Indonesia always offers amazing places to visit, and now Sumba has been named one of the best destinations in Asia for 2025 by Time Out.
This year, Time Out focused on destinations in Asia that are not yet overcrowded.
The list highlights eight countries and includes places that were previously difficult to access or overlooked, offering an alternative to popular spots suffering from over-tourism.
Time Out is a British media company that publishes travel guides and magazines covering events, entertainment, and culture in cities around the world.
At the top of the list is Sumba, an untouched Indonesian island just a 50-minute flight from Bali. In fact, Forbes also recommended Sumba as a must-visit destination for next year.
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Delfina Utomo, a Time Out Asia writer, stated that Sumba is famous for its stunning beaches, such as Nihiwatu (once named the best beach in the world), and its beautiful landscapes of rolling savannah. It’s a perfect spot for both adventure and relaxation.
She also recommends visitors check out Weekuri Lake, a natural saltwater pool ideal for a refreshing swim.
The second-place spot on the list goes to Siargao, a tear-shaped island in the Philippines popular with surfers. In third place is Da Nang, a beach city in Vietnam, situated between the South China Sea and the Sơn Chán Mountain.
Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, comes in fourth. Known for its rich culinary and historical attractions, Tainan will celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2025. Ipoh, Malaysia, ranks fifth, offering historic buildings and food tours that reflect its cultural diversity from China and India.
Osaka, Japan, takes the sixth spot and will host the second World Expo in 2025. Nan, Thailand, comes next, offering scenic mountain views and local events like the Boat Racing Festival in October.
Finally, Lijiang, China, rounds out the list with its natural attractions, including mountains, rivers, glaciers, and lakes.
Here is the full list of the top 8 destinations to visit in Asia in 2025:
- Sumba, Indonesia
- Siargao, Philippines
- Da Nang, Vietnam
- Tainan, Taiwan
- Ipoh, Malaysia
- Osaka, Japan
- Nan, Thailand
- Lijiang, China
Things to Do in Sumba
Sumba is famous for its natural beauty, especially its beaches like Nihiwatu, which was once voted the best beach in the world, and its vast savannah landscapes. If you visit Sumba, be sure to check out these top attractions.
Nihiwatu Beach – West Sumba
Nihiwatu Beach is ranked among the world’s top beaches, and it’s the only beach in Indonesia to be named the best beach in Asia by CNN. The water is crystal clear, with fine white sand. Its remote location means it’s quieter and maintains its authenticity.
The beach is part of the Nihiwatu Resort, an international standard resort, so it is only accessible to resort guests. Rates per night are on the higher end.
Lendongara Hill – Southwest Sumba
If you want to capture the perfect photo with a savannah backdrop, Lendongara Hill in Naruni Village is the place to visit. Known as Teletubby Hill or LDR, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists to take selfies.
The grass turns yellow-brown during the dry season, but the view remains beautiful and unique.
Tarimbang Beach – East Sumba
For a beach with unique characteristics, Tarimbang Beach is a great choice. Located 120 kilometres from Waingapu city, it features semi-circular white sand, which attracts many curious visitors.
Here, you can enjoy activities such as surfing, swimming, snorkelling, diving, or water skiing. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for relaxing.
