Bali Among Trip Advisor's Top Destinations

KOMPAS.com – Bali has entrenched itself further as a global tourist powerhouse after the Trip Advisor travel platform included the resort island in its top 25 Travellers’ Choice destinations in the world for 2020.

Bali ranked fourth on the list, beating out iconic rivals like Barcelona, Spain (9th), Marrakesh, Morocco (21st), and New York (25th). Only London, Paris and the Greek island of Crete, which ranked in the top three, beat out the so-called Island of the Gods.

Trip Advisor’s website highlighted Bali as a beloved destination that is known as “a tropical haven for beach bums, wellness worshipers, and the culturally curious.” The rave reviews do not end there.

“Jungles dotted with sacred temples, towns brimming with nightlife, surf-friendly waters, and a thriving wellness scene attract all types of travellers.”

The destinations highlighted by the US-based travel application include Kelingking Beach, Sekumpul Waterfalls, and Luhur Batukaru Temple.

Also read: Ubud, Bali in Top Ten of Travel + Leisure's Best 25 Cities

As with a similar poll by the Travel and Leisure website, Ubud received a special mention in the poll for its cultural and spiritual highlights, such as traditional dances, and classes on batik and yoga.

Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Wishnutama Kusubandio hailed the Trip Advisor survey. “I hope the [Trip Advisor survey] will motivate Bali to make its tourism industry more hospitable and sustainable,” he said in a press release on August 2.

“Likewise, I hope this achievement will motivate Indonesia’s efforts to develop ‘New Balis’ in the near future. But regardless where tourists will go, the new health protocols will be firmly enforced.”

Wishnutama also urged all parties involved to use any means possible to avoid a second Covid-19 wave.