From the remote tranquility of Thailand’s turquoise shores to the wild beauty of Borneo's untouched beaches, each destination promises breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters and unforgettable sunsets, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in Asia’s natural beauty.
From the remote tranquility of Thailand’s turquoise shores to the wild beauty of Borneo's untouched beaches, each destination promises breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters and unforgettable sunsets, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in Asia’s natural beauty.
Koh Kood, Thailand
Floating in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, this remote island feels trapped in time, home to traditional fishing villages and near-deserted beaches. Venture to the southernmost tip of the island to enjoy Ao Phrao, a pristine patch of pearly sand with a few simple restaurants at the nearby fishing village. Sunset connoisseurs should head north to Ao Tapao beach, a dreamy spot to watch the sun melt away.
Borneo
The world’s third-largest island is better known for its tropical rainforest and famed orangutans. But its virgin beaches deserve recognition, too. Some of the prettiest are found in the north in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The powder-fine white sand beaches on Pom Pom and Mataking Islands in southeastern Sabah have earned the moniker the “Maldives of Malaysia.” If you prefer a wilder setting, Teluk Pandan Kecil Beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush jungle in Bako National Park in the state of Sarawak.
Kagoshima, Japan
An active volcano dominates the skyline of Kagoshima, a seaside city on the southernmost tip of Kyushu Island in Japan. The beaches here rival what you’d find in the Caribbean with their cerulean waters and ivory shores. Iso Beach, closest to the city center, is a watersports hub known for epic windsurfing.
El Nido, the Philippines
Located on the northern tip of Palawan Island, El Nido is known for its spotless beaches, crystal clear waters and soaring limestone cliffs. Hidden Beach, arguably the most unspoiled, takes a bit of effort to reach. Visitors must swim through a small keyhole opening in the karst to reach the sand. Swaying palms shade the soft, cream-colored sand of Nacpan Beach, an idyllic spot for a lazy afternoon just a 45-minute motorbike or tuk tuk ride from El Nido town.
Busuanga, the Philippines
Shipwrecks and vivid corals make the coast of Busuanga a hot spot for scuba diving. This paradisical island in the Philippines stands out with its electric blue-hued lagoons, jagged limestone cliffs, and calm, clear waters perfect for snorkeling. Banul Beach may be tiny but a coral garden off the coast makes it a prime spot for snorkeling and the sheer limestone cliffs form a dramatic backdrop for photos. For lunch with a view, head to the seafood shacks at Smith Point Beach on the northwest coast and sip a fresh-cut coconut while enjoying the catch of the day and ocean and karst vistas.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi is the largest of 99 islands in an eponymous archipelago on the Thai-Malaysian sea border. Its rainforest-meets-sea landscape still largely feels untrodden. The island’s longest beach, Pantai Cenang Beach, hugs the west coast and is dotted with basic amenities like sunbed rentals and beach bars. If you prefer solitude to beach services, continue south to Pantai Tengah (a continuation of Pantai Cenang but distinguished by name) where coconut trees outnumber tourists.