Just think about islands in Asia and wonderful images of soft sandy beaches, gently swaying palm trees and turquoise seas come to mind. I’ve got a list of 9 beautiful islands in Asia worth visiting. Some of these islands are popular throughout the world, while others are less known, but they have something really special and they’re unique in their own ways!
1. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
A group of small islands, the Perhentian islands, are located just off the shore of the Malaysian province of Terengganu. Perhentian Kecil (small island) and Perhentian Besar (big island) are two main islands. Perhentian Kecil is more popular among budget travelers and back packers, since it’s substantially cheaper while Perhentian Besar a little pricey and more popular among luxury seeking tourists.
2. Cebu Island, Philippines
Cebu Island is among the most popular tourist attractions in the Philippines. It’s one of the really beautiful islands in Asia. It boasts 5 star luxuries, golf, shopping, quaint restaurants and cafes. Surrounded by numerous unspoiled and uninhabited smaller islands, Cebu Island is visited by a lot of tourists from all over the world.
More: 7 Cruise Trips You Are Sure to Love
3. Koh Lipe, Thailand
One of the smallest islands in Asia, Koh Lipe is another most beautiful island worth visiting. With three large beaches in the shape of boomerang, you can easily walk around the whole island in an hour. Absolutely undeveloped and well-kept secret with many visitors heading off to one of the most popular tourist places, it’s a fabulous Asian island!
More: 8 Best Places for Whale Watching
4. Boracay Island, Philippines
One of the most popular Asian islands, Boracay boasts its natural, aesthetic beach beauty to all tourists. And if you plan on lying on the beach and having your cocktail refilled, then Boracay should be in your list of must visit places! Boracay offers diving, a number of amazing water sports opportunities, vibrant nightlife and much more!
Read more – 7 Best Exotic Destinations to Visit in 2013
5. Gili Islands, Indonesia
Lombok’s most popular tourist place, the Gili islands are still a great favorite on the Banana Pancake Trail. With a number of expat running accommodation, amazing restaurants, and bucket loads of energy and charisma, Gili Islands attracts tourists from all over the world.
More: 10 Wonderful Beach Bars around the World
6. Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Thanks to the well-known movie ‘The Beach’ that came out in 2000, the gripping scenery of the Phi Phi islands came right into the cinemas and our homes. The Phi Phi islands are 2 islands making up this fabulous paradise in Thailand. Coral reefs and many different kinds of colorful marine life make Phi Phi islands one of the most popular travel destinations for tourist worldwide.
More: 9 Most Gorgeous Islands in the World
7. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Breathtakingly beautiful, pristine and virtually deserted, Phu Quoc is one of the most beautiful islands in Asia worth visiting! With mesmerizing turquoise waters, cashmere white sands and sprawling jungles, Phu Quoc is definitely an unforgettable place to visit in Asia!
More: 9 World’s Most Expensive Hotels
8. Sipadan Island
Situated off the east coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan Island is one of the best destinations for scuba diving anywhere in the globe. The coral reef with its rich marine life and the beautiful sandy beaches make this island very attractive to tourists worldwide.
There are no restaurants, so make sure you bring your own lunch and snacks with you. And don’t forget to take along some clear water or any other drinks. To preserve the island in a pristine state, all resorts on Sipadan Island have been closed. So consider resorts on the nearby islands of Kapalai (about 15 minutes by boat) and Mabul (about 25 minutes by boat).
More: 10 World’s Most Visited Countries
9. Bali
Being called the Island of the Gods, Bali boasts its varied landscape of mountains and hills, stunning sandy beaches and rugged coastlines, barren volcanic hillsides and lush rice terraces, which make it one of the most beautiful islands in Asia!
More: 8 Awesome Destinations for Food Lovers
With world-class diving and surfing, a great number of archaeological, historical and cultural attractions, and a wide range of great accommodations, Bali consistently wins many travel awards. This beautiful island has something to offer every visitor, from young back-packers to very rich people.
Which of these islands have you already visited? Or which of them do you want to visit? Share your thoughts, please!