Top 10 best island getaways in Asia

Are you a beach bum who spends your days lounging in a hammock under a palm tree? Skyscanner has scoured the globe for the best ten beaches in Asia to bookmark for your next island getaway. Keep these sandy paradises in mind while planning a beach vacation to receive your daily dose of vitamin sea! Let’s take a look at the top 10 finest island vacations in Asia with Focus Asia Travel.

1. Koh Rong Island, Cambodia

Koh Rong Island’s allure stems from its relaxed and welcoming attitude. This little island off Cambodia’s south coast is dotted with modest wooden beach cottages and is truly a hidden gem. The greatest beach of them all is Long Beach, which, as the name implies, is a long expanse of sand known for its brilliant white sand and beautiful blue seas.

What to do: Go on easy hikes through the rainforest and explore the different beaches on the island.

How to get there: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Take a three-hour taxi to Sihanoukville, and from there you can catch a short ferry over to Koh Rong Island. Flight duration 1hr 45mins

2. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Closer to home, the beautiful Perhentian Islands are well-known around the world for their gorgeous blue seas, which draw people from all over the world. The islands are extremely popular with divers and snorkelers owing to the coral and rich underwater life that can be found on the islands. You could even see marine turtles and friendly reef sharks if you’re lucky.

What to do: It’s all about the underwater world here – try snorkelling or diving.

How to get there: Take a short flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu. From there, hop on a ferry over to the Perhentian Islands. Flight duration 1hr

3. Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is an island off Thailand’s east coast well known for its many gorgeous beaches. Because it has been a popular tourist destination since the 1970s, you may have to hunt a little harder for the calmer beaches, but you will be rewarded once you arrive. Make a note of the peaceful Choengmon Beach in the northeast and Mae Nam Beach in the north, where spreading down your beach towel and cooling off with a fresh coconut might be your remedy to life’s pressures.

What to do: As well as beach hopping, book yourself in for a traditional Thai massage and enjoy local Thai food.

How to get there: Fly directly from Kuala Lumpur to Koh Samui island. Flight duration 1hr 40mins

4. Dubai

If you want to combine a beach vacation with a city break, Dubai is an excellent alternative. Dubai, which is part of the United Arab Emirates, is ideal for those who want to experience shopping, bar hopping, exquisite dining, and, of course, sunbathing on the beach under a palm tree. For the contemporary tourist, Dubai provides a little bit of everything.

What to do: The choices here are endless. As well as beaches there are shopping malls, restaurants and theme parks.

How to get there: Hop on a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai airport. Flight duration 7 hrs

5. Lombok

Slightly overshadowed by its more well-known neighbour Bali, Lombok is an Indonesian island not to be missed. The beaches here are not only impossibly beautiful, but are also uncrowded and clean due to the relatively low numbers of visitors. The beaches down south are the best, with our top choice being Selong Belanak Beach. Keep an eye out for the spectacular scene of farmers guiding their herds across the sand each morning.

What to do: Try your hand at surfing on one of Lombok’s many surf breaks.

How to get there: Fly directly from Kuala Lumpur to Lombok. Flight duration 3hrs 10mins

6. Bali

For good reason, Bali is well-known as a beautiful island vacation. Bali has a strong spiritual and creative culture that can be observed on every street corner, from its gorgeous temples to the omnipresent offerings made by residents, in addition to a lovely coastline dotted with attractive beaches. Despite being a popular tourist attraction, calmer beaches such as Balangan can be found further south. Bali is also a popular destination for surfers and water sports lovers.

What to do: After a swim in the sea, visit the many temples on Bali, such as Uluwatu Temple.

How to get there: Take a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Bali. Flight duration 3hrs

7. Boracay, Philippines

The Philippines is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with the most prominent being the tropical Boracay island, whose popularity has risen in recent years. Kiteboarding, scuba diving, and boat trips are among the many activities available at this seaside paradise. There are several beautiful beaches, and you may enjoy some peace and quiet with the water on the calmer Baling Hai Beach.

What to do: Sign up for a new sport such as kite boarding, or explore the island on a boat tour.

How to get there: Fly directly from Kuala Lumpur to Kalibo airport, take a 2hr transfer overland then a 15-minute ferry to the island of Boracay. Flight duration 3hrs 55mins

8. Phuket

Phuket, Thailand’s most well-known island beach resort, provides a little something for everyone. Beautiful beaches may be found all throughout the island, from Surin to Kata on the east coast. With so many beautiful beaches to visit, it’s best to arrange a boat trip to see the best of the island. Immerse yourself in the turquoise blues and greens of the sea by snorkeling and fishing while you’re at it.

What to do: Beach hopping, boat tour as well as massages and visiting sunset bars.

How to get there: Kuala Lumpur flies directly to Phuket in just over an hour. Flight duration 1hr 20mins

9. Hong Kong

When you think about Hong Kong, the first thing that springs to mind is a hectic, packed city. Visitors visiting Hong Kong, on the other hand, are in for a treat because the island offers several hidden beaches to escape the inner city grind. One of the greatest is Tai Long Wan Bay. It takes some work to get here because you must hike the MacLehose Trail for 90 minutes, but the vistas are well worth it.

What to do: You’ll be tired after your trek, so you may want to just relax. If you’re in luck, the waves may even be high enough for surfing.

How to get there: Arrive in Hong Kong via a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur. Flight duration 4hrs

10. Langkawi

Langkawi, another of Malaysia’s hidden treasures, is a low-key and laid-back island off the country’s west coast. As you go across the island, you will come across beautiful beaches such as Tanjung Rhu, our personal favorite being Datai Bay. Come here for a day of swimming in the lagoon and appreciating the gorgeous greenery that surrounds the beach.

What to do: As well as swimming in the placid sea, there’s opportunities for jungle treks.

How to get there: Langkawi is a short flight from Kuala Lumpur Flight duration 1hr 15mins