Indonesia’s Bali And Lombok Outrank Popular Thai Islands Like Phuket And Koh Samui, Topping The List Of Asia’s Best Islands In The 2025 Conde Nast Traveller Awards

Published on October 11, 2025

Indonesia’s Bali and Lombok person claimed nan apical spots successful nan 2025 Conde Nast Traveller Awards, outranking immoderate of Asia’s astir celebrated islands, including Thailand’s renowned Phuket and Koh Samui. This astonishing displacement successful rankings highlights nan increasing entreaty of these Indonesian destinations, celebrated not only for their idyllic beaches but besides for their rich | taste heritage, divers landscapes, and progressively sustainable tourism initiatives. Bali’s vibrant arts scene, mixed pinch its serene retreats, and Lombok’s earthy beauty and little crowded atmosphere, person cemented their places arsenic apical recreation destinations successful Asia. This article delves into why these islands person surged successful popularity, surpassing long-time favorites successful nan region.

Bali and Lombok Secure Top Spots successful nan 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

In nan prestigious 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, Bali and Lombok person earned nickname arsenic nan apical islands successful Asia, according to nan world-renowned recreation publication Conde Nast Traveller. The rankings, which were unveiled connected October 7, 2025, show Bali securing nan first position pinch an outstanding people of 96.86 retired of 100. Lombok, a neighboring island, earned a adjacent 2nd spot pinch 94.86 points. Their singular achievements successful nan study person placed them up of immoderate of nan region’s astir celebrated tourer destinations, specified arsenic Thailand’s Phuket and Koh Samui, which classed 8th and 9th, respectively.

These rankings are nan consequence of nan evaluations conducted by complete 757,000 readers of Conde Nast Traveller, who contributed to this year’s survey. The readers were asked to complaint a wide array of recreation experiences, including their opinions connected islands, cities, resorts, hotels, cruise ships, spas, and airlines. The last rankings showcase not only nan beauty and entreaty of these islands but besides their expertise to supply memorable, world-class experiences for travelers.

Why Bali Continues to Reign Supreme

Bali, often referred to arsenic nan “Island of nan Gods,” has agelong been a favourite among travelers worldwide. Its nickname arsenic nan apical land successful Asia is simply a testament to its enduring allure. The land is simply a stunning blend of earthy beauty, rich | culture, and modern amenities, making it a versatile destination for a assortment of travelers. Bali’s beaches, from nan celebrated Kuta Beach to nan serene shores of Uluwatu, are immoderate of nan astir beautiful successful nan world, attracting surfers, sunbathers, and quality lovers alike.

Beyond its beaches, Bali is besides renowned for its lush atom terraces successful Ubud, which connection a picturesque flight for those looking to acquisition nan island’s agrarian charm. Bali’s taste practice is arsenic significant, pinch its vibrant arts scene, accepted creation performances, and Hindu temples, specified arsenic Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple. These sites not only connection belief experiences but besides supply travelers pinch a deeper relationship to nan island’s history and traditions.

In 2025, Bali continued to pull millions of world visitors. Between January and August, nan land welcomed complete 4.6 cardinal world tourists. Experts task that by nan extremity of 2025, this number will summation to astir 7 million, reinforcing Bali’s position arsenic nan starring destination for overseas visitors successful Indonesia. This influx of visitors is simply a clear denotation of Bali’s position arsenic a must-visit location successful Southeast Asia.

Lombok’s Rise successful Popularity

Lombok, Bali’s lesser-known neighbour to nan east, has been quickly gaining attraction and climbing nan ranks successful world tourism. In nan 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, Lombok held nan 10th position pinch a people of 90.21, but this year, nan land made a singular leap to 2nd place. With a people of 94.86, Lombok’s stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and much tranquil ambiance compared to Bali person captured nan hearts of travelers.

Lombok is location to immoderate of Indonesia’s astir spectacular earthy attractions, including Mount Rinjani, nan second-highest volcano successful Indonesia. Hikers and escapade enthusiasts flock to nan land to research its rugged terrain and bask breathtaking views from nan summit. Lombok is besides celebrated for its Gili Islands, a group of 3 mini islands offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a laid-back atmosphere. These islands person go a celebrated destination for snorkeling, diving, and those looking to flight nan much tourist-heavy areas of Bali.

The island’s continued emergence successful fame is attributed to its unspoiled earthy beauty and serene atmosphere, providing a much serene and little commercialized acquisition compared to its neighboring Bali. Lombok’s lukewarm hospitality and increasing infrastructure person made it an charismatic action for travelers seeking a much off-the-beaten-path acquisition successful Indonesia.

Top Islands successful Southeast Asia

The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards highlighted Southeast Asia arsenic nan ascendant region for nan champion land destinations successful Asia. Bali and Lombok are not nan only notable islands successful this year’s rankings. Other celebrated destinations successful nan region, including Sri Lanka, Boracay successful nan Philippines, and Thailand’s Koh Lanta and Koh Chang, besides made it into nan apical ten. Here’s nan afloat database of nan top-ranked islands successful Asia:

1. Bali, Indonesia – 96.86
2. Lombok, Indonesia – 94.86
3. Sri Lanka – 93.57
4. Boracay, Philippines – 92.65
5. Koh Lanta, Thailand – 92.64
6. Koh Chang, Thailand – 92.14
7. Langkawi, Malaysia – 91.84
8. Phuket, Thailand – 91.43
9. Koh Samui, Thailand – 89.19
10. Penang, Malaysia – 88.57

This database demonstrates not only nan earthy allure of these islands but besides nan increasing liking successful destinations disconnected nan accepted tourer trail. As much travelers activity authentic and unsocial experiences, nan nickname of islands for illustration Bali and Lombok proves that Southeast Asia will proceed to beryllium a ascendant unit successful world tourism.

Indonesia’s Bali and Lombok person topped nan 2025 Conde Nast Traveller Awards, surpassing celebrated Thai islands for illustration Phuket and Koh Samui. Their emergence reflects a increasing appreciation for Bali’s taste vibrancy and Lombok’s earthy beauty, offering unsocial experiences and sustainable tourism that entreaty to modern travelers.

Looking to nan Future of Island Tourism

As recreation continues to rebound globally, nan nickname of Bali and Lombok successful nan 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards sets a precocious barroom for different destinations. The ranking reflects a displacement towards much sustaina