This story explores Southeast Asia’s diverse charms, idyllic settings and picturesque sunsets for the discerning traveler seeking relaxation and respite. These lesser-known locations and islands are perfect for adventurers, foodies and history buffs. They offer a tropical paradise that is off the beaten path.
Belitung, Indonesia
Located off the east coast of Sumatra in Indonesia, Belitung is known for its unique cultural attractions that include pristine beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters alongside the island’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The island holds a colonial past which sees an array of Dutch and British-era landmarks while the island’s seafood-centric cuisine sees fresh fish and shellfish served with local spices, providing an authentic taste of Indonesian flavors. Aside from panoramic views, Belitung’s strategic location offers guests the opportunity to visit neighbouring islands including Pulau Lengkuas. During low tide, a group of tiny sandbanks appear. They are close to each other and make it an ideal place for island-hopping.
Highlights for Holidays: Coffee lovers may want to try “Manggar Coffee” named after the town of Manggar known for its coffee culture and marked with the 1001 Coffee Shop Monument. This cafe, located at Manggar Kota Warung Kopi 1,001, is popular among locals. It offers a wide range of caffeinated drinks.
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Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil are two islands that make up the Perhentian Islands. Both islands are known for their lush tropical jungles and clear waters, which are teeming full of marine life. They are also ideal for hiking or wildlife watching. Coral reefs are home to a wide variety of marine species. The islands offer snorkelers and scuba divers a paradise with popular destinations like Shark Point Turtle Bay and Sugar Wreck. The Perhentian Islands are also known for its ecotourism and the sustainable practices set in place to conserve the area’s marine ecosystem and preservation of its coral reefs.
Highlights of the Holiday Season: Take part in a diving excursion that lasts all day. Diverse diving institutes are plentiful on this island. From Turtle Bay Divers or Sea Voice Divers there are many diving institutions offering scuba courses for beginners and professionals. This underwater activity should be given a full day. You can book your diving experience by clicking here.
Bohol, Philippines
The Philippines’ Bohol Islands offer a variety of attractions, including river cruises on the Loboc River and zip-lining in the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. You can also explore the Hinagdanan Cave, located in Panglao Island. One of the island’s most famed attractions are the island’s “Chocolate Hills”. The name is derived from the brown hue of the hills during dry season which resembles Hersey’s chocolate kisses. The viewing platform offers panoramic views over this geological formation consisting of 1,200 hills that cover an area of 50 square kilometers.
Highlights of the Holiday Season: Hinagdanan Cave. Hinagdanan Caves is a series of caves that are easy to access. They contain hundreds of stalagmites and stalactites, which surround a lagoon underground. The caves come to life when the sun’s rays shine through. Book a trip by clicking here.
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Koh Rong, Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Koh Rong offers a quiet escape from the busyness of Cambodia’s mainland. The serene beaches of Koh Rong include Sok San Beach, a long stretch that is ideal for swimming and tanning. The island’s diverse coral formations and numerous diving opportunities make Koh Rong a popular destination for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Koh Rong’s exciting nightlife is centered around beach bars and restaurants with breathtaking sunsets and an array of fresh seafood and dishes cocktails.
The Must-Visit Holiday Highlight Ponleu Spa & Restaurant. Ponleu Spa is a unique spa that offers a relaxing massage in front of the beautiful Saracen Bay. There are a variety of oil treatments, including a refreshing coconut oil massage and an aromatherapy massage. To make a reservation, click here.
Cubadak Island, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Cubadak Island offers a quiet getaway, untouched by mass-tourism. Accommodations range from quiet eco lodges to large bungalows and resorts located on the beach with breathtaking views of the ocean. Cubadak Island, which is easily accessible via boat from Padang (the capital of West Sumatra), offers cultural immersion opportunities through interaction with local communities. Visitors can learn about traditional fishing techniques, participate in cooking classes, and witness traditional dance performances showcasing the island’s cultural heritage. Cubadak Island is a tranquil and relaxing place with limited infrastructure.
Ninh Thuan Province in Vietnam
The coastline of Ninh Thuan Province includes various beaches and coastal attractions including the golden sand of Ninh Chu Beach and Bai Trang’s white sand dunes near Vinh Hy Bay. Ninh Thuan Province, in addition to its beautiful beaches and water sports, is known for its natural reserves and protected areas, including Nui Chua National Park, which offers hiking trails and panoramic views of surrounding mountains and coastal plains. The region’s grape cultivation has resulted in the emergence of vineyards where visitors are welcomed to tour vineyards, learn about high-quality wine production processes, and enjoy a wine tasting session. Visitors can also explore the Po Klong Garai Cham Temple, which is a significant cultural site that displays the architecture and religion of the Cham (a Vietnamese minority ethnic group). Local artisans can be seen practicing traditional crafts, such as weaving and pottery.
The Must-Visit Holiday Highlight Tanyoli Sand Dunes. Tanyoli, an adventure resort, is located in Ninh Thuan. The sand dunes reflect the sun like a miniature dessert and are host to various games and activities, making it a perfect spot for thrill seekers. To make a reservation, click here.
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Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang’s lush rice paddies, cascading falls, and green mountains surround the city. The island’s environmental beauty offers visitors the chance to participate in various forms of nature-driven activities. Travellers can embark on trekking and hiking adventures to nearby villages, make a trip to the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls or set off on a boat trip along the Mekong River to explore the area’s caves and visit local riverside communities. Luang Prabang, located at the confluences of the Mekong & Nam Khan rivers has a scenic riverside location. The town’s laid-back atmosphere and French colonial-era architecture, only add to its charm while riverside cafes and guesthouses offer stunning views of the rivers and surrounding mountains, creating a serene ambiance to remember.
The Must-Visit Holiday Highlight The Kuang Si Falls. Kuang Si Falls are less than one hour away from Luang Prabang. They’re known for their lush waters and pools spread throughout the area. There is a lookout point just a short hike away, which offers panoramic views of Lao’s countryside. You can book here.
Sibu Island, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Sibu Island is a popular tourist destination, especially for paddleboarding and kayaking. Sandy beaches are surrounded by lush vegetation and coconut palm trees that sway in the breeze. The island’s water is rich in marine biodiversity with coral reefs teeming with colourful sea creatures, tropical fish, and sea turtles making the island a snorkeller’s haven. Local resorts offer snorkeling excursions for visitors to explore the vibrant ecosystems of the ocean. Sibu Island’s pristine landscapes allow nature lovers the opportunity to witness monitor lizards, monkeys, and various bird species along jungle trekking trails through dense forests and mangrove swamps. The island’s rustic beachfront chalets and comfortable resorts are designed to blend harmoniously with the island’s natural surroundings, adding to the island’s peaceful ambiance.
Koh Yao Nou and Koh Jao Yai, Thailand
Located in Phang Nga Bay, these islands offer a quieter and more traditional Thai island experience compared to Thailand’s more tourist-heavy locations like Phuket or Koh Phi Phi. Adventure-seeking travellers will love the combination of relaxing, biking, and learning about local culture. Tha Khao Bay is known for its tranquil beaches while the local fishing villages allow tourists the opportunity to learn about the island’s traditional lifestyle. Laem Haad Beach is a popular snorkeling destination, where you can take a sunset cruise on Koh Yao Yai. Explore hidden caves and lagoons with a long-tail or kayak tour. Or, snorkel in the clear waters of the sea. Koh Yao Noi, as well as Koh Yao Yai, both offer a variety of resorts that provide spa treatments, yoga sessions, and wellness retreats.
A Must-Experience Travel Highlight Leela Massage Hinkong At Koh Yao Yai. Experience a traditional Thai massage offering an array of well-being services guaranteed to leave one feeling rejuvenated.
Special Mention
Trincomalee in Sri Lanka
While not located in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee is a captivating travel destination for whale watching, water sports, relaxation treatments, and historical sites. The gentle waves are ideal for water sports like snorkeling and diving, while boat tours allow wildlife enthusiasts to observe blue whales and sperm whales in their habitat. Koneswaram is a temple perched high on a cliff that overlooks the ocean and offers panoramic views. It has a long history, dating back to thousands of years. Fort Frederick is located nearby, which was built in the 17th Century by the Portuguese and developed later by the Dutch and British. The fort provides insights into the nation’s colonial architecture and history. These are but a few reasons that make Trincomalee one of Sri Lanka’s most stunning beaches to visit.
Highlights for Holidays: Koneswaram Temple. The Koneswara Hindu temple in Trincomalee is a must-visit location, perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the sprawling blues of the Indian Ocean. The ancient Hindu temple stands as a beacon of culture, history, and spirituality.
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