19 Best Hidden Islands in Asia: Discover Before They Become Famous
Are you looking for less crowded islands in Asia? Already been to Bali or Phuket and looking for unspoiled destinations? We have curated the 19 best islands in Asia with gorgeous beaches and untouched pockets of wilderness. Whether you crave culture, adventure, or simply chilling on a beach with a icy cocktail, at least one of these paradise islands is sure to be an ideal destination.
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1 – Carabao Island, Philippines
Carabao Island is a paradise in the Southern part of Romblon, Philippines. Despite its small size, it manages to attract international and domestic tourists alike. Known for its pristine and uncrowded beaches with clear turquoise waters and fine white sand that can challenge Boracay ones, Carabao Island is a must-visit destination in the Province of Romblon.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: from Manilla, take a flight directly to Caticlan; then take a boat ride from Caticlan boat station to Carabao Island (one boat a day between 8 and 9 a.m.)
2 – Koh Chang, Thailand
Located on the Gulf of Thailand’s Eastern shore, almost 300 km from Bangkok, near the border with Cambodia. Koh Chang is the island of beaches, rubber plantations, authentic cuisine and untouched beauty. The picturesque Elephant Island retains its remote and rugged spirit.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: take a minibus from Trat to Koh Chang, it will include ferry ticket.
3 – Wakatobi Islands, Indonesia
Located in the Sulawesi Tenggara Province, this regency is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a tranquil island getaway far from the sun-worshipping crowds. The underwater paradise Wakatobi Islands is still unknown in Southeast Asia. It’s not easy to travel there, but worth it. Get there to enjoy the sun on your skin, the gentle breeze in your hair, savor fresh fish and sweet coconut water.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: from Jakarta or Bali take a flight to Matahora Airport, which is on one of the four Wakatobi Islands; then you can reach each island by ferry or jetboat.
4 – Tioman Island, Malaysia
Tioman is a tiny island, 39 km long and 12 km large, located off the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Sitting like an emerald dragon looking at the translucent waters of the South China Sea, the island offers every possible shade of paradise. Definitely one of the must-visit islands in Asia!
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: Take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing; then, take a ferry from Mersing to Tioman Island.
5 – Koh Kood, Thailand
Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is located 40Km off the mainland of Thailand just to the North of the maritime border with Cambodia. The beach aggregate 200 meters long beachfront across the beautiful white sand beach, crystal clear water and clear blue skies where you can relax and feel harmonious.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: from Bangkok take a bus to get to Trat; from there, at Laem Sok, take a boat to reach Koh Kood Island.
6 – Côn Dào, Vietnam
Côn Dào Islands located just off the Southern coast of Vietnam offers expansive beaches shaded with evergreen trees. Con Dao served as a prison island for political prisoners during the French colonial era.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao with Vietnam Airlines and Vietnam Air Services Company.
7 – Kaoh Tonsay, Cambodia
Koh Tonsay also known as Rabbit Island in Cambodia is one of those hidden gems that you love to find when you’re traveling. Its sandy, rock-studded stretches make a favorite low-budget getaway, refreshingly free of electricity and motor vehicles.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: take a bus from Phnom Penh to Kep; then take a boat from Kep to Kaoh Tonsay.
8 – Mataking Island, Malaysia
Mataking Island is a Malaysian island situated in the Celebes Sea on the state of Sabah. Mataking Island provides easy access to more than 30 dive sites with unspoiled and protected coral reefs.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: first, take a flight to Tawau from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu with Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia; from the Airport, take a bus or taxi to Semporna; from Semporna harbor take a speedboat to Mataking Island.
9 – Similan Islands, Thailand
Located 84 km Northwest of the crowded Phuket. The Similan Islands represent the best diving that Thailand has to offer. These small islands are so strikingly beautiful. You don’t even need to be a good photographer to come back with amazing photos.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: take a flight from Bangkok to Phuket (around 135$ round trip); from there, you have to arrange a boat to get to Similan Islands. Check out our recommended boat tours from Phuket.
10 – Koh Rong, Cambodia
Koh Rong is an island in the Sihanoukville Province of Cambodia. It offers both nightlife and natural beauty. And because it does not have roads, different parts of the island are not easily accessible. Make sure to put on your bucket list of Asian Island. One of the most beautiful Islands in Asia!
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: from Phnom Penh, take a bus to reach Sihanoukville; from there take a speedboat to Koh Rong.
11 – Phú Quõc, Vietnam
Phú Quốc is a Vietnamese island off the coast of South Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand. Is one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets. The Island boasts idyllic beaches, lovely sunsets, evergreen forests, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal holiday destination for travelers looking to escape bustling city life.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: You can take a flight from Hanoï or Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quõc with VietJetAir or Vietnam Airlines.
12 – Togean Island, Indonesia
Togean is an Indonesian island in the Gulf of Tomini, part of the Togean Archipelago. It is definitely off the most tourists’ routes. Surrounded by coral reefs, with beautiful white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and palm trees the island is a little slice of paradise. Definitely one of the must-visit islands in Asia.
? Where is it: map
✈ Take a flight to Luwuk from Palu City or Makassar with Wings Air or Sriwijaya Air; from Luwuk take a taxi to Ampana; finally, at Ampana take a ferry boat to Wakai.
13 – Koh Phayam, Thailand
Koh Phayam located in the Province of Ranong, 200km North of Khao Lak, is the perfect getaway for those looking for a destination off the beaten track. It can be nice to take a break from civilization, strumming your guitar or ukulele and being part of a community of beach bums. One of most unique islands in Asia.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: take a flight from Bangkok to Ranong with Nok Air or Air Asia; from the airport take a taxi to Koh Phayam Pier; then take a speedboat from the pier to Koh Phayam (departure every hour from 8 am to 5:30 pm)
14 – Bantayan Island, Philippines
Bantayan Island is located in the province of Cebu, Philippines. Its blinding white-sand beaches are some of Cebu’s very best and the island’s mellow. The easygoing vibe here is highly seductive.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: Take a bus from Cebu city to Hagnaya Port; from the port, take a boat to reach Bantayan Island.
15 – Koh Yao Yai, Thailand
Ko Yao Yai is a Thai island in the Andaman Sea, halfway between Phuket and Krabi. Explore this beautiful tropical island before other people discover it! The laid-back feeling of the island is incredibly contagious. Let’s relax on the stunning beach in front of pristine waters.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: take a flight from Bangkok to Phuket (around 135$ round trip); in Phuket get to Bang Rong Pier to take a ferry boat to Koh Yao Yai.
16 – Camiguin Islands, Philippines
Camiguin also known as “Island Born of Fire” is an island province in the Philippines located in the Bohol Sea, about 10 kilometers off the Northern coast of Mindanao. It has a total of seven volcanoes, an active one with last recorded outbreak in 1953. Natural hot and cold springs, waterfalls and real tropical rainforest awaits you.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: From Cebu, you can get to Camiguin Island either by plane with Philippine Airlines or Cebgo, it takes around 50 minutes.
17 – Ishigaki Island, Japan
Located East of Taiwan and South of Japan, Ishigaki Island is Okinawa’s third largest island, featuring many great highlights to be enjoyed. It’s also known for beaches and sites for snorkeling, diving, and surfing.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: take a flight to Ishigaki New Airport from either Osaka, Tokyo or Yonaguni with All Nippon Airways or Japan Transocean Air.
18 – Flores Island, Indonesia
Flores island is locatd between East of Komodo Island and West of Lembata Island. The name Flores comes from the Portuguese for “flowers.” In Flores, the most fascinating attraction is the collection of crater lakes on Mount Kelimutu, which change color frequently thanks to mineral and chemical alterations due to volcanic gas.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: take a flight to Maumere Airport from Kupang or Denpasar with Nam Air or Wings Air.
19 – Jomalig Island, Philippines
Located in Quezon, Jomalig Island is an unspoiled paradise on the Easternmost part of Polilio Group. Jomalig is quickly gaining the attention of wanderers from all over the world for its white sandy beach.
? Where is it: map
✈ How to get there: From Manila, take a bus to Real; in Real, take a tricycle to Ungos Port; at the port, you can now take a boat to Jomalig Island.
Have you already decided which islands in Asia you will explore this year? What is your favorite island in Asia? Comment below and share your favorite destinations.
Stay tuned for more travel tips & happy travel to everyon.
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