Listen, we love Bali, Tokyo, and Bangkok. There's a reason that these destinations have been at the top of travellers' bucket lists for decades (and we do mean decades). There's Bali's idyllic beaches and meditative forests, Tokyo's unbeatable retail and dining scene, and Bangkok's rich culture and street eats.
We could go on listing the many compelling reasons to visit these hotspots in 2025, but if you're looking for alternatives that are just as appealing, then you're in the right place. We've just dropped our list of the best places to visit in Asia in 2025, and it's filled with under-the-radar gems recommended by our local editors and travel experts. These spots are ripe for a visit: many have become much easier to travel to or are just starting to come into their own after being long overshadowed.
Topping the list is Sumba, a unique island in western Indonesia. It strikes the right balance between "unspoiled natural beauty and rich cultural traditions", according to Time Out Asia contributor Delfina Utomo. Here, you can enjoy some spectacular (and quiet) beaches like Nihiwatu, once voted the world's best beach, and sunsets over undulating hills covered in golden maize and cassava.
Sumba's cultural traditions also continue to run strong. Experience a slice of it in February and March at the Pasola Festival, a traditional spear-fighting competition that heralds the harvest season. At villages like Ratenggaro and Prai Ijing, you can pick up ikat weavings and see the distinctively tall-peaked Sumbanese houses where marapu (spirits) are believed to reside.
We love that Sumba is relatively untouched, but even so, you can find luxury in resorts like the award-winning all-villa Nihi Sumba or the stylish eco escape Cap Karoso. And it couldn't be more timely to visit Sumba – in 2025, the island's Tambolaka Airport will open to direct international flights for the first time.
Need more travel inspiration? Here are the best places to visit in Asia in 2025, according to Time Out:
- Sumba, Indonesia
- Siargao, the Philippines
- Da Nang, Vietnam
- Tainan, Taiwan
- Ipoh, Malaysia
- Osaka, Japan
- Nan, Thailand
- Lijiang, China
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