Grab your beachwear and get ready to swim, surf, lounge, soak up the sun and people-watch – your best beach days await.

Here are eight Southeast Asian beaches to check out for your next beach adventure.

1. Naithon Beach, Phuket, Thailand

While it’s one of the lesser-known beaches in Phuket, Naithon Beach is still as much of a gem as its sister beaches Patong and Kata.

Embracing a slower pace than its sisters, Naithon Beach is the perfect spot for a restful and relaxing beach experience. This bucolic seaside village feels remote, but has all your modern necessities for a great Thai beach holiday.

For a break from the beach, head to the nearby Phuket Elephant Care, a sanctuary for retired working elephants. Be sure to check out the Naithon Wooden Bridge and Banana Beach too.

2. Nai Yang Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Nai Yang Beach is an excellent spot for kitesurfing and sunbathing on the sands. After all the beach activities, check out the nearby Nai Yang market to mingle with the community or visit Wat Mongkol Wararam, an ancient temple that is walking distance from the beach.

You’ll also be able to find plenty of food options up and down the stretch of Nai Yang Beach. This is where even the most seasoned of Phuket trekkers go for a slice of peace. So take it easy, grab some beach grub and do some people-watching as you while the day away.

3. Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand

If you prefer a little bit more action, the area around Patong Beach is where you can be closer to the hustle and bustle of town. As popular a destination as Phuket itself, Patong Beach is known for its neon-soaked nightlife and its amazing street food.

Folks looking to tap into the spirituality of the area can take a pilgrimage to Wat Chalong, the largest Buddhist temple in Phuket.

Shopaholics can make a different kind of pilgrimage to the Phuket Weekend Market for all their souvenirs and retail needs or even to the shopping complexes for a multi-story, air-conditioned retail therapy.

4. Bai Dai Beach, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Known for its powder-white beaches, Bai Dai Beach (aka Long Beach) is the jewel of Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island. Located west of Phu Quoc, the beach is where the Gulf of Thailand and Vietnam meet.

From the colourful culture to the fantastic food options everywhere you look, Bai Dai Beach offers something for everyone. You can buy the catch of the day fresh off the fisherman’s boat or the local seafood market. Enjoy a BBQ party right on the shoreline and feast on the freshest and finest catches of the sea.

Be sure to sample local specialities like sim wine at the Sim Garden Bay Gao or fish sauce from the Quoc Hai fish sauce factory. Craving something on the sweeter side? Try the grilled bananas wrapped in sticky rice from Phu Quoc Night Market.

5. My Khe Beach, Danang, Vietnam

With over 50km of picturesque white sand and turquoise waters, My Khe Beach is ranked as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches. Take time to discover hole-in-the-wall restaurants that make their mark right next to high-end resorts on the coastline.

My Khe Beach offers plenty of water activities including snorkelling, jet-skiing, surfing, sunbathing and fishing.

Be sure to plan a trip to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An Ancient Town, a well-preserved traditional Southeast Asian trading port and commercial centre.

6. An Bang Beach, Hoi An, Vietnam

Located about 3km from the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach has been consistently voted as one of Asia’s top 10 beaches, thanks to its powder-white sand, blue skies and stunning views. 

Visit An Bang Beach between March and September when little rain is expected for the best beach experience.

Popular water activities at the beach include diving and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters to discover the world beneath the waves – from coral formations to colourful tropical fish. There’s also no shortage of sandcastle-building opportunities on the beach or exciting water activities like paddle boarding or kayaking for intrepid adventurers.

7. Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Bordering Legian to the north and Tuban to the south, Kuta Beach is a hotspot for beach lovers and surf enthusiasts.

A fabulous marriage of sun, sand and surf, the beach is best visited early in the day. Join the legions of surfers who religiously catch a wave on the ocean swells.

Besides being a great spot for people-watching, Kuta Beach is also where you’ll also experience plenty of encounters with beach vendors and masseuses hawking their wares and services like beach sarongs, massages and cold drinks.

When the sun goes down, the beach takes on a different personality! Chill out with a bottle of ice-cold Bintang beer, chat with the locals or other tourists, and keep an eye out for fire dancers who light up the night with their artistic performances.

8. Lepang Beach, Klungkung, Bali, Indonesia

Get a glimpse of rural Bali as you make your way to Lepang Beach as you’ll pass by paddy fields and plantations. An emerging tourist spot, Lepang Beach is known for its sparkling black and soft sand, as well as its coastline which is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, cycling and catching captivating sunsets.

Enjoy authentic, local delicacies whipped up by the charming warungs (eateries) that pop up along its coastline. Lepang Beach is still a sleepy wonder of a place that is worth a visit if you’re looking to take a step back and reconnect with nature.

*This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “8 best beach destinations in Southeast Asia (Phuket, Phu Quoc, Bali and more)”

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Need a change from Jakarta or Bali? Check out Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city and the capital of East Java.

The bustling city is one of the country’s most underrated tourist destinations. It is often used as a gateway into East Java but if you take time to discover the bustling city, you’ll uncover its unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty.

Surabaya is also known as “Kota Pahlawan” (City of Heroes) because of the significance of the Battle of Surabaya which brought local and international support for Indonesian independence during the Indonesian National Revolution.

We highlight six of the coolest things to do in the city.

1. Soak in the hot springs of Bukit Jaddih

WQ95+3RM, Jakan, Parseh, Kec. Socah, Kabupaten Bangkalan
Opening hours: 7am to 4pm

Chalk mines may not seem all that interesting until you see those at Bukit Jaddih. It’s like Pamukkale in Turkey, with a natural hot spring in the middle of the chalk hills, only better because it’s a lot less crowded.

Locals call the natural spring “Aeng Goweh Pote” (White Cave Water), which is a pretty apt description for Bukit Jaddih. The sharp angles of its sculpted chalk hills are highly Instagrammable. When set against the clear blue skies and the glistening turquoise of the springs, the chalk hills are best seen in person.

The photo-ops you can get around the area and inside the chalk caves make the trip itself worthwhile. If you happen to bring along your swimwear, take a dip or paddle around on one of the wooden rafts.

2. Climb a Dutch-era Lighthouse

Jalan Sembilangan, Socah, Pernajuh, Kec. Bangkalan, Kabupaten Bangkalan

Just off the coast of Surabaya is Madura Island, where the little town of Sembilangan Village goes about its quiet daily life. You can’t miss the highlight of the village – a 65m-tall lighthouse which looks like it was plucked right out of a Dutch tulip field. 

Climbing up all 17 storeys is no easy task, of course, but rest assured the view at the top will make the effort well worth it. The top of the lighthouse overlooks pretty much the entire village as well as the gorgeous ocean beyond. You can even see Tanjung Perak port from there. 

It’s highly recommended to catch the sunset from the top of the lighthouse. The peace and serenity vibes there are unlike any other.

3. Visit the Mediterranean at Wisata Bukit Mas

Komplek Perumahan Wisata Bukit Mas, Jalan Raya Menganti Lidah Wetan, Wiyung, Lidah Wetan, Lakarsantri, Kota SBY
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 6am to 5pm

Wisata Bukit Mas might just be a housing complex area, but hear us out. It’s a housing complex that’s got replicas of famous European landmarks for buildings. In a way, it’s like being in Europe without being in Europe itself!

Just by walking around, you’ll be transported to Madrid, Versailles and even ancient Rome with a Colosseum amphitheatre (it’s a clubhouse, actually). Enjoy all sorts of sports there – table tennis, futsal, karate, you name it. 

There’s also a theme park within the complex and it’s modelled after Notre Dame. There, you’ll find a picturesque lake and plenty of lakeside activities to fill your day with, as well as an adventure-style swimming pool. 

4. Check out a train graveyard

Jl. Sidotopo Lor No.2, Simokerto, Kec. Simokerto

With the Y2K resurgence and a whole new love for all things retro, a train graveyard filled with old-school locomotives sounds like the perfect place to visit while in Surabaya. 

Dipo Lokomotif Sidotopo was once a train depot used for loading and unloading heavy items onto trains and also served as a train depot for trains to get their regular maintenance. Now, it’s most popular as a photoshoot location. There are plenty of passenger trains and trains that used to ferry goods around such as the CC201 and CC206s.

Apart from getting to see rare and unusual retro trains stacked upon one another, legend has it that the train graveyard has a couple of ghosts floating around the place. Now, that’s a chilling story to tell when you’re back home.

5. Tour a volcano at midnight

The only thing that’s cooler than climbing an active volcano is climbing an active volcano under the twinkling stars. Mount Bromo, or Gunung Bromo as the locals call it, is the most famous volcano in Indonesia. It’s located within a sand plain known as the Sea of Sand, and it offers you the opportunity to catch the sunrise from both a mountain peak and the desert for breathtaking views.

You can choose to hike up the volcano, take a jeep up or even ride on a horse to the bottom of the Mount Bromo stairs. Tours are also readily available if you prefer to leave the planning to the experts.

Considering how Mount Bromo is still an active volcano, always keep up to date with the latest local advisories to ensure conditions are safe before visiting.

6. Swim and snorkel in solitude

Desa Pamona, Kecamatan Sangkapura, Sidogedungbatu, Sangkapura, Gresik

Beach lovers and water babies will be happy to know that Surabaya offers amazing water adventures, courtesy of Pulau Noko.

Located off the coast of Surabaya, Pulau Noko is an uninhabited island that’s basically a really long uninterrupted stretch of beach lawn that circles the entire island. The clear waters are a snorkeller’s paradise, especially with the abundance of colourful corals teeming with marine life. 

This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “Simply Surabaya: 6 coolest things to add to your bucket list”

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Besides offering plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun, sand and sea breeze, there are also fun outdoor activities to keep every member of the family occupied. From adventurous waterfall hikes and exhilarating activities to a quiet retreat on a private island, there’s something for everyone at these five places which are just a boat ride away from Singapore.

1. Desaru Coast, Malaysia

One of Malaysia’s premium integrated destination on the eastern coast of Johor, Desaru Coast is a great getaway for the whole family, thanks to its family-friendly attractions and accommodation options such as Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast and The Westin Desaru Coast Resort.

Both hotels provide direct access to Adventure Waterpark, home to one of the world’s largest wave pools. At the Tidal Wave Beach, you can float lazily in the water or get carried away further into the tidal waves. Thrillseekers will love Kraken’s Revenge, a roller coaster flume ride that sends you through a 360-degree loop before plunging down 30 metres into a splashing finish. More thrills await at the Swinging Ship, a Viking ship replica that swings beside three 13-metre high Penawar Falls, to an incline of 180 degrees.

Nature lovers will want to visit the Desaru Fruit Farm which has been in operation for over 10 years. It has been recognised for its efforts relating to agro-cultural practices and conservation. The sprawling 180 acres of land contains more than 100 species of fruit trees and plants, along with  a small petting zoo, a paintball activity space and a go-kart track. You’ll also get to learn about bee keeping and sample some raw unprocessed honey. The mini petting zoo features a range of animals from goats to rabbits which you can feed with fresh vegetables.

Getting There
Catch a ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal at $70 one way and $118 for a return trip. You can also book a private car or self-drive to Desaru.

2. Batam, Indonesia

Located just an hour away from Singapore by ferry, Batam is easily accessible and offers a variety of activities – from a game of golf to catching your own seafood from the sea.

A great option for families with children is Montigo Resorts, Nongsa. Each villa accommodates up to four persons and has a private pool plus rooftop terrace overlooking the South China Sea. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the Singapore skyline on the horizon.

Kids aged 3 and above will love Tilo Kids Club where they can engage in fun and educational activities, with a range of board games or game consoles. Teens can experience the thrill of shooting an airsoft gun around the resort or test their aim with a game of darts.

To immerse in the local culture, sign up for a batik painting class to try your hand at dyeing fabric the traditional Indonesian way, dating back 1,600 years.

For a more back-to-basics rustic experience, try staying at MoonBay Kelong, a wooden villa built on stilts above the water that provides a peaceful and tranquil stay in the middle of the sea. What’s more, you’ll get to experience life on a kelong, dig into delicious fresh catch every day and can even try your hand at catching your own meals from the sea!

Home to several golf courses, each with its own unique character, Batam is a golfer’s paradise. Top golf courses include Batam Hills Golf Resort, Palm Springs Golf & Country Club and Padang Golf Sukajadi.

Getting There
Catch a ferry from HarbourFront Passenger Terminal or Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, Sekupang or Nongasapura Ferry Terminal in Batam. Tickets at $43 for one-way trip from Singapore; $73 for round trip.

3. Bintan, Indonesia

To enjoy an extensive range of recreational and water sporting activities, head to Treasure Bay Bintan which is home to Crystal Lagoon, Southeast Asia’s first man-made sea water lagoon. Surrounding the lagoon is a host of dining, entertainment, nightlife, spa and retail options.

Water activities abound at the lagoon – from mangrove kayaking and Paddle Boat to a giant Slip & Slide and Rodeo Bull. Water sports junkies can head over to Treasure Bay’s Chill Cove Wake Park to try out cable skiing while landlubbers can tackle off-road trails on an ATV.

A unique accommodation available around the lagoon is luxury desert themed Anmon Glamping Resort. It features Insta-worthy teepee-style glamp tents with private bathrooms and enclosed patios, ideal for lounging indoors or outdoors.

If you prefer to stay by the coast, consider one of the eight exclusive pool villas at Nirwana Gardens instead. As the Indra Maya Pool Villa faces the South China Sea, you’ll get sweeping views of the coast line from the courtyard.

An interesting activity at Nirwana Gardens is its turtle hatchery programme where its staff work together with the local community to conserve and protect native Green and Hawksbill turtles. Guests are welcomed to be a part of this unique and free experience to watch as the 3-day-old hatchlings are released from their sheltered hatchery onto the beachfront.

Getting There
Catch a ferry (from $57 for one-way ticket, from $94.50 for return trip) from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in Bintan. Hail a cab to complete the final leg of the transfer to Treasure Bay or Nirwana Gardens.

4. Pulau Pangkil (private island)

For an extraordinary island getaway, book the entire Pulau Pangkil for some private time with your loved one, family or friends. Located off the southeastern corner of Bintan Island, this exclusive tropical island resort can be accessed from the private Pama Jetty.

Stay in driftwood villas constructed using logs salvaged at sea and the surrounding islands. These open villas stand by the edge of the beach, and are elevated from the ground to take advantage of the tropical sea breeze, overlooking the crystal clear waters beneath. They are naturally ventilated with roof-mounted fans and have no air-conditioning, but are decked out in rich fabric, intricate hand-carved furniture and fittings that exude simple luxury.

The island is also void of man-made elements, with minimal concrete or light pollution – making it the perfect destination to recharge your soul with your other half on a hammock, with the sunset glowing behind tiki torches and a blanket of stars.

As you explore this idyllic island, you’ll be surprised by how incredibly rich the ecosystem is. There are over 40 species of plants, and the surrounding seas are strictly no-fishing zones. Try spotting herons, mudskippers, monitor lizards and butterflies within the area.

All three meals are provided during your stay according to your own schedule. Enjoy a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes – from grilled seafood and barbecued meats to pastas, vegetables and fresh fruits. Book a massage (minimum six sessions) during your stay to complete the rustic paradise experience.

Book the entire island from $5,117.50 per night per group of 12 adults. Prices include three meals a day, full use of facilities, and land and boat transfers between Bintan and Pulau Pangkil. Individual bookings are available for a minimum of a two-night stay from Mondays to Thursdays only for at least four adults at $370++ per adult and $120++ per child (aged 4 to 12) per night.

Getting There
Catch a ferry (from $57 for one-way ticket, from $94.50 for return trip) from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in Bintan. Catch a cab to the private Pama Jetty (1 hour 30 minutes) and the resort will whisk you to Pulau Pangkil in its private boat in 15 to 30 minutes.

5. Telunas Private Island & Beach Resort

This private island, just 50km south of Singapore, is accessible via speed boat from Batam, and offers over-the-water villas that are built entirely out of wooden planks. There’s no air-conditioning, but there’s a net on the roof to prevent birds from flying into your room. This sprawling property above the water also has a high deck where you can jump off during the high tide!

If you prefer something more exclusive, book the private island villa which comes with a living room and a loft bedroom, as well as another huge bedroom facing the sea, with a balcony and sunbed for a perfect escape from urban life. What’s more, there is no WiFi to distract you from relaxing, so you can really disconnect and go offline.

Focus instead on sea activities like kayaking or paddleboarding through the clear waters, or taking in the sights and sounds of the island’s surroundings. Another way to fully immerse yourself on the island is through a guided island tour. During the tour, you can learn more about the island’s culture while visiting the local village and speaking to the natives. Be sure to book the tour at least one day in advance, before 2pm.

Getting There
Catch a ferry from HarbourFront Passenger Terminal to Sekupang Ferry Terminal in Batam. Tickets are from $32 for a one-way ride and from $61 for a return trip. Upon arrival at Sekupang, a Telunas Resorts team member will accompany you on either a chartered boat or a local ferry to Telunas.

*This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “Where to go for an island weekend getaway from Singapore”

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 See The Orangutans

• Tanjung Puting National Park & Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation
Central Kalimantan

• Bukit Lawang
North Sumatra

• Gunung Leuser National Park
North Sumatra

Seek Out A Komodo Dragon

• Komodo Island
• Rinca Island
• Flores Island
• Gili Motang
• Padar Island

Thrills At Theme Parks & Attractions in Bali

• Ayung River Rafting
• Bali Bird Park
• Bali Safari & Marine Park
• Bali Treetop Adventure Park
• Elephant Safari Park
• Kemenuh Butterfly Park
• Rip Curl School of Surf
• Waterbom Bali

Chill Out On The Beach

• Belitung Island
Bangka Belitung Province

• Canggu Beach
Bali

• Derawan Beach
East Kalimantan

• Dreamland Beach
Bali

• Gili Air, Trawangan and Gili Meno Islands
West Nusa Tenggara

• Kanawa Beach
Flores

• Jimbaran Beach
Bali

• Nihiwatu Beach
Sumba

• Peucang Beach
Banten

• Tanjung Bira
South Sulawesi

Take Art & Craft Classes in Ubud, Bali

• Wood carving
• Traditional Balinese painting
• Ceramics and silversmithing classes

Explore Bali’s Rice Terraces

• Tegallalang
• Jataluwih
• Rendang

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Barumun Nagari Wildlife Sanctuary 

North Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra

Cikananga Wildlife Center

Sukabumi, West Java

Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue & Education Centre 

Bitung City, North Sulawesi

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Baluran National Park

East Java

Wildlife to spot: Banteng, Java mouse-deer, fishing cat, Javan leopard, Javan lutung

Cenderawasih Bay

West Papua

Wildlife to spot: Whale sharks

Jantho Pine Forest Nature Reserve

Bandar Aceh

Wildlife to spot: Orang utan, gibbons, forest cat, deer, elephant, jungle goat, clouded leopard, loris, anteater

Kerinci Seblat National Park

North Sumatra

Wildlife to spot: Sumatran tigers, elephants, tapirs, leopards

Komodo National Park

East Nusa Tenggara

Wildlife to spot: Komodo dragons

Lake Sentarum National Park

Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan)

Wildlife to spot: Birds

Lore Lindu National Park

Central Sulawesi

Wildlife to spot: Tonkean macaque, North Sulawesi babirusa, mountain anoa, dwarf buffalo, pygmy tarsier 

Lorentz National Park

Papua

Wildlife to spot: Birds

Lovina

Bali

Wildlife to spot: Dolphins

Meru Betiri National Park

Jember Regency, East Java

Wildlife to spot: Striped Java tiger, Javanese flying squirrels, endangered sea turtles at Sukamade Beach 

Mount Leuser National Park

Aceh, North Sumatra

Wildlife to spot: Orang utan

Raja Ampat Islands

West Papua

Wildlife to spot: Whale sharks, manta rays, pygmy seahorse, birds

Tangkoko National Park

North Sulawesi

Wildlife to spot: Tarsier

Tanjung Puting National Park

Central Kalimantan

Wildlife to spot: Orang utan

Ujung Kulon National Park

Banten, West Java

Wildlife to spot: One-horned Javan rhinoceros, Java mouse-deer, silvery gibbon 

Wasur National Park

West Papua

Wildlife to spot: Birds

Way Kambas National Park

East Lampung Regency, Lampung, Sumatra

Wildlife to spot: Sumatran elephants, Sumatran two-horned rhino, birds 

West Bali National Park

Bali

Wildlife to spot: White Bali starling

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