The Best Alternative Islands in Asia

When it comes to finding true seclusion, Asia’s diverse islands naturally spring to mind; no box-ticking sights, no crowded queues, just peaceful surroundings, tranquil beaches and underwater wonders. But finding proper castaway bliss isn’t always easy - those superstar shorelines can get pretty busy.

Our Destination Specialists know the best alternative islands in Asia to head too for beach time away from the usual trail. Think quiet stretches of sand, world-class snorkelling and diving, and the gentle, everyday rhythms of local life. 

Alternatives to… Bali

Bali’s reputation for holistic retreats and beachside bliss is legendary, and while this queen among Indonesia’s islands is well worth a visit, certain areas can get very busy during peak season. If you’re looking for a lower profile getaway, there are many extraordinary (and less crowded) alternatives in and beyond this 17,000-strong archipelago. We could write a whole book about the possibilities, but here are a few blinders:

Raja Ampat

We try not to pick favourites, but Raja Ampat has been having its moment at the top of our off-the-path list for a while now. It’s easy to see why: this is a true-blue paradise, with some of the best diving in Asia. Sail through this timeless archipelago, where big cities and modern stress are nothing more than distant rumours. Snorkel with squadrons of manta rays, glimpse Birds of Paradise amid the trees, and bed down in stilted lodges over crystal waters.

The Moluccas

To the west of Raja Ampat, the Moluccas (or Maluku Islands) are part of the region once evocatively named the Spice Islands, and the air is still sweet with the heady scent of nutmeg and clove. The markets of Ambon bustle with vibrant local trade, and Seram offers a close-knit community welcome. Float down the Salawi River, keeping your eyes keen for saltwater crocodiles, share a cup of rice wine with locals, and go snorkelling over coral beds.

Riau Islands & Anambas Islands Regency

Hovering between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, the prosperous Riau Islands are famed for their ring of white sandy beaches and good year-round weather. The Anambas Regency is where the Riau residents go to get away from it all, and this remote gem is within easy reach of many mainland spots. See dedicated turtle conservation in action, explore inland waterfalls, and discover world-class diving spots.

Perhentians & Tioman

Hugging Malaysia’s eastern coast are several small islands that offer a healthy slice of paradise. Southern Tioman’s secret to staying uncrowded is pretty simple - it’s a bit of a pain to get to! Keen divers are well rewarded for making the journey with some of the best reefs in the region. Diving in the north around the Perhentians is equally spectacular, and they're just as tempting to those who just want to lay back on undisturbed golden sands…

Sumba

Nestling south of Komodo in the East Nusa Tenggara province, within easy reach of Bali, Sumba’s shores are a handy run-to for slow travel and surprisingly secluded sunshine. Despite being so close to some of Indonesia’s most popular islands, Sumba’s long stretches of sand have stayed pretty solidly off-grid. Think traditional coastal communities, some of Indonesia’s best surfing, and those instantly-recognisible tall-roofed thatched houses.

Kura Kura Resort

A special mention has to go to the sublime Kura Kura Resort, located on its own private island in the Karimunjawa Archipelago between Java and Kalimantan. Want to snorkel from the shore, treat yourself to a rebalancing massage and dine on locally caught seafood as the sun sets over the azure horizon? Don’t mind if we do!

Alternatives to… Phuket

For whiling away the hours on a Thai beach, the country’s famously paradisiacal islands are an obvious choice. Phuket’s popular shores glitter temptingly, but if you sail a little further, you’ll find Thailand’s rarer treasures that fully deliver on the promise.

Koh Mak, Koh Kood & Koh Chang

Describing places as ‘Thailand like it used to be’ has become a cliche, but in the case of this trio of understated islands, it rings true. Alongside a scattering of picture-perfect resorts you can find genuine stillness and pockets of coastline that feel as far from the daily grind as you can get. Snorkel and dive in the marine park surrounding their shores, hike to waterfall plunge pools, and pace your days with the movement of the sun.

Koh Kradan & Koh Libong

Hopping between Thailand’s neighbouring islands is an ideal way to experience double the shorelines without adding too much travel time. Koh Kradan has been described both as the most beautiful island in Thailand, and as having one of the best beaches in the world, and its sister, Koh Libong, is the perfect place to experience the rhythms of Thai fishing village life. Link them both by longboat and find space to put the weight of the world aside for a while.

Koh Lipe

Nestling at the southernmost edge of Thailand’s western coast, Koh Lipe is a laid-back spot to unwind and cool your feet in the shallows. Snorkel in some of the region’s clearest waters, where you can often see the colours of the corals before you even look beneath the surface. Just a short ferry ride from Langkawi, it offers the chance to explore a little of Malaysia’s stunning foodie scene, too - the best of both worlds.

Alternative to… Goa

Yes, we do know that Goa isn’t an island, but it’s often the first place on people’s minds when thinking of beach holidays in India. However, India has a few island delights of its own, far off its eastern shore, where you can avoid Goa’s crowds…

The Andaman Islands

The Andamans are one of India’s best kept secrets, with blissful beaches, aquamarine lagoons, lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and excellent diving and snorkelling. Havelock Island is the primary shore to head for, with a range of excellent resorts spread along its idyllic sands. Beach #7 on Havelock is one of the archipelago’s finest, and wherever you hang your hat on this long sweeping bay, expect outstanding views and calm coastal comfort.

Japan’s southern idyll…

Japan might not be a destination that screams beach-time, but there are a scattering of decidedly classy shores to head for if you want to enjoy a bit of sun and sand, Japan-style.

The Ryukyu Islands

A few hundred miles south of Kyushu’s southern tip is a group of islands with significant sub-tropical credentials: the Ryukyu Islands, encompassing Okinawa, Taketomi, Ishigaki, Miyakojima and others. Though a lot of domestic travellers in Japan run to Okinawa’s sun, this region seems to stay a little off the international grid. Snorkel in clear blue seas, trek to remote waterfalls and feel about as far from Tokyo’s urban rush as you can get.

Get in touch with our Destination Specialists to plan your next Asia trip, and start island dreaming…

by Guest author on 6th July 2025