12 Crowd-free Asia islands for you
As Spring draws to a close, it is time to plan a holiday. Whether you prefer a tropical beach lined with palm trees or wildlife encounters in the woods, Asia has an island for you. We have selected a dozen of the best throwback islands, from Indonesia to India. These are places where traditional cultures and unspoiled landscapes will transport you back in time.
Koh Phayam, Thailand
Koh Phayam, located off the coast of southern Ranong province in the Andaman Sea, is an island that retains its retro past amidst Thailand’s constantly changing beach scene. Accommodations, such as the charming beach bungalow hotel King Paradise Resort, are modest. The crescent-shaped Aow Yai Bay is the main hub for beachfront dining and after-dark parties. From May to October, surfable waves can be found along Aow Yai. Koh Phayam offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including scuba diving, snorkeling, cycling, motorbiking, kayaking, and surf fishing.
Tokunoshima, Japan
Tokunoshima, one of the Amami islands located south of the Japanese mainland, is famous for its bloodless bullfighting. This bovine equivalent of sumo wrestling involves massive bulls attempting to push each other out of a ring surrounded by cheering farmers, many of whom place bets on the beasts. In addition to its quirky pastimes, Tokunoshima is also known for its pristine coral reefs, making it one of the most secluded places to scuba or snorkel in the western Pacific. The island’s empty beaches, unusual coastal rock formations, and obscure World War II landmarks add to its offbeat allure.
Pangkor, Malaysia
Pangkor is a small island located off the west coast of Malaysia. The east coast of Pangkor is dotted with stilt houses in traditional kampong villages, where fishing and boat-building remain the primary occupations. On the other hand, the stunning west coast boasts white-sand beaches that surround turquoise bays. Local landmarks include the ruins of the 17th-century Dutch Fort and Fu Lin Gong Temple, which features extravagant Taoist sculptures and a miniature version of China’s Great Wall. You can stay at one of the simple beach bungalows in Coral Bay or indulge in the luxurious Pangkor Laut Resort.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat, an exotic archipelago located off the west coast of New Guinea in far eastern Indonesia, is considered one of the world’s top dive spots. Its largely untouched coral reefs are teeming with biodiversity. Raja Ampat’s dramatic karst topography is perfect for jungle walks and rock climbing. The islands can be reached by a six-hour flight from Jakarta or small ship-adventure cruises offered by companies such as Coral Expeditions.
Samosir Island, Indonesia
The volcanic island is renowned for its stunning location in the middle of Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake globally. Tuk Tuk village has lakeside cafes, bars, and bungalows that cater to a mix of young backpackers and intrepid older travelers. The latter are in search of a place that summons snippets of the days when Bali had a similar carefree and budget-friendly vibe. Samosir is also a stronghold of local Batak tribal culture and a great place to hire a scooter for a cruise through the nearby rice paddies.
Palawan, The Philippines
Anchoring the southwest corner of the Philippines, Palawan is a mostly undeveloped island that evokes the wild atmosphere of nearby Borneo, in Malaysia. The island boasts natural wonders such as the eerie Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River and the pristine coral gardens of the super-remote Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Along the northwest coast, Long Beach near San Vicente is the longest white-sand strand in the Philippines, with eight miles (13 km) of pristine shoreline.
Koh Rong, Cambodia
Located off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Rong provides a glimpse into the past. The island has a low-key atmosphere and offers 23 beaches for sun, sea, and sand. The heavily forested interior is perfect for those seeking raw nature. The island offers a range of accommodation options, from backpacker-friendly to the upscale Song Saa Private Island resort, which caters to those seeking creature comforts.
Andaman Islands, India
The Andaman archipelago, situated between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, is a blend of modern mainland India and old-world charm, with numerous beaches, bays, and coral reefs. Visitors to this tropical location can enjoy the early morning atmosphere on Corbyn’s Cove Beach, mingle with local fishermen and cows, scuba dive in the warm waters of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, and experience the exotic sights and smells of Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Ulleung-Do, South Korea
This remote volcanic island can only be accessed by ferry. It is home to a thriving fishing community and budding tourist industry. Adventure travellers enjoy the island’s silver magnolia forest and steep volcanic terrain. Additionally, there is a 43-mile (70 km) bike path, as well as opportunities for scuba diving and sea kayaking along the dramatic sea cliffs. The recommended dishes are fresh raw seafood, organic barbecued beef bulgogi from locally bred cows, and ‘sanchae bibimbap’.
Lampi, Myanmar
Lampi Island, the largest island in a marine national park of the same name, offers a unique blend of virgin rainforest, secluded beaches, coral gardens, and local maritime traditions. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including pangolins, colorful hornbills, flying foxes, ‘dugong’ manatees, sea turtles, and numerous coral and tropical fish species. Within the boundaries of the national park, there are five Moken villages, along with several related spiritual and cultural sites. The largest Moken village is situated on the neighbouring Bo Cho island, which is part of Myanmar’s first marine national park established in 1996.
Con Dao, Vietnam
Con Dao can be reached by flight from Ho Chi Minh City or ferry from Vung Tau. It offers coral reefs, palm-shaded beaches, rainforest trails, and chic beach hotels such as the Six Senses Con Dao. History enthusiasts will enjoy learning about the island’s involvement in the age of ocean exploration. To discover more about the island’s war-torn past, visitors can explore the Revolutionary Museum, which is situated in the former French commander’s residence, or tour the old prisons on the main island. Con Dao is also an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with ample opportunities for scuba diving, snorkelling, and fishing. From May to October, visitors can witness sea turtles laying their eggs and watch as the hatchlings scramble into the sea.
Hokkaido, Japan
Although much of Japan’s vast northern island has been developed, there are still a few corners of Hokkaido that offer a wild and untouched atmosphere. Inhabited by brown bears, sea eagles, and a host of other creatures, the island’s diverse landscape features snow-capped volcanoes, hot springs, lakes, and temperate northern forests. The trees burst with color each fall and shed a sea of blossoms each spring.
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