Thailand’s Best Hidden Beaches in the Trang Archipelago
Often overlooked, Trang province located just to the south of Krabi, is home to some of the best beaches and islands that Thailand has to offer. Palm-fringed white sands with considerably fewer crowds await guests at the tranquil Koh Mook, relaxing Koh Kradang, and the unique Emerald Cave during exciting boat trips.
Located on the western coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, the pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters of Koh Mook are rich in marine life visible from both sides of the island. The island is still an insiders’ tip; with almost no tourism on the island, Koh Mook is a quiet, dream destination to get away from it all.
In recent years Koh Kradang has become the most popular of the Trang beaches. With sands the colour of Carrara marble and azure waters, it’s easy to see why. Cashew trees lend their distinctive fragrance to the air, and at low tide, the ripples of the Andaman Sea recede to reveal wide sandbars so bathers can stroll far out into the sea.
The Emerald Cave – also known as Morakot Cave – is hidden away amongst a series of rocky cliffs and caves, opening up to one of Trang’s most magical beaches. Part of the Had Chao Mai National Park, the cave used to be a hideaway for pirates and their loot centuries ago.
For more information on our Island Hopping Packages to unseen islands, including our Island Hopping – Andaman Coast 7D/6N programme, visit the Agent Hub.
Indonesia’s Hidden Paradise of Pulau Rote
Pulau Rote, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is the biggest island within the Rote Ndao regency. Resembling a slender limestone jewel this hidden paradise offers visitors powdery white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, epic surf spots, and universally friendly locals.
A short 30-minute flight will bring you from Kupang, the capital city of East Nusa Tenggara, to the peaceful island of Rote. After meeting with an English-speaking guide, transfer to Nemberala – one of the island’s many world-renowned surf breaks. Relax and rejuvenate with daily yoga and pilates classes; learn how to surf the waves of Pulau Rote during a private surf lesson; island-hop to Rote Ndao Island and enjoy the snorkeling and fishing opportunities of this remote island paradise; kayak through the dense mangroves and witness some of the island’s local flora and fauna; or simply enjoy the white sand and turquoise waters just a few metres from your doorstep.
For more information on our Pulau Rote – Indonesia’s Hidden Paradise 6D/5N programme, visit the Agent Hub.
Singapore’s Pulau Ubin
The most popular offshore island in Singapore after Sentosa, Pulau Ubin, is a small island brimming with a rich history. In direct translation, Pulau Ubin is Malay for ‘Granite Island’, attributed to the granite quarries that used to be in operation back in the day. This rustic slice of Singapore is what’s left to remind mainland residents of its origins 50 years back.
Easily accessible with a bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, Palau Ubin’s Chek Jawa Wetlands is one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems and is teeming with wildlife. Explore this trove of biodiversity by bicycle and catch glimpses of hornbills and wild boars. For the more seasoned cyclists, Ketam Mountain Bike Park, Free Ride Skills Park, and Dirt Skills Park are open areas for you to test those wheels. Overnight stays are also available on the island. Book a room at the Celestial Resort or bring a tent to sleep in with a permit from the Pulau Ubin Police Post.
For more information on our Pulau Ubin Sightseeing – Half Day programme, visit the Agent Hub.
Hong Kong’s Laid-back Lamma Island
Lamma Island is the third largest of Hong Kong’s 260-plus outlying islands. With an effortless and laid-back charm that encourages tourists to visit and locals to stay, it’s become well-known as a place for the free-spirited.
Lush green landscapes, curvy hills, and sunny bays are merely the surface of Lamma Island. Fishing activities – which have taken place for millennia on the in the village of Sok Kwu Wan – and superb hiking trails beings its main attractions today. Private tours to Lamma Island are now available with Destination Asia Hong Kong to explore the island’s 6,000-year fishing history on an away-from-it-all guided hike.
Arriving in Yung Shue Wan, stroll down the narrow streets of tightly packed local shops, absorbing the relaxed atmosphere. The guided walk leads through near-abandoned villages with banana plantations and beautiful old Feng Shui woods as it meanders along a paved coastal path on this peaceful, traffic-free island. Along the journey, climb a hillside for that picture-perfect majestic view over the shipping lanes of the South China Sea, neighbouring islands Cheung Chau and Lantau, and the un-spoilt south. Nearing the end of the hike, pass World War II Kamikaze tunnels before reaching the bustling village of Sok Kwu Wan.
The southern end of Lamma is also a recognized breeding site for the endangered green sea turtle, which comes to shore between June and October to lay eggs – during which the beach is closed to the public.
For more information on our private Lamma Island Hiking Tour – Full Day programme, visit the Agent Hub.
Sumba: Indonesia’s Island of Contrasts
Discover the distinctive culture and rugged natural beauty of Indonesia’s most diverse island. Tucked away in Indonesia’s southeast region, Sumba, formerly known as the Sandalwood Island, is best-known for horses, Sumba cloth, and, of course, its pristine scenery. With its undulating savannah and low limestone hills growing maize and rice, it’s unlike Indonesia’s popular northern volcanic islands.
Sumba’s intriguing tribal culture and history still remains unbeknown to many, as Sandalwood was the only known cure for many diseases until penicillin was invented. Many parts of the island are still widely untouched by modern lifestyle, providing visitors a vivid glimpse into ancient history.
The island itself has a small population and a dry tropical climate. In total Sumba has more hours of sunshine than any other place in Indonesia.
For more information on our Sumba, Island of Contrasts 6D/5N programme, visit the Agent Hub.