Ifah SakinahOur wanderlust inspires us to see the world. From fascinating historical places to quaint small towns, we would want to leave our footprints everywhere, especially so on soft golden sand with the comforting warmth of the sun rays – the hallmark of a charming island.
71% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water and there are innumerable islands dotting the vast stretches of the pristine blue ocean. Surrounded by mystique, islands constantly draw travellers to them.
Which island boasts a mesmerising charm so unmissable that it has managed to land the number one spot as the world’s best island once again. Which other islands have landed on the coveted list curated by Travel + Leisure?
Read more: Bintan 3 Experiences in 1: An Island Where Everybody Can Have Fun!
1. Sri Lanka
Image credit: Rowan Heuvel
Touted as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, this tiny island nation surrounded by sea on all sides has been ranked as the World’s #1 Island again. It possesses pristine beaches with turquoise waters stretched along its sprawling coastline. The year-long sunny climate allows travellers to bask in the glorious sun without worry. A galore of mouth-watering dishes made with distinctive and aromatic spices never fails to impress. Sri Lanka’s hiking trails are awe-inspiring. From hillsides covered with tea fields to striking towering mountain ranges, the landscape is a sight to behold.
2. Palawan, Philippines
Image credit: Alana Harris
Thanks to its karst limestone topography, Palawan looks like a slice of paradise. The island’s scintillating beaches are lined with golden sand and sparkling blue waters swarming with fish and coral reefs. With stunning views around every corner, visitors will be in for a treat. The warm disposition of Filipinos will make one fall in love with not only this beautiful island but the beautiful people inhabiting the island too.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Image credit: Christopher Alvarenga
Bali is undoubtedly a piece of heaven on earth. The mere mention of Bali conjures images of paradise. It essentially boasts every kind of natural beauty – astounding waterfalls, lush rainforests, mystical temples, verdant rice fields and beautiful rivers. It’s no wonder that Bali isn’t simply an island like no other, it is a tropical state of mind. There is a wide array of activities for every audacious soul and a number of ways to steep oneself in wellness and healing at this island of the gods.
4. Milos, Greece
Image credit: Tvass
The lavishly red and orange sunset, crystal clear water and inspiring views make this Cycladic island of Greece the most beautiful island in Europe according to travellers. It has the highest concentration of beaches in the entire island group yet it isn’t thronging with tourists. Milos is relatively untouched and brimming with archaic Greek charm waiting to be uncovered. It is also home to a dormant volcano which hasn’t erupted since 90,000 BC.
5. Maldives
Image credit: Rayyu Maldives Photographer
“Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air,” resonates deeply with Maldives. It is a cluster of coral islands and atolls situated in the Indian Ocean. A treasure trove of tropical experiences, this revered destination is where tourists from all over visit to soak in the island life at its most relaxed. It also boasts a spectacular beach awash in bioluminescent phytoplankton resembling an ocean of stars in the darkness of the night.
6. Anguilla
Image credit: Visit Anguilla
Anguilla is an intriguing island tucked away in the Eastern Caribbean. Glistening white-sand beaches, conspicuous reefs and turquoise waters make it ethereal. From the opulent resorts to scenic beachfront bars, Anguilla is the Caribbean dream come true. Friendly locals will make connecting with them a breeze. After all, it’s the people that make each place special.
7. Crete, Greece
Image credit: Hand Luggage Only
Crete is the largest island in Greece, located at the southern side of the impressive Aegean Sea. It is an amalgamation of secluded beaches with extensive blue skies and white-crested waves, ancient ruins and lofty mountains. It is home to the Minotaur legend, one of the most fascinating sagas of the Greek mythology. Cretan cuisine is famous worldwide due to its locally-produced ingredients of the finest qualities.
8. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Image credit: Tony Webster
Canada’s best kept secret, Cape Breton Island is lauded for its mesmerising landforms and how they seamlessly coalesce with nature. There is so much to behold on this island that a leisurely, meandering road trip is ideal to take in the wondrous beauty of Cape Breton. The renowned Cabot Trail on the island is not to be missed. The sprawling 300 kilometres pathway presents incredible coastal views and majestic highlands.
9.Koh Lanta, Thailand
Image credit: Krabi Tourism
Located off the coast of Krabi, Koh Lanta has an array of beaches to watch the spectacular sunset or wade through the gentle waters while the waves gently touch the shoreline. It is an ideal destination to escape the crowds and revel in tranquility. It doesn’t lack in other spectacular natural landscapes as well. Traversing the dense jungle and through a stream, one will find himself at the bottom of Klong Jark Waterfall admiring the cascading water from the high rocks.
10. Azores, Portugal
Image credit: Yves Alarie
The Azores, comprising nine volcanic islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is a haven for the outdoorsy. Waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, lakes and caves are some of the myriad of dazzling natural landscapes one can expect to stumble upon in this dream destination. With multifarious species of whales and dolphins encircling this archipelago, it is one of the best places to witness these marine animals at close range.
Whale, there you have it; a list of the most incredible islands according to travellers like you. Seek to sea more of them because there is nothing certainly better than an island getaway. If there is a will, there is a wave.
