Bali named the world's best island 2009

Tourism magazine Travel and Leisure has named Bali as the best island in the world 2009, against the backdrop of the recent twin bombings of the JW Marriot and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta last Friday (July 17, 2009). The magazine surveyed its readers between Jan. 15 and Mar. 29 2009. In the survey, the respondents were asked to comment on the islands' natural attractions, activities, people and food.

Bali beat out nine other islands; the Galapagos in Ecuador, Cape Breton in Canada, Kauai in Hawaii, Mount Desert in the United States, Maui in Hawaii, the Aeolian in Greece, the Maldives, Big and Vancouver which were also nominated for the title.

Bali Tourism Board head Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya said Tuesday he hoped the victory would be further proof that Bali was a favorite tourism destination.

Bali previously won the honor in 2006.