In a world where travel is often measured in meetings and mileage, the simple act of watching the sun dip below the horizon offers something rare: stillness.
According to new research from long-haul specialists Travelbag, the Maldives ranks among the top five most picturesque sunset destinations globally—joining the likes of Bali, Dubai, Miami, and Sydney in a list shaped not by itineraries, but by awe.
The study analysed Instagram and TikTok data across 70 destinations, revealing where travellers most frequently capture and share sunrise and sunset moments. Bali leads the pack, with over 227,000 Instagram posts under #Balisunset and more than 17,700 TikTok videos. Dubai follows, with its desert-meets-skyline silhouette drawing over 100,000 Instagram posts. Miami and Sydney round out the top four.
But it’s the Maldives that quietly steals the spotlight in fifth place. With nearly 28,000 Instagram posts and over 2,300 TikTok videos tagged #Maldivessunset, the archipelago’s golden hour has become a digital muse for travellers seeking serenity. Sheryl Drane, Regional Manager and Maldives Expert at Travelbag, describes the experience as “a canvas of gold, pink and deep orange,” best viewed from a west-facing beach or the deck of an over-water villa.
For business travellers carving out moments of pause between conferences and commitments, these destinations offer more than just visual splendour—they offer perspective. Research has shown that witnessing a sunrise or sunset can boost mental well-being, helping travellers recharge and reconnect.
Whether it’s the fiery skies over Bali or the tranquil fade of light in the Maldives, these scenes remind us that not all journeys are measured in distance. Some are measured in wonder.