Top-secret Southeast Asian beach hideouts for the best family vacations
Southeast Asian beaches are universally recognized as some of the world’s best beaches to experience an unforgettable family holiday. The warm sun, gentle waves, and shady trees at these tropical beaches create the perfect backdrop for making lasting memories so if you are planning an upcoming family vacation, look no further. Let us guide you through a list of the best-kept secrets amongst all the Southeast Asian beaches. The unfiltered, raw beauty of these natural beaches is something you won’t find at the usual touristy beaches, so you can definitely get a unique, uncommercialized experience.
1. Menjangan Beach
Country: Bali
Bali is definitely one of the first countries that come to mind when you are thinking of a Southeast Asian beach holiday.
Due to its popularity amongst tourists, many of Bali’s gorgeous beaches are overcrowded and polluted — but not Menjangan Beach. This beach on the west of Bali may be a little off the road but once you get there, you will be rewarded for your journey. The pristine clear waters, sparkling white sand, and the myriad of animals roaming around such as deer and big lizards will definitely make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise. There are tons of family-friendly activities to try out together, from exciting ones like horseback riding to snorkeling, to simple yet enjoyable ones like cycling and trekking. Make the most of your time here by booking a stay in the Menjangan Resort just nearby. Tucked away in a quiet forest sanctuary, this is one resort that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The rooms here overlook a luscious green canopy and come equipped with beautiful nature-themed furniture in aesthetic earthy tones, setting the mood for a calming and relaxing retreat.
2. Rawa Island
Country: Malaysia
The best beach getaways are at offshore islands where you can completely immerse yourself in the beach vibes and forget about city life for a while.
Rawa Island is without a doubt one of the top picks for an island escape in the summer — the scenery here is stunning with its lush tropical greenery, powdery white sand, and warm azure waters.
It’s also not as crowded as other recreational beaches around Malaysia, making it a great place to hit the coast without worrying about overcrowded facilities. Apart from relaxing on the gorgeous beach, you can also try your hand at numerous sea sports activities here, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. For serious divers, you can even get yourself certified at the dive center here. The activities here don’t just cater to adventure junkies — there is also a top-notch spa facility here for those who prefer to indulge and relax under the hands of an expert massage therapist. To enjoy the full experience at Rawa Island, book a stay at the island’s luxurious resort where you can indulge in sumptuous buffet meals and relax in the elegant rooms after a long day at the beach.
3. Bohol
Country: Philippines
We have all heard of the magnificent Cebu and Palawan beaches in the Philippines, but not many people know about Bohol which is good news — you get to enjoy this untouched beach paradise without getting caught in the stressful hustle and bustle of a huge crowd.
Bohol boasts an impressive beach with clean, clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and soft sand that you can lie on for hours, but there’s more to this tropical paradise than its beaches. Nature and scenic lovers will definitely have the time of their lives exploring the stunning sights of the natural geographical formations around the beach. Some attractions worth checking out are the picturesque Chocolate Hills and the magnificent Hingdalaran Caves. The kids will definitely enjoy a trip to the Tarsier Sanctuary where they can marvel at the adorable Tarsiers, the smallest primates in the world. There are also opportunities for swimming with sharks, ziplining and even stand up paddleboarding — there is definitely no shortage of exciting activities for the entire family at Bohol!
4. Ngapoli
Country: Myanmar
Ngapoli boasts a perfect blend of village charm and modern luxury. Indulge in the timeless joy that comes in the simple act of cycling down the beautiful beachfront with your family members. Cool down with a fresh drink of coconuts while watching the waves and burying your toes in the soft, clean sand. If all you want is a peaceful environment to just bond with your family and relax together, Ngapoli is the perfect place to find such a sanctuary. A simple day at the beach is bound to be a memorable experience here, but you can take your experience to the next level by checking in to the luxurious Ngapoli Beach Hotel.
The rooms here are elegantly lavished and the infinity pool is truly a marvelous sight to behold.
5. Mui Ne
Country: Vietnam
Vietnam may be famous for its bustling city life, but the hidden beaches here definitely offer an unforgettable experience for their visitors. Mui Ne is a couple of hours’ drive away from the city center in Ho Chi Minh, but the distance is worth the lovely experience. The stunning red and white sand dunes around the beach are the perfect sights for a family to explore together and it also makes an excellent backdrop for those holiday photos.
The unique geography of Mui Ne beach offers excellent opportunities for you to try your hand at sand surfing or kitesurfing, so don’t miss the chance to give your kids the adventure of a lifetime.
There’s also a local fish market nearby to explore — the elderly grandparents will certainly have a good time picking out the freshest produce!
A summer family vacation isn’t quite complete without a trip to the beach and without pool floaties while you are there, so indulge your family members in an unforgettable beach holiday. Don’t settle for the convenient option of picking the most famous or convenient locations when there are so many gorgeous places that aren’t conventional tourist spots. These hidden beach paradises are well worth the time spent traveling there and you will get to boast of a unique beach holiday that no one else has tried!
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