across various travel categories, including cities, islands, hotels, resorts, and airlines.
Reader Feedback and Key Highlights
“Sadly, snugness is not a voting criteria, but plenty of your picks are nicely crammed with activities, such as the Cook Islands, St Barts and Fernando de noronha. When it comes to beaches, Ibiza, Bora Bora and Bali lived up to their barefoot reputations, as did Sicily for its food.”
Conde Nast Traveller‘s statement highlights the diverse appeal of the winning islands, noting Bali’s exceptional beaches and the overall richness of travel experiences available.
Why Bali Continues to Captivate
Bali’s consistent success in the Readers’ Choice Awards stems from its unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich heritage. The island’s captivating beaches and picturesque rice paddies are well-known, but its enduring appeal lies in the immersive cultural experiences it offers.
These experiences include:
- Traditional Ceremonies: Witnessing elaborate religious ceremonies provides insight into Balinese Hinduism.
- Balinese Dance: Performances like the Legong and Kecak showcase the island’s artistic traditions.
- Artisan Villages: Exploring villages specializing in wood carving, silverwork, and batik offers a glimpse into local craftsmanship.
- Spiritual Retreats: Bali is a renowned destination for yoga,meditation,and wellness practices.
Lombok’s Rising Popularity
Lombok’s second-place ranking signifies its growing recognition as a desirable travel destination. While often overshadowed by Bali, Lombok offers a more laid-back atmosphere and pristine natural landscapes.
Key attractions in Lombok include:
- Mount Rinjani: A challenging but rewarding trek to an active volcano with stunning views.
- The Gili Islands: Three small islands (Trawangan, Meno, and Air) offering idyllic beaches and excellent diving/snorkeling.
- Selong Belanak Beach: A popular surfing spot with a relaxed vibe.
- Traditional sasak Villages: Experience the unique culture of the Sasak people, Lombok’s indigenous inhabitants.
Comparative Data: Top Asian Islands
| Rank | Island | Score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bali | 96.86 |
| 2 | Lombok | 94.86 |
| 8 | Phuket | Data not publicly available |
| 9 | Koh Samui | data not publicly available |
Note: Scores for phuket