Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 reveals our readers’ picks of the best islands. Giant palms, soft sands, crystalline waters, sunsets for days, and the easy-breezy vibe that comes with beach life. We’re here for it.
THE VERY WORLD ISLAND evokes paradise: blue skies and even brighter water, sugary sand, fresh seafood galore and palm fronds being tickled by sea breezes. Bali, named the best island in Asia this year, has all those quintessential attributes in excess plus so, so much more—try UNESCO-protected rice terraces, verdant jungles, monkeys and fireflies and rare birds, world-class surf waves, and ornate ancient temples.
After a long pandemic closure, the predominantly Hindu island welcomed visitors back even more enthusiastically than before, impressive for a population so inherently warm and friendly. Bali’s multitude of dreamy private villas and lush resorts—plus a handful of gorgeous newcomers including Raffles Bali, Jumeirah Bali, Potato Head Studios, and Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape—seemed even more shiny, too.
To be sure some of Bali’s undeniable appeal is its diversity in both landscapes and vibes. There is truly something for everyone, from party monsters who can’t get enough of Seminyak’s nightlife and beach clubs and Canggu’s dining and shopping scene to vegan seekers of serenity who find their happy place in Ubud’s many yoga studios, plant-based restaurants and healing havens. Uluwatu is the emerging destination for not only surfers but active adventurers while Nusa Dua and Sanur call to families and couples desiring laid-back holidays and true relaxation. And that doesn’t even scratch the surface.
Besides Bali’s big post-pandemic comeback, this year’s most beloved islands in Asia list leans heavily toward Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand, an eternal favorite whose Phuket made No. 3, Koh Samui No. 6 and Koh Phi Phi appeared at No. 9. With each choice celebrating its own distinctive seascapes, mouthwatering flavors, indigenous wildlife and culture—not to mention envy-inducing beaches—it seems island hopping continues to be an incredibly popular pursuit no matter where in the world you’re based.
Best Islands in Asia Pacific
1. Bali, Indonesia
2. Palawan, Philippines
3. Phuket, Thailand
4. Langkawi, Malaysia
5. Boracay, Philippines
6. Koh Samui, Thailand
7. Penang, Malaysia
8. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
9. Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
10. Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
Check out the full list of our readers’ picks of the Best Islands in Asia Pacific for 2023. And for all of this year’s Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific winners, click here.
Lede image courtesy of Indonesia Tourism Board.
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