Away from the hustle and bustle, looking for a piece of tranquility has always been my travel dream.
This year, I finally had the opportunity to embark on a journey to explore some of Asia's lesser-known island paradises.
The turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, lush coconut groves, and simple folk customs all make me linger.
Now, let me take you on an unforgettable island trip.
Semporna, Malaysia: Underwater Dream World
Semporna, located on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, is a maritime paradise of many small islands.
The water is crystal clear and the visibility is excellent, making it one of the world's top diving destinations.
Put on your goggles and dive to the bottom of the ocean as you are amazed by the colorful coral reefs and the wide variety of marine life in front of you.
A variety of fish swim around you, as if you are in a huge aquarium.
In addition to diving, you can also choose to snorkel, island hop and experience traditional Bajau culture.
In the evening, sitting on the beach and watching the sun set and dyeing the sky golden red, it is extremely romantic.
When you come to Semporna, the transportation is also very convenient.
You can take a flight from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu to Tawau Airport and then transfer to a car or boat to Semporna.
There are also plenty of accommodation options on the island, ranging from affordable homestays to luxurious and comfortable resorts.
Of course, when coming to Semporna, a seafood feast is a must.
Fresh seafood, combined with local cooking techniques, is sure to delight your palate.
Komodo Island, Indonesia: Dancing with Dragons
Komodo Island, located in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, is part of Komodo National Park.
The most famous inhabitants of this area are none other than the Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard on Earth.
Seeing these ancient and mysterious creatures up close is an unforgettable experience.
In addition to the Komodo dragons, the island's natural beauty is just as fascinating.
Pink sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and dense jungles make for a beautiful picture.
To get to Komodo, take a flight from Bali or Jakarta to Labuan Bajo and then take a boat.
There are relatively few accommodation options on the island, and it is advisable to book in advance.
In Komodo Island, in addition to watching Komodo dragons and enjoying the natural scenery, you can also choose from diving, snorkeling, hiking and other activities.
Apo Island, Philippines: A paradise for sea turtles
Apo Island, located near Dumaguete in the Philippines, is a small volcanic island.
It is known for its abundant marine life, especially sea turtles.
Snorkeling at Apo Island, you can almost guarantee a turtle encounter.
They leisurely swim through the coral reefs, passing you by as if welcoming you.
In addition to turtles, you can also see a wide variety of fish, corals, starfish, and other marine life.
It is very easy to get to Apo Island from Dumaguete, just by taking a crab boat.
There are some simple accommodation facilities on the island that cater to basic accommodation needs.
At Apo Island, you can enjoy the sun, sand and water, dance with sea turtles and feel the charm of nature.
Palau, Pacific Ocean: God's Aquarium
Palau, located in the western Pacific Ocean, is an island nation of hundreds of islands.
Known as the "Aquarium of God", it is home to some of the richest marine biodiversity in the world.
Dive to the bottom of Palau's ocean floor and you'll be blown away by what you see.
Colorful corals, a wide variety of fish, graceful sea turtles, and even mysterious sharks will dazzle you.
In addition to diving, you can also choose from activities such as kayaking, boating, and visiting World War II sites.
To get to Palau, you can take a direct flight from Manila, Seoul, Tokyo, and other places.
Palau also has plenty of accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts.
Palau's cuisine is also worth trying, with fresh seafood and local specialties that will definitely leave you coming back for more.
Rayang Rayang Island, Malaysia: A paradise for birds
Rayang Rayang Island, located in Sabah, Malaysia, is an atoll formed by coral reefs.
It is an important seabird habitat, with thousands of seabirds coming here every year to breed.
You can spot a wide variety of seabirds here, such as red-footed boobies, white-bellied frigates, black-naped terns, and more.
In addition to bird watching, you can also choose from diving, snorkeling, fishing and other activities.
To get to Rayang Rayang Island, you need to take a flight from Kota Kinabalu.
There is only one resort on the island that offers accommodation and dining.
Layang Layang Island is an island paradise away from the hustle and bustle where you can indulge in tranquility and nature.
Each of these five islands has its own unique characteristics, but all have stunning natural scenery and abundant marine life.
They are like pearls scattered across Asia, waiting for you to discover their beauty.
I hope my sharing can give you some travel inspiration, so that you can also find your own piece of island paradise.