I have been to many paradise islands around the world on 5 continents. In this article, I will share with you my choices of paradise islands and the beaches I really liked during my travels around the world.
Key points to remember
The top paradise islands to escape the crowds: Koh Lipe (Thailand), Phu Quoc (Vietnam), Gili Air (Indonesia), Apo Island (Philippines), Perhentian Islands (Malaysia). All under 100 km², all accessible by boat from the mainland.
Small paradise islands to visit
Paradise islands in Asia
Each of these islands has its advantages and disadvantages:
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Koh Phi Phi in Thailand, for partying and enjoying the sun:
Koh Phi Phi is one of the most touristy beaches in Thailand, you can go there during the day on an excursion from Krabi or Phuket but I recommend staying on the island to enjoy the nightlife.
Did you know?
Koh Lipe has only 600 permanent residents for an area of 3 km². Yet, the island receives 300,000 visitors each year during the high season (November-April). Off-season, it becomes almost deserted again.
Do like in the movie “The Beach”: one of the most beautiful places in Thailand is Maya Bay, which is one of the locations where the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed. Several types of excursions are generally possible for Maya Bay, you can go early in the morning to avoid the crowds or during the day by island hopping or even take a direct boat taxi.
Relax in the bay: the water depth is shallow, this is where the water is the warmest in Thailand in my opinion. You can stay in the water comfortably for several hours.
Party: on certain days of the week, there are pool parties (in Ibiza, 3 times a week), but every night there is a party on the beach.
On the agenda, fire shows, entertaining games and late at night, people dance on the beach. You can even fight a friend or a stranger at the Reggae bar and receive a free bucket of alcohol for the show.
| Island | Country | Ideal season |
|---|---|---|
| Koh Lipe | Thailand | Nov-April |
| Gili Air | Indonesia | May-October |
| Phu Quoc | Vietnam | November-April |
| Apo Island | Philippines | December-May |
| Perhentian Kecil | Malaysia | March-October |
The island’s atmosphere is youthful and very touristy, there is much less “Thai” authenticity and the service is mediocre due to its popularity.
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Coron in the Philippines, for diving and deserted beaches:
If I had to choose a paradise island, I would immediately tell you to visit Palawan Island. Coron is part of the Palawan archipelago in the Philippines.
The main activities are scuba diving in wrecks and island hopping.
Diving: Coron has many diving centers whether for taking courses or doing “fun dives”.
For the pros, you can use a underwater scooter to explore more quickly.
There are about twenty World War II shipwrecks.
The boats range from several tens to several hundred meters long, you can also discover diving or dive inside a ship, the sensation is guaranteed.
Island hopping: there are several possible excursions where the main activity is to enjoy the beaches and snorkel to see the corals and beautiful fish. These are all white sandy beaches with turquoise blue waters. Personally, I find that the beaches in Coron are among the most beautiful I have seen in Asia.
If you don’t dive, I recommend going more to El Nido but there are many more tourists and it is much livelier.
Dream island in the Caribbean
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My French choice, Martinique in the Caribbean.
If you are allergic to English and still want to enjoy the islands and the beach, I recommend going to Martinique “the island of flowers”. There are many regular flights at very affordable prices from mainland France. Like the other 2 islands I suggested, there are many activities.
Rent a car: to tour the island, this remains the activity I would prioritize most in Martinique, you can pick up your vehicle right after leaving the airport which you have previously reserved at very affordable prices. For example, you can head to the beaches in the north like Saint Anne or Anse Michel.
Go to Mount Pelée: for hiking for the more courageous or take a quiet walk in the botanical garden (Jardin de Balata).
My experience
My most beautiful paradise island remains Apo Island in the Philippines. No banks, no wifi, electricity limited to a few hours a day. The snorkeling is one of the best in the world: you swim with turtles 5 minutes after entering the water.
You can also go see waterfalls, the Didier waterfall or the Couleuvre waterfall which is the prettiest in my opinion.
Traveling to islands cheaply, some choices
I could have mentioned:
- the magnificent Ilha Grande island in Brazil,
One and a half hours from Rio, or a few hours from Sao Paulo, Ilha Grande is a little paradise at a low price, you can try the local açaí to enjoy.
- Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) in Mexico,
Off the coast of Cancun, this island is small and everything can be done on foot, the charm of this island is that it offers a women’s vacation spirit with fewer tourists than Playa del Carmen or Cancun.
- Caye Caulker in Belize with one of the largest coral reefs in the world,
An hour from Belize by boat, this destination is known for its proximity to the coral reef and also for its lobsters at a reduced price!
- Cuba in the Caribbean for the atmosphere and dancing,
You have to go there to really understand what life is like there! Cuba is so rich culturally.
- The Gili Islands in Indonesia,
It is one of the only places in Indonesia where cars or scooters are forbidden. You can visit the different islands, snorkel or party.
- Fraser Island (a sand island) in Australia,
The largest sand island in the world and one of the only places where the dingo still lives in the wild!
Advantages
- Beaches still little frequented
- Excellent snorkeling and diving
- Often low cost of living
- “End of the world” atmosphere
- Authentic, far from over-tourism
Weak points
- Often complicated access (boat + waiting time)
- Basic infrastructure
- Unpredictable weather during monsoon
- Limited Wi-Fi
- No medical care on site
- Malta island for the cultural side, and many others.
The history of Malta is very rich, and it is a perfect place if you want to learn English.
Paradise islands around the world
There are many places in the world that make you dream and many beaches are special, in this section I will talk to you about the best island beaches in the world.
Paradise island vacations in Oceania
I have often asked myself the question, where are the most beautiful beaches in the world, I will give you some of my favorite beaches!
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Whitehaven Beach in Australia (Queensland) on a paradise island
This beach is located in the Whitsunday Islands, you can go on a day trip or several days.
Personally, I lived on a catamaran for 3 days and 2 nights. Depending on the package you have, you visit several places in the coral reef and you have a stop on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Whitehaven Beach.
The classic trap to avoid
Always check the rainy season before booking a small island. A “paradise island” in July can become unlivable if it rains 5 hours a day. The same island in March will be idyllic. The season changes everything.
The unique feature of this beach is that it has a wavy shape, one might think of a snake. The sand on this beach is particularly white and the water is turquoise blue.
Unfortunately in the photo, the beach is very clearly visible 🙁
Trip to a paradisiacal island in Africa
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Camps Bay Beach in South Africa
This white sandy beach is located in the very pretty city of Cape Town in South Africa.
I chose this beach for several reasons, you can see the contrast between the mountains and the sea. You can see the 12 Apostles which is a mountain range overlooking the beach.
You can climb Table Mountain and/or Lion’s Head to see the beach from above for the sunset or during the day for example. The sunset over Camps Bay is also beautiful to watch.
Along the same lines, the article on a choice to leave provides useful insight. Our feedback on going to Costa also offers good leads, and the guide dedicated to the island of the nicely completes the picture.
You can see this beach from several perspectives, from bottom to top and lengthwise.
And you? What are your favorite paradisiacal island spots?
What is the most beautiful small paradisiacal island in Asia?
Very subjective. Koh Lipe, Phu Quoc, Gili Air, and Apo Island often appear in rankings.
How to get to a small paradisiacal island?
Flight to the nearest island, then speedboat (1-2h). Plan ahead as departures are limited.
What budget for a small island?
30 to 80€ per day depending on the country. The Philippines and Indonesia are the cheapest, Thailand goes up to 70-100€ for Koh Lipe.
