Secret Islands of Southeast Asia
There is something special about island life, and Southeast Asia is blessed with some delightful places to get away from
it all whilst surrounded by water. We have picked out some of our favourites below which are yet to be discovered by the
masses.
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Indonesia: Luxury island life doesn’t get much better than at Kura Kura in the Karimunjawa Marine Park. For barefoot
luxury and excellent snorkelling check out Bunaken or the Gili Islands. Best May-October
Gulf of Thailand: Once the preserve of backpackers Koh Phangan & Koh Tao are now growing up with a range of high
end boutique hotels, and with no airports they remain blissfully isolated. Best February-September
Borneo: Few think of Borneo as a beach destination, but Gaya Island combines perfectly with the wildlife adventures in
Sabah’s interior. Best April – October
East Coast Malaysia: Some of the finest beaches and snorkelling in Southesast Asia can be found at Tioman Island and
the Perhentian Islands. Best Feb – September
Northern Sri Lanka: Lying off the Jaffna peninsula, the islands of Nainitivu and Delft are rugged and underdeveloped,
but richly rewarding. Best visited on a day-trip from Jaffna, itself a fascinating destination, that Guardian journalist Liz Boulter
experienced with us last year. Best May - September
South Thailand: Although there are some famously developed areas of the south coast, thousands of islands remain in
their natural state. Some of those which we think have a good level of infrastructure, yet remain under the radar, include
Koh Kood, Ko Samet & Koh Lipe in Trang Province. Best November - April
West Coast Malaysia: Although fairly mainstream, Langkawi off Malaysia’s west coast deserves a mention for its low
scale development, blissful beaches and relaxed pace of life. Added to which this is the best gateway to access Koh Lipe.
Best December – May
Philippines: The world-famous beach resort of Boracay may take the headlines, but we encourage looking elsewhere in
the Visayas: to the many delights of Bohol, the mystical isle of Siquijor, or dramatic countryside of southern Negros.
Best December – April
Vietnam: Described by some as like the setting of Jurrasic Park, Vietnam’s Con Dao Island is a true natural paradise with
blissful beaches and rugged forests. This National Park protects part of the island and the surrounding sea, an important
habitat for a diverse flora and fauna. Until recently the only place to stay was the opulent Six Senses, but a new boutique
hotel is due to open in 2016. Watch this space! Best March
