The Indonesian island of Java has won the award of Best Island in the World at the World’s Best Awards from Travel+Leisure magazine. The American travel publication conducts a survey every year to find out the best and most popular travel experiences from around the globe according to its readers. This year, Java made the list for the first time, heading straight to the top spot with a score of 95.28.
Travel+Leisure described Java as follows: “Celebrated for its ancient culture, breath-taking vistas and UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Borobudur Temple Compounds, the island also offers the opportunity to indulge in modernity (five-star hotels abound). Waterfalls, volcanoes, protected parks, and white-sand beaches also allow visitors to get away from the thrum.”
There was more good news for Indonesia, with Bali and Lombok occupying second and third place on the list with scores of 94.06 and 93.88, respectively. A total of five Indonesian hotels featured in the Top 100 Hotels in the World. Of the five, three properties were included in the top 10: Four Seasons Resort Sayan Bali (ranked first), The Mulia Bali (sixth) and Nihi Sumba (ninth). Nihi Sumba had occupied top spot in the hotels category for the past two consecutive years.
Following the announcement of the awards, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya made a statement to kompas.com: “The awards have tremendous value,†said the minister. “It proves that Indonesia has broad tourism potential, as previously such awards were dominated by Bali and Lombok,” he continued. President Joko Widodo added via social media that the success could boost Indonesia’s confidence in hosting the upcoming Asian Games and the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.
The news is indicative of the quality, diversity and development potential of Indonesia; and with such accolades becoming the norm, it’s clear that Indonesia is a favourite destination for travellers the world over.
