Bali, Indonesia voted “World’s Most Beautiful Island”

Thanks to The Travel for this:

Bali’s ranking as the most beautiful island was determined through a combination of traveler reviews, booking volumes, and global interest data, pulled from thousands of data points collected across Trip.com’s vast travel network.

About Bali

Vacationers often speak of the welcoming, friendly, and warm nature of the Balinese people. This sense of hospitality is a cultural philosophy rooted in community and respect for nature, called Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between people, the gods, and the environment.

Only few places in the world pack so much dramatic scenery into such a small area as Bali. At the center of this raw beauty are Bali’s sacred and commanding volcanoes. Mount Batur, one of the most accessible volcanoes on the island, draws thousands of early risers each year for its famous sunrise trek. The climb begins in the dark, but by dawn, an otherworldly view awaits travelers. From the top, travelers soak in awe-inspiring views of clouds carpeting the valley below, Lake Batur glowing in the morning light, and the distant silhouette of Mount Agung.

From highlands to farmlands, Bali’s rice terraces are perhaps the most iconic symbol of its harmony with nature. Near Ubud, the Tegallalang rice terraces are a popular stop, where visitors can walk narrow trails between stepped paddies, glowing green or golden depending on the season. Further afield, the UNESCO-listed terraces of Jatiluwih offer a quieter, more expansive experience as they sprawl across the slopes of Mount Batukaru and exemplify the subak irrigation system. This irrigation system is a traditional Balinese cooperative water management method dating back to the 9th century.

Like most islands, Bali is a beach lover’s haven with beautiful beaches like Nusa Penida’s Kelingking Beach, renowned for its cliffs that twist into a shape resembling a T-Rex. Uluwatu’s coastline is rugged with limestone cliffs plunging into the sea and world-class waves attracting surfers from around the globe. On the other hand, Seminyak is stylish and social, lined with beach clubs, boutique shops, and upscale restaurants.

Beyond the beaches and terraces, Bali’s inland waterfalls add another layer of enchantment with accessible gems like Tegenungan Waterfall near Ubud, where lush jungle surrounds a wide, thundering cascade. For a more secluded experience, nature lovers head north to Sekumpul Waterfall, a cluster of misty falls pouring down a forested cliffside, reached by a steep hike through jungle and riverbeds. Jungle treks around Campuhan Ridge or the forested areas of Munduk offer yet another side of serene and lush Bali.

Best Time To Visit Bali

• Between April and October: This is the dry season, when there’s the most sunshine, lower humidity, and pleasant temperatures, ideal for exploring the island’s beautiful beaches and engaging in other outdoor escapades. July and August are peak months, though, so tourists are more and pay higher prices.
• November to March: This is Bali’s wet season, with frequent humidity and rainfall. Mountain climbing and hiking aren’t recommended, plus windier sea conditions affect some water-related activities. Despite the trade-offs, it’s a great season to escape the crowds and enjoy lower prices.