Sep 10, 2021
WE GAVE YOU A NEAR impossible task: pick the top islands in Asia, and the top islands in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. How could you narrow it down among all the aquatic beauty in this part of the world? From archipelago nations to castaway vacation favorites, to natural wonders of the world, these two lists will have you dreaming flying off into the middle of the ocean asap. Don’t forget the reef-safe sunscreen!
* — ON THE LIST FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS
TOP 5 ISLANDS IN ASIA
1. Andaman Islands
India
Photo by gagarych/Getty Images/Canva
Comprising 300 islands in the Bay of Bengal, this unspoiled Indian archipelago courts divers and snorkelers eager to glimpse sharks and rays.
Score: 91.24
2. Koh Samui
Thailand
Grandfather’s and Grandmother’s Rock (Hin Ta Hin Yai). Photo by jakub Michankow/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 90.34
3. Bali *
Indonesia
Jatiluwih rice terraces. Photo by kapulya/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 90.32
4. Maldives
Courtesy of Maldives Tourism
Score: 89.55
5. Palawan
Philippines
Coron, Palawan. Photo by R.M. Nunes/Getty Images Pro/Canva
Score: 88.63
TOP 10 ISLANDS IN AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC
1. Fiji Islands
Aerial shot of Fiji Islands. Photo by Jay Topping/Getty Images Pro/Canva
Exceptionally friendly people, stellar marine parks, and unforgettable five-star resorts helped this palm-laden paradise secure a first-place finish.
Score: 87.17
2. Kangaroo Island
Australia
Kangaroo Island fauna. Photo by donna-racheal/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 85.66
3. Moorea *
French Polynesia
Above and below the waves of Moorea Island. Photo by blueorangestudio/Canva
Score: 85.48
4. Great Barrier Reef Islands
Australia
Courtesy of Tourism Partners, Australia
Score: 85.00
5. Bora-Bora
French Polynesia
Bora-Bora’s iconic peak. Photo by gangliu10/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 84.48
6. Waiheke Island
New Zealand
A scenic hiking path on Waiheke Island. Photo by Eugenia Prasol/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 82.18
7. Huahine
French Polynesia
A lagoon in Huahine. Photo by Damocean/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 78.21
8. Tasmania
Australia
Bay of Fires. Courtesy of Tourism Partners, Australia
Score: 78.20
9. Tahiti
French Polynesia
Diving with sharks. Photo by MaRabelo/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 73.39
10. Cook Islands
Vaka in Atiu, Cook Islands. Photo by Lara Ainley/Getty Images Pro/Canva
Score: 70.18
For more World’s Best Awards 2021 lists of your favorite hotels, resorts, cities, islands and more, visit: travelandleisureasia.com/trending/worlds-best-awards-2021
