FLORES ISLAND: Indonesia

Only 90 minutes away by plane from Bali and habitat to the famous Komodo Dragons, Flores is a world away from the bustle of the island of Gods. Great for those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday on an island with deserted white-sand beaches, curious but friendly locals, surreal volcanic lakes, and picturesque sunsets. Full Family-friendly guide to Flores here!

HOW TO GET THERE?

• The easiest and safest way to get to Flores is by air.
• Labuan Bajo (90 mins flight from Bali) in the West and Maumere (2 hrs flight from Bali) in the East are the two main gateways for tourists visiting Flores.
• Both cities have airports with multiple daily flights from Denpasar, Bali.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Ayana Komodo, https://www.ayana.com/labuan-bajo/komodo/
• Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa, https://www.plataran.com/plataran-komodo/
• Le Pirate Island, https://lepirate.com/island/
• The Seraya Resort Komodo, https://www.theseraya.com/

REDANG ISLAND: Malaysia

Visiting Redang is ideal for those with active tykes who are competent swimmers. Regarded as one of the top vacation destinations in Malaysia, the island is open for tourism from March until October. You can book your trip as soon as early March, but not much before that, as many resorts on the island are still closed. April to July are the ideal months to visit for the best weather conditions. Activities favored by kids include snorkeling, visiting a turtle sanctuary, and playing at the beach. Check out our full guide to Pulau Redang With Kids here!

HOW TO GET THERE?

• Kuala Lumpur will be your starting point. From there, there are two ways to reach the island.
• The first is to fly to Kuala Terengganu from either KLIA or Subang and take a taxi or hotel-provided shuttle to Syahbandar Jetty.
• Then take a ferry to the island.

WHERE TO STAY?

• The Taaras, www.thetaaras.com
• Laguna Redang, www.lagunaredang.com.my
• Redang Island Resort, www.redangislandresort.com
• Berjaya Redang Resort, https://www.berjayahotel.com/hotels-and-resorts/malaysia/redang.html
• Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa Lang Tengah Island, https://www.saripacifica.travel/resort/lang-tengah/home
• Redang Beach Resort, https://www.redang.com.my/

BOHOL: The Philippines

Bohol is known for coral reef snorkeling and cool geological formations, notably the Chocolate Hills. There are so many activities on land and water in Bohol for families! Go snorkeling with the fish or diving with the sharks, say hello to the world's smallest primate, or take a family SUP journey to a waterfall. Happy exploring! Click here for the full guide to Bohol With Kids.

HOW TO GET THERE?

• The most direct route is by flying direct into Cebu (CebuAir) or flying via Manila.
• From the Cebu airport, you would need to catch a taxi (white cab) to the ferry port (a 20-minute journey).
• There are a few companies that ferry passengers to Tagbilaran, Bohol. This is a 2-hour crossing, but they do show a movie on board.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Henann Resort Alona Beach, Bohol, https://www.henann.com/bohol/henannalonabeach/
• Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, http://www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph/
• The Bellevue Resort Bohol, https://www.thebellevuebohol.com/
• Amorita Resort, http://amoritaresort.com/
• Bohol Beach Club, http://www.boholbeachclub.com.ph/
• South Palm Resort, http://www.southpalmsresort.com/

PHU QUOC: Vietnam

White sand beaches, Pho fests, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track explorations for kids of all ages… this island paradise off the coast of Vietnam offers families a unique beach escape without too much hassle… hooray! Traditionally a fishing village known for pepper plantations, incredible seafood spreads, and unspoiled beaches, Phu Quoc is Southeast Asia’s secret island escape, complete with jungle, beaches, and mountains.

HOW TO GET THERE?

• From Ho Chi Minh, take a 40-minute flight direct to Phu Quoc.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Seashells Phu Quoc Hotel & Spa, https://seashellshotel.vn/
• M Hotel Phu Quoc, https://mhotel.vn/m-hotel-phu-quoc/
• Sunset Beach Resort and Spa, https://www.thesunsetbeachresort.com/
• Mango Bay, http://mangobayphuquoc.com
• Cassia Cottage, http://cassiacottage.com/en/
• Chen Sea Resort And Spa, https://www.chensea-resort.com/
• JW Marriott Phu Quoc, https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pqcjw-jw-marriott-phu-quoc-emerald-bay-resort-and-spa/

NGAPOLI: Myanmar

For those heading to Myanmar, this beach destination is popular with families. Most of the accommodation is right on the beach! Snorkel to Pearl Island, go fishing, hire bicycles, and sip on coconuts - this place is relaxing with just the right amount of activity. Be sure to enjoy all the rockin' seafood on the beach - an experience in itself.

HOW TO GET THERE?

• Book a local flight in Myanmar to Thandwe. You can then reach Ngapali Beach in 6 kilometers.

WHERE TO STAY?

• River Top Lodge, https://rivertoplodge.com/
• Hilton Ngapali, Website 

KEP: Cambodia

Kep is a coastal province in Southern Cambodia just a short drive away from Phnom Penh. Once a French colonial resort town, Kep is scattered with crumbling villas along the coastline. Don't let it fool you; developers have been moving in and renovating these villas into trendy cool resorts that families love! Kids will enjoy splashing in calm waters, exploring the crab market and pepper farm, and exploring nearby caves.

HOW TO GET THERE?

• Fly to Phnom Penh, hire a driver to Kep (or ask your hotel/villa to arrange).

WHERE TO STAY?

• Atmaland Resort, https://atmaland.com/
• Botanica Guesthouse, https://www.kep-botanica.com/
• Knai Bang Chatt, http://www.knaibangchatt.com/
• Samanea, http://www.samanea-resort.com/
• Villa Romanea, http://www.villaromonea.com
• Villa Des Palmes, http://www.villadespalmes.org

MUI NE: Vietnam

Easy to access via car, train, or bus from Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne is a unique beach holiday for families as it offers both sand dunes and surf! Take the kids to the Red and White Sand Dunes to experience sand surfing or sliding, visit the fish market, take a walk down the fairy stream, and give kite surfing a go with a family lesson.

HOW TO GET THERE?

• Fly to Ho Chi Minh and get a driver arranged to take you to Mui Ne (3-4 hours).
• Or, you can take a bus or a train to Mui Ne from HCM.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Pandanus Resort, http://www.pandanusresort.com
• Full Moon Village, http://www.fullmoon-village.com
• Muine Bay Resort, http://muinebayresort.com/en/
• Anantara Mui Ne, https://www.anantara.com/en/mui-ne

KOH KOOD: Thailand

Just a short 1-hour away from bustling Bangkok is the secluded island paradise of Koh Kood, where unspoiled beaches await. For luxe, visit Soneva Kiri’s 27 super-luxe villas that hug verdant hills overlooking a white sand beach. The eco-resort boasts a Six Senses spa and wellness programs, an organic farm supplying the delish hotel restaurants, and educational activities galore for wee ones, including cooking classes, mini-meditation, and diving. There are other options too - in all budgets here!

HOW TO GET THERE?

• From Bangkok, you can jump on a Bangkok Airlines flat (1 hour) to Trat or drive/take a bus to Trat (6 hours).
• You can then take a speedboat from Laem Sok Pier to Trat. Your hotel can help organize it.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Soneva Kiri, www.soneva.com
• Cham's House, http://www.chamshouse.com
• Shantaa Koh Kood, http://www.shantaakohkood.com/
• The Koh Mak Retreat, www.kohmakretreat.com

GILI AIR: Indonesia

A trio of laid-back islands, the Gilis are dotted with cafes, simple beach-side accommodations, and seafood restaurants for a fraction of what you’d pay in Bali. The largest island, Gili Trawangan, has the most diversity in terms of hotels and restaurants. Plus, it’s a good place for your family to learn how to dive (but it is a party island). Gili Air is a nice alternative and also a great dive island - check out family-friendly Scallawags. Island hop with your mini adventurers to neighboring Gili Meno for its white sandy beaches and Gili Air to soak in the relaxed, divine ambiance.

HOW TO GET THERE?

• 25 min flight to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, Gili Meno.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Pondok Santi Estate Luxury Beachside Accommodation, https://www.pondoksanti.com/
• Pearl of Trawangan, https://www.pearloftrawangan.com/
• Aston Sunset Beach Resort, https://www.astonhotelsinternational.com/en/hotel/view/37/aston-sunset-beach-resort
• Scallawags, https://scallywagsresort.com/
• Satu Tiga, https://satutigaresort.wordpress.com/about
• Manta Dive, http://www.manta-dive-giliair.com/
• Villa Nangka, http://villanangkagiliair.com/
• Others In The Area We Love:
• Gili Asahan, http://giliasahan.com/

TIOMAN ISLAND: Malaysia

Pulau Tioman, located on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia and surrounded by numerous coral reefs, is a popular scuba diving spot. It has tropical weather, clear crystal water, and great white sandy beaches. If your family is looking for a relaxing holiday packed full of diving and snorkeling - this is your spot! It's almost a year-round location to visit except during the monsoon season from November to February due to high water currents.

HOW TO GET THERE?

• The best option is to drive down or take a bus from Kuala Lumpur leading to a village called Mersing, which takes close to 3-4 hours.
• From Mersing, you can take a ferry to Tioman (buy your Tioman ferry tickets here), which will get you there in almost 2 hours.

WHERE TO STAY?

• The Barat Tioman Beach Resort, https://barattioman.com/
• Paya Beach Spa & Dive Resort, https://www.payabeach.com/
• Melina Beach Resort, http://www.melinabeachresort.com/
• Japamala Resort, www.japamalaresorts.com
• Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort, https://tunamaya-tioman.careluxuryhotels.com/
• Berjaya Tioman Resort, www.berjayahotel.com/tioman

MENJANGAN ISLAND: Bali, Indonesia

For those seeking a Bali holiday without the crowds - head to Menjangan! While it can be a trek to get to via car, it is well worth the effort. It's gorgeous, it's tropical, and it's family fabulous. The Menjangan is a perfect mix of safari meets forest meets beach meets scuba haven. Prepare to see deer roaming near your villa, large lizards, white sand beaches, and blue-blue water. Kids will enjoy horseback riding, snorkeling, trekking, biking, and so much more.

HOW TO GET THERE?

• Arrange transfer from Bali Airport

WHERE TO STAY?

• The Menjangan, www.themenjangan.com
• Plataran Menjangan Resort and Spa, https://www.plataran.com/plataran-menjangan/
• Menjangan Dynasty Resort, https://mdr.pphotels.com/

RAWA ISLAND: Malaysia

Pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and barefoot resort living await you and your loved ones on Rawa Island – an island paradise just a short car or bus ride away from Singapore. Once there, you’ll be immersed in the castaway experience with numerous resorts geared towards family activities. Depending on the price point, you can get a simple bungalow on the beach or a luxurious villa to bask in the sun as well as partake in the many water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

HOW TO GET THERE?

• 3hr car journey from Singapore to Rawa Island.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Batu Batu Resort, https://www.batubatu.com.my/
• Aseania Beach Resort Pulau Besar, https://www.aseaniapulaubesar.com/
• D'Coconut Island Resort, http://dcoconut.com/
• Rawa Island Resort, http://www.rawaislandresort.com/
• Alang's Rawa, https://www.alangsrawa.com/

MACLEOD ISLAND: Myanmar

Macleod Island is home to Myanmar Andaman Resort, a private island retreat located in Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago (including 800 mostly uninhabited islands). With twenty-two bungalows facing the island’s bay and surrounding pristine white sand beaches, Myanmar Andaman Resort offers families a luxury stay with plenty of fam-friendly activities - diving, snorkeling, island hopping tours, sea kayaking, hiking the island’s peak, swimming, and more.

HOW TO GET THERE?

• Within Myanmar, you need to take a local flight to Kawthaung, and the staff can take you by speedboat to the resort.
• You can also reach the island via Bangkok and Phuket.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Myanmar Andaman Resort, http://www.myanmarandamanresort.com/
• Boulder Bay Eco Resort, https://boulderasia.com/
• Victoria Cliff Resort, http://www.nyaungoopheeresort.com/

SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND: Cambodia

Fancy a luxurious private island - here you go! Song Saa Private Island offers 24 spacious luxury villas, each featuring a private pool and spectacular island and ocean views. Each villa was constructed from recycled and reclaimed timber and decorated with re-purposed items and local materials in keeping with their philosophy of sustainability. The resort loves kids and offers custom experiences for any age, from Robinson-Crusoe style picnics on the beach, hikes down rainforest paths, sand castle making on hidden beaches, or splashing the night water full of bioluminescent plankton. This is pure luxury for kids big and small - enjoy!

HOW TO GET THERE?

Both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh airports are serviced by multiple international flights daily:

• From Siem Reap, it's just a 45-minute flight to the coast
• Or a few hours' drive from Phnom Penh to your speedboat transfer.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Song Saa Private Island, https://www.songsaa-privateisland.com/

THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS: Malaysia

HOW TO GET THERE?

• Kuala Besut Jetty is the official Jetty to Perhentian Islands.
• You can get here to Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu airports (the jetty is situated in between these two).

WHERE TO STAY?

• Tuna Bay, https://tunabay.com.my/
• BuBu Long Beach Resort & BuBu Villa, http://www.buburesort.com
• Perhentian Island Resort, http://www.perhentianislandresort.net/

SIARGAO ISLAND: The Philippines

Some term this local as the surfing capital of Asia! This paradise island offers serious surfers the Cloud 9 (also a fun area to watch the serious surfers!). There are some fantastic places on the island to stay from luxury to less. Other activities here include boating, snorkeling, fishing, golf, scuba diving, kite surfing, and more. This is a great option for active teens to explore lots of activities and with private beaches and unique stay options - there is plenty for the little ones to enjoy too. Want to go luxe? Check into the Nay Palad Island Hideaway (formally known as DEDON resort).

HOW TO GET THERE?

• Cebu Pacific has a daily flight from Cebu-Siargao!

WHERE TO STAY?

• Nay Palad Hideaway (formally DEDON), https://www.naypaladhideaway.com/
• Isla Cabana Resort, https://www.islacabanaresort.com/
• Reef Beach Resort, https://reefbeachresortsiargao.com/
• Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa, http://siargaobleu.com.ph/
• Sunset Bay Villas, Website 
• Greenhouse Siargao, http://greenhousesiargao.com/
• Kalinaw Island Resort, http://www.kalinawresort.com/

CAT BA ISLAND: Vietnam

The largest of the islands in Vietnam's Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island is becoming more and more popular with off-the-beaten-track travelers and is a great spot for those looking for R&R before heading to Halong Bay. Nearly half of the island is a protected National Park, and there are plenty of activities here for the adventurous type. Most of the accommodation here is budget-friendly making it a nice alternative for families looking for a cheaper holiday option. Catba Island Resort & Spa offers family suites and 2 outdoor pools (including a kid's splash pad and kiddie pool). Kids will enjoy trying to spot the Cat Ba langur, which is endemic to Cat Ba Island and is one of the most endangered primates in the world, and visit Hospital Cave (which was an underground cave used for soldiers during the American Vietnam War).

HOW TO GET THERE?

• Fly to Hanoi. You can buy a bus-boat-bus ticket in the city which will take you straight to Cat Ba Town (5 hours).

WHERE TO STAY?

• Catba Island Resort & Spa, http://www.catbaresortonline.com
• Flamingo Cat Ba Resort, https://flamingoresorts.vn/vi/cat-ba-resorts
• Monkey Island Resort, http://www.monkeyislandresort.com/
• Cat Ba Eco-Lodge, http://catbaecolodge.com/
• Cat Ba Sandy Beach Resort, https://www.catbasandybeachresort.com/

SANGAT ISLAND, PALAWAN: The Philippines

What a find! For those looking to visit Palawan with the kids - head to Sangat Island! This rustic stay offers some of the best scuba diving in the area, with loads of wreck dives just out your back door. Kids will enjoy playing on the beach, kayaking, exploring the island, and boating to secluded islands as a family. Choose from Beachfront Cottages, Beachside Chalets, Hillside Cottages, family-friendly Bungalow Suite units, Hilltop Chalets, and their largest stay, the tri-level, two-bedroom Lambingan Villa with its own private, white sand beachfront. BTW - the food is great too, and they can blend up fresh fruit/veggies if you are coming with a baby. Score!

HOW TO GET THERE?

Fly from Manila to Busuanga Airport in Palawan. The resort can then organize your boat to the island.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Paolyn Houseboats, https://www.paolynhouseboatscoronisland.com/
• Bacau Bay Resort Coron, https://www.bacaubayresortcoron.com/
• Chindonan Dive Resort, https://chindonan-diveresort.com/
• Sangat Island, http://sangat.com.ph

PULAU JOYO: Indonesia

Grab a group (adults + kids) and stay on your own private island. This family-friendly wonder is fully staffed, food is included, and kids love it! Explore the beach, go kayaking, enjoy a board game, or jump off the natural diving board into the gorgeous pool. They will even arrange fireworks for your group. Wow!

HOW TO GET THERE?

• This all-inclusive resort is fabulous for families in Singapore as there is no flight needed!
• Just take the ferry to Bintan, a bus, and then a speedboat to the island.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Joyo Resort, https://www.joyoresort.com/

SIPADAN + MABUL: Malaysia

A small island off the south-eastern coast of Sabah in Malaysia, this hub of marine life is a diving and snorkeling haven (on par with Galápagos). Families can stay in Mabul and enjoy diving and snorkeling in Sipadan and other islands around. If your family is all about marine life, this area of Asia is a must as it's one of the best! Kids will also enjoy kayaking and island hopping. Life is good.

HOW TO GET THERE?

• You can fly to Tawau either from Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore.
• When you arrive in Tawau, your resort will transfer you to Semporna. From Semporna, you will take the resort speedboat to Mabul Island.
• The transfer from Tawau to Semporna takes 90 minutes, while the boat ride will take another 45 minutes.

WHERE TO STAY?

• Water Village Resort, http://www.swvresort.com/
• Sipadan Mabul Resort, http://www.sipadanmabulresort.com/en/
• Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, http://www.sipadan-kapalai.com/