Indonesia Makes Top 10 in Wanderlust’s 2026 Island Country Awards

JAKARTA, Indonesianpost.com — Indonesia has ranked ninth among the world’s most desirable island countries in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026, with the Philippines taking the top spot.

Wanderlust, a British travel magazine, holds the annual awards based on readers’ votes. Now in their 25th edition, the awards attracted more than 8.2 million votes across multiple categories from 251,461 readers.

According to Wanderlust Magazine, as reported on November 13, 2026, the Most Desirable Island Country category lists the 10 island countries readers most wanted to visit in 2026.

The Philippines claimed first place. With 7,641 islands, the country offers attractions ranging from tropical beaches and historic sites to underwater adventures and the cultural heritage of local communities.

Among its attractions are the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, a landscape of distinctively shaped hills that has become one of the country’s best-known landmarks. Palawan also draws visitors with its limestone caves and clear waters.

Travelers can also visit Coron to explore World War II shipwrecks. On Luzon, visitors can learn about Indigenous cultures and see the island’s terraced rice fields.

Other cultural experiences include exploring the historic district of Intramuros in Manila and sampling the food of Iloilo. Barbados placed second in the rankings, followed by the Bahamas in third.

Ireland ranked fourth, followed by Malta in fifth. The Maldives, known for its seaside resorts and tropical island scenery, took sixth place. Iceland came seventh, with Fiji in eighth.

Indonesia placed ninth among the most desirable island countries for 2026, earning a place on the reader-selected list and bringing attention to its tourism offerings.

Stretching from Sabang in the west to Merauke in the east, Indonesia offers a wide range of destinations. Its marine attractions and tropical islands provide visitors with varied holiday experiences across the archipelago.

Destinations such as Raja Ampat, Lombok, Bali, Nusa Penida, Karimunjawa, Wakatobi and Weh Island reflect that variety and have become favorites among domestic and international travelers.

World’s 10 Most Desirable Island Countries in 2026

1. Philippines

2. Barbados

3. Bahamas

4. Ireland

5. Malta

6. Maldives

7. Iceland

8. Fiji

9. Indonesia

10. Jamaica

[Detik/Bilah]