The Best Beaches in Asia

Been to Malibu more times than you can count? Feeling sick of those overly tanned socialites in the Hamptons? If you need a respite from American beaches, Asia is dotted with hundreds (or maybe thousands) of beaches that look as if they were custom made to fit your description of paradise. Good exchange rates and a visit during the off season (from May to September) make your stay a little cheaper, especially if you stay away from touristy areas. Of course, the plane tickets will be more expensive, but it may be worth it just to get your own little slice of heaven. Here are some of Asia's best beaches – places where you can forget all about the corporate cage.


Phi Islands, Thailand

Although heavily affected by the 2004 tsunami, the larger of the two Phi Phi islands, Phi Phi Don, is speedily rebuilding. Nevertheless, some parts of the island were virtually untouched, and some people claim that the waters are clearer and the sand even whiter than before. Known for its towering limestone cliffs, beautiful coral reefs and turquoise waters, it's hard to imagine that a place as beautiful as this even exists. Although August is the rainy season in Thailand, the off season usually brings less crowds and cheaper accommodations. Locals are quick to point out that it does not rain all day, and that there are usually only about 10 rainy days in a month. Its smaller neighbor, Phi Phi Le, is uninhabited and is a veritable Eden—it was where “The Beach” was filmed. Phi Phi Don can be reached only by boat—there are no cars on the island, meaning no blaring car alarms to jolt you from your sleep, or rude honking to ruin your sun bathing. The downside: more and more tourists are discovering the Phi Phi islands—a sign that you should plan a trip sooner rather than later.

Insider's Tip: Want to see a shark? Hin Phae is a popular place to go shark watching.



Cheju Island, Korea

Known for its popularity with honeymooners, Cheju Island (or Jeju Island), is often called the “Hawaii of the Orient” because of its volcanic origins and beautiful beaches. Located about an hour's plane ride from Seoul, Cheju island is centered around Mt. Halla, or Halla San, a dead volcano that last erupted over 1000 years ago. The big stone lava structures and carvings around the island give it an earthy, mysterious charm, and it is easy to believe in the many myths and legends told about the island. Cheju Island is ideal for those not just interested in sun bathing, even though its beaches are beautiful. Its underwater caves and rock formations make perfect homes for marine life, and in the spring, wildflowers turn rolling fields into a sea of yellow. Still relatively unknown by non-Korean tourists, Cheju Island is definitely worth discovering.

Insider's Tip: Cheju Island has a deep history that is appealing to many tourists. Its isolation from Korea in earlier centuries gave rise to a matrilineal society, and its folk villages and haenyo—women who dive into the sea in search of abalone and conch—are some of Cheju Island's biggest attractions.



Palolem, Goa, India

Goa is known for its miles of beaches, and Palolem is without a doubt one of its most beautiful. With its crescent shaped, mile long beach dotted with bamboo huts and swaying coconut trees, it's easy to feel as if you've somehow stepped into another world. Unlike some of the other beaches on Goa's coast, Palolem's sole purpose for existing is to provide beach enthusiasts with a place to relax. There are no nightclubs, and no tales of partying for four days straight, just its clear, calm waters perfect for swimming. Accommodations can be found near the beach; the bamboo huts and guest houses are much more abundant than luxury hotels. Palolem also offers dolphin watching and fishing for those who are bored with sunbathing, although its best offering is its beach. After a few days at Palolem, you'll feel as if you don't have a care in the world—and will be sorely tempted to extend your vacation for the rest of your life.

Insider's Tip: Need refreshments? Fresh fruit juices and good food can be found in the small shacks around the beach.



Boracay, Philippines

Although one might be tempted to simply bask in Boracay's white sand beaches and sparkling aqua waters, Boracay offers more than enough activities to make any sport enthusiast happy. From mountain biking to windsurfing to beach volleyball, Boracay has built up a reputation for being one of the world's best places to be active. Annual tournaments are held in both windsurfing and beach volleyball, and more customary beach sports, such as diving and snorkeling, are also very popular. But if sports aren't your cup of tea (or coconut juice), there are plenty of other things to do. The hike up to Mt. Luho promises a great view, and once up there, a nap in a hammock is a great reward for your efforts. Boracay also has a number of natural attractions, from bat caves on the northeast coast to a forest of dead trees to the south. A tour of the Dead Forest on a night of a full moon may be a fun alternative to a sweaty club. Horseback riding on the shore and island hopping are also favorites of visitors to Boracay, and massages can be had either at the beach or at a spa for as low as $10 an hour. One thing's for sure—you'll never be bored in Boracay.

Insider's Tip: The famous White Beach is often overcrowded, and justifiably so—it's breathtakingly gorgeous. But smaller sandy bays around the coast of the island can be a great (and less hectic) alternative to the crowds.



Pulau Tioman, Malaysia –where Bali Hai comes to life

Home of the fictional Bali Hai in “South Pacific”, Pulau Tioman is a haven for nature lovers who want some sun bathing on the side. Part of a string of islands off Malaysia's east coast, Pulau Tioman boasts beautiful white sand beaches along its edges and an unspoiled jungle interior. The water is clear to a depth of 100 feet, and plenty of coral reefs surround the island. Snorkeling and diving are especially popular due to the abundant marine life—parrotfish and butterfly fish are frequent sights. The jungle interior is also one of Pulau Tioman's greatest attractions, as many tourists choose to go on walking trails to discover waterfalls of their own. Pulau Tioman is sometimes thought of as Malaysia's “Galapagos Islands”, as its hills host rarities such as the Coelogyne tiomanensis orchid, which can only be found in Tioman's jungle. New species of reptiles have been discovered as recently as 2003. No doubt about it, Tioman is a unique place—a tropical paradise still yet to be fully explored.
Insider's Tip: Love fishing? Visitors to Tioman can easily rent out a boat for the day and go fishing either right by the coast or out into the deeper sea. It's perfect for a barbecue right on the beach.


Source: http://www.ialink.tv