The prestigious UK-based travel magazine Time Out has curated a list of the seven most stunning islands in Asia, offering a definitive guide for travelers seeking paradise. In a significant honor for Vietnam's tourism industry, one of its islands has proudly secured a spot in the top three.
1. Borneo (Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei)
Crowned the number one island in Asia, the vast and majestic island of Borneo—shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei—is a haven for endless tropical adventures. According to the magazine, every corner of Borneo is worth a visit, from its ancient, sprawling rainforests to its pristine beaches and vibrant underwater worlds.
The island is an especially thrilling destination for wildlife enthusiasts. A journey along the Kinabatangan River in the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah offers an almost certain chance to witness endangered species in their natural habitat, including the iconic orangutan, the rare Bornean elephant, and the distinctive proboscis monkey.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Securing the second spot is the world-famous island of Bali. As Indonesia's most visited island, Bali continues to captivate travelers with its majestic nature, deeply-rooted cultural heritage, and fantastic surfing experiences. Visitors can explore breathtaking waterfalls and iconic terraced rice fields, embark on a dolphin-watching excursion at sunrise, or catch the perfect wave along its celebrated coastlines.
3. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Vietnam's own "pearl island," Phu Quoc, was ranked third. Time Out praises it as one of Vietnam's most magnificent islands, famed for its "pristine white-sand beaches dotted with lush coconut palms and warm, turquoise waters."
For those who can tear themselves away from the idyllic beaches, the island offers numerous hiking trails leading to spectacular viewpoints. Phu Quoc is also home to exciting entertainment complexes like Aquatopia Water Park and VinWonders Phu Quoc. A particularly impressive experience highlighted by the magazine is the cable car ride in Sunset Town, which holds the world record as the longest sea-crossing cable car.
Rounding Out the List
The rest of the coveted list includes:
4th Place: Baa Atoll, Maldives
5th Place: Palawan, Philippines
6th Place: Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
7th Place: Koh Rong, Cambodia
On Cambodia's second-largest island, Koh Rong, travelers can find a truly magical experience: swimming with bioluminescent plankton off the coast of Long Set Beach. As the plankton react to your movement by glowing with a dreamy blue light, it creates the surreal sensation of swimming among the stars. The island also offers a wealth of exciting daytime activities for visitors to enjoy.
