This Country Was Just Named No. 1 for Island Hopping for Its Affordable Travel, 6,000 Islands, and Pristine Waters

"With more than 6,000 different inhabited islands to explore, Indonesia was ranked the world's best island-hopping destination, according to a study from tour company Island Hopping that was shared with Travel + Leisure. The Southeast Asian country boasted some of the cheapest ferry fares (with an average price of just $9.90) as well as access to inexpensive meals (the average price for two was $16.38). Indonesia also has a lot for travelers to do with more than 45,000 different attractions and tours on offer."

"And travelers are taking notice: in 2024, the country attracted 13.9 million visitors, according to the study. "Island-hopping offers travelers a unique way to combine adventure, culture, and relaxation, exploring multiple destinations in a single trip," a spokesperson for the tour company said in a statement shared with T+L. "With diverse climates, landscapes, and experiences, it's one of the most immersive ways to discover new places while enjoying flexibility, affordability, and unforgettable memories.""

"Beyond Indonesia, the Philippines came in second on the list. While the country features just 2,000 inhabited islands, the beachy paradise had fewer visitors (just 5.44 million in 2024). It was also an inexpensive destination with the average cost of ferries coming in at just $14.20 and the average price of a meal for two costing just $21.60."

Indonesia ranked as the world’s best island-hopping destination, offering more than 6,000 inhabited islands, average ferry fares of $9.90, average meals for two at $16.38, and over 45,000 attractions and tours. The country attracted 13.9 million visitors in 2024. Island-hopping offers travelers a unique way to combine adventure, culture, and relaxation, exploring multiple destinations in a single trip. The Philippines ranked second with about 2,000 inhabited islands, 5.44 million visitors in 2024, average ferry cost $14.20, and average meal for two $21.60. Thailand ranked third with higher ferry costs ($45) but more than 33,000 attractions. China and South Korea completed the top five, and Croatia ranked sixth as the leading European island-hopping country.

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