Camiguin, Philippines
This is an extremely underrated, often unheard of destination. It boasts the enchanted lure of
Hawaii’s natural beauty but without the hoard of tourists. Camiguin has more volcanoes per
square kilometer than any other island on earth and is thus justly referred to as the ‘island
born of fire’.
Also being the second smallest island in the Philippines, you can explore most of the island
within a day. That being said, there are no shortages of things to do and many days can be
spent lazing around on the beach, in the hot springs, hanging around various waterfalls or
going for walks in the wilderness just absorbing the splendor of the lush scenery.
Part of the reason Camiguin may not be a top destination for tourists is because of the black
sand beaches. There is a white beach just about a half a mile out to sea hovering above the
turquoise water that provides heart-stopping views of the Island during sunrise. However,
the black sand offers it’s own charm of something more exotic than the white beaches so
often seen in obvious postcards of tropical paradises.
Camiguin is a glorious paradise in its own right, with all the tropical tokens of looming palm
trees, the large red, yellow and orange plant life and of course, the god-like volcanoes
watching over it all.
Jeju, South Korea
Jeju is the country’s most popular holiday destination, often proudly nicknamed ‘the Hawaii
of South Korea”. Koreans traditionally are known for travelling domestically, but with the
development of the economy, they are now trying their passports for more distant and
exotic locations. This leaves Jeju with comparatively less tourists for foreign travelers looking
for Hawaii-looking gems.
Jeju has 3 UNESCO sights and most people will be shocked to hear it is now one of the new
7 natural wonders of the world. When you visit, you’ll understand why. There are volcanoes
everywhere and hiking opportunities aplenty. Despite its popularity, it is relaxed and despite
it being a small island, it is big enough for you to get lost on and not worry about running
into anyone else.
If you are looking for something a little different, Jeju is also scattered with many unique
museums and parks, in which you can experience the quirks of Korean culture. To name a
few, there is Loveland (perhaps an attraction less appropriate for children), a cheese theme
park, a K-pop museum and a Hello Kitty Island.
Overall, Jeju retains the supreme wonder of the Hawaiian volcano-scape with some unique
splashes of Korean culture and fun.
Perhentians, Malaysia
The Perhentians are made up of 2 islands, each with its own personality. The small one (Kecil)
attracts party-goers who enjoy fire spinning shows, beachside bars and is a little cheaper,
while at the big one (Besar), you pay a little more for the quiet and secluded beaches. A solo
traveler or keen diver can fit in at both.
Though Kecil is more of a party island, it is by no means overrun and pleasantly ticks the
boxes for your beautiful tropical island checklist. Largely, people are drawn to the islands for
the prospect of the bright and diverse underwater world. Diving is not too expensive here
and you can see huge sea turtles, black-tipped reef sharks, clownfish and big blue-spotted
rays in calm and crystal clear waters.
There is also an array of interesting wildlife roaming around on land, particularly of the
reptilian sort. Don’t be surprised if you find a lizard the size of a dog charging through your
beachside restaurant.
Between the lively beaches of diving enthusiasts, you’ll find a tangle of forest and some
hiking trails. Though you won’t find the notorious giant sloping volcanoes of Hawaii here,
there are plenty of views to take your breath away.
Lombok, Indonesia
When most people think of holidaying in Indonesia, their first go-to is Bali, and then maybe
The Gillis Islands. Lombok is the island you travel across on route from one to the other but
never as popular. It is a mystery as to why with the divine Mt. Rinjani volcano, stunning
beaches and rugged forest. All this and it’s a destination as cheap as they come.
There are many tourists who see Lombok by booking a day tour from Bali. But if you’re the
more adventurous type and want a cheaper option, you’re better off exploring the island by
hiring a bike. Then you are sure to find a crescent pearly white beach somewhere with few
tourists or a trail you have to push past palms through to reach a delicately cascading
waterfall.
There are also opportunities for surfing, snorkeling and other water sports, as well as some
very friendly locals happy to show you around. You will certainly find all these things and
maybe more on Bali, but Lombok is yet to be taken over by the tourist industry and thus is
markedly cheaper.