Best Beaches in Southeast Asia

TravelCambodiaThailandIndonesiaLombokBaliPhilippinesMalaysiaSingapore
Written By Tania

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With so much of Southeast Asia being made up of islands and coastlines, it’s home to some of the most iconic beaches. From the white sands of Thailand to the snorkelling spots of Indonesia.

Choosing where to go in such a vast area can be challenging. To help you, we’ve gathered advice from real people who have been out there, splashing around and laying on sunbeds to tell you about the best beaches across Southeast Asia. Whether you’re looking for a short stopover or a two-weeks of sun, there is a beach in Southeast Asia that is perfect for you.

Sanur Beach, Bali in Indonesia

Sanur Beach, on the east coast of Bali, may not be as well-known as Kuta Beach or as popular as Canggu. But what Sanur Beach does well is provide an amazing sandy shallow beach that is ideal for families who want a safe place to swim and play.

The beach has views of Nusa Penida in the distance and is popular with tourists for its sunrises across the water, rivalling those found elsewhere in Asia.

You can stay right on the beach at Sanur with only a walking path separating excellent 5-star hotels like Andaz Bali and Maya Sanur Resort and Spa from the beach.

Sanur’s calm waters are perfect for water sports like kite surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, and more. 

One of the more popular things to do is wander along the six km-long Sanur Beach Path. You can also do some shopping, eat, and drink at many great spots.

Sanur Beach is an excellent place to include in your Balinese itinerary.

Insights from Mark Wyld from Things to Do in Sanur

Turtle Beach, Perhentian Islands in Malaysia

Turtle Beach on Perhentian Besar is, without a doubt, one of the most secluded and beautiful beaches I’ve ever visited — not just in Malaysia, but anywhere in Southeast Asia. There are no beach bars, no vendors, and definitely no crowds. Just soft white sand, thick jungle behind you, and crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Turtle Beach has remained wonderfully untouched since it can only be reached by boat. I first stumbled upon it during a group snorkelling tour and immediately knew I wanted more time there. The following day, I booked a private boat; honestly, it was the best decision I made that trip.

I had the beach almost entirely to myself and spent hours snorkelling, swimming, and soaking up the peace and quiet. The reef starts close to shore, so you don’t need to go far to see marine life. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, you’ll likely spot clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and even a small reef shark (totally harmless, I promise!).

Turtle Beach is also a nesting site for green sea turtles from June to August. If you visit early in the morning during nesting season, there’s a chance you’ll witness a turtle coming ashore to lay her eggs. I wasn’t lucky enough to see it, but it gives me another reason to return.

There are no facilities on Turtle Beach — no toilets, food stalls, or shops — so make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, and your snorkel gear. There’s some shade under the trees, but not much.

If you’re heading to the Perhentian Islands and love quiet beaches and great snorkelling, make sure Turtle Beach is on your list. It’s a peaceful escape from the crowds and one of the most exceptional beaches in Southeast Asia.

Insights shared by Vega Maria from Her Asian Adventures

Selong Belanak, Lombok in Indonesia

You’ve got to make some effort to get to Selong Belanak. Indonesia is a sprawling country, and Lombok’s international airport doesn’t have great connections. Finally, Selong Belanak is away from the large tourist resorts in the north of the island. 

But when you get here? Paradise.

The bay curls in a semicircle. Gentle waves lap the shore. Local warungs serving coconuts and nasi goreng line a section of sand. Sun loungers with umbrellas offer protection from an often cloudless sky. Local Indonesians smile and offer surf lessons.

We stay in a nearby fishing village, and Selong Belanak is our go-to spot for a relaxing day on the beach. 

If you arrive with your own scooter or car, you will need to pay for parking. This is a minimal charge that supports the local community. 

If you want more upmarket food, head down to Laut Biru. But the local food served in the warungs is fresh and delicious. Most will serve local beer as well as fresh coconuts. We usually hire sun loungers for the day for a small charge and then have our meals served to us on the beach.

Insights shared by Tania from Slower Travels

Komodo Islands in Indonesia

The Komodo Islands are true hidden gems to explore when travelling to Indonesia. Once you’ve seen Bali, head to the Komodo Islands for the crystal-clear waters, pink beaches and swimming with manta rays and sea turtles.

Multiple flights depart daily from Jakarta and Bali to Labuan Bajo, Flores, to reach the Komodo Islands. The flight time is less than 50 minutes from Bali and around 3 hours from Jakarta.

The Komodo Islands can be visited all year round. During the rainy season (December – April), you will see green, lush landscapes, and during the dry season, the visibility for scuba diving and snorkelling activities is the best.

To explore the Komodo Islands, I recommend you book a three day/two night sailing boat where the trip will stop at several stops during these three days, such as the white sand banks at the middle of the sea, the famous pink beaches, Komodo Island for spotting the Komodo Dragons (which only exist on Komodo Island), Padar Island for a short hike at either sunrise or sunset, swimming with manta rays, and snorkelling stops to see coral and sea turtles.

I did my sailing trip with Travass Life. The trip included three meals a day and snacks. There were a few rooms with private en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. You can book either a shared room with others or a private room.

It is worth visiting the Komodo Islands and going on a sailing tour. Access to these beaches is limited to these tours, and seeing the aquatic biodiversity during snorkelling and the Komodo Dragons on shore are must-do activities that can only be done there!

Insights shared by Ruba from Travel with Ruba

 
 

Bon Bon Beach, Roblon Island in the Philipppines

With over 7,000 islands to choose from, the Philippines is not short of beautiful beaches. My favourite place when I spent a few weeks travelling was Bon Bon Beach on Romblon Island.

If you like visiting places off the beaten path, you should visit Romblon Island. Bon Bon Beach was the highlight of a few action-packed days there. It’s considered by some to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. The white sandbar beach is as dreamy as it can get, and the only thing missing is the crowds!

Walking the sandbar between Bon Bon Beach and the nearby Bandug Island is possible during low tide. The clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and swimming. If you’re lucky, you may even swim with sea turtles as I did!

Romblon Island is pretty laid-back, so I recommend you go for at least a few days. I stayed at the Reggae Vibes de Romblon guesthouse and loved waking up and walking just a few metres for a refreshing swim. 

In Romblon Island, you can also go hiking, visit waterfalls, and shop for souvenirs made of the marble the island is famous for.

Insights shared by Juan from Planet of Adventures 

Railay Beach in Thailand

Railay Beach is located in Krabi Province, Thailand, and is considered one of the most stunning beaches in the area. While it’s not technically an island, it’s cut off from the mainland by high limestone cliffs, so the only way to get there is by longtail boat.

We stayed in Krabi town and took a short taxi ride to the local pier (Krabi Pier). From there, we boarded a longtail boat to Railay. The ride was quick and scenic, but check the boat schedule in advance, especially during the rainy season.

Railay is a calm and peaceful area—there are no motor vehicles at all, only walking. The area offers a range of accommodation options—from simple guesthouses to upscale resorts. Most places to stay are along Railay East, providing easy access to the whole area on foot.

One of the highlights of our trip was a private longtail boat tour we arranged directly in Railay. Instead of joining a group tour, we spoke with a local boat owner who helped us create a custom itinerary. For two hours, we cruised to nearby islands like Chicken Island, snorkelled in the crystal-clear waters, and visited a floating fish farm. It was a more personal, relaxed, and affordable experience than the standard group tours—definitely worth it.

Insights shared by Nofar Ronen at Travelling Outside the Box

Gili Trawangan, Lombok in Indonesia

Imagine an island so small you can cycle around in an hour or so. Leisurely cycling is the primary mode of transport on this sleepy island - motorised vehicles aren’t allowed here.

But you probably wouldn’t cycle the whole thing at once because you’ll stop constantly to take in the view. Mount Agung in Bali is the sunset backdrop. Gili Meno, even smaller than where you are staying, is just to the east. Mount Rinjani on Lombok looms behind Meno.

Gili Trawangan might be known as a party island, but the beaches bring all the revellers here. Lining the beach around almost the whole island are delightful restaurants and bars where you can get breakfast, a cocktail, or a lounger for the day.

And there is so much to do on this tiny island! The number one activity is snorkelling. You can book a tour to snorkel the nearby islands or simply hire gear on the beach. Turtle Point in the northeast of the island is your best bet for spotting wildlife, but you can swim and snorkel almost everywhere on the island. 

Gili T, as it’s known, has a reputation as a party island. The area by the port is busy, as is the sunset side. For a peaceful stay without compromising on location, book Pink Coco. It’s a gorgeous oceanfront hotel with the perfect sunset set-up. It’s also Adults Only.

Pantai Cenang, Langkawi in Malaysia

Pantai Cenang on Malaysia’s Langkawi Island is a tropical haven of powdery white sands and sparkling blue seas. It’s a popular place for Malaysian tourists, and while it's far from deserted, you can still find quiet spots. There’s plenty to do, with a few restaurants lining the shore and watersports like parasailing and jet skis on offer.

Pantai Cenang has one of Asia’s most spectacular sunsets. For delicious Western food, head to Tapaz Restaurant further down the coastline—think feta salads, chilled beers, and laid-back Mediterranean vibes as the sun dips below the horizon.

If you fancy a day away from the beach, head inland for a mangrove boat tour at Kilim Geoforest Park, a UNESCO-listed geopark where you’ll cruise through Langkawi’s mysterious jungle.

Stay in central Pantai Cenang unless you plan to rent a scooter or a car, as there is limited public transport (although it’s easy to get a Grab, the Uber of Asia). While swimwear is acceptable on the beach, covering up in shops or restaurants is respectful.

Langkawi Airport makes the island easy to reach if you’re coming from other Malaysian destinations such as Kuala Lumpur or the fascinating medley of cultures that is George Town on Penang.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when you’ll have the best chance of sunny days and lower humidity.

Insights shared by Em from Em’s Globe-Trotting Gems

Ao Mano Beach, Prachuap Kiri Khan in Thailand

Ao Mano Beach wins the award for the most unusual beach I’ve ever visited. This glorious and peaceful stretch of golden sand is surrounded by pine trees - and a Thai military base.

Near the quiet town of Prachuap Kiri Khan, Ao Mano Beach has everything you need: toilets, quiet beachside restaurants and deckchairs for rent.

All of this is on a military base! Rent a bicycle from your guest house and cycle for about 15 minutes through a military checkpoint, and even across a military airstrip. Don’t worry though, if a plane is landing, they’ll let you know!

If you need a break from the tropical waves, cycle to another part of the base to see adorable, friendly monkeys. Unlike the macaques in Bali or at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, these Dusky Leaf monkeys won’t attack you!

Prachuap Kiri Khan is a sweet seafront town. Stay at the lovely Jungle Cafe and Guesthouse and get delicious pad thai at Pad Thai Hua Ban. It’s easily visited from Bangkok via a 5-hour train or minivan.

Insights shared by Em from Em’s Globe-Trotting Gems

Long Beach, Koh Rong in Cambodia

Look no further than Long Beach on Koh Rong, Cambodia, for a beautiful beach in Southeast Asia that will blow you away. Whether following a Cambodian itinerary or adventuring all around Southeast Asia, Long Beach is a stop worth making. With its beautiful white sand beaches, gorgeous blue water that stays relatively warm, and slow relaxing island vibes, time spent here is time well spent.  

If you're looking for activities to do while enjoying your beach visit, Long Beach has plenty of those as well. Many hotels and vendors along the beach offer bookings for sunset sailings, snorkelling, fishing, scuba diving, boat tours, BBQs on the water, and more!

You'll also be happy to know that there's a wide range of places to stay in Long Beach, from gorgeous resorts to backpacker hostels. That means there's a perfect place for travellers with any budget and comfort preference.

Long Beach is easily accessible by ferry from the pier in Sihanoukville. Tickets can be purchased at the dock, and the trip takes about 45 minutes.  

Enjoy your time at beautiful Long Beach!

Insights shared by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan in Thailand

With white powdery sand enclosed by coastal rocks and fringed by picture-perfect tropical palm trees, Bottle Beach is one of Thailand's best beaches.

However, what really makes this crescent bay stand out is the secluded vibe it evokes due to its remote location on the north coast of Koh Phangan.

Due to its remote location, Bottle Beach is only accessible by 4x4, boat, or a two-hour jungle hike. This makes it the perfect reward for adventurous travellers who make the effort to get there while also helping to keep the crowds away. 

If you are spending the day here, I recommend packing snacks and enough water, as there aren’t any 7-11 markets to refuel. However, there are a couple of reasonably priced beachfront restaurants where you can eat lunch or grab a Chang beer.

The bay is north-facing, and palm trees line the shore, creating the perfect amount of shade for a beach day, which other beaches on the island lack.

Alternatively, you can spend the night in one of the beachfront wooden cabanas and wake up listening to the waves and enjoy the beach before the day-trippers arrive.

Bottle Beach has some of the best conditions on Koh Phangan for swimming. Most beaches are shallow bays, whereas the sandy floor here descends quickly. There are also great snorkelling areas around the rocks on the bay's western side.

If you seek serenity on this party island, this is the beach to escape to!

Insights shared by Lucy from Type 1 Travelling

Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe in Thailand

If you’re dreaming of soft white sand, turquoise waters so clear you can see fish, and a peaceful island vibe, Sunrise Beach on Koh Lipe is your go-to.

Tucked along the eastern edge of this tiny Thai island, Sunrise Beach lives up to its name, especially if you visit between November and April, when the skies are clear and calm. We watched the sky light up in shades of pink, orange, and gold as the sun rose over the glassy water. It was easily one of our favourite memories from our time in Thailand.

We stayed four nights at Castaway Resort right on Sunrise Beach and highly recommend it. The beach itself is long, clean, and rarely crowded. The calm, shallow water is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, and the snorkelling just off the shore is incredible.

It’s also a popular pick-up point for island-hopping and snorkelling tours. We took a day trip to Koh Adang, and it was a highlight!

Expect relaxed beach bars and chilled-out cafes lining the shore. Whether you’re sipping a coconut under a palm tree or winding down with a sunset cocktail (yes, even on Sunrise Beach!), this beach ticks all the boxes.

If you want to read more about Sunrise Beach and this amazing island, check out our Koh Lipe travel guide for the best things to do and how to make the most of your island time.

Insights shared by Aiden & Maddy from Aiden and Maddy

Siloso Beach, Sentosa Island in Singapore

Love it or hate it, Siloso Beach in Sentosa, Singapore, is one of Southeast Asia’s famous beaches. If you’re wondering why anyone would hate a beach, the most common complaint is that it’s artificial, as much of it was created by land reclamation.

However, no one can deny that Siloso Beach is very clean, safe, full of life, and a great place for volleyball, kayaking, paddle boarding, or just hanging out with friends! As a frequent solo female traveller, safety is one of my top concerns. Note that there may be jellyfish in the water though!

Sentosa has a tropical climate, so visiting all year round is good. The only caveat would be during the monsoon season, such as December to March, when it rains a lot. But it rains 171 days out of the year in Singapore anyway! Moreover, there are other things to do on Sentosa besides the beach, such as the S.E.A. aquarium or having afternoon tea in one of the hotels.

You can easily spend one to two days in Sentosa - many locals go there for staycations. Check out this guide to luxury beach resorts you can stay at in Sentosa.

Alternatively, you could make it a day trip from Singapore. It’s easy to get to Siloso Beach from Singapore: take a reasonably priced taxi or take the MRT train to Harbourfront. This would involve changing to the Sentosa Express and taking a 2nd shuttle or walking for 10 minutes.

Insights shared by Zhen from A Love Letter to Asia

Thomas Beach, Bali in Indonesia

Thomas Beach is one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful and underrated beaches.  Unlike other more accessible beaches in Bali, Thomas Beach requires you to trek down a steep, 200-step coastal staircase to reach the sand. While the Bali sun makes the steep stairs more intense, don’t worry; the stairs are well-maintained.  And this extra effort makes Thomas Beach a true hidden gem in the middle of Uluwatu, Bali. 

Once you reach the beach, you will have a secluded stretch of white sand and turquoise waters largely to yourself. We got here between 9 and 10 a.m. and were alone on the beach with a few locals in charge of the sunbeds. 

You could easily spend half a day at Thomas Beach swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Sunbeds and surfboards are available to rent on-site, and surfing classes are available. This beach is a great spot for beginner surfers to learn the ropes.

I will caution that if you plan to swim, there are many underwater rocks, so bring some water shoes.

Here at Thomas Beach, you will feel a sense of raw Bali vibes that other spots in Uluwatu have lost. You won’t find the swanky day clubs or Bali café culture here. However, I think that is exactly the charm. If you get hungry, there are a few local warung options for a snack. I highly recommend Ari Homestay & Café for local Indonesian cuisine and a refreshment.

Insights shared by Rebecca Smith from That One Point of View

Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida in Indonesia

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, we highly recommend adding Nusa Penida to your itinerary. This smaller island is just a 30-minute boat ride from mainland Bali. It’s famous for its soaring cliffs and incredible beaches, none more iconic than Kelingking Beach.

You’ve probably already seen Kelingking Beach on your social media feed - it’s tucked under a massive cliff that famously resembles a T-Rex dinosaur in shape. It boasts golden sand and a stunning turquoise sea. Despite being super popular, we can honestly say the beach is not overrated. When you finally see it with your own eyes, you’ll understand why. The views from the top of the cliffs are nothing short of spectacular.

Traditionally, the only way to reach the beach was by following a narrow, very steep path carved along the cliffside - it’s a strenuous 40-minute hike that’s not for the faint of heart. However, this year the local government started a very controversial project: building a lift to the beach. So, soon, visitors might be able to skip the challenging hike entirely but the beach will be changed forever.

We recommend spending at least two nights on the island. One of the best areas to stay on Penida is Crystal Bay, which makes visiting Kelingking Beach super convenient - it’s located just 15 km away.

Insights shared by Mal of Where To Stay Bali

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