Islands are rated by the readers of the travel magazine. To rate the islands around the globe, activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value were taken into consideration.
Thailand's Koh Lanta, a large island in Krabi province, made it up to the 9th line. Koh Lanta is famous for its long golden sand beaches, relaxed vibe and southern Thai cuisine.
No wonder that the Maldives are mentioned on the list, too. Paradise-like islands come the 5th – they are always high on every island-lover bucket list.
Indonesian island of Bali is named the third best island in the world – and rightfully so. It has it all – from partying Kuta to diving-crazy but laid-back Amed to arty Ubud.
Number two is Palawan, the Philippines. Aptly dubbed "The Last Frontier", Palawan may just be the only remaining world-class island destination that hasn't succumbed yet to the ravages of commercial tourism.
And here comes the winner – meet Sri Lanka! It is not the first mentioning for Sri Lanka as the best destination this year. Sounds like we all have to look a little closer at it!
Here is tthe full list of the world's best islands:
1. Sri Lanka
2. Palawan, Philippines
3. Bali, Indonesia
4. Milos, Greece
5. Maldives
6. Anguilla
7. Crete, Greece
8. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
9. Koh Lanta, Thailand
10. Azores, Portugal
11. Paros, Greece
12. Fiji Island
13. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
14. Santorini, Greece
15. Maui, Hawaii
15 World's Best Islands 2019, Travel + Leisure Version
News in Asia
According to the recently published Travel + Leisure's rating of the world's best islands, 5 out of 15 of them are located in Asia with the top–3 totally Asian this year. The list features several newcomers including the world's number 1 island. Can you guess it?