When dreaming of travelling to Asia for that wonderful, relaxing beach holiday, many of us close our eyes and imagine untouched, white sand beaches that stretch out into the sunset. Such idyllic places are harder and harder to find so let us take you on a magical journey to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches we have discovered with our top 5 secret white sand beaches in Asia.
1. Flower Island – Palawan, The Philippines
Flower Island is nestled within the island province of Palawan, surrounded by 2,000 kilometres of coastline and roughly 1,780 islands and tiny islets. This spectacular region is known to have some of the most beautiful seascapes in the world and Flower Island’s stunning paradise offers nature lovers a true escape from modern city life. Secluded, powder-white sand beaches, rich verdant foliage, turquoise waters and coral reefs teem with marine life to make Flower Island feel like you have fallen into a piece of tropical heaven …what more could you want? Stay at Flower Island Resort, the only property on this private island.
2. Maenam Beach – Koh Samui, Thailand
Away from most of the buzz of the big resorts, connected by long rambling pathways you will find Koh Samui’s most private and secluded beach. With magnificent views of the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan and glistening blue waters, Maenam Beach allows you to relax with a degree of privacy unavailable elsewhere on the island. Due to the wonderful lack of large, commercial hotels, Maenam Beach attracts those looking for a quiet, gentle alternative, and while popular with backpackers, the area also features some exquisite and luxurious places to stay- the newly opened Khwan Beach Resort and its pool villas for instance. Take a romantic sunset walk along the seven kilometre stretch of tranquil white sand, fringed with coconut trees and enjoy a picture postcard Thai island vacation.
3. Tioman Beach – Tioman Island, Malaysia
If you are looking for the perfect getaway in Malaysia, Tioman Island is a stand out destination for travellers. Located just off the east coast of the peninsula, this little bit of tropical paradise greets visitors like a movie set, with its bright sparkling beaches, endless sunshine and beautiful palm trees bending in the warm, gentle breeze. Densely forested, luscious green hills overlook the breath-taking blue ocean and white coral reefs, while the inland jungle trails allow adventurers to experience the fascinating and abundant wildlife. If you are lucky you will also see the enormous (and famous) Monitor Lizards. Japamala Resort is hidden between the forest and the beach, accessible from the long jetty in front.
4. Belitung Island, Indonesia
An enchanting island, Belitung is blessed with some of the best beaches in Indonesia, and is also one of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia. Situated off the eastern coast of Sumatra, the pearly, white sands of Belitung Island are as soft as sugar and the seas are crystal clear. The beaches of Belitung are particularly unique for their intriguing landscape of magnificent granite stones that rest like giant pillars within the shallow turquoise waters. Some of these incredible rock formations are as large a house, and even have short tunnels running underneath them. Arumdalu Private Resort is located along a stretch of 1km of white sand beach. Fringed with long sandbars and healthy coral reefs, perfect for snorkelling and diving, Belitung is an exciting playground for sunbathers and adventurers alike.
Credit to RemoteLands
5. The Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar
Lying in the Andaman Sea, off the south coast of Myanmar, the Mergui Archipelago is one of the most remote and untouched archipelagos in the world. Made up of over 804 islands that vary in size from smaller ones with just a few palm trees to larger islands of several hundred square kilometres, the region offers spectacular marine life and pristine coral reefs. There are a multitude of sights and activities to enjoy, including hiking through tropical valleys, kayaking through mangroves and spectacular scuba diving adventures; the possibilities are endless. Adding to the mystery of Mergui are the Sea Gypsies, also known as Moken or Solone. The Moken are one of the last people in the world to still live a nomadic life on the sea, only residing on land during the monsoon period. And for those who are seeking that perfectly relaxing beach holiday, just take a wander along any of the hundreds of deserted white sand beaches or simply jump into the azure waters and go swimming from your boat. Complete bliss.
