Gone are the seasons when vacations are concentrated on certain months of the year. These days, when everyone seems to be always pressured from the daily work grind, holidays are craved anytime and anywhere. This means that most, if not all, of the usual leisure spots are constantly packed with people. Travellers who are tired of too crowded touristy sites laced with overpriced goods and services must look for hidden gems and do a bit of exploring.
Check out this list of Asia’s untouched island destinations.
Penghu (Taiwan)
The western coast of Taiwan is home to the 90 isles referred to as the Penghu Islands. These are rich with breathtaking views of the ocean and loads of natural wonders. The most popular attractions are the geological formations referred to as basalt columns, which are shaped by sun and wind.
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Yaeyama (Japan)
The southernmost and westernmost areas of Japan make up the Yaeyama Islands. They complete the 3 major chains of islands of the Okinawa Prefecture together with the Okinawa and Miyako Islands.
A total of 3 islands also make up Yaeyama: Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island, and Iriomote Island. Iriomote and Taketomi are composed of mostly jungle-like terrains while Ishigaki has the highest population level given that it is the main transportation hub for the region.
Collectively, the Yaeyama Islands are fantastic for those seeking to escape Japan’s fast-paced city life. The islets and surrounding beaches are ideal for snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, or simply divine relaxation.
Ko Yao Noi (Thailand)
Ko Yao, which means “long island,” is one of the last frontiers of unspoilt beauty and wildlife in Thailand. Undeveloped roads, mostly made of mere dirt and mud, make it all the more difficult to get from one place to another. Still, the rest of the island has so much to offer for adventure-seeking tourists.
The beach is a lot better during high tide as it is peppered with way too many rock pieces and coarse sand when the water level is too low. Because of the remoteness of the area, only a few establishments are available. Visitors can choose from a handful of guesthouses – all of which are located far from the pier so advance pick-up arrangements must be done. There are also some eateries available that serve mostly local dishes.
Virgin Island (Philippines)
Travelers to the province of Bohol in the Philippines seek out a hidden oasis aptly referred to as Virgin Island. It is called such as it is uninhabited and a trip here is not readily available to all. Boatmen who offer island-hopping tours suggest a side trip to Virgin Island in the middle of the trip. This usually entails an additional fee of about USD 10 over and above the agreed tour price as the place is located 30 minutes from Bohol’s satellite island of Panglao.
Hotels in Bohol
Once the stretch of the Virgin Island’s crescent-shaped sandbar comes into view, everyone generally agrees that the additional cost is worth every centavo. Guests docking on the island disembark at the tip of the sandbar, much farther out from the island’s main shoreline, and waddle in knee-deep crystal clear waters. During high tide, a huge part of the shore is submerged in water leaving only the coconut trees visible from afar.
Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam)
Phu Quoc Island of Vietnam is a silent beauty waiting to be discovered by the rest of the world. One cannot help but wonder how a rare gem can remain hidden from the public’s watch when it is only an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City.
Visitors craving an unadulterated island paradise will find everything that they are craving for and more in Phu Quoc. Travellers can hike into the island’s rugged jungle and frolic in glistening aquamarine waters that caress white sandy shores. Those who find serenity diving can see all forms of marine life from the surrounding coral beds.
Check out this list of Asia’s untouched island destinations.
Penghu (Taiwan)
The western coast of Taiwan is home to the 90 isles referred to as the Penghu Islands. These are rich with breathtaking views of the ocean and loads of natural wonders. The most popular attractions are the geological formations referred to as basalt columns, which are shaped by sun and wind.
.
Yaeyama (Japan)
The southernmost and westernmost areas of Japan make up the Yaeyama Islands. They complete the 3 major chains of islands of the Okinawa Prefecture together with the Okinawa and Miyako Islands.
A total of 3 islands also make up Yaeyama: Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island, and Iriomote Island. Iriomote and Taketomi are composed of mostly jungle-like terrains while Ishigaki has the highest population level given that it is the main transportation hub for the region.
Collectively, the Yaeyama Islands are fantastic for those seeking to escape Japan’s fast-paced city life. The islets and surrounding beaches are ideal for snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, or simply divine relaxation.
Ko Yao Noi (Thailand)
Ko Yao, which means “long island,” is one of the last frontiers of unspoilt beauty and wildlife in Thailand. Undeveloped roads, mostly made of mere dirt and mud, make it all the more difficult to get from one place to another. Still, the rest of the island has so much to offer for adventure-seeking tourists.
The beach is a lot better during high tide as it is peppered with way too many rock pieces and coarse sand when the water level is too low. Because of the remoteness of the area, only a few establishments are available. Visitors can choose from a handful of guesthouses – all of which are located far from the pier so advance pick-up arrangements must be done. There are also some eateries available that serve mostly local dishes.
Virgin Island (Philippines)
Travelers to the province of Bohol in the Philippines seek out a hidden oasis aptly referred to as Virgin Island. It is called such as it is uninhabited and a trip here is not readily available to all. Boatmen who offer island-hopping tours suggest a side trip to Virgin Island in the middle of the trip. This usually entails an additional fee of about USD 10 over and above the agreed tour price as the place is located 30 minutes from Bohol’s satellite island of Panglao.
Hotels in Bohol
Once the stretch of the Virgin Island’s crescent-shaped sandbar comes into view, everyone generally agrees that the additional cost is worth every centavo. Guests docking on the island disembark at the tip of the sandbar, much farther out from the island’s main shoreline, and waddle in knee-deep crystal clear waters. During high tide, a huge part of the shore is submerged in water leaving only the coconut trees visible from afar.
Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam)
Phu Quoc Island of Vietnam is a silent beauty waiting to be discovered by the rest of the world. One cannot help but wonder how a rare gem can remain hidden from the public’s watch when it is only an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City.
Visitors craving an unadulterated island paradise will find everything that they are craving for and more in Phu Quoc. Travellers can hike into the island’s rugged jungle and frolic in glistening aquamarine waters that caress white sandy shores. Those who find serenity diving can see all forms of marine life from the surrounding coral beds.
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