With thousands of potential candidates, it’s hard to pick the best islands in Southeast Asia. I scoured the area and endured countless sunburns to try:
Ko Chang
Located in eastern Thailand, this island has seen a lot of development in recent years but luckily it is still relatively deserted. It’s one of the best islands in all of Thailand, which considering Thailand has hundreds, is saying a lot. Blue water and white sand beaches ring the island and as a bonus it has a milder monsoon season than other places.
Perenthian islands
Located off the eastern coast of Malaysia, this pair of islands is idyllic. White sand beaches, clear skies, crystal blue water. It’s the perfect place to set up a hammock and will have you wondering if you entered a postcard.
Bali
Bali is a major tourist destination for people going to Indonesia and is one of the most popular islands in the world. There’s good reason for it- you can do everything here. Surf, sun, scale a mountain, visit temples, see Balinese dancers- it’s all here, it’s all cheap, and all beautiful.
Gili islands
Located near Bali, people flock to these three tiny islands because they don’t have much to do on them, which makes them perfect. The Gilis have some of the best diving in the world too. The diving is cheap and its out of the way location keeps the hordes of tourists away.
Phuket
Phuket is the top tourist destination in Thailand. This island has amazing beaches, is located near some great diving spots, and has a few national parks on it. The island also contains some of the best spas and golf courses in the region. It’s no wonder why it’s the number one destination in Asia. For those looking for luxury, Phuket offers it.
Boracay
Boracay is a tropical island located in the Philippines and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Boracay is the site of a world-class 18-hole golf course and has 350 beach resorts. There’s diving, snorkeling, great seafood, and pure blissful relaxation. From resorts to tiny huts, there is something here for everyone.
Sipadan
Sipadan lies off the east coast of Borneo. The island is known for some of the best scuba diving anywhere in the world. The reefs here are filled with sea life and provides some of the richest diving anywhere. If diving isn’t your thing, you can just lay on the beach. (Just watch out for the lizards!)
Ko Lipe
Located in southern Thailand, this island is well of the tourist trail though every year seems to bring it a little closer. White sand beaches, abundant fish, and friendly locals make this heaven. My three days turned into three weeks and you might also have a hard time pulling away. It’s located in a national park giving you a chance to explore hundreds of deserted islands.
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I’ve been to 3 of them, with plans to hit 2 more on a trip next year. Great pictures….I’m drooling on myself.
- Greg
Try Ko Na Ka Yai in Phuket. It’s about 5 mins by boat from Phuket island. It’s very very beautiful.
Been to Bali want to visit the rest Donja just luv islands
this is the one i am talking about ..check it out guys :
http://ido24.com/thaihotelexpert.com/phuket/six_senses_destination_spa_phuket
Is Phuket an island? I have to agree about Ko Lipe though, I never hear about it but it really was the highlight of my 6 weeks in Thailand!
Yes Phuket is an island. It’s the biggest island in Thailand. Most ppl just call it Phuket and don’t think of it as an island but actually it is.
Thailand has always been one of the best beaches in the world. Phuket used to be very beautiful but it has been too commercialised and too many people on the island make it rather cramped. I still prefer Koh Samui as it is more relaxed and peaceful. In the Philippines, Boracay has also lost some of its beauty. Better visit soon before more beauty gone…. There’s only so few places. How about Tioman in Malaysia and Pulau Perhentian? They are also beautiful? Check this out…
Great list! The allure of SE Asia is irresistable to me. I prefer Samui to Phuket myself, but that is just from personal experience because I was in Phuket when it was raining so I didn’t see the dazzling blue skies and waters.
have you ever heard about “Bunaken?” Very nice Island In North Sulawesi Indonesia…Bunaken is one Bigger National Undersea Park.
Hi, I’m from Malaysia. I was looking for some beautiful and I stumble upon your page. Very nice islands (and pics) you recommended. Mind if I mention that ‘Perenthian’ is actually spelt as ‘Perhentian’?
Try also Cebu island in central Philippines… Getting more votes every year. The 4th best island by Travel and Leiesure Mag for 2009… The 6th best dive site in the world 2009 by About.com… 7th Best islands in Asia and Indian Ocean by Conde Nast Travellers Choice…:)
Boracay island is still one of the best…but it is true that it’s becoming more and more crowded…
If you are looking for tranquility, Pamalican island with its Amanpulo Resort is the best!!!
Or, you can go to El Nido, Palawan…