Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Ubud has been named one of Asia’s best cities in 2025 by Travel + Leisure, making it the only Indonesian destination to earn a spot on the prestigious list.
The magazine released its annual ranking on July 8, featuring 15 cities across nine countries. Selections were based on friendliness, cleanliness, food, and ease of transportation.
Ubud, known for its deep Balinese cultural heritage, placed seventh with a score of 90.48. While often referred to as a city, Ubud is technically a subdistrict in Gianyar Regency, Bali.
It is regarded as a cultural hub and attracts both domestic and international visitors with its tranquil rice terraces, lush forests, and wellness retreats such as yoga with jungle views.
The best time to visit Ubud is during the dry season between April and October. For travelers seeking a quieter experience, April, May, and September are considered ideal months with fewer crowds.
Chiang Mai has secured the top spot on Travel + Leisure’s 2025 list of Asia’s best cities, ahead of destinations across nine countries. Topping this year’s list, the Thailand’s third-largest city earned a score of 91.94.
Nestled along the Ping River, Chiang Mai serves as a religious, cultural, educational, and economic hub for northern Thailand.
According to Britannica, the city is praised for its orderliness, cleanliness, and strong preservation of traditional culture.
Chiang Mai is also widely recognized as a major tourist destination, known for its handicrafts, resorts, and ancient temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Food is another highlight, with visitors often sampling street dishes like mango sticky rice and khao soi.
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Here is Travel + Leisure’s list of the 15 Best Cities in Asia for 2025:
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Tokyo, Japan
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Jaipur, India
- Hoi An, Vietnam
- Kyoto, Japan
- Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Mumbai, India
- Agra, India
- Osaka, Japan
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Singapore
- Seoul, South Korea
Ubud’s inclusion on the list underscores Indonesia’s growing recognition as a world-class travel destination, standing alongside Asia’s most celebrated cultural and culinary capitals.
(Raidi/Agung)
