Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — As the new year approaches, travelers worldwide are already planning their 2025 adventures. While many tourist spots facing an overtourism issues in 2024, travelers can opted for less crowded tourism destination for 2025.
Travel platforms have started rolling out recommendations for must-visit destinations. Time Out, a British media and hospitality company that publishes travel magazines and guidebooks, has listed tourist destination focused exclusively on Asia.
According to CNN Indonesia, Time Out has highlights eight destinations that offer unique experiences while alleviating the pressures of overtourism, instead of spotlighting already overcrowded hotspots.
At the top of the list is Sumba, an untouched island in Indonesia, just a 50-minute flight from Bali. Previously recognized by Forbes, Sumba is renowned for its stunning beaches, including Nihiwatu Beach, once voted the best beach in the world.
Beyond its pristine shores, visitors can explore rolling savannah landscapes and the crystal-clear Weekuri Lagoon, a natural saltwater pool ideal for refreshing swims.
Ranked second is Siargao, a teardrop-shaped island in the Philippines. Known among surfers, Siargao is now more accessible thanks to increased flights from Manila and Cebu, attracting a broader range of visitors.
In third place is Da Nang, a coastal city in Vietnam nestled between the South China Sea and Sơn Trà Mountain. Known for its rapidly growing dining and cocktail scene, Da Nang offers both urban charm and natural beauty.
The full list of Time Out top eight Asian destinations for 2025 includes:
- Sumba, Indonesia
- Siargao, Philippines
- Da Nang, Vietnam
- Tainan, Taiwan
- Ipoh, Malaysia
- Osaka, Japan
- Nan, Thailand
- Lijiang, China
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In contrast, American travel guide publisher Fodor recently released a list of 15 destinations to avoid in 2025 due to overtourism. Bali, Indonesia’s iconic tourist hub, appeared on the list alongside cities like Barcelona, Venice, and Tokyo.
Overcrowding, environmental strain, and a diminished visitor experience were cited as reasons for Bali’s inclusion. Therefore, alternative destinations like Sumba, as highlighted by Time Out, present an opportunity for travelers to enjoy Indonesia’s beauty while avoiding the pitfalls of overtourism.
(Raidi/Agung)
