Bali has been named the World’s Best Destination 2026 by TripAdvisor, according to an announcement published on the platform’s official website. The Indonesian island ranked first in the Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destination List 2026, ahead of London in second place and Dubai in third.
This marks the highest position Bali has ever achieved in TripAdvisor’s destination rankings. In previous years, Bali consistently appeared within the Top 10 but had never reached the number one spot.
Basis of the Award
TripAdvisor stated that the Best of the Best title represents the highest level of excellence within the tourism industry. The award is given to destinations that receive a large number of reviews and consistent praise from the TripAdvisor community over a 12 month period.
“Of our 8 million lists, less than 1 percent can achieve this feat,” TripAdvisor wrote, quoted Kompas.com, Monday (1/19/2026).
From approximately eight million listings on the platform, fewer than one percent are able to achieve this distinction. The ranking is based entirely on reviews and ratings submitted by global travelers throughout 2025, reflecting verified visitor experiences.
Reasons for Bali’s Top Ranking
In its official review, TripAdvisor described Bali as resembling a living postcard. The platform highlighted the variety of experiences available to visitors, including relaxing on stretches of fine white sand beaches, diving along coral reefs, and exploring World War II shipwreck sites.
The recognition comes despite ongoing public attention toward challenges such as waste management and traffic congestion. However, TripAdvisor’s assessment shows that traveler reviews during the evaluation period continued to place Bali at the top among global destinations.
Official Response
Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, expressed appreciation for the positive evaluation from international travelers. In an official statement released on Friday, January 16, 2026, she said the recognition demonstrates Bali’s continued strength as a global tourism destination.
“The selection of Bali as a destination Tourism The best version of Tripadvisor shows that Bali is still a magnet for world tourism,” said Widiyanti.
She stated that Bali’s selection as the world’s best destination confirms the island’s enduring appeal. According to Widiyanti, the first place ranking in the Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destination List 2026 is the highest position Bali has ever achieved in TripAdvisor’s history. She also explained that the award was compiled based on global traveler reviews throughout 2025.
Top Ranking for Honeymoon Destination
Beyond being named the World’s Best Destination, Bali also ranked first as the Best Honeymoon Destination. Widiyanti stated that the government aims to ensure Bali continues to develop as a high quality tourism destination that provides benefits for local communities, preserves the environment, and inspires visitors worldwide.
“In the future, we want to ensure that Bali continues to grow as a quality tourism destination, which benefits local communities, preserves the environment, and inspires the world,” said Widiyanti.
