Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara has been ranked the second most beautiful place in the world in Time Out’s 2026 list of global destinations. The ranking places the Indonesian site just behind Picos de Europa in Spain, which took the top position.
The British-based media outlet highlighted the landscape of Padar Island as a key factor in the ranking. The island’s elevated viewpoints and distinctive coastal formations contributed to the park’s placement among 51 destinations worldwide.
“Komodo National Park offers one of the most unique landscapes in the world, three giant bays with white, black, and pink sands all in one frame,” Time Out stated, as quoted on Saturday (28 March 2026).
The list includes a mix of natural landscapes and cultural landmarks. Komodo National Park ranked above several internationally recognised sites, including Victoria Falls in Africa and Big Sur in the United States.
Time Out also noted the park’s terrain, describing the rocky hills as resembling “Jurassic Park”. The presence of the Komodo dragon, a species native to the area, was also cited as part of the park’s distinct characteristics. The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
@wonderfulid Step into a land where turquoise waters sparkle, and every trail leads to awe. The iconic dragons that rule the land, Komodo National Park is a journey into the wild heart of Indonesia. 📍 Komodo National Park – East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia #WonderfulIndonesia #KomodoNationalPark #WildHeartOfIndonesia #IslandEscape #ExploreIndonesia ♬ original sound – LyricScape
Global Ranking Highlights Diverse Landscapes
Komodo National Park consists of three main islands—Komodo, Rinca, and Padar—along with several smaller islands. The area is accessible via Labuan Bajo, which serves as the primary entry point for visitors.
The top-ranked destination, Picos de Europa in northern Spain, was recognised for its geographical features. The mountain range rises to approximately 2,650 metres above sea level and is located around 20 kilometres from the coast.
Time Out described the area as offering views of steep mountains alongside coastal landscapes and the Cantabrian Sea.
Other destinations included in the top 10 list span Europe, Asia, and North America. These include The Morgan Library and Museum in New York, Douro Valley in Portugal, Ullswater in England, and Old Town Bologna in Italy. Capo Testa in Sardinia, Victoria Falls, and Punakha Valley in Bhutan also feature in the ranking.
Time Out’s annual list evaluates locations based on their visual appeal and distinctive features. The 2026 edition reflects a range of environments, from mountainous regions and coastal areas to cultural and historical sites.
Cover: Photo by Jeffry Surianto/Pexels
