RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - In a historic leap for Indonesian tourism, Bali has surpassed global tourism such as Thailand, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy to be crowned the number-one destination in the 2026 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.

This milestone marks the first time the "Island of the Gods" has clinched the top spot, signaling a shift in global traveler preferences toward authentic, high-quality experiences.

The Deputy for Marketing at the Tourism Ministry, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, conveyed that Bali’s coronation as the world's top travel destination for 2026 solidifies its position as the icon of Indonesian tourism.

As reported by

"Tourists gain positive and memorable experiences when they visit Bali. Since TripAdvisor is based on honest reviews, it reflects exactly what travelers feel and write," she said in a message received in Jakarta on Friday, January 17, 2026.

While Bali has consistently appeared in the Top 10, this marks the first time it has claimed the number-one position. "We hope this achievement motivates all stakeholders to further advance high-quality tourism in Indonesia," added Made.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards are determined by the volume and quality of reviews from global travelers throughout 2025. In this latest list, Bali successfully outperformed major global destinations including London, Dubai, Hanoi, Paris, and Rome.

Beyond being named the overall best destination, Bali also ranked first in the Best Honeymoon Destinations list, as well as placing in the Top 10 Best Cultural Destinations, Top 10 Best Solo Travel Destinations, and the Top 20 Trending Cities in the World.

Tourism Minister, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, expressed her gratitude to the international community for their positive reception of Bali. "Thank you for the reviews and ratings provided via TripAdvisor. Bali’s selection as the world’s best travel destination proves it remains a primary magnet for global tourism," she remarked.

The government continues to ensure that Bali evolves into a high-quality tourism destination that benefits both local communities and the environment. This strategy is expected to position Bali as an enduring inspiration for the international tourism industry. ***