Each traveller has differing views of what the ideal trip is. For several, it is stepping foot into brand new cities and soaking up the local fresh cultures. Some pursue for the finest shopping destinations, while others look for adrenaline and adventure. But for beach lovers similar to me, the finest holiday is not inclusive with white, sandy shores and crystal clear waters. Those of us in Asia are extremely blessed to have effortless access to several of the world’s most stunning beaches. Whisk out your tropical drinks and sun hats, because it’s time for some enjoyment in the sun! Here are some eye-catching beaches within Asia that must be on your bucket list.
- Amed Beach (Bali, Indonesia)
Photo: Teasmoked
Black sand beaches are naturally present when there’s a volcano close by, and are the product of basalt lava exploding and then quickly cooling in the sea. Indonesia’s ‘Island Of The Gods,’ Bali, has one such black beauty: Amed Beach. This is barely a tourist hotspot, so you won’t see a lot of people here. Located at the side of a quiet fishing village on the northeastern border of Bali, Tulamben Beach possesses a definite surreal tranquillity with its charcoal shores, and it roughly feels like you’re traversing across a new planet altogether.
2. Secret Lagoon Beach (El Nido, Palawan, Philippines)
Photo: @ourlonelyplanet via Instagram
It’s not a secret anymore – the Secret Lagoon Beach in El Nido, Philippines might just be one of the most attractive places in the world. El Nido’s Miniloc Island has a dazzling beach with not one, but two concealed lagoons that are surrounded by huge karst cliffs. You can access the lagoons from small openings within the cliff walls. Here, with water so clear that it looks like you’re floating and sand as white as snow, it will almost feel as if you’d stepped in a wormhole into paradise!
3. Pink Beach (Lombok, Indonesia)
Photo: Rinjani Trekking Center
If pink is your preferred colour, then you might fall in love with this beach on our file. Indonesia’s island of Lombok is home to an relaxing pink beach, named “Tangsi Beach” by the locals. Here, powder pink sand lies in bleak distinction with cerulean waters — really a sight to view. The exclusive hue of the sand comes from coral fragments that wash up onto the coast and get eroded into small pieces over a period of time. These fragments combine in with ordinary sand, and cover the whole beach with a shade of blush. Pink beaches are a uncommon lot and there aren’t that several in the world. This particular one is situated in a isolated Southeastern spot of the Lombok mainland, which is an estimated 2.5 hour drive away from the busy touristy towns on the west coast. It might be a little tough to get to, but the splendid highlights make the rough voyage worth it.
4. Island No. 8 (Similan Islands, Thailand)
Photo: Wikipedia
The Similan Islands are well-known for being one of the world’s most bio-diverse scuba diving spots, with many underwater flora and fauna to excite even the most experienced diver. Back on land, though, it’s this private cove on Island No. 8 that truly attracts our interest. There are no lively watersport activities here — all you have is a wide area of sparkly white sand, and the enormous Andaman Sea before you. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a small trek up through the green, luscious hills and onto the island’s iconic seafaring Boat Rock. The point of view at its peak offers wonderful 360 degree panoramic views of the splendid beach below.
5. Radhanagar Beach (Havelock Island, The Andaman Islands, India)
Photo: Getty Images / Travel + Leisure
Nestled in the Bay of Bengal lies the Andaman Islands. Havelock Island is just one of the 325 islands surrounded by the Andaman Archipelago, but its beaches are perhaps several of the most astounding. On beach number 7, or Radhanagar Beach, you will locate porcelain white shores that are amazingly perfect. No matter where you go around, what you notice will appear like it belongs on a postcard. It is here, on what is supposedly India’s cleanest beach, where India’s iconic swimming elephant, Rajan — the last of its kind — once lived. Rajan passed on earlier this year, but there are news that a few wild elephants still live somewhere in the island’s abundant jungles. But who knows, if you’re fortunate, you might even spot an elephant scouring the shore!
About the author:
Cherylene Renee is an adrenaline junkie, with a desire for travel and adventure. She bungee jumps, scuba dives, and hunts for the world’s most insane rollercoasters. Check out her adventures and travel tips on Wandersugar.com, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.