JAVA is WORLD’S BEST ISLAND 2018 says prestigious Travel+Leisure Magazine

This year for the first time, Indonesia’s  major island of JAVA was selected the Best Island in the “World Best Awards 2018” given by the prestigious Travel+Leisure Magazine. Further confirming its reign among world’s most popular island destinations, Indonesia this year dominated the category of the Best Islands in the World in the Travel + Leisure’s Best Awards 2018,  where Java, Bali, and Lombok were chosen as the World’s Top Three Island Destinations. Bali came second and Lombok was placed third.

The three islands, each with its own distinct charms successfully outranked other favorite island destinations across the world that include the Maldives, Waiheke in New Zealand, and the winner of the 2013 and 2017 Awards, Palawan Island in the Philippines.

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Most wellknown throughout the centuries, the island of Java boasts tens of active and dormant volcanoes, like Mt. Merapi and Mt. Bromo, that have created this green and fertile island.

Through the ages mighty kingdoms have built breathtaking monuments like the magnificent Buddhist Borobudur temple and the graceful Hindu Prambanan temple, where ancient cultures and traditions have flowered, which have been carried down through generations to this very day.

While among its fertile and intriguing natural wonders, strange and ancient creatures have made the island their habitat, among which the  one-horned Javan rhino. Java is indeed a wonderland for adventure seekers and culture aficionados offering ecotours, visits to immerse in village life, as well as top modern facilities.

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In the article Why the Multifaceted Java Is a T+L Reader Favorite Destination, Travel + Leisure (T+L) says: “Java is truly a diverse island, offering a multitude of different experiences for travelers.” Java has 112 volcanoes - 35 of which are currently active - perfect for those looking for the thrilling adventure.

The island is also rich with prestigious heritage sites including the magnificent Borobudur Temple which is one of most significant and oldest in the world. These are just among a few features that ultimately led Java to the top of the list.

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To complete Wonderful Indonesia’s present Tourism Landscape, the  Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan also took the prestigious Top Spot in the category of Top 100 Hotels in the World. Moreover, four other of Indonesia’s finest hotels also joined the list with The Mulia Bali in 6th place, the Nihi Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara in 9th place, the Amandara Bali in 12th place, and the Alila Mangis Bali  placed  at 93rd.

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To get a glimpse on how Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan emerged as the number one hotel in the world, T+L described this as follows: “Celebrating its 20th year, this 60-room property in the Ayung River Valley is reached via a suspension bridge that hovers over coconut trees and rice fields. The drama doesn’t end there: each of the riverside guest villas has a meditation space and lily pond on the roof, as well as an outdoor living room and pool. The sense of calm befits the resort’s location near Ubud, the spiritual heart of Bali. Yet new experiences, including cooking lessons in a bamboo-clad center designed by Elora Hardy and Sacred Nap relaxation treatments, keep things innovative and modern.”

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Every year in the World’s Best Awards survey, Travel+Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

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Speaking  with pride for these convincing achievements, Minister of Tourism, Arief Yaya said: “These awards have exceptional value. This shows that Indonesia is a great place to visit and has a multitude of wonders to offer next to the already better known Bali and Lombok islands.

The awards also come just at the right moment when Indonesia is ready to host the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang and later the IMF-World Bank Annual Meeting in Bali.”

To view  the Complete list of the 2018 World’s Best Awards log on to : https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best

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