Planning on a beach vacation to enjoy pristine white sandy beaches with blue waters gently rushing up the shores? Probably the destinations that come to mind are places like Hawaii, the Maldives, Seychelles or the Caribbean. But, think again. There are many blue sky beaches too nearer to home, and probably well within your budget.
Right in Asia, there is Hainan Island of China which some call “the Hawaii of the Eastern world”. Hainan is well known for its 300km long national road connecting a few main cities, filled with its best beach resorts and tourist activities. Yalong Bay in Sanya is one of the most recommended along the stretch with its fine white sand and crystal-clear ocean. The dry season (spring and winter) is warm and windy. The best time to visit Hainan is from December to March (late spring and early summer) when the weather is mild and agreeable.
Boracay, an offshore island of the Philippines, offers plenty to do, including sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and diving. Nightlife lovers will be happy to note that many bars and restaurants serve food, bever- age and entertainment till the early hours of dawn. White Beach is Boracay’s most popular beach, but do note that it can be very crowded and busy due to its popularity. For quieter but also beautiful beaches, try the Yapak Beach or Diniwid Beach. The recommended time to visit Boracay is from November to May.
The island of Bali, Indonesia offers many great beaches and amongst them, Nusa Dua Beach, Blue Point Beach and Geger Beach come highly recommended for their beauty and ambience. Bali’s beaches are best visited in the dry season between April to October. Beginner freedivers might also want to check out the Gili islands near Bali, which are nestled in clear and not so deep waters (an average of 40m), perfect for amateurs. Or you may go east of Bali to Lombok Island where you can explore its southern coastline with breathtaking turquoise bays and world-class surf breaks. Gunung Rinjani dominates the island’s northern area and many tourists would be trekking at least part of the way up.There is the resort of Senggigi on the west coast and south-coast Kuta, a popular surfing centre, also offers a range of tourist facilities.
The Western region of Phuket Island, Thailand, is world-famous for its wide variety of beaches and party hot spots, with the Kata Noi Beach being cited as one of the best. Nevertheless, the sheer amount of tourists in the region can be a turn—off, and you might want to check out Southeastern Phuket for some less mainstream but quality beaches. Nai Harn Beach in Rawai is a favourite among visitors. November to March is the best period to visit, given average high temperatures and little rain.
Ngapali Beach in Ngapali, Myanmar certainly deserves mention for being rated as the top Asian beach in TripAdvisor 2016. Myanmar may not be associated with a relaxing, waterfront destination, but Ngapali Beach is said to be in another world, with a peaceful, gentle and easy-going atmo- sphere, lots of fresh seafood and nice restaurants. Another highlight is the fact that it currently has few visitors compared to other famous beaches, but this might soon change given its new title, so visit it soon before it gets swarmed! November to February is the best period to visit.
Tips:
– Don’t leave your belongings unattended
– Use sunblock, stay hydrated
– Bring your own beach towels
– Quality of beach may deteriorate in rainy, wet, monsoon seasons. Some may even be closed in these seasons.
– Be wary of tourist traps
– Be on the lookout for potential crime
– Sign up for water sports courses or rent equipment from reputable vendors
– This article first appeared in a lifestyle magazine.
