Islands in the Philippines. If Bali gets too busy and there isn't time for the Gili Islands, you can always grab a quick ferry over to nearby Nusa Lembongan where less crowds and snorkeling with giant mantas await. One of the best destinations to visit in the last couple of years, Bali attracts … Perhentian Kecil is smaller and more popular for budget travelers and socializing. Duty-free Langkawi wins the award for most popular due to the accessibility. The three famous Gili Islands in Lombok are a great choice for island hopping to find a balance between peace and socializing. It's a place where you can rent snorkeling gear and walk out from the beach to see turtles and barracuda! Island hopping is a thing. With so many choices, you're guaranteed to find what you're looking for on an island vacation. The top islands in Southeast Asia each have their own allures and personalities. Not only are they easily accessible via Thailand's great tourism infrastructure, the Thai islands are diverse enough to please a wide range of travelers. Philippine islands are typically volcanic, with lush, hilly interiors and many bays with beaches scattered around the edges. There you'll find endangered species, national parks, trails with waterfalls, exotic indigenous culture, green rainforests, and some of the best diving in the world. Negros Island is an often-overlooked option in the area. All are great for sunshine, but some are better than others for relaxation, parties, diving, and other activities. Sumatra, the sixth largest island in the world, is the place to go for orangutans, volcanoes, and jungle adventure. Southeast Asia or Southeastern Asia is the southeastern region of Asia, consisting of the regions that are geographically south of China, east of the Indian subcontinent and north-west of Australia. It should come as no surprise that the islands in Thailand make the top of the list. Better not to go to an island populated primarily by couples on romantic getaways. Sadly, some are plagued with rubbish. You'll find plenty of bays and beaches with more to offer than beats and bucket drinks. Diving in the Perhentian Islands is Fun and Cheap! Looking for a place to read in peace? It's a nature-lover's dream come true. The region is the only part of Asia that lies partly within the Southern Hemisphere, although the majority of it is in the Northern … Although the beaches in the Visayas are very photogenic and many are practically undeveloped, don't always expect powdery sand; many beaches are made up of coral or rocks. With more than 7,000 islands making up the Philippine archipelago, you'll have plenty of choices both close to Manila and farther afield. What Should I Know Before I Visit Malaysia's Perhentian Islands? While Penang is a great place to visit, it's so large that you may not even realize you are on an island! For obvious reasons, Bali gets all the attention from visitors to Indonesia's more than 17,000 islands — but there are other pieces of paradise in the archipelago waiting to be enjoyed. But to get started, choose an island to start that best matches the aim of your trip. While notorious for being pricier than its Southeast Asian neighbors, Singapore is a unique, world-class destination for many reasons. He's been covering all things Asia for TripSavvy since 2010. find what you're looking for on an island vacation, quick flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, grab a quick ferry over to nearby Nusa Lembongan, summer months are usually busiest but have the best weather, The weather in Singapore is fairly consistent, quick, cheap flight away from Kuala Lumpur.