Top 10 Tropical Islands To Visit in the Far East

Whittling down the Far East’s incredible islands to a top 10 isn’t an easy task, but we’ve done the legwork for you!   Whether you’re after a full-blown tropical paradise or a few days of sun-soaked beachy bliss in between sightseeing, there’s an island in the Far East that will fit the bill.

Some destinations offer a bit more buzz, energy and excitement, such as Seminyak in Bali, while others offer pure tranquillity, such as Langkawi or Lombok. Getting there varies too, with islands such as Koh Samui and Phuket being easily accessible, while others, such as the Perhentian Islands or Koh Rong, require a bit more effort – but that only adds to their appeal.

 

TL; DR: Here’s our top ten Far East islands in a nutshell:

• Koh Samui, Thailand: Lively yet laid-back, with a great mix of beaches, culture, and jungle.
• Phu Quoc, Vietnam: Relaxed, tropical island with a mix of nature, beaches, and quirky attractions.
• Bali, Indonesia: Energetic and varied, a great combination of beaches, culture, and wellness.
• Phuket, Thailand: Dramatic landscapes with everything from lively beach scenes to quiet luxury and adventure.
• Langkawi, Malaysia: Romantic and peaceful with pristine beaches and lush rainforests.
• Lombok, Indonesia: Quiet and unspoilt, perfect for nature and adventure away from crowds.
• Penang, Malaysia: Cultural and energetic with great beaches, street food, and activities.
• Boracay, Philippines: Iconic, breathtaking beaches and plenty of water sports.
• The Perhentian Islands, Malaysia: Remote and serene with incredible beaches, snorkelling and diving.
• Koh Rong, Cambodia: Slow-paced, and off the beaten track with sparkly bioluminescent waters

 

Koh Samui, Thailand: Culture, lazy days & jungle backdrops

Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, with a stunning coastline and a wonderful collection of beaches. It’s also easy to include in most Far East itineraries.

Chaweng Beach is the island’s liveliest resort, with water sports, beach bars and plenty of nightlife, while Bo Phut’s Fisherman’s Village has a much more traditional feel with wooden shophouses and laid-back restaurants.  It’s the perfect place for an evening stroll.  In the north, Bang Rak and Maenam offer a quieter escape with luxury resorts and a tropical vibe.  Lamai, on the southeast coast, sits somewhere in between. It’s great for swimming and has a relaxed atmosphere with beach bars, markets and some excellent Thai restaurants right on the sand.

If you can tear yourself away from your sunbed, there’s plenty to see. Worthwhile stops include The Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) near Lamai for the wonderful views, and also the 12 metre golden Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) that watches over the island. For a spot of nature, visit the Na Muang Waterfalls, which are surrounded by lush jungle and perfect for a refreshing dip. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park, which offers lagoons, kayaking, and some of the most spectacular views in the Gulf of Thailand over its islets and turquoise waters.

 

Phu Quoc, Vietnam: Calm beaches & quirky attractions

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and is the perfect choice if you’re after calm beaches, lazy days, beachside restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere. Teardrop-shaped and part of a 22-island archipelago, it actually sits closer to Cambodia than Vietnam. It’s an easy island to combine with trips through Vietnam or indeed most of Southeast Asia, with flights from most major airports.

Phu Quoc’s best-known stretch, Long Beach, runs for about 20 kilometres with plenty of resorts, bars, and restaurants.  Sao Beach, on the southern coast, is picture-postcard perfection with soft white sand, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and great snorkelling opportunities.

Away from the beaches, Phu Quoc offers a wide variety of experiences – from visiting fishing villages such as Ham Ninh, to pepper farms, pearl workshops, and even sim wine or honey production. Much of the island’s interior is protected as part of Phu Quoc National Park, with jungle trails and local wildlife. You can also take a day trip to the An Thoi islands for snorkelling and swimming among colourful coral reefs, or ride the Hon Thom Cable Car out to Pineapple Island. For something quirky and slightly surreal, Sunset Town is a recreation of Italy’s Amalfi Coast with pastel-coloured houses, cobblestone lanes and various shows.

After the sun sets (which is a spectacular sight on the west coast of the island), the night market at Duong Dong comes alive with stalls of freshly cooked seafood and is one of the best places to soak up the island’s true spirit. Make sure you pick up some local Phu Quoc fish sauce and pepper to take home.

 

Bali, Indonesia: Culture & scenic beaches

Bali really offers the full package, with an incredible mix of experiences from luxury resorts on idyllic beaches to cultural landmarks, surfing, yoga and spiritual retreats, and adventure activities.

When it comes to beaches, the choice is almost endless. If you’re after a stylish, cool vibe, Seminyak boasts designer shops, rooftop bars, and beach clubs with DJs. For a quieter, more luxurious escape, Nusa Dua offers pristine white sand, calm waters, and five-star resorts. Jimbaran is another fabulous choice, with stunning sunsets and beachside seafood restaurants.  Sanur has a more authentic Balinese feel, with a beachfront promenade and little cafés, while Canggu is popular with surfers and digital nomads, surrounded by rice fields and chilled-out beach bars.

Away from the beach, there is plenty to explore. The Balinese have cleverly preserved their Hindu traditions, so even in the busiest tourist areas, you’ll find daily offerings and temple ceremonies to get a glimpse of the local culture. A visit to Ubud is a must. Here you can wander the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, stroll through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or browse the traditional markets and artisan workshops. The island is dotted with stunning temples, including Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff with daily Kecak dance performances at sunset. For a bit of adventure, take a sunrise trek up Mount Batur for more great views over the surrounding mountains and Lake Batur.

Including Bali in your Far East itinerary is fairly easy.   There are direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, and other main cities.

 

Phuket, Thailand: Luxury resorts & lively nightlife

We know that Phuket sometimes gets a reputation for being too lively. And yes, Patong Beach does lean towards the ‘party party’ vibe, with bustling nightlife and water sports, but if you disregard Thailand’s largest island based on one beach, you’re seriously missing out! The island is beautiful, with dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, hidden coves, luxury hotels, and some excellent restaurants.

For the more sophisticated side of the island, head to Kamala or Bang Tao, where you’ll find luxury resorts with pristine stretches of sand, stylish beach clubs, and plenty of space to breathe. Nearby, Kata Beach and the smaller Kata Noi Beach offer quieter bays with soft sand, excellent swimming, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

To experience the cultural side of Phuket, Old Phuket Town is a must. Wander through the streets lined with colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, take in the colourful street art, and try some of the best street food on the island. For a dose of spirituality, visit Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple with its golden statues and ornate architecture. For breath-taking views, visit the gleaming white Big Buddha, perched on Nakkerd Hill. For wildlife lovers, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is an ethical sanctuary for rescued elephants where you can observe these gentle giants in a natural setting. And of course, a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, which are about a two-hour boat ride from Phuket, offers crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and incredible scenery.

One of the reasons Phuket is so popular (beyond its beautiful beaches) is that it’s one of the easiest places to get to and combine with a trip to the Far East.  In fact, there are direct flights from almost everywhere in Southeast Asia.

 

Langkawi, Malaysia: Romantic beaches & rainforest scenery

Langkawi is all about slowing down and switching off, making it the perfect island for couples and honeymooners looking for pristine beaches and total R&R. With a stunning mix of jungle-covered mountains, powder-soft beaches, and luxury resorts, it’s an island made for romance.

The beaches of Tanjung Rhu and Datai Bay are ridiculously beautiful, offering stunning stretches of pure white sand, clear turquoise waters, and luxury five-star resorts that offer much more than just accommodation. Many of the hotels here offer immersive experiences such as guided jungle walks with local experts, traditional cooking classes, and wellness activities, giving you a chance to connect with the island beyond simply lazing on your plush sunbed with a cocktail in hand (although that is perfectly acceptable!). Pantai Cenang is a bit livelier, offering water sports, a small strip of restaurants, and bars.   In the evenings, you’ll also find a night market, which is a great way to experience local life and enjoy some street food.

To see more of the island, take the Langkawi Cable Car up Gunung Mat Cincang and walk across the Langkawi Sky Bridge for panoramic views over the rainforest and the Andaman Sea. Also explore the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, with its mangrove forests, limestone formations, and lagoons, or head inland to Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, where seven natural pools offer a chance to cool down in the middle of the jungle.

Langkawi is fairly easy to include in any Malaysian itinerary with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur. You can also fly here from Singapore, Bangkok, and other Far East cities.

 

Lombok, Indonesia:  Untouched natural beauty & quieter vibes

Just east of Bali, Lombok offers stunning natural beauty without quite the same crowds – and feels relatively unspoilt by tourism. The resorts here tend to be more boutique and lower-key, with less crowded beaches and a genuine sense of discovery. Plus, you’ll see traditional Sasak villages, rice fields being worked by hand, and local life carrying on as it has for generations.

The beaches are truly spectacular. The south coast, including Kuta Lombok, Tanjung Aan, and Mawun, consists of dramatic bays with turquoise waters and soft, powdery sand perfect for lounging, swimming, or learning to surf. For more a more secluded feel, Selong Belanak is ideal and offers beginner-friendly surfing conditions, while Senggigi on the west coast offers a slightly more developed scene with restaurants, cafés, and water sports. The Gili Islands sit just offshore (technically separate, but most people visit them from Lombok), offering three distinct vibes: Gili Trawangan for parties and diving, Gili Meno for honeymooners, and Gili Air for something in between.

Lombok also offers plenty for adventurous types.  You can trek Mount Rinjani for sunrise views, snorkel or dive along vibrant coral reefs, or explore the traditional villages for weaving demonstrations and local ceremonies. For a wildlife encounter, visit the Pusuk Monkey Forest or take a guided tour to discover hidden waterfalls such as Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile.

A perfect way to visit Lombok is to head to Bali first, where you can spend your first days immersing yourself in Ubud’s rice terraces and ancient temples, then hop across to Lombok for a blissful beach finale.   There are direct flights from Bali, and a few other cities, including Jakarta, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

 

Penang, Malaysia: Incredible street food & colonial history

Penang is a very versatile island that fits beautifully with other Far East destinations, offering a fabulous contrast to the region’s bigger cities on a multi-centre holiday. While the beaches here may not rival the postcard-perfect shores found elsewhere on this top ten, the island more than makes up for this with its history and charm.

The UNESCO-listed capital of George Town is absolutely bursting with culture.  You’ll come across colonial architecture, colourful Peranakan shophouses, Chinese temples, Indian spice shops and colourful street art. Ride the funicular up Penang Hill for stunning panoramic views and enjoy some of the best food you’ll eat anywhere in Asia, as George Town takes its hawker food seriously with an abundance of authentic, inexpensive and extremely delicious food stalls on offer.

When it comes to beaches,  Batu Ferringhi is the most popular, with soft sand, calm waters, water sports, and evening night markets. The nightlife here is also some of the most lively you’ll find in any Malaysian beach destination.  Tanjung Bungah offers a quieter, more relaxed vibe with boutique hotels and fewer crowds, while Teluk Bahang is perfect for combining a beach day with visits to nature reserves or Penang National Park.

Penang is ideally connected to the rest of the Far East with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, and other regional cities. If you’re already in Malaysia, there’s also a very scenic ferry crossing from Butterworth on the mainland.

 

Boracay, Philippines: Iconic beaches & lively nightlife

Boracay’s beaches are nothing short of breathtaking – the kind of pristine, white sandy paradise that has to be seen to be believed.  Despite being tiny (you can walk across its width in under an hour), Boracay has an incredible amount to offer, from luxury resorts and lively beach bars to world-class water sports and nightlife.

The famous White Beach is a dazzling four kilometres of white sand and crystal-clear water that is divided into three stations, each with its own vibe. Station 1 is home to the island’s most luxurious resorts and feels calm and exclusive. Station 2 is where the action happens, with restaurants, shops, and nightlife, while Station 3 offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. If you fancy a change of scenery, head to Puka Shell Beach, a peaceful stretch of coast known for its natural beauty and shells washed up along the shore, or Bulabog Beach on the island’s east side, where kitesurfers and windsurfers come out in force when the winds are right.

When you’re not sinking your toes into the pure white sand, there’s more to see and do. Take a boat trip to explore secret coves and snorkelling spots, visit Ariel’s Point for cliff jumping and kayaking, or stroll up Mount Luho, the island’s highest point, for panoramic views across the water. Don’t miss Willy’s Rock, a tiny volcanic outcrop with a shrine to the Virgin Mary that is especially beautiful at sunset. And when night falls, join the locals for a stroll along the beach or head to D’Mall for shopping, street food, and a lively nightlife scene.

Boracay works best as part of a wider Philippines adventure, as getting there does require a little extra effort, but that’s all part of the adventure and we can take care of all the finer details.

 

The Perhentian Islands, Malaysia: Incredible diving & untouched beaches

If your idea of paradise involves crystal-clear water and little development, the Perhentians are for you. This pair of islands off Malaysia’s northeast coast – Perhentian Besar (the larger, slightly quieter one) and Perhentian Kecil (smaller, backpacker-friendly) – is all about simplicity and relaxation.

The diving and snorkelling here are exceptional. The waters around the Perhentians are part of a marine park, teeming with sea turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish in every colour imaginable. You can literally walk into the water from most beaches and be surrounded by marine life within minutes. The beaches themselves are postcard-perfect with powdery white sand, jungle that goes right down to the shore, and barely another soul in sight. There’s very little in the way of nightlife or activities beyond water-based ones (but that’s the point!)

Must-see spots include Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil, perfect for sunbathing and swimming, and Coral Bay, where calm, shallow waters are ideal for snorkelling among colourful reefs. On Perhentian Besar, Turtle Beach offers the chance to spot nesting turtles, while Crocodile Rock is a popular diving site.  Beyond the beaches, the islands’ jungle trails offer hidden coves and tiny waterfalls to stumble upon.

Getting here requires commitment, which is, again, part of the appeal. You’ll need to fly to Kota Bharu (with connections from Kuala Lumpur), then transfer by road to Kuala Besut jetty, followed by a speedboat to the islands.  It’s a bit of a trek, but that’s precisely why the Perhentians remain relatively unspoilt.

 

Koh Rong, Cambodia: Bioluminescent waters & tropical luxury

The appeal of Koh Rong lies in its relative underdevelopment – it’s almost like your own private paradise. Although development is happening, so visit sooner rather than later! The pace is slow, the beaches are magnificent, and at night, the water often sparkles with bioluminescence, caused by tiny marine plankton that emit light in the waves.

Koh Rong has different areas for different crowds. Koh Touch, the main village where ferries arrive, has budget accommodation, beach bars, and a lively-ish backpacker vibe.  But if you venture further around the island to Long Set Beach, Sok San Village, or Coconut Beach, you’ll find peace, quiet, and far fewer people. These beaches are off-the-scale beautiful with blinding white sand and turquoise water.  For a bit of exploration, venture onto one of the island’s jungle trails on your own or with a local guide, leading to hidden coves, tiny waterfalls, and spectacular views. There’s also excellent diving and snorkelling, with reefs teeming with colourful fish – though not quite at the Perhentian level.

Getting to Koh Rong involves a two-step process and a bit of effort – but once you’ve arrived, it feels like you’ve truly escaped the world.  First, you fly into Sihanoukville, which has connections from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Bangkok, and a handful of other Far East hubs. From there, it’s a short transfer to the pier followed by a 45–60 minute ferry across to the island.

 

Do any of our top 10 Far East islands take your fancy?  Are you ready to plan your perfect island escape? We’d love to help you put together an itinerary for your next Far East holiday.  Please get in touch with one of our team.