Magazine Readers Say the World’s Best Islands Are in Asia

Hong Kong, MINA — Nine of the world’s 15 most attractive islands for a holiday are located in Asia and Oceania, according to the New York-based Travel + Leisure magazine, and the best of all can be found in Indonesia, Asia Times reported.

The upmarket magazine named Java as its choice location in the list of the 15 Best Islands In The World, with another Indonesian destination, Bali, close behind. Java was “celebrated for its ancient culture, breathtaking vistas and UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Borobudur Temple Compounds”, as well as modern cities.

“Waterfalls, volcanoes, protected parks and white-sand beaches also allow visitors to get away from the thrum,” the magazine added.

Lombok, also in Indonesia, came third on the list and Indian Ocean getaway the Maldives was fourth. Waiheke in New Zealand (5th), Palawan and Cebu in the Philippines (6th and 8th), the Australian island of Tasmania (10th) and Cook Island (12th) were also included.

The remaining islands in the list are Mauritius, Páros (Greece), Galápagos Islands (Ecuador), Orkney Islands (Scotland), Maui (Hawaii) and Azores (Portugal).

According to the magazine, readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness and overall value.

Palawan slipped back after holding the top spot in 2013 and 2017. Another Philippines destination, Boracay, was left out altogether this year after being closed due to waste disposal issues. Second in 2016 and third in 2017, the resort is scheduled to reopen in October. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)