Travel + Leisure Readers’ 5 Favorite Islands in Asia of 2025

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Boats sit on a white sand beach on Palawan. Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

A stunning island in the Philippines unseated last year’s winner to gain the top spot among readers’ favorite islands in Asia in our annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2025.

The islands of Southeast Asia offer a seemingly endless amount of natural beauty that enchant T+L readers. From the crystal-clear waters of the Philippines to the temple-dotted hillside of perennially popular Bali, in Indonesia, to the far-flung archipelago of the Maldives, travelers can find a blend of outdoor adventure, exquisite beaches, and cultural heritage that feels unlike anyplace else in the world.

Boats sit on a white sand beach on Palawan. Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure
Boats sit on a white sand beach on Palawan. Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure