Malaysia’s Secret Beaches ~ Langkawi Island

The Four Seasons Langkawi

Langkawi Island A string of 99 islands south of Phuket in the Andaman Sea make up Langkawi. The island is a Duty Free Island, and was recently given Geopark status by UNESCO. Langkawi is the easiest to access of all the islands (40 mins direct flights from KL) with gorgeous sandy beaches. Boasting some of the most luxurious hotels, such as The Four Seasons, The Datai, Westin, The Andaman, Casa del Mar, and others. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Malaysia’s Secret Beaches ~ Tioman Islands

Tioman Islands The largest of Malaysia’s east coast islands, Tioman is famed for its soft, sandy beaches, warm waters and coral reef.

Most of the resorts are strung out on isolated bays along the western coast. Diving and snorkelling is excellent but also jungle hiking and sunbathing. Best luxury hotel is Japamala resort – to simply die for!

Malaysia’s Secret Beaches ~ Pangkor Laut Island

The resort that sits on Pangkor Laut Island steals the limelight from this idyllic tropical island. This island is more famous for the stunning resort that’s on it than the island itself. Pangkor Laut Resort ~ an ultra luxe resort that’s attracted the world’s celebrities and A-listers. The late Pavarrotti helped inaugurate it with an Operatic on its official opening day. Voted as best romantic hotel, best spa, best hotel in Malaysia – Pangkor Island Resort is the ideal romantic getaway.

This hotel on stilts was fashioned after Malay floating villages where fishermen live. For a truly outer-worldly experience, book yourself any treatment from the Spa. The Spa is situated in one of the over-the-water Villas. Close your eyes, it will just be you and the ocean, and the aroma of frangipani, lavender and jasmine wafting through the air. Pure Bliss!

Malaysia’s Secret Beaches ~ Redang Island

Another diving hot spot in Terengganu, that’s not far from Perhentian.

One of the largest and most beautiful of the east coast islands, Redang is also the most developed. Redang Archipelago is made of 9 islands that together constitute a protected marine park. With crystal clear waters and some of Malaysia’s best coral reefs, the island offers excellent diving and snorkeling.

Malaysia’s Secret Beaches ~ Perhentian Islands

Perhentian Islands,

North East Terengganu of East Coast Malaysia is sublime. Pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters that would make Leo (di Caprio) rethink twice of filming The Beach in Thailand.

Seriously unrivaled diving in the region, the two islands are dotted with rustic beach huts and has become the number one destination for beach lovers and backpackers around the world. The location is so amazing you’ll forgive for the lack of luxury hotels. Just suck it up and dive into paradise.

Bali’s Dreamland, where surfers dream no more

Dreamland is a beach located in Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, in Indonesia. An excellent beach for surfing, sunsets and solitude. Dreamland started life when surfers discovered it enroute to the other nearby surfing spot of Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Now that the “secret is out”, Bali-based expatriates and visitors alike have converged upon it.

The white sandy beach and the world-famous surf-break for long rides, coupled with its remote setting, makes for the perfect escape from all the worldly cares.

Central Java’s magical Beaches ~ Myth, Lore, and the Queen of the South Sea

By Dian Hasan | September 13, 2009

Ngundap Beach, Southern Coast of Java, just outside Yogyakarta. Photo: http://www.pesonagunungkidul.com

Bali is Indonesia’s undisputed crown jewel of travel destinations, but that doesn’t take away the fact that her other islands are less interesting. Indonesia has MANY other islands – make that WAY MORE islands – thousands more actually, as the world’s largest Archipelago is home to over 17,000 islands (17,508 to be exact, according to Wikipedia). Although not all islands are inhabited, each has its own natural beauty.

Beaches, especially, come in all shapes and sizes, from black volcanic rock, karst and limestone-lined promontories, jaw-dropping cliffs, intricate series of underwater caves, white sandy beach of all imaginable hues, and a smattering of corals and boulders both under and above water. And swaying palm and coconut trees, the likes of what you’d see in postcards.