The Indonesian island of Java has been voted the world's 'best island' by the readers of Travel & Leisure, making it's first appearance on the list and pitting it's popular neighbour, Bali, to the post.
Based on activities, natural attractions, beaches, food and friendliness this winning island got a stellar score of 95.28 out of 100, and we can kind of see why.
Lonely Planet recommends a few sights on the sea-locked paradise, namely the biggest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur Temple, and the marine national park of the Karimunjawa Islands.
Second and third on the list are the more traditional favourites of Bali and Lombok. But looking at Java’s waterfalls, we can see why it’s made a surprising appearance on the list.
However, it’s not just it’s Indonesian cousins that Java beat - the Maldives, Greece’s Páros and Scotland’s own Orkney Islands also ranked lower than the mesmerising island.
Java is described as ‘the heart of the nation’ with ‘profound traditions in art, music and dance’ as well as ‘megacities, mesmerising natural beauty and magical archaeological sites.’
With dry season being from May to September, it also means you could make a spontaneous trip there come the beginning of August, and with return flights available through Skyscanner for £511, what the flip are you waiting for?
Off to Java we go then, eh?
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
