Beautiful Islands in Asia
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an energetic vacation, the most beautiful islands in Asia have everything you could possibly want. But with so many options, how do you know which to choose from? Don't worry! We have a list of what we believe to be six of the most stunning islands in Asia to help you make the best possible choice.
Where are some of the best islands to visit in Asia?
- Palawan, Philippines
- Yakushima Island, Japan
- Phuket, Thailand
- Koh Mook, Thailand
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Langkawi, Indonesia
1. Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is a tropical paradise in the Philippines that promises to enchant you with its lush rainforests, rugged cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Fly into Puerto Princesa, and from there, take a quick taxi or coach ride to some of the island’s most breathtaking beaches like Nagtabon Beach, Araceli or Narra. If you’re a watersports enthusiast, you’ll be spoilt for choices when it comes to exciting activities. And an island-hopping tour around Honda Bay is a must.
2. Yakushima Island, Japan
If you want to experience a bit of "Ghibli Studio" in real life, then Yakushima is worth to visit. Yakushima Island is a mountainous island located to the south of Kyushu in Japan. To get there, fly into Kagoshima, then jump on one of the regular ferry services to the island. Yakushima is a hiker’s paradise with countless trails and paths that take you to some of the island’s most breathtaking vistas.
Make sure you check out the Yakusugi Cedar Forest, which is also the home to a famous ancient Jomon Sugi (Cryptomeria) tree. The Jomon Sugi is said to be one of the oldest and largest cryptomeria trees on the island and can be estimated to be from 2,000 to 7,200 years old. A round-trip trekking course to the famous tree can take approximately 10 hours. The island is also home to various hot springs and waterfalls.
3. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is famous around the world for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and cultural landmarks. While the island has been widely developed, including a bridge connecting to the mainland, there is still lots of natural beauty to enjoy. For a quieter escape, head to the tranquil Mai Khao Beac, just a short drive from the Sirinat National Park. There are some world class hotels and resorts near the beach, but they’re hidden from view by dense forests.
4. Koh Mook, Thailand
Koh Mook is a small island located in the Andaman Sea, and home to some of the densest forest in Asia. To preserve the island’s stunning natural beauty, local authorities have banned motor vehicles. However, there are plenty of paths and trails to walk along. And you can hire a bicycle at various locations. For budget-friendly options on Koh Mook, consider staying in guesthouses or small beachfront bungalows, which offer affordable accommodations with stunning views. While there are countless areas of natural beauty on Koh Mook, the most popular among tourists is Emerald Cave. Located on the west coast of the island, the cave is best seen as part of an organised tour. The easiest route into this region of Thailand is via a flight to either Krabi or Phuket.
5. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Remote and sparsely populated, Raja Ampat is an ideal escape for those seeking peace and relaxation, while also offering some of the most spectacular diving opportunities in the world. More than three-quarters of the world’s coral species can be found in the waters around Raja Ampat. To fully experience the natural beauty of Raja Ampat, take a trip on a glass-bottomed dive boat. You’ll get to see turtles, sharks, and stingrays. And if you’re feeling energetic, you can dive down with experienced guides for a closer look. Beyond diving, you can visit local villages to explore Papuan culture, trek for rare birds of paradise, kayak through hidden lagoons, or enjoy a sunset at the panoramic Piaynemo viewpoint.
6. Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi is an archipelago whose main island is an oasis of white-sand beaches, palm trees and crystal-clear blue waters. Accessible by plane from Penang, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur, the island is a very popular tourist destination. Once there, you can view the island from above on the magnificent Sky Bridge. And make sure you take the time to visit the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, don't forget to discover hidden gems like the secluded Tanjung Rhu Beach, Temurun Waterfall, the quiet Pasir Tengkorak Beach, and the serene natural pool at Lubuk Semilang.
Pick your beautiful Asian island paradise for a nice getaway
Reaching these beautiful islands in Asia isn’t always simple. In some cases, you might need to book several flights. BudgetAir helps you to plan and book your journeys with confidence.
Also, these aren't the only beautiful islands in Asia, as this region is the home of many other amazing islands. We hope we were able to provide you some ideas to start thinking of where to travel for your next getaway.