With countless of beautiful white sand beaches, a healthy marine life and beach-friendly weather, Southeast Asia has been dubbed a tropical paradise by many tourists. If you are a first-time visitor to this part of the world, you might even get overwhelmed by the number of choices you have! So, to help you out, here is an overview of some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia.

Sipadan Beach Island (Malaysia)

Sipadan Island is a world-renowned destination to divers being one of the best dive spots in the world. It boasts of clear waters and a rich marine life that divers cannot resist. However, to preserve marine life, the local government closed down all accommodations in the island in 2004. Visitors can find a place to stay in Mabul Island, which is a just a few minutes away.

To make sure that you will get the best dive experience when you go here, try to avoid the rainy season – which is around December to February. The best diving months are July and August where waters are calm.

El Nido (Palawan Philippines)

White sand beaches, blue waters, and a luxury stay – this is what a summer vacation is all about. El Nido Palawan is a favorite destination of locals and tourists alike. It has fine white sand beaches and coves that are perfect for sunbathing and picnics. Further inside some islands, visitors will also find ancient caves with dripstone formations. Other islands, on the other hand, boasts of stretches of limestone walls with lagoons inside.

Since Palawan does not usually experience heavy rains, it is okay to go here any time of the year. But, if you want really calm waters and slim chances of rain, it is best to go here from February to May. Take note, however, that the height of the summer months in the Philippines is in April. Expect large numbers of people going to the beach during this time.

Perhentian Islands (Malaysia)

The Perhentian Islands comprise of Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil – both of which are famous for powdery white sand beaches and blue waters. These islands are known as some of the best in the world and a paradise for snorkeling and diving. Most of the accommodations are budget-friendly and are located in the larger Pulau Perhentian Besar.

The best time to visit the Perhentian Islands is between March to October.

White Beach (Boracay, Philippines)

Boracay is a famous summer destination of sun-lovers and party-goers. It is also a tropical paradise for those seeking a luxurious vacation with many high-end resorts and spas lining the shores.

Visitors should take note, however, that Boracay is always packed during the Holy Week (the week before Easter Sunday). Hotels will probably be fully booked during this time and if you do find accommodation, the rates may be higher than usual.

Padang Padang Beach (Bali Indonesia)

Bali is an Indonesia island that is a favorite destination of tourists looking for a relaxing vacation. Padang Padang Beach is located south of the island in the Bukit Peninsula. It is a famous surfing spot, but is also a favorite destination of visitors who just want to swim or relax on the beach since its waters are more calm than in Kuta and Seminyak.

There is a slight chance of rain in Bali all-year round. The high season is July and August, where tourists should expect a huge crowd coming into this island. Bali is also busy during the holiday season, which is December and January. If you want to avoid the crowd, then the perfect time to go is around June and late September.

Lang Co Beach (Vietnam)

Lang Co Beach is located between Da Nang and Hue. It is known for its peninsula stretch of palm-shaded sand and its turquoise-colored lagoon, as well as the very long beach facing the Pacific Ocean on the other side.

The best time to schedule a vacation here is from March to September when the weather is warm and the waters are calm.

Panglao Beach (Bohol Philippines)

Bohol is another favorite destination of locals and gaining popularity in foreigners. It is a small island that houses the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier. Visitors can tour the island in one day and spend the rest of their stay in the beautiful white sand beaches of Panglao. Otherwise, vacationers can also try island hopping, diving, snorkeling, and dolphin watching.

If you want to see the majestic Chocolate Hills, the best time to go to Bohol is from January to April. If you are after a good deal of beach time, avoid November and December (since many tourists go here during this time) as well as May, which is when the locals celebrate the Tagbilaran Fiesta. Expect many people coming in during this time.

Matira Beach (Bora Bora)

Bora Bora is an island part of the Leeward Group of the Society of French Polynesia. It is a famous destination for its luxury resorts and beautiful marine life. Matira Beach is located in the southern tip of Bora Bora Island. The white sand gently slopes into the lagoon, making its waters warm and shallow with a flat and coral-free surface. During low tide, visitors can wade around Matira Point out to the Barrier Reef.

The perfect time to go to Bora Bora is between April and May when the summer heat has lowered and the humidity is not too intense. Since this is low season, you will enjoy the resorts for yourself.

Juara Beach (Tioman Island, Malaysia)

Tioman Island belongs to the state of Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. It boasts of a beautiful shoreline and a tropical bliss to those seeking the warmth of the sun. It also has crystal clear waters with a rich underwater life.

Juara Beach is a quite location in Tioman Island that has three rivers coming from the mountains, which then deliver fresh water to the beach. If you want to go swimming, you can go to the Southern part of the beach where it is quieter and where the sand is finer. The Northern part of the beach, on the other hand, is a turtle hatchery.

The monsoon season is from November to March. Avoid booking during this time since the rains are heavy and resorts are usually closed.

Koh Tao (Koh Samui, Thailand)

Koh Samui is located in the Surat Thani Province. If you are looking for a beach where you can get away and relax, Koh Tao is one of the best places to head to. Koh Tao is located north of Koh Samui. It boasts of tranquil beaches where visitors can relax and rejuvenate as well as colorful coral beds that are perfect for diving enthusiasts.

There are only two seasons in Koh Samui: sunny and rainy. The best time to visit the island is during the dry season, which is from December to June.

Do you have a favourite beach in South East Asia? We’d love to hear from you..