Five Best

Cleaved by the South China Sea, Malaysia is a country with two different visages. While the peninsula flaunts bustling cities, colonial architecture, misty tea plantations and tropical resort islands, Malaysian Borneo host’s wild jungles, orang-utans, granite peaks and remote tribes, along with some pretty spectacular diving spots. For a glorious summer holiday in Malaysia, Redang Island should be marked bold on your trip list. Positioned within a marine park, Redang host’s some excellent diving and snorkelling sites. One can easily take in the sunny beaches and lush tropical jungle here. The largest beach in Redang is Pasir Panjang on the east side and it is the main tourist hub offering half a dozen resorts to choose from.  

Formerly known as ‘Biliton’, Belitung Island at Bangka-Belitung province of Indonesia is regarded as one of the best tropical sanctuaries in Southeast Asia. Pristine white sand beaches overlook a turquoise sea. Here there are great snorkelling sites within view of a fantastic display of offshore islands. Belitung has gained worldwide recognition as one of the most anticipated holiday destinations in the area especially for those who seek an alternative to the mainstream vacation island resorts around Indonesia. Two of the finest beaches to visit at Belitung are Tanjung Kelayang and Tanjung Tinggi. Here one will find a peaceful tropical feel of sun, sand and sea but a minimum of the hustle and bustle of other more commercial resort sites. Most of the hotels and inns are located in Tanjung ...

Reflecting the beauty of its neighbouring isle of Bali, the island of Lombok seems to be ‘stuck in time’ in a good and unspoiled way. Pristine beaches, gorgeous landscapes and tropical nature are part of the island’s fame. Some beautiful areas here survive well without the support of commercial endeavours. Besides the widely known areas of interest such as Senggigi Beach and the Gili clusters, there are a number of underrated but fascinating spots worth visiting around the island. These include Tanjung A’an near Kuta Beach (not to be confused with the legendary one in Bali) where the shoreline is famous for its unique pepper-like sand and the magnificent Tangsi Beach a.k.a ‘Pink beach’ so named for the striking pink sand covering its entire shoreline.

The Island of the Gods is surely the place where one can be taken in by some of the best sunsets beyond the shoreline. Bali is full of wonderful beaches to visit. Extend a reach a bit off the shore of Sanur and one can visit the two islands of Nusa Penida, and Nusa Lembongan, these two unique islands are home to some splendid vistas, both over and under the water. Snorkelling and diving are the main attractions as shallow reefs provide a perfect habitat for a colour storm of marine diversity, just waiting to be explored. For some of the most challenging and exciting board riding conditions one should head to the South of the island and Nusa Dua. Here lie many sandy coves that receive formidable waves off the Indian Ocean. Gear up, bring your surfboard, and enjoy the thrilling ride.

This small island in the Philippines is located approximately 315 km south of Manila. Boracay is famous for being one of the world’s top destinations for relaxation, nightlife and tranquillity. This island of dreamy white sand beach has rapidly become a top tourist draw for the Philippines. Here the main destination is White Beach, a 4 kilometre picture- perfect stretch of sand facing a turquoise sea and land- sided with bars, restaurants that become a busy party strip at night. From White Beach head north to the peaceful vibes Diniwid Beach for a break in the action. Travelling east will take one to Bulabog Beach, home of the local water-sport crowd and a welcoming local community.  

Phuket is one of Asia’s most popular beach destinations with a lot to o er visitors. This island of amazing scenery, dazzling tropical sunsets and a warm blue sea promises to deliver some unforgettable holiday moments. There is always something to do both on and o  the island. The range of activities and places to visit are quite remarkable for a destination of this relatively small size. For those who like shopping, the island o ers a great variety of shopping venues, from night markets and local shops to western style department stores and upmarket specialist shops. A one-day boat trip from the northern end of Phuket is recommended. You should visit Phang Nga Bay for its distinctive feature of sheer limestone cli s that climb vertically out of their emerald-green waters. Two of the...