Introduction to Southeast Asia - The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget - page 8

Southeast Asia's
best beaches
Offshore islands, Sihanoukville (Cambodia)
The coastal waters off Sihanoukville (p.102)
are peppered with tropical islands lapped
by clear, balmy seas, many graced with
white-sand beaches. Offering stretches of
sand that are infinitely more peaceful than
those on the mainland, they're great places
to hole up in for a few days and drink in the
idyllic surroundings.
Kuta, Lombok (Indonesia) The main
development on Lombok's south coast, the
quiet fishing town of Kuta (p.298) is an excellent
base to kick back by the sea. The town's own
sweeping strand accommodates both
sun-worshippers and surfers, while the
surrounding beaches are some of the island's
most stunning: rent a bike and head west to
Are Goleng and Mawun or east to Seger and
Tanjung Aan.
Pulau Perhentian (Malaysia) Malaysia's
most beautiful beaches are found on the twin
islands of Pulau Perhentian - Perhentian Kecil
and Perhentian Besar (p.457) - where
crystal-clear waters lap against secluded,
white-sand strands. Offshore wreck dives and
snorkel sites offer opportunities for beginners
and pros alike.
El Nido (Philippines) Though El Nido's main
beach (p.663) is a little scruffy, the surroundings
are truly inspirational - this iridescent bay is the
jumping-off point for the enchantingly beautiful
Bacuit archipelago, 45 jungle-smothered
outcrops of limestone riddled with karst cliffs,
sinkholes and idyllic lagoons.
Ko Tao (Thailand) Ko Tao (Turtle Island), so
named because its outline resembles a turtle
nose-diving towards Ko Pha Ngan, is home to
a clutch of beautiful beaches (p.794). The
rugged shell of the turtle is crenellated with
secluded coves, while Hat Sai Ree, the turtle's
underbelly, is a long curve of classic beach
backed by palm trees.
Phu Quoc (Vietnam) Vietnam's largest
offshore island, Phu Quoc (p.911) rises from its
slender southern tip like a genie released from
a bottle. Virtually unknown by outsiders a
decade ago, it has now cast a spell on enough
visitors to challenge Nha Trang as Vietnam's top
beach destination.