There are tens of thousands of islands dotting Asia’s oceans and lakes, but these enticing spots get our – and Lightfoot Travel’s – votes as must-visits. How many have you ticked off your travel bucket list?
Peppered with gorgeous islands of all shapes and sizes, Asia certainly is amongst the best continent in the world to chill on deserted beaches. But which ones are worth your travel budget? Though we would gladly spend months poring over a globe map and pinning down the our top destinations, it’s probably wiser to seek the expert opinon from our friends at Lightfoot Travel. Ahead, they narrow down the thousands of islands to a handful of must-sees.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali remains one of our favourite island getaways in Asia for its ease of access (they’ve just made it easier with visa exemptions for some countries, yay!), the plethora of stunning villas, diverse and tasty cuisine and cultural excursions. There’s always something new to experience and discover, no matter how many times you have been to Bali. For our next trip, we’re planning to go all the way up to Menjangan to relax on its secluded beaches, go diving and come face-to-face with the local deer (yes, deer!)
Where to stay: The Istana, Samaya Ubud
Lombok, Indonesia
A 30-minute flight away from Bali, Lombok offers a completely different experience. The coastline is alluring with white-sand beaches, turquoise bays, amazing surf breaks, while the attractions are just as appealing, with the mighty Gunung Rinjani (Indonesia’s second-highest volcano) towering at 3,726m. Start off your holiday with an intense trek up this incredible volcano (complete with hot springs on the way), and finish off your getaway by lounging on the island’s beautiful beaches. Don’t forget to drop in at the nearby Gili Islands for an even more laid-back beach escape.
Where to stay: Sepoi Sepoi, Hotel Tugu Lombok
Cebu, Philippines
With 7,107 islands (2,000 of which are inhabited), finding a tranquil beach in the Philippines is as easy as pie. A great introduction to the Philippines’ beaches is Cebu, only a direct flight away from Singapore. It’s a great for those who love snorkelling and diving; turtle sightings are very common and if you know where to go, you can even experience an impressive sardine run. If you need to couple your beach holiday with a bit of culture, Cebu boasts several temples, fort and shrines.
Where to stay: Shangri La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Abaca
Boracay, Philippines
Another great Filipino beach destination, Boracay is famed for its 4km-long White Beach. There are three different ‘stations’ and each offer a different vibe –one is posh, one is quiet, and the other is bustling with bars. If you’re looking for a great and relaxing resort away from the hustle and bustle of White Beach, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa is a definite winner. Plus, you’re only a short 15 minute drive away from the island’s hottest nightlife spots.
Where to stay: Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Discovery Shores
Palawan, Philippines
Though harder to reach than Boracay and Cebu, the remoteness and beauty of Palawan is well worth the extra mile. Made up of 1,700 islands, it’s the place for island-hopping and lounging on empty beaches. The scenery is astounding, with jungle-clad mountains jutting out from turquoise waters. The diving here is also second to none; expect an underwater swirl of tropical fish, sunken ships and colourful coral reefs. If you’re travelling with a large group, go big and rent the entire Ariara Island, the ultimate off-the-beaten track destination.
Where to stay: Ariara Island, Pangulasian Island Resort
Phuket, Thailand
Sure, Phuket is well-known for being a party island, but there are still countless quieter nooks on the island for you to explore. Opt for a private villa that sits on the quieter beaches, or venture further away from the madness of the tourist-heavy areas. Fret not, there are heaps of entertainment and dining options even in the remote corners, and you can plan plenty of excursions to nearby islands. For absolute tranquillity in a superb setting, we love Six Senses Yao Noi, sandwiched between Phuket and Krabi.
Where to stay: Six Senses Yao Noi, Trisara
Koh Samui, Thailand
If you’ve ventured to Phuket far too many times and looking for another Thai alternative, look no further than Koh Samui. Smaller in size, less busy and a tad more upscale, this piece of tropical paradise should be on your bucket list of Asian islands to visit. Head over to Ang Thong National Marine Park to admire the pristine archipelago of 42 islands and towering limestone cliffs, then savour succulent cuisine in the many restaurants that line the island. The options are endless!
Where to stay: Four Seasons Koh Samui, Six Senses Samui
Con Dao, Vietnam
Still very much off the radar, Con Dao is one of our favourite beach retreats in Vietnam and for good reason: it is the home of Six Senses Con Dao. The resort itself is absolutely stunning, and is enough to jet towards this little known coastal town. There are numerous activities you can do on the island, which include cycling, trekking through the rainforest, fishing, and village visits amongst others. The fantastic Six Senses Spa also provides a phenomenal experience after a full day out.
Where to stay: Six Senses Con Dao
Sri Lanka
Nicknamed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka appeals to all for its wide diversity: endless beaches, great surf, and an abundance of wildlife, timeless ruins, rolling hills of tea plantations… There are much to love about Sri Lanka! The UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Triangle boasts superb archaeological wonders, while the magical Hill Country is full of colonial charm. The gorgeous villas that line the south coast offer a unique beach escape, and Yala National Park is home to the endemic Sri Lankan leopard and numerous other animals and plants. Convinced yet?
Where to stay: Cape Weligama, Tea Trails, Ulagalla
Maldives
Out of the 1,192 islands that make up Maldives, only 192 of them are inhabited –which means that there are plenty of deserted islands waiting to be explored! The honeymoon hotspot is the ultimate beach escape: the sand is whiter than white and the finest you will come across;the turquoise waters are crystal clear and home to an amazing underwater world – a diver and snorkeler’s paradise. Don’t get us started on the plethora of absolutely stunning hotels of various styles, from barefoot luxury to eco-friendly modern designs, that boast some of the best hospitality in the world
Where to stay: Six Senses Laamu, Maalifushi by COMO, Gili Lankanfushi
Langkawi, Malaysia
Clear waters, great beaches and verdant jungles – welcome to Langkawi! The island doesn’t lack in amazing resorts, and they are all spread out so you have plenty of space to frolic by the beach. Aside from relaxing by the beach, there are caves, waterfalls and mangroves to be explored. And of course, no beach holiday is complete without a rejuvenating visit to the many spas.
Where to stay: The Datai, Four Seasons Langkawi
This article was brought to you by Lightfoot Travel, a Singapore-based luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice and inspiration, tailor-made itineraries and full booking services.