The island of Nusa Penida off Bali's east coast has beaten stiff competition from Thailand and Slovenia to be crowned Hostelworld's number one travel destination for backpackers in 2020.

The Dublin-based hostel reservation platform compiled a list of the top 20 locations around the world for backpackers across the next 12 months, based on the biggest growth in bookings throughout 2019.

Nusa Penida was one of three destinations from South East Asia to make it into the top ten, with Thailand's Surati Thani coming in at number two, while Siargaro Island in The Philippines was in ninth position.

In outlining the appeal of the Indonesian island for backpackers, Hostelworld noted there was "no end of magical experiences to be had".

"From attending prayer service in a sacred cave halfway up a mountain, to hiking to an abandoned treehouse turned insane lookout point and then swimming with playful giant manta rays, every moment is an adventure on Nusa Penida," it says. 

"Throw in those legendary Indonesian sunsets and plenty of ‘warungs’ serving delicious local food for pennies, and it’ll soon become obvious why it’s our number one backpacker hotspot for 2020."

Nusa Penida is a district of Klungkung Regency that includes the neighbouring small island of Nusa Lembongan.

Click here to view the full list.

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