A home to countless beautiful breathtaking islands, makes Southeast Asia a popular destination for either beach lovers and adventure seekers. Southeast Asia consists of a few nations including, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, and East Timor which have their own unique and adventurous islands that are ready to be explored. They all offer a diverse landscape, from volcanic peaks, lush rainforest, to a stunning beach with colorful coral reefs. Besides, The islands of SOutheast Asia are also home to a variety of cultures and ethnicities where you could experience unique traditions, language, cuisines depending on what you want to experience.

Here are some popular islands that you must visit at least once in your life in Southeast Asia.

Often known as “Island of the Gods”, Bali island in Indonesia is a breathtaking Island which is famous for its stunning and natural beauty, rich in cultural heritage and warm hospitality from the locals. And now, the Island has been known throughout the world as one of the most popular tourist destinations for healing and relaxation purposes and some other water sports and cultural experiences.

There are a lot of things you can do in Bali, from taking a view on the breathtaking natural beauty from volcanic mountains and lush rice terraces to stunning beaches with beautiful blue ocean decorated with colorful coral reefs.

Bali is also the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia where the culture is deeply rooted in ancient traditions where visitors can experience all of those vibrant together through the temples, traditional dances and traditional ceremonies. Besides, Balinese people are well known for their warm smiles and welcoming demeanor to all kinds of visitors from around the world, which makes visitors often feel most welcome and respected throughout their journey in Bali.

A massive archipelago with over 99 islands located off the northwest coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is another Island that is well known for its stunning natural beauty, duty-free status and various attractions which makes it another popular tourist destination. Langkawi boasts on their diverse landscapes from their greenery-lush rainforest, stunning crystal-clear ocean beaches, the beautiful number of mangroves, and naturally made limestone rock formations. Other than that the visitors would also be able to enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking and exploring the island’s hidden coves and caves which make the island still full of wonder.

If you love to shop, then visiting Langkawi is a must. Having a duty-free status where you can shop without minding paying duties and taxes that makes the price much more cheaper than usual, it without doubts is really a heaven-like place for shopaholics.

Even though it is not quite a naturally made island, Sentosa Island originally a separate island known as Pulau Blakang Mati but then the land reclamation project was made where they connect the island with the main island Singapore via bridges, monorail, and even cable car.

Since then Sentosa island has developed into one of their kind, an Island specialized on giving a numerous attractions from a Theme Parks which is known worldwide as Universal Studio SIngapore with offers a numerous thrilling rides and movie-themed experience as well as a waterpark such as Adventure Cove Waterpark and HydroDash which allow you to enjoy a numerous water attractions from slides, wave pool lazy rivers and more, Interactive museums such as Trick Eye Museum that is full of optical illusion artworks, and S.E.A Aquarium which allow you to encounter a multiple marine life and a number of unforgettable shows.

Being the largest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc offers its beautiful beach, stunning natural scenery and vibrant nightlife experience.There are a lot of activities and attraction you can enjoy in Phu Quoc Island, from their most beautiful beach such as Bai Sao beach that is said to be the best beaches in the world thanks to its beautiful-clean white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a relaxing atmosphere. The other worth-mentioned beaches such as Long Beach, Ong Lang Beach and Khem Beach are other must-visit beaches in Vietnam.

Other than beaches you could also explore and enjoy their natural scenery together with a variety of natural attractions including Phu Quoc National Park which conserve the island’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty, the Ham Ninh Fishing Village which is known for its peaceful atmosphere, stunning ocean sight and rich in cultural heritage and the Suoi Tranh Waterfall which offer a breathtaking sight of around 4 meter waterfall that surrounded by lush greenery around, creating a tranquil setting.

Often called as the “best island in the world”, Palawan Island that is located in the Philippines consistently becomes one of the must-visit list of travelers from around the world, thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse ecosystems and rich cultural heritage. Palawan Island has multiple unique natural landscapes from the El Nido, Nacpan, and Marimegmeg Beaches which are known for their beautiful white sand, crystal-clear water together with dramatic limestone cliffs that are perfect for those of you who want to swim, sunbathe and have a relaxation-time, An Underground National Park which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites boasts to be the world’s largest navigable underground river which is named the “Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, and another natural landscape that you must visit is their Puerto Princesa City which is the capital of Palawan Island that offers a vibrant cultural scene, historical landmarks, and diverse dining options range from local cuisine to international cuisine.

Koh Lanta which also can be spelled as Ko Lanta is a beautiful island located in the Krabi Province of southern Thailand. An Island known for its relaxing atmosphere which is perfect for travelers who looking for leisure, a stunning natural beauty such a long, sandy beach decorated with a swaying palm tree surrounded by the lush rainforest, a diverse activity where you can explore the town and immerse yourself on the daily life of the locals and learn more about the locals culture and traditional village by visiting temples, witnessing vibrant cultural performances, or trying to follow their local traditions and customs. Besides, Koh Lanta Island is also a haven for foodies, offering the delicious blend of Thai cuisine and fresh seafood where you can savor their delicate curries, fragrant noodle dishes and a variety of fresh catch from the Andaman Sea.

An island which bestowed a nickname “Surfing Capital of the Philippines”, Siargao Island is a tear-shaped island located in the Philippine Sea, Southeast of Tacloban. As the nickname already explains a bit about the island, Siargao Island is indeed a surfing haven which is renowned for their Cloud 9 surfing spot that is famous for their powerful waves which allow you to do a right-hand reef break technique easily which attracts surfers of all levels from around the world.

But other than surfing, Siargao Island also offers multiple spots for watersports from kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding as well as swimming through their beautiful crystal-clear water on the beaches spread though the Island. Such as the Sugba Lagoon with a beautiful turquoise waters and white sandbar which is perfect for swimming spots and Pacifico Beach which is known for its long stretch of golden sand and gentle waves that is perfect for sunbathing and relaxation. Other than that you can also begin your journey to explore hidden coves, lagoons and sandbars surrounding Siargao Island while enjoying the stunning views of the mother of nature and lush greeneries around.

Another stunning archipelago with over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoalds surrounding the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool, Raja Ampat located in the westernmost part of Papua that is known for its enhancing natural beauty, rich in diversity and unique cultural heritage.

Raja Ampat has a unique biodiversity where it is actually a part of Coral Triangle, a region which is known for its marine biodiversity where divers and snorkelers can easily encounter a variety of colorful fish, coral reefs, sharks, manta rays, and other marine life. You can also explore their hidden coves and lagoons by kayak, or have a healthy trek through a lush rainforest or explore the naturally made limestone caves. Other than that you can also immerse yourself in the rich and cultural heritage of the local people by visiting their traditional villages, learn about their way of life, and witness their traditional dances, music and festivals.

Here are some of the islands that are worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. Each of them has their own unique traits and different feels on every part of the island. From having the natural beauty from the crystal-clear ocean, a lush rainforest, an ocean full of coral reefs, a place that is perfect for specific activities such as snorkeling, diving or surfing. On each island you could also feel the difference between the culture and traditions of the locals. If you happen to plan on visiting one of the islands above, Traveloka are ready here to help you in booking the flights, hotel or even any of the attractions located on your designation island. Offering the best price, Traveloka will always be at your service.