Asia's most beautiful island named world's most picturesque

By Hoang Phong May 16, 2025 | 03:01 pm PT

Kelingking beach in Nusa Penida Island, off the southeastern coast of Bali Island, Indonesia. Photo by Trinh Nam Thai

Bali resort island in Indonesia, known for long, sandy beaches and Hindu ancient temples, was named the world's most picturesque by British booking site Travelbag.

To compile the list, the site ranked 45 of the world's most popular long-haul island destinations based on the number of Instagram hashtags for each.

Bali garnered a staggering 75.1 million hashtags, followed by Sri Lanka with 18 million and Cuba 15.3 million.

Bali is popular for surfing, with visitors flocking to Kuta Beach, hiking up Mount Batur, exploring Tegenungan Waterfall, mingling with macaques at Ubud’s Monkey Forest, or discovering the natural beauty of West Bali National Park.

With a blend of Hindu-Balinese traditions, Bali has long been renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including intricate dances, captivating rituals, and ancient temples.

The island was named Asia's most beautiful at this year's annual Reader's Choice Awards by DestinAsian magazine.

In October last year, it was honored with the same recognition by readers of CondéNast Traveler in its Readers' Choice Awards.

Bali welcomed 6.3 million international visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This year it aims to attract 6.5 million tourists.