13 Bucket List-Worthy Islands in Southeast Asia You Need to Visit

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Southeast Asia’s islands left me totally speechless. From the moment I stepped onto those sugar white beaches in Thailand, watching longtail boats glide through turquoise lagoons and limestone cliffs soar straight from the sea, I knew I’d found paradise. Trust me when I say these are the best places in Southeast Asia for anyone who dreams of that perfect island escape.

Take Palawan in the Philippines, where I spent mornings snorkeling with sea turtles in water clearer than glass, or Bali’s Nusa Penida, where I watched manta rays glide beneath my paddleboard at Crystal Bay. Ready to discover your own slice of tropical heaven? Here are 13 incredible islands that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t book your flight sooner!

Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

Looking for the coolest things to do in Southeast Asia? Discover the stunning marine biodiversity of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, relax on the pristine beaches of Koh Kradan, Thailand, explore the lush rainforests of Tioman Island, Malaysia, and enjoy the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Whether you’re interested in adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, here are the top destinations to visit in Southeast Asia.

1. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

• 📍 Location: West Papua, Indonesia, accessible via Sorong Airport with boat transfers to remote islands 
• 🏆 Best For: Scuba divers 🤿, marine biologists 🐠, eco-travelers 🌿 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Diving with manta rays at Manta Sandy, exploring Pianemo’s mushroom islands, snorkeling in pristine coral gardens 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-April for calm seas and best visibility; avoid June-August monsoon season 🌊 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Meridian Adventure Dive Resort – Overwater bungalows with direct access to world-class dive sites

If you’ve ever dreamed of diving in a fish tank, Raja Ampat is that, but real and way better. You’ll find 1,500+ islands scattered like emeralds across electric-blue water. Start with Manta Sandy, where giant rays hover just feet above your head. For the best reef colors and clearest visibility, plan your dives between October and April.

Above the surface, hike to the Pianemo Viewpoint. It’s about 320 stairs up, but the payoff is a jaw-dropping panorama of karst islands scattered across turquoise water. Aim for 6:30–7:00 AM for golden light and crowd-free shots. Stay at Meridian Adventure Dive Resort, their overwater bungalows give you doorstep access to dive boats and the kind of sunsets that stop time.

Plan for at least 7 days. Traveling here takes effort, but once you arrive, you won’t want to leave; trust me.

• Read Next: Beautiful Places in Indonesia

2. Koh Kradan, Thailand

• 📍 Location: Trang Province, southern Thailand, accessible by longtail boat from Pak Meng Pier 
• 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, honeymooners 💕, snorkeling enthusiasts 🤿 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking across the sandbar to Koh Cheuk at low tide, snorkeling the coral gardens, sunset watching from Paradise Beach 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November-April for dry weather and calm seas; avoid May-October rainy season 🌴 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Reef Resort – Beachfront bungalows with direct access to pristine white sand beaches

Koh Kradan is one of Thailand’s last true hidden gems: no roads, no crowds, just soft white sand and reef-filled turquoise water. At low tide, you can walk barefoot across a surreal sandbar to nearby Koh Cheuk. The magic happens 2 hours before low tide, so ask your resort for that day’s timing and don’t miss it.

Skip the snorkel tours; just wade in off Sunset Beach. Within 50 meters, you’ll spot clownfish, parrotfish, and, if you’re lucky, a blacktip reef shark cruising the shallows. Come November to April for dry skies and calm water. Bring cash and offline maps; there are no ATMs, no Wi-Fi, and that’s the point.

Stay at Reef Resort, where beachfront bungalows put you steps from the sea. For sunset shots, head to Paradise Beach by 5:45 PM with a wide lens, coconut palms, glowing water, and zero filters needed.

3. Tioman Island, Malaysia

• 📍 Location: Off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, accessible by ferry from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok 
• 🏆 Best For: Backpackers 🎒, families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, diving enthusiasts 🤿 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking through the jungle to Asah Waterfall, diving at Tiger Reef, village-hopping by water taxi 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-September for dry weather; avoid November-February monsoon season ⛈️ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Japamala Resort – Eco-luxury chalets hidden in the rainforest overlooking the sea

Tioman Island is raw, lush, and refreshingly low-key; jungle hikes, coral walls, and beach villages, all without the tourist overload. Start your adventure from Mukut Village and trek two hours through thick rainforest to Asah Waterfall. It’s sweaty, buggy, and totally worth it for a cool dip in a hidden plunge pool under the canopy.

For diving, head to Tiger Reef, where sea fans, soft corals, and the occasional reef shark show up in crystal-clear 25–30m visibility. March to September is the sweet spot: dry season and calm seas. Want to explore more? Use water taxis to bounce between Juara (surf-friendly), Salang (dive-focused), and Air Batang (chill vibes and sunsets).

Stay at Japamala Resort, a rainforest-meets-sea hideaway with eco-lux chalets and direct access to both reef and jungle. It’s the kind of place you check into for three days and end up staying a week.

• Read Next: Beautiful Places in Malaysia

4. Phu Quoc, Vietnam

• 📍 Location: Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of southern Vietnam, accessible by direct flights or ferry from mainland Vietnam 
• 🏆 Best For: Beach hoppers 🏖️, food lovers 🍜, cable car enthusiasts 🚠 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the world’s longest over-water cable car, island hopping to An Thoi archipelago, exploring night markets in Duong Dong 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November-March for dry weather and perfect beach conditions, avoid May-October rainy season 🌞 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay – Unique French colonial-inspired resort with overwater villas

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s tropical playground; white-sand beaches, wild street food, and the world’s longest overwater cable car are all packed onto one vibrant island. Start your trip with the Hon Thom cable car ride at 9 AM; early light, clear skies, and minimal crowds make for unbeatable aerial shots over the An Thoi archipelago.

Hit Sao Beach before 10 AM for powdery sand and calm turquoise water without the selfie-stick armies. Come evening, head to the Duong Dong night market around 5 PM; grab grilled sea urchin with scallion oil or dive into fresh crab and tropical fruit smoothies.

Photographers: head to Ong Lang Beach for sunset. Use foreground rocks for killer long exposures around 6 PM. For the full experience, split your stay; a few nights at the luxurious JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, then shift to a beachside homestay for local charm and late-night fish sauce stories.

5. Sipadan, Malaysia

• 📍 Location: Off the coast of Semporna, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, accessible only by day trips from mainland resorts 
• 🏆 Best For: Serious divers 🤿, underwater photographers 📸, marine conservation enthusiasts 🐢 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Diving the famous Barracuda Point tornado, swimming with green and hawksbill turtles, exploring the underwater cliff drop-off 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-October for best visibility and calm conditions, year-round is possible with seasonal variations 🌊 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Sipadan Water Village Resort – Overwater chalets on stilts with direct boat access to dive sites

Sipadan isn’t a beach trip; it’s a holy grail for divers, plain and simple. Located off Sabah, Borneo, this island rises from a 600-meter abyss, with sheer reef walls and wildlife so dense it feels unreal. Barracuda Point lives up to the hype; expect swirling vortexes of barracuda, jackfish tornadoes, and turtles gliding past like they own the place (because they do).

You can’t stay on the island, so base yourself at Sipadan Water Village Resort on nearby Mabul. Their overwater chalets give you sunrise views and fast boat access to dive sites. Permits are capped at 120 divers a day, so book months ahead, especially if you’re eyeing March to October, when visibility peaks and currents are just right.

Dive trips usually include 3–4 dives per day, and with luck, you’ll log hammerheads, reef sharks, and green turtles before lunch. Bring your best underwater housing; this is one of the most photogenic dive zones on Earth.

6. Belitung, Indonesia

• 📍 Location: East of Sumatra, accessible by flight from Jakarta to H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport 
• 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📸, beach lovers 🏖️, cultural explorers 🏛️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Island hopping to granite boulder beaches, visiting traditional tin mining sites, snorkeling at Lengkuas Island lighthouse 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-October for dry weather and calm seas, avoid November-February rainy season 🌴 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Arumdalu Private Resort – Exclusive beachfront resort with direct access to granite boulder beaches

Belitung feels like the set of a sci-fi movie: granite boulders stacked on white sand and clear water. For the best light, head to Tanjung Tinggi Beach around 5 p.m. when golden hour hits the rocks just right. Hop on a boat from Tanjung Kelayang to Lengkuas Island and climb the lighthouse (15 minutes up) for aerial shots before 10 a.m. while the sea’s still glassy.

Snorkel off Kepayang Island, the clearest reef spot with minimal crowds. Between beach stops, explore old tin mines in Kelapa Kampit; raw, industrial, and surprisingly photogenic. Wrap the day with grilled seafood at a beachfront warung; the fresh grouper is best.

March to October is ideal: dry skies, calm seas, and perfect snorkeling. Avoid November–February, when rains kill visibility and boat tours shut down.

7. Bali, Indonesia

• 📍 Location: Indonesian archipelago, accessible by direct international flights to Ngurah Rai International Airport 
• 🏆 Best For: Digital nomads 💻, culture seekers 🏛️, wellness enthusiasts 🧘‍♀️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Sunrise hiking at Mount Batur, exploring ancient temples like Tanah Lot, experiencing traditional Balinese ceremonies 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-October for dry season and perfect beach weather, November-March brings occasional rain but fewer crowds 🌺 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: COMO Shambhala Estate – Wellness resort nestled in tropical rainforest near Ubud

Bali balances temples, volcanoes, and waves, all in one photo-ready package. Hike Mount Batur for sunrise (2-hour trek starting at 4 a.m.) to catch fiery skies over the crater and Lake Batur. Afterward, soak at Toya Devasya hot springs with views across the valley.

For rice terrace shots, get to Tegallalang by 7 a.m.; the low sun highlights the stepped fields in gold. Walk Campuhan Ridge at 5 p.m. for palm-lined trails glowing in soft evening light. Down south, Uluwatu delivers cliffside sunsets over crashing surf, ideal for golden-hour photography.

Best time to visit? April to October offers dry skies, lush greenery, and reliable surf. Avoid the rainy season; November through March dulls the views and floods the trails.

• Read next: Best Things to Do in Ubud, Bali
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8. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

• 📍 Location: Off the northeast coast of Malaysia, accessible via Kuala Besut jetty (1.5 hours from Kota Bharu Airport) 
• 🏆 Best For: Snorkelers 🤿, divers 🐠, beach lovers 🏖️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming with sea turtles, exploring coral gardens, island hopping between Perhentian Besar and Kecil 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-October (dry season), avoid November-February due to monsoons 🌧️ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Tuna Bay Island Resort – Overwater chalets where you can step directly into crystal-clear waters

The Perhentian Islands are paradise without the polish; just reefs, turtles, and white sand. Snorkel in Coral Bay before 10 a.m. for calm seas and peak visibility. Expect sea turtles, reef sharks, and rainbow-colored coral just meters from shore.

Rent a kayak to Adam & Eve Beach, an untouched cove best at sunset (5–6 p.m.) when the sky turns pink over glassy water. Perhentian Kecil has a backpacker vibe; Besar is quieter, with better snorkeling offshore. For diving, explore Sugar Wreck mid-morning; light cuts through the water and reveals schools of jackfish and sponges.

March to October is perfect, with clear skies and calm water. Avoid November–February when monsoons shut everything down.

9. Palawan, Philippines

• 📍 Location: Western Philippines, accessible via Puerto Princesa Airport or El Nido/Coron airports 
• 🏆 Best For: Island hoppers 🏝️, kayakers 🛶, cave explorers 🕳️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the Underground River, island hopping in El Nido lagoons, diving Coron’s WWII wrecks 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-May for dry weather, June-November brings rain but fewer crowds 🌴 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island – Private island luxury where your villa overlooks hidden lagoons

Palawan is the Philippines’ crown jewel: limestone cliffs, secret lagoons, sunken ships, and a vibe that feels like nature never got interrupted. Start in El Nido and paddle into Big Lagoon by 6:30 a.m.; zero boats, mirror-like water, and that perfect pre-dawn stillness. Follow with Small Lagoon around 8:30 a.m. when sunlight filters through the cliffs for dramatic, backlit shots.

Over in Coron, dive the Irako wreck between 9–11 a.m.; sunbeams pierce the water, visibility peaks, and WWII history becomes surreal. Cap the day by hiking Mt. Tapyas; 700 steps in 30 minutes for a sunset panorama over Coron Bay.

In Puerto Princesa, book the Underground River’s first tour (7:30 a.m.) for hauntingly quiet cave shots and smooth water reflections. Best time to visit? December to May: dry skies, calm seas, and island-hopping without canceled boats. For peak luxury, stay at El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island, where villas overlook untouched turquoise coves.

• Read Next: Most Beautiful Places in the Philippines

10. Langkawi, Malaysia

• 📍 Location: Northwestern Malaysia near the Thai border, accessible via Langkawi International Airport or ferry from Penang/Kuala Kedah 
• 🏆 Best For: Luxury seekers 🥂, duty-free shoppers 🛍️, cable car riders 🚡 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the Langkawi Cable Car, exploring Kilim Karst Geoforest, sunset cruises around the archipelago 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November-March for perfect weather, April-October brings occasional rain but better deals 💰 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Datai Langkawi – Rainforest resort where your suite overlooks pristine beaches through ancient trees

Langkawi isn’t just another beach getaway; it’s a rainforest, an archipelago, and a luxury retreat all rolled into one. Start with the Langkawi Cable Car, which climbs 2,300 feet in five minutes to the jaw-dropping Sky Bridge. Get there by 9:30 AM when it opens for soft light, no crowds, and views stretching across the jungle and ocean—a dream for landscape shots.

In the afternoon, head to Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. Book a mangrove boat tour to cruise past limestone cliffs, spot eagles mid-dive, and weave through tangled roots with golden sunlight behind them. Back in Kuah Town, don’t skip the duty-free shopping; liquor, chocolate, and perfumes are heavily discounted.

For beaches, hit Pantai Cenang if you want jet skis and beach bars, or escape to Tanjung Rhu for wide, empty sands and perfect golden hour photos. Wrap up with a sunset cruise at 5 PM—isolated coves, glowing cliffs, and ideal drone footage if you’re ready to launch. Stay at The Datai Langkawi for rainforest-meets-beach luxury that feels completely untamed and totally unforgettable.

• Read next: Breathtaking Islands You Need to Visit
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11. Bohol, Philippines

• 📍 Location: Central Philippines, accessible via Bohol-Panglao International Airport or ferry from Cebu 
• 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🦋, beach hoppers 🏖️, cultural enthusiasts 🏛️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Seeing the Chocolate Hills, meeting tarsiers at the sanctuary, diving with whale sharks at Panglao 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-May for dry season, February-April for calmest seas 🌊 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Amorita Resort – Clifftop luxury on Panglao Island with infinity pools overlooking the sea

Bohol isn’t just about the Chocolate Hills; it’s the contrast between otherworldly terrain and vibrant island life. Catch the Chocolate Hills from the Carmen viewpoint just after sunrise (around 6 AM). The light is golden, the hills glow, and tour buses haven’t arrived yet. A short 10-minute walk gets you to the top.

Next up: tarsiers. These wide-eyed, mouse-sized primates live at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Visit mid-morning for the best chance to see them before they curl up to sleep in the heat. Keep quiet; these creatures are sensitive and extremely shy.

Hop to Panglao Island in the afternoon. Snorkel off Alona Beach or take a dive trip to Balicasag for turtle sightings and healthy coral reefs. Whale shark tours happen out of Lila (south Bohol), and the best months are February to April when seas are calm. End the day at Hinagdanan Cave, where you can swim in cool blue water lit by natural skylights; go between 2–4 PM when the sunlight cuts through the rock just right.

• Read Next: Enchanting Places in Visayas

12. Siargao, Philippines

• 📍 Location: Northeastern Philippines, accessible via Sayak Airport or ferry from Butuan 
• 🏆 Best For: Surfers 🏄‍♂️, island hoppers 🚤, digital nomads 💻 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Surfing Cloud 9, island hopping to Naked Island, swimming in Sugba Lagoon 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: August-November for consistent surf, March-June for calmer conditions and island hopping 🌴 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Nay Palad Hideaway – Eco-luxury resort on a private island accessible only by boat

Siargao is the Philippines’ laid-back paradise, a mix of world-class surf, island-hopping magic, and jungle-meets-ocean vibes. Surfers chase the legendary Cloud 9, but even if you don’t ride, get to the boardwalk by sunrise. Glassy waves, golden light, and local pros warming up make for unforgettable shots and easy inspiration.

Around 8 AM, hop on a bangka for a three-island tour: Naked, Daku, and Guyam. Low tide reveals sandbars, and Daku Island is your perfect lunch stop: grilled fish, coconuts, and shade under palm-thatched huts. By early afternoon, head to Sugba Lagoon; crystal-clear water, paddleboards, and epic jumps off the diving platforms. Light hits just right from 1–3 PM.

Base yourself in General Luna, rent a scooter, and hit inland gems like the Maasin River (rope swing essential) and Magpupungko Rock Pools (go at low tide). Stay at Nay Palad Hideaway for barefoot luxury on a private island that feels like a dream because it kind of is.

13. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

• 📍 Location: Southern Vietnam, accessible via Con Dao Airport or overnight ferry from Ho Chi Minh City 
• 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, turtle watchers 🐢, pristine beach seekers 🏖️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling at Hon Tai, visiting the historic prison complex, turtle watching at Bay Canh Island 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November-March for perfect weather, May-September for turtle nesting season 🐢 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Six Senses Con Dao – Luxury villas where you can walk directly onto empty beaches

The Con Dao Islands are Vietnam’s best-kept secret: raw, quiet, and layered with history and untouched nature. Start your day at the haunting Con Dao Prison Complex when it opens at 7 AM. Walking through solitary cells and infamous tiger cages in silence is heavy but essential to understanding the island’s past.

By afternoon, nature takes over. From May to September, head to Bay Canh Island for turtle nesting season; overnight trips offer the rare chance to witness hatchlings scramble to sea under starlight. For marine life, snorkel at Hon Tai around 10 AM; that’s when sunlight cuts perfectly through the shallow reef, revealing brilliant coral gardens.

Hike the So Ray trail early (by 7:30 AM) for birdlife, jungle sounds, and views from an abandoned French plantation. Con Dao National Park is dense and wild; pack water and expect to feel completely off-grid. Stay at Six Senses Con Dao, where your villa opens straight onto an empty beach and the soundtrack is nothing but waves and wind.