Bali Ranked 3rd Best Island in the World for 2025. So, Who’s No. 1?

KOMPAS.com - Bali has once again cemented its reputation as a global travel favorite, landing third on Travel + Leisure's list of the World’s 25 Best Islands for 2025.

The top spot went to Paros, a picturesque island in Greece, followed by Palawan in the Philippines. Bali, often dubbed the “Island of the Gods,” continues to captivate travelers with its rich cultural, spiritual heritage, and lush landscapes.

"This perpetually popular island is known for its unique culture and religion, over 10,000 temples, and outstanding accommodations,” the publication wrote on Tuesday, July 29.

A Diverse Destination in a Compact Space

Despite its relatively small size, Bali offers diverse experiences within a single trip, from seaside enclaves like Uluwatu and Seminyak, to misty highlands and terraced rice fields further inland. The island earned an impressive score of 93.25 from Travel + Leisure readers.

Much of Bali’s tourism activity remains concentrated in the south, home to luxury resorts, stylish beach clubs, and a wide range of dining. Also, from wholesome organic cafes to upscale culinary hotspots.

Still, travelers can also discover Bali’s spiritual and cultural soul through temple dances, traditional healing practices, and quiet, off-the-beaten-path retreats.

Ubud: The Cultural Heartbeat

One of Bali’s main draws is Ubud, often referred to as the island’s cultural capital. Nestled among rainforests and rice paddies, Ubud offers a more tranquil, soulful experience complete with hidden luxury retreats, art galleries, and yoga sanctuaries.

Bali has been featured on Travel + Leisure’s list of the world’s top islands for 11 consecutive years.

The World’s Top 3 Islands of 2025

Paros, Greece

Paros earned top honors in 2025 thanks to its delicious cuisine. Just think fresh mushrooms, chickpeas, and seafood. As well as its charming blue and white villages, such as Naoussa, which overlooks a wide bay on the island’s northern coast.

The island is also home to several high-end resorts like Parlio, Cosme, and Summer Senses. But the real star is the Aegean Sea, visible from nearly every corner of the island.

Palawan, Philippines

Coming in second, Palawan is beloved for its coral reefs, dramatic limestone cliffs, and hidden white sand beaches. Often described as a “last frontier,” the island continues to attract adventurers and nature lovers from around the globe.

Dok. ANTARA FOTO/Nyoman Hendra Wibowo/Spt

How Travel + Leisure Ranks the World’s Best Islands

The annual Travel + Leisure rankings are based on its World’s Best Awards survey, where readers are invited to rate their travel experiences across a range of categories.

For 2025, nearly 180,000 readers participated, casting over 657,000 votes across 8,700+ properties including hotels, cities, cruises, airlines, and more.

In the “Best Islands” category, destinations were rated based on five criteria:

• Natural attractions and beaches
• Activities and sights
• Restaurants and food
• People and hospitality
• Overall value

Each characteristic was rated on a scale ranging from “excellent” to “poor,” with final scores reflecting the average across all responses.