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A PLACE IN THE SUNASIA’S SECRET BEACHES
Asia is a favourite destination for sun-seekers out to quench their thirst for the sun-sea-sand
combo. Since the region is blessed with pristine beaches matching its tropical weather, the
visitors come in droves. However, unlike the Balis, Phukets and Boracays of the world, some
seaside locales somehow remain as secrets or are simply exclusive, enjoyed only by a chosen
few. Take your place in deserted stretches of beach set in unspoilt tropical locales and spend
days frolicking in precious privacy. Hidden from the crowds, these gloriously secluded Asian
destinations are your hideouts this season – a la Tom Hanks in Castaway but with room service.
WORDS BY SJ ROXAS
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EL NIDO, PHILIPPINESSure, Palawan has been on the travel radar for some time
now, making the rounds of best-beach lists. The naturally
rich province on the westernmost portion of the Philippines
is impossible to ignore, and El Nido, a municipality situated
on the northern tip of the main island, has some of the most
alluring sites with rock and limestone formations rising out
of aquamarine waters.
The nearest public airport is a six-hour drive away, making
the town a challenge to reach for some tourists. The long
land journey is not always a catch as it helps control the
number of visitors, leaving those who do venture to this
tropical haven with more freedom and privacy. This is also
one of the many reasons why it is best to entrust your
getaway to El Nido Resorts, which conveniently offers
assistance in booking direct flights between Manila and El
Nido through a partner airline. And with four eco-resorts
located in separate islands, every discerning wanderer
is spoilt for choice. Apulit offers absolute seclusion,
Pangulasian thrives on bespoke luxury and Miniloc charms
with its rustic, natural allure, while Lagen Island Resort
has everything in equal proportions, making it a fine choice
when immersing in varying island experiences both for kids
and adults.
Boasting an environment of calm, azure waters, ivory
beaches, lush forests and majestic limestone cliffs, El Nido
Lagen positions you in the middle of a natural wonderland
with nature’s best within your reach. Even the most
experienced divers will agree that the place is breathtakingly
beautiful from varying perspectives. Palawan is long known
for its world-class dive spots and the resort is certainly an
excellent base when finding out for yourself what the buzz
is about. Lagen is a PADI-approved resort, offering a full
line of diving equipment and services, giving you as much
convenience when inspecting the surrounding reefs.
Above the surf, Bacuit Bay is literally at your doorstep
through El Nido Lagen’s Water Cottages. Individually
standing on stilts, these magnificent accommodation units
line the sides of the secluded cove that the resort inhabits.
For the best views and utmost privacy, take the farthest
cottage from the shore on the north wing and open up to
a coastal vista that’s simply alluring at any time of the day.
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As a guest of El Nido Lagen, one of the many privileges is
exclusive access to the property’s beach clubs at Entalula
Island and Dibuluan Island, where water sports such as
Hobie Cat sailing and windsurfing are the highlights along
with sumptuous lunches and cocktails. But these spots are
only two of the countless reasons why you must venture
further afield.
El Nido is a gold mine of natural riches, so take any
opportunity to commune with its treasures including some
of its wild residents. What seems like a regular afternoon of
kayaking may lead to the discovery of obscured caves, while
a trek that winds through the forest and leads to a private
cove will most likely yield sightings of Palawan hornbills
and macaques that will surely amuse the little ones. Be
careful not to cause any harm to any of the local wildlife,
but do take notes of such encounters to participate in the
resort’s wildlife monitoring initiative. As El Nido Resorts is
a staunch advocate of the environment, nature protection
and conservation programmes are in place in Lagen and the
rest of the properties.There are 45 islands and islets in El Nido, so it’s best to
book the resort’s guided eco tours and leave it to the local
experts to show you around. After all, with the bounty of
attractions in the area, you’d want to maximise your trip
with a carefully curated itinerary. The breathtaking Big and
Small Lagoons are not to be missed for the clear, cerulean
waters and imposing limestone formations. Also make time
for the spectacular Secret Beach and Lagen Island’s Cove
Two, which are ideal sites for endless beachcombing.
Come sundown, a pre-arranged dinner at the nearby
Snake Island sandbar is a definite highlight of your El
Nido interlude. The elation upon seeing a dramatic scene
of candles illuminating a dinner set-up in the middle of a
deserted beach under a ceiling of stars is incomparable. Just
when you think the night’s spectacle is over, it gets better
on your way back to the resort. Observe the water carefully
and soon enough you’ll notice the tiny specs of light emitted
by bioluminescent planktons – a magical experience that’s
certainly one for the books.
From the cold towels and drinks upon arrival, to the time
the staff gather at the dock, singing and waving goodbye
until you’re out of sight, El Nido tirelessly delivers a kind
hospitality reminiscent of family and a rare type of luxury
that could only flourish in an unspoilt natural haven.
Previous page: Aerial view of El Nido Lagen Island Resort
This page:
Top to bottom: Tour at the Big Lagoon; Water Cottages; Sandbar Dinner
Opposite page:
Top to bottom: Aerial view of Batu Batu;
One of the villas’ private terrace overlooking the South China Sea
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PULAU TENGAH, MALAYSIAWhether you’re going away to reflect or to celebrate, nothing
is quite like the allure of the ocean. Imagine having an entire
stretch of beach all to yourself, giving you all the freedom to
relax or run about. Now, imagine there are eight beaches to
choose from – one for every day of the week plus another
extra for good measure. Wouldn’t that be the best dilemma to
contemplate or reason to celebrate?
Eight beaches. One island. Countless possibilities. Somewhere
in the South China Sea lies Pulau Tengah where Batu Batu, a
boutique island resort, offers all the island space and privacy you
could ever need. From the town of Mersing in Johor, Malaysia,
which is approximately 120 km from Singapore and about 350
km from Kuala Lumpur, a 20-minute speedboat ride takes you
to the barely inhabited island. White sand beaches dotted by
dramatic rock formations and verdant greenery greet every
visitor upon arrival, turning even the most cynical of travellers to
romantics almost instantly. Secluded, quiet and luxurious, Batu
Batu is like a secret that only a few beach-loving couples and
families from some parts of Europe, Australia, North America
and Asia are in on.
As remote as it is, this island resort delivers more than
just the basics when it comes to accommodations. Each of
the 20 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom villas comes
with a view of the sea and are equipped with thoughtful
conveniences including a standalone bathtub, rain shower,
solar hot water heaters and wireless Internet connection for
those special moments that just cannot wait to be shared.
The Two-Bedroom Poolside Villas and One-Bedroom Beach
Villas are best for families for the generous space and the
proximity to either the pool or the beach, but if you’re looking
for a more intimate retreat, stay in one of the Ocean Villas
tucked away from the rest of the resort. With spectacular
sea views – even from your four-poster bed – and nothing
but the sound of crashing waves filling the air, this space is
an absolute love nest.
Since Batu Batu is an advocate of responsible tourism and is
the only development on Pulau Tengah, the natural elements
of the place are well-preserved. In fact, the thriving wildlife
that co-inhabit the island serve as a natural attraction,
offering guests rare encounters with dolphins, reef sharks,
sea cows, otters and about a hundred species of birds. So
in between visits to the eight beaches around, fill your time
with jungle walks, snorkelling trips, diving adventures and
guided tours to neighbouring deserted islands. The more
you get lost in and around Batu Batu, the more amazing
experiences you’ll find.
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PULAU REDANG, MALAYSIATime is indeed the ultimate luxury, so during instances when
that strong urge to get away kicks in but you simply cannot
spare too many hours travelling, it's good to have a go-to
location that, while still accessible, is not overrun by tourists.
This is when Pulau Redang comes in, the largest among a
cluster of islands off the east coast of Malaysia. The most
coveted address on the island comes in the form of The
Taaras, a private beach residence far removed from crowds,
treading the thin line between exclusivity and accessibility.
By air, the island is less than an hour away from Kuala
Lumpur and Singapore, replacing buildings with palm
trees and highways with sandy beaches in no time.
You can also charter a private yacht or helicopter
for a journey that’s bound to be a highlight in itself.
Surrounded by the South China Sea, the island is a precious
gem floating amidst varying shades of blue. On one of its more
isolated areas, The Taaras is sprawled on a privileged spot
with a pristine bay right to its front. The resort structures are
tucked amidst rainforest greens, giving guests ample privacy.
There are 184 rooms and suites on offer, but the resort’s
five-bedroom Private Villa is the best bet for larger groups.
This splendid 3,000-sqm residence is a sanctuary of space
and exclusivity set on top of a cliff. Besides the breathtaking
panoramic sea views, the villa also offers outdoor and
indoor lounge areas, a 16-m infinity pool, a private gym
and a private security office as well as a personal butler.
Leaving no stones unturned, you can even arrange to have
a personal chef to whip up special dinners for your party.
More than the usual activities such as diving, kayaking and
jungle trekking, The Taaras also lets you try some more
unique adventures through pre-arranged packages. Try
the Robinson Crusoe experience and spend four hours in
secluded bliss. You and a loved one will be transported to
a deserted beach with nothing more than a picnic hamper,
snorkel gear and a kayak for two, allowing you to disconnect
from the world momentarily. You can also try a moonlit
cruise on the South China Sea, complete with wine and
canapes, should you prefer to revel under the stars. Even
meals tend to get adventurous as The Taaras offers dinners
in different settings. A feast at the resort garden, in a
traditional Asian cabana or right on the shore with waves
lapping on your ankles are some of the viable options you
can consider to make every precious minute of your escape
more worthwhile.
This page: Top to bottom: Diving at Redang Island; The Beach Brasserie
Opposite page: Top to bottom: Haad Tien’s private beachfront area; Castaway Beach Villa
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KOH TAO, THAILANDIts name alone, which means Turtle Island, is an indication
of the exotic natural wonders it offers. About 45 km north
of the more popular Koh Phangan and 70 km east of
mainland Thailand, Koh Tao is a tiny island accessible via
plane through Koh Samui, followed by a ferry ride. Unlike
its more prominent island contemporaries in Thailand, the
place is yet to be discovered by every tourist. But because
of its mesmerising coastal setting, it should only be a matter
of time until Koh Tao finds a spot on everyone’s bucket list.
Just because the island is unspoilt doesn’t mean it’s missing
the luxury factor. Indulgent massages and private pools are
just the beginning of the story at Haad Tien, a sprawling
45-ac boutique resort on the southern tip of Koh Tao.
Built on one of the most stunning parts of the island, the
private beachfront resort gives effortless access to idyllic
sunbathing stations and to the expanse of a blue, shallow
lagoon perfect for swimming and snorkelling. To hike up the
grandeur of your Koh Tao getaway, book the Haad Tien Pool
Villa and have a little piece of the island all to yourself –
complete with your own pool and unparalleled views of the
sea. Enjoying drinks while lounging on the day bed by the
pool in between dips and sunning sessions is, undoubtedly,
a great idea for a lazy afternoon.
Of course, no trip to this coastal marvel is complete without
sampling the thriving underwater sanctuary. Haad Tien’s Reef
Dive Centre has your explorations covered with programmes
ideal for beginners and experts alike. If you’d rather stay
close to the surface, have a snorkelling trip arranged instead
and request a packed lunch prepared by the resort chef.
Not only will this let you interact with local wildlife, but also
gives you a unique way to enjoy the resort’s gastronomic
offerings, which are made using produce from the property’s
own fruit and vegetable garden.
Tiny as it is, Koh Tao is packed with island pleasures yours
to soak in. The vibe is generally slow and relaxed, but if
you’re willing to venture far enough, you’d stumble on a few
artisan stores, notable restaurants and even some nightlife,
especially on Sairee Beach. Then again, there are eleven
coral beaches that call for endless basking, so there’s that
delightful dilemma to ponder.
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PULAU JOYO, INDONESIASometimes, when you want to get away from it all, you
really have to venture out and take the path less travelled.
It’s all about making the journey worth it and if it’s in Pulau
Joyo that you’re going to end up, then the rewards are well
worth the trip.
Although the island is in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago,
Pulau Joyo is most accessible from Singapore, making it the
perfect refuge for the lion city’s residents when yearnings
for a holiday set in. It takes hopping from one island to
another to reach this sublime destination, starting with a
ferry ride from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, which is
approximately ten minutes from the Changi Airport. After
about two hours, you’ll reach the Tanjung Pinang ferry
terminal where you will be welcomed by one of Pulau
Joyo’s staff. What follows is an hour or so drive to the
island resort’s private jetty, from which you’ll embark on a
25-minute speedboat transfer before finally setting foot on
the shores of this remote paradise.
The private island is surrounded by beaches and the best
part is there’s only a handful of other guests to share white
sand real estate with. Originally constructed as the private
residential property of a shipping family, the resort offers
only eight villas, ensuring enough peace and privacy for
everyone. All the accommodation units evoke vibes of rustic
luxury that flawlessly blend with the tropical setting. To
live close to the rich natural elements of the place without
compromising comfort, stay in one of the Driftwood Palaces
set right on the beach. Your stunning abode, constructed
using driftwood salvaged from the sea, comes exquisitely
furnished with rare furniture pieces and artwork collected
from the owners’ travels. Aside from an ensuite shower and
bathroom, the beach house is also equipped with a sizable
living area and terraces with sofas and sun loungers where
you can take in gorgeous sea views.
If not standing right on the beach, the resort structures are
nestled on the inner portions of the island, intertwining
with lush jungle paths that are ideal for nature walks in
the morning. Upon reaching the centre, you’ll find the
pool pavilion where drinks are enjoyed after a few laps.
Should you wish to explore outward, kayaking or sailing to
neighbouring islands is a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Have a picnic arranged at the nearby Pulau Binyoso, another
island owned by the same people behind Pulau Joyo. In
the evening, a wine-fuelled beach party, illuminated by a
bonfire, will add even more unforgettable moments to your
island escape.
This page: Left to right: Panorama of Pulau Joyo; Pool Pavilion
Opposite page: Top to bottom: Exterior of the beruga; View of the beach from one of the berugas
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EAST LOMBOK, INDONESIAWith no public transport routes available and not much
infrastructure around, this coastal spot on the Southeast tip
of East Lombok's Tanjung Ringgit Peninsula is just what you
need for a laid-back holiday by the beach. Well isolated
from Indonesia’s tourist hubs, it’s a true island jewel minus
the crowds. This unspoilt haven is Jeeva Beloam Beach
Camp, occupying a private cove facing the Timor Sea and
Alas Strait. Surrounded by a 55-ha forest conservation
project, the property is tucked between the thickness
of trees and the expanse of turquoise ocean waters.
Fishing from a cliff, kayaking, and biking around the island
are some of the popular activities, but because of the
serene atmosphere, merely getting up from one of the day
beds on the wooden sunning deck is a challenge. Don’t
let this pass up the chance to explore the place though.
Along with its commitment to care for the environment is
Jeeva Beloam’s support for the local community. In fact,
the fresh seafood and dairy products served in the resort
are supplied by local fishermen and farmers. When you’re
not sunbathing or feasting on scrumptious Indonesian
cuisine at the resort’s restaurant, an insightful tour to the
nearby village promises to be a highlight of your visit.
There are 11 beachfront berugas made with recycled wood
and alang alang grass. From afar, these may look simple, if
not homely, but God is in the details, as they say. Bamboo
and other natural materials are used to create furniture and
small fixtures that together create ruggedly beautiful living
spaces. Spanning 60 sqm each, the berugas are large with
layouts that take advantage of mountain and sea views.
Although these unconventional villas are inspired by the
traditional Sasak villages of Lombok’s indigenous people,
each comes with refinements such as coffee and tea making
facilities and air conditioning in the evening.
The area is so remote that it’s off the main power line, so the
beach camp relies on solar energy and back-up diesel fuel
generator. To get here, a two-hour land travel to Te Elong
Elong follows your arrival at Lombok International Airport.
Then a boat ride lasting for 30 minutes brings you to Pink
Beach, where a 10-minute drive to the resort commences.
That may sound overwhelming, but it’s nothing compared to
the rare, intoxicating beauty of Jeeva Beloam. Its remoteness
is both the price you pay and the reward you get.