Within the Indian Ocean, south of India and Sri Lanka is the beautiful archipelago of Maldives. It’s truthful to really feel slightly envious of those that get there with so many people left nearly discussing journey experiences of Maldives on-line. Wish to keep in these charming overwater villas, swim in these clear emerald waters and soak in these beautiful beachside romantic sunsets? With its unmatched class, opulent 5-star resorts, pristine white sand seashores and azure lagoons, Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise and is presumably every part you may want to your unique honeymoon getaway.

Maldives (Picture: Shutterstock)

Nonetheless, this romantic paradise comes with an exorbitant price that’s positive to wane off the vacation enthusiasm for many of us. However do not let this dishearten you. There are some unexplored Southeast Asian gems that could possibly be your subsequent greatest wager to the Maldives.

Try these non-touristy options to Maldives which are positive to satiate you with their ultra-luxe unique seashore vibes, with out actually burning a gap in your pocket.

Mabul Island Malaysia

Mabul Island (Picture: Shutterstock)

Every time the identify Mabul Island is introduced up, psychological pictures of crystal-clear waters, swaying coconut palms and stress-free water bungalows instantly spring to thoughts. Mabul Island, which lies off the coast of southern Borneo, might be the proper seashore getaway for you. This tiny oval shapes island has lots to supply. You could loosen up on the white sand seashores soaking within the mesmerizing views or go to the native fisherman’s communities. Additionally it is the placement of the world’s solely one-of-a-kind scuba diving rig. Mabul Water Bungalows is a floating resort that provides breathtaking views of neighboring Sipadan Island. Company of all stripes and purse strings could discover appropriate digs on the island.

Issues To bear in mind:

Tips on how to get there:

Kuala Lumpur (3 hours) or Kota Kinabalu (55 min) to Tawau airport. Air Asia and Malaysian Airways are good choices.

Taxi or minivan from Tawau airport to Semporna harbor takes roughly 2 hours. In 45 minutes by swift boat from Semporna harbor, you may attain Mabul Island.

Flight fares common $178 in late January and $57 in early to mid-October.

Finances:

A solitary trip to Mabul Island prices $1,022, a pair $1,836, and a household of 4 $3,441. Mabul Island lodges price $55 to $250 an evening, averaging $97, whereas trip properties price $200 to $540 per night time. Financial system flights to Tawau Airport (TWU) price between $57 and $178 and top quality is $179 to $559. Relying on actions, spend $36 to $85 per day for transportation and meals.

When to go to:

Mabul Island in all its glory is most cost-effective in early to mid-October.

Perhentian Islands – Malaysia

Perhentian Islands – Malaysia (Picture: Shutterstock)

This a cluster of beautiful coral fringed islands off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, that offer you a glimpse of Maldives with their white sand seashores and glowing cyan waters. Their pristine serenity is certain to captivate you. Coral reefs, sharks, turtles, and delightful fish are simply among the many marine wonders you’d spot when you head out to your underwater adventures. Secret paths via the dense woods of this rainforest is certain to reinforce the journey.

This vacation spot has every part you’d need, from secluded spots to your particular sundowner date with Bae to bustling “celebration seashores” with loads of locations to eat and drink.

Issues To bear in mind:

Tips on how to get there:

Take a flight to Kota Bharu, a cab or bus to Kuala Besut, then a ship to Perhentian Islands.

There are day by day buses from all all through Malaysia, some are direct (e.g. from Kuala Lumpur) and a few want adjustments.

Finances:

Perhentian Kecil is standard with backpacking funds vacationers owing to the pocket-friendly charges, whereas Perhentian Besar is comparatively costly and guarantees you an upscale trip expertise.

Finances lodges with Wi-Fi and breakfast price $80-90. These lodges characteristic air-con, eating places, and swimming pools.

Perhentian Islands Airbnbs are rainforest bungalows or villas. Two-person bungalows price $75-85.

When to go to:

These islands are most interesting between March and November.

Tips on how to get there:

Take a flight to Kota Bharu, a cab or bus to Kuala Besut, then a ship to Perhentian Islands.

There are day by day buses from all all through Malaysia, some are direct (e.g. from Kuala Lumpur) and a few want adjustments.

Finances:

Perhentian Kecil is standard with backpacking funds vacationers owing to the pocket- pleasant charges, whereas Perhentian Besar is comparatively costly and guarantees you an upscale trip expertise. Finances lodges with Wi-Fi and breakfast price $80-90. These lodges characteristic air-con, eating places, and swimming pools.

Perhentian Islands Airbnbs are rainforest bungalows or villas. Two-person bungalows price $75-85.

When to go to: These islands are most interesting between March and November.

Tips on how to get there:

Kuala Lumpur (3 hours) or Kota Kinabalu (55 min) to Tawau airport. Air Asia and Malaysian Airways are good choices.

Taxi or minivan from Tawau airport to Semporna harbor takes roughly 2 hours. In 45 minutes by swift boat from Semporna harbor, you may attain Mabul Island.

Flight fares common $178 in late January and $57 in early to mid-October.

Finances:

A solitary trip to Mabul Island prices $1,022, a pair $1,836, and a household of 4 $3,441. Mabul Island lodges price $55 to $250 an evening, averaging $97, whereas trip properties price $200 to $540 per night time. Financial system flights to Tawau Airport (TWU) price between $57 and $178 and top quality is $179 to $559. Relying on actions, spend $36 to $85 per day for transportation and meals.

When to go to:

Mabul Island in all its glory is most cost-effective in early to mid-October.

Pulau Weh – Indonesia

Pulau Weh, Indonesia (Picture: Shutterstock)

This beautiful volcanic island sits peacefully between India, Malaysia and Indonesia is a snorkeler’s and diver’s dream. Are you able to image your self within the firm of whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and sea turtles, all whereas swimming in seas which are so clear that you may see your individual reflection

Think about your seashore bungalow on a non-public seashore, a hammock proper outdoors with the view of- swaying palms stretching over the golden sands, cute little picket boats out for fishing , postcard- like sunrises and the sound of the waves hitting the shore- doesn’t that sound like a dream!

Skip the Maldives and go to an equally spectacular however lesser-known island as an alternative.

Tips on how to get there:

Pulau Weh’s capital is Sabang. Its airport makes it easy to succeed in. Medan is served by Garuda Indonesia and Wings Air. Most of Indonesia has flights to Sabang.

Finances:

A snug seashore dwelling for 2 prices $20-30. Select the place on the island you want to keep earlier than going forward along with your reserving.

You might keep in Sabang, the island’s main city, to be close to the airport. If you wish to keep away from the gang, stay on Iboih or Gapang.

When to go to:

Might to September is an effective time with snug temperature, cleaner water, lesser rains and higher visibility for diving and snorkeling.

Koh Lipe – THAILAND

Koh Lipe, Thailand (Picture Shutterstock)

Koh Lipe remains to be a secret to the vacationer swarms. This little unspoiled Thai island would assure an unforgettable honeymoon with its white powder sandy dream seashores and crystal waters– nearly like out of a journey journal.

This Andaman Sea hideaway gives hikers the possibility to soak up the island’s splendor from above via a community of paths that wind their option to scenic vantage spots. Every little thing you may presumably want, from a smattering of bars, open air eating places to cafés to therapeutic massage shacks to their particular Bamboo tattoo artists might be discovered here- inside a brief stroll distance and does probably not want the usage of a motorcar. Whether or not you’re a Again packing couple or luxurious vacationers – this place is has you sorted

Tips on how to get there:

Koh Lipe has no airport, so fly to Hatyai, Trang, Bangkok or Langkawi and join by minivan and boat to Koh Lipe (by way of Pak Barra)

Finances:

A 7-day single trip to Koh Lipe prices $1,982, a pair $3,560, and a household of 4 $6,673. Koh Lipe lodges price $32 to $186 per night time, averaging $56, whereas trip properties price $80 to $680 per night time.

When to go to:

There’s no fallacious time to go to Ko Lipe however attempt to keep away from the wet season. November via April is Ko Lipe’s prime season, with constant heat and daylight. Averaging 29°C (85°F).

Rai Leh Thailand

Rai Leh, Thailand (Picture: Shutterstock)

Thailand’s Railay (Rai Leh) Peninsula is situated between Krabi City and Ao Nang. It has a phenomenal crescent-shaped shoreline with white sand seashores, lush vegetation, and cliffs made from limestone. Rai Leh is rimmed with 4 seashores on its sides and the panaromic views of the water, makes you’re feeling like you’re residing the island life.

From a sleepy fishing village into a well-liked vacation spot for these seeking a singular seashore trip. The truth that a steep vary of hills separates it from the remainder of the peninsula makes it a genuinely distinctive location. Since it’s removed from the remainder of the world, this pure marvel has remained untouched and exposes you to nature in probably the most virgin kind. The dense Mangrove forests, beautiful limestone karst formations and tall cliffs, mysterious caverns are making Rai leh extra standard amongst rock climbers.

Tips on how to get there:

Krabi Worldwide Airport is 30 km from Rai Leh. Take the airport shuttle to Ao Nang or Ao Nammao pier for 150 baht after which a ship to Rai Leh.

Finances:

The common day by day price of a vacation at Rai Leh Seashore is $82, $17 on meals and $20 on native transportation every day. The standard couple’s lodging in Rai Leh Seashore is $99. Per week at Rai Leh Seashore for 2 prices $1,154.

When to go to:

From November via March, discover Rai Leh seashore. April via June needs to be prevented are scorching and humid.

Phu Quoc – Vietnam

Phu Quoc, Vietnam (Picture Shutterstock)

Phú Quốc Island in Vietnam is a tear drop formed island with a 150- kilometer shoreline, that packs in loads for each type of vacationer– snorkeling, scuba diving, squid fishing, wind crusing, jet snowboarding simply to call just a few fascinating actions. Its idyllic seashores made from white sand lined with palms, tropical waters, breathtaking sunsets– are actually engaging seashore lovers from throughout the globe promising them the proper vacation vacation spot to flee the noise and chaos of their metropolitan life.

Just like Maldives, this island in Vietnam is likely one of the few websites the place the uncommon bioluminescent plankton is discovered.

Aside from the tranquil honeymooning feels- this island has much more to supply – with loads of luxurious resorts, vibrant markets, funky bars, open air cafes alongside the coast and many experimentation for sea meals lovers.

Tips on how to get there:

You could fly or take buses and ferries from Vietnam to Phu Quoc.

On Phu Quoc, a small airport handles home flights from Vietnam (HCMC and Hanoi).

Phu Quoc Island is accessible by ferry from Ha Tien and Rach Gia.

Finances:

A 7-day journey to Phu Quoc prices a person $1,459, a pair $2,620, and a household of 4 $4,912. Inns price $20 to $214 per night time, on common $40, whereas trip homes price $90 to $720 per night time.

When to go to:

Phu Quoc Island is at its superb greatest between October and March. Much less rain and calm waves permit a ferry from Rach Gia to Phu Quoc throughout these months.

EL Nido – The Philippines

EL Nido, The Philippines (Picture: Shutterstock)

You do not want a resort you probably have a waterfront home. Why dive right into a pool when you possibly can dive in an orchid-filled lagoon? Such experiences solely El Nido can present. This coastal city is nestled within the northern finish of Palawan Island in The Philippines.

Recognized for its islands, seashores, lagoons and all its glory- the nation’s sea views are amongst Asia’s greatest. El Nido’s quartz waters, seashores and plentiful wildlife have by no means dissatisfied. Historical limestone cliffs tower over marine sanctuaries teeming with tropical fish, coral, and endangered sea turtles. Its lush forests are dwelling to greater than 100 unique chook species

Tips on how to get there:

The commonest option to get to El Nido is a flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa after which taking a minivan from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Finances:

El Nido’s common day by day price is $30. $14 for native transportation and $8.99 for one-day meals. A pair could keep for simply $21 at an El Nido resort. A weeklong journey to El Nido for 2 prices $424.

When to go to:

El Nido is at its sunniest from January via April, making these months the best instances to go to. Because of the summer season and faculty break, March via Might are the busiest months of the 12 months. June via November is the off-peak interval.

Come right here within the winter if you wish to keep away from the throng. Even if the Philippines is now in its wet season, the province typically avoids the results of typhoons. Tour cancellations do occur generally, though they aren’t very prevalent.

Havelock, Andaman Islands – India

Havelock, Andaman Islands, India (Picture: Shutterstock)

Greater than 300 unspoiled islands with blonde seashores, unspoiled mangrove forests, verdant jungles, and delightful coral reefs- it is a haven for guests on the lookout for a getaway. Laze on the Golden sand and benefit from the refreshing views of the peppermint-colored water. Jungle treks, hidden waterfalls, coconut timber and pleasant chook watching or kayaking via the mangroves. Nothing spells tranquility fairly like Havelock. The last word place to loosen up after an extended day of sport fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving or swimming with rainbow shoals.Radhanagar Seashore and Vijay Nagar seashores are positively a should go to. Andaman all collectively is actually an expertise so wealthy that may’t be missed for something on the planet.

Tips on how to get there:

As a result of they’re part of India, flights to Port Blair Worldwide Airport depart from New Delhi typically.

Finances:

$200-$500 for per week within the Andaman Islands.

When to go to:

The months of October via Might present probably the most ultimate situations for water actions.

These Southeast Asian outposts have (practically) every part you want for a nice solar getaway, together with overwater villas and upscale eating choices.

Though the Maldives are well-known worldwide, the above are another coastal bets which are simply as lovely but lesser identified, making them ultimate for vacationers who wish to go to someplace completely different from the Maldives. Should you’re bought on these Maldives options, begin planning proper now.

Creator’s Word: Upasana Kochhar is a Way of life and Journey content material creator/influencer and ex-Director Technique at Wunderman Thompson, India.