Bali is no longer the quiet and secluded island paradise it once was; but the South East Asia area offers some fabulous alternatives without the bustle for your next long-haul getaway.
It’s no secret that Bali has a lot to offer but in recent years, the once hidden gem now hosts over 5 million tourists each year, a number that is only increasing. If you’re searching for a quieter, more authentic experience from your travels, South East Asia is home to plenty of lovely alternatives to the mass tourism that Bali experiences.
Lombok | Indonesia
Visiting the island of Lombok means you can get all the breathtaking scenery you’d expect from the area but with more space to enjoy it all.
Lombok remains unspoilt and is dominated by Indonesia’s second highest volcano, Gunung Rinjani. If you’re looking to stay active on your trip and get in touch with nature, the giant peak offers a multi-day hike accompanied by some incredible sunrises and camping beside a crater lake.
On the south coast you’ll also find some excellent spots to surf, as Lombok is a surfer’s paradise where you can catch some waves surrounded by turquoise water and picturesque beaches.
Koh Chang | Thailand
Koh Chang is the third largest island in Thailand, after Phuket and Koh Samui. Unlike its bigger, more popular cousins in the south, Koh Chang is lesser visited by tourists, so development has moved at a much slower pace. This slightly more sustainable way of life has meant that visiting the island gives a more authentic experience with less traffic, a more controlled nightlife, and an abundance of local atmosphere.
Similarly to Bali, Koh Chang is full of temples due to the prominence of Buddhism in Thailand, there are seven situated across the island. Adorned with intricately carved decorations, symbolic artwork and beautiful infrastructure, the temples on the island are a must see.
With beaches equipped with white sands and gorgeous clear waters, the scenery on Koh Chang is like a postcard bought to life. White Sand Beach and Klong Prao Beach offer a sense of tranquillity that’s hard to find in the modern world. Or if exploring is more your thing, the island offers breathtaking waterfalls and dense rainforests that you can hike around, and marine parks and coral reefs make it a popular spot for diving and snorkelling.
Langkawi | Malaysia
Only a two-hour flight away from Bali, this archipelago in Malaysia is on a similar wavelength with its crystal-clear waters and forested hills.
Cable cars are usually associated with cold, wintery holidays but on this tropical paradise you can take the Langkawi Skycab lifts which take you above the dense canopy of rainforest that decks the mountain of Gunung Machincang. Viewing platforms at the top of the peak make for an incredible panoramic view of the island. For those with a head for heights, you can ascend to the Top Station in a glass-bottomed gondola and once there you can cross the words longest free span, curved bridge, Sky Bridge.
If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, Langkawi offers many picturesque beaches like Tanjung Rhu and Cenang Beach for you to relax and catch a tan. Sunbathing the day away isn’t for everyone, try a jet ski tour or sunset boat cruise in the waters that surround the island for a great way to see the fabulous shoreline.
Flores and Komodo | Indonesia
Flores is very different to the islands you’d picture when thinking about Indonesia. It’s remote and rugged so only one for you if you’re willing to sacrifice a few creature comforts, but it’s well worth doing so.
Flores is made up of thriving jungles and scenic beaches, including the famous pink beach, one of only a handful of pink sand beaches in the world.
One of the most impressive sites on the island is Mount Kelimutu, an extinct volcano that has three crater lakes at its summit, which change colour depending on the light.
The port of Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo National Park, which is spread across the islands of Komodo, Rinca, and Padar.
You might recognise the name as the park is home to the world’s biggest lizard, the Komodo dragon. Only a short sail from Flores, a day trip to Komodo is recommended as you can snorkel and dive in the beautiful waters and see magnificent prehistoric creatures in their natural habitat.
Palawan | Philippines
Palawan is characterised by its dramatic landscapes as it’s blessed with breathtaking limestone cliffs, lush rainforests, and flawless turquoise waters.
Home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, Palawan has many experiences that you can’t get anywhere else in the world. The Tubbataha Reefs National Park is a coral reef with vibrant marine ecosystems, home to over 1,200 species, that can be explored by snorkelling. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park is home to a full mountain-to- sea ecosystem which hosts some of the most important forests in Asia. It encompasses one of the world’s most impressive cave systems, with an 8.2km long underground river that flows directly into this sea. This incredible natural landscape can be discovered by hiking and boat tours across the park.
If a livelier holiday is what you’re looking for, Palawan is the best of both worlds and offers high energy as well as tranquillity. In places such as El Nido and Puerto Princesa you’ll find a bustling nightlife and some incredible resorts. Palawan is also considered to be a traveller’s hub, so if you’re taking a solo trip and looking to meet other travellers, it’s the perfect destination.
