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5 AWESOME SUMMER HOLIDAY INSPIRATIONS

Summer is around the corner and a time to dream of that wonderful tropical island getaway and the ever-present hope of finding that magical place, that “once in a lifetime” special holiday paradise. The options are endless and these days access to even the most secluded places is not an issue. Nowadays travellers care less about the distance and are far more interested in the ambience, landscapes and facilities they find when they get there.

Here, we feature five tropical islands you might consider for your next holiday adventure. Places where you can enjoy freshly caught fish, relax under the palm trees in refreshing cool sea breezes while enjoying a refreshing cocktail or cold beer and enjoying the spectacle of a splendid sunset in a stunning location. The places we have listed here have been chosen for their scenic beauty, the activities you can enjoy through the day and the opportunities to find peace lazing on the beach or by a pool.

BELITUNG

Off the Eastern coast of Sumatra, Belitung Island is considered to be one of Indonesia’s island gems. It has a unique coastal landscape with huge granite boulders that emerge majestically out of crystal clear waters under blue skies. Two of the finest beaches to visit at Belitung are Tanjung Kelayang and Tanjung Tinggi. Here you’ll find a  peaceful tropical world of sun, sand and sea in which pristine white sand beaches overlook a turquoise sea and some great snorkelling sites. The extraordinary spectacle of the offshore islands have gained Belitung its worldwide recognition as a much-visited holiday destination and is of particular interest to those seeking an alternative from the usual, well worn holiday islands around Indonesia. The best time to enjoy Belitung is during the dry season from April through to December. This is the time when the sun shines and cool afternoon sea breezes waft off a calm sea, a time when the reefs and the surrounding islands show off their beautiful colours and when island cruising is one of the joys of life.

MENJANGAN ISLAND

As part of the West Bali National Park and in a protected marine reserve, Menjangan Island is a small island situated off Bali’s northwestern coast. Menjangan means deer in Indonesian and the name was given by the local population who, every year when spring comes around, witness groups of wild deer swimming the 1.2 miles across to the island. The good news is that you don’t have to swim to reach the island, you can hire a motorboat from Pemuteran / Labuhan Lalang. Many visitors come to Menjangan just to relax and enjoy the beautiful environment while more adventurous souls take advantage of the calm waters, to dive and snorkel and see the diverse marine life. Luxurious accommodation is available on Menjangan Island and caters for those looking for 5-star services and facilities.

PHU QUOC

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is 48 km in length and is Vietnam’s largest island. It is a tropical island haven where holidaymakers can soak up the sun on white sandy beaches and, when a more energetic urge creeps over them, explore the forest trails and natural features. If you so wish activities abound to keep you busy on Phu Quoc, including diving and snorkelling over colourful reefs, kayaking in the bays, forest trekking, trail bike riding and meeting and interacting with the friendly locals. For a more sedate holiday on this lovely island, you can lounge on the beach, go for a paddle in the warm waters, enjoy fresh seafood lunches and dinners and perhaps have a pampering massage by the sea

KOH SAMUI

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand about 35 Kms Northeast from the town of Surat Thani, Koh Samui has long been regarded as one of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia. The island is home to lavish resorts and villas and boasts beautiful palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest. An iconic man-made landmark here is the 12 metre golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai temple. There is always plenty to do to do on Koh Samui you can set off on a culinary adventure, you can go bar hopping, island hopping or jungle trekking. Chaweng is Koh Samui’s longest and most beautiful beach and is well worth a visit with its soft powdery sand and crystal clear waters, an ideal place for a relaxing sojourn or for water activities.  If you like to party, you shouldn’t miss the famous full-moon festival held across at Koh Pha Ngan—a small island that is a part of the Samui archipelago.

BORACAY ISLAND

Looking for something a little different? A visit to Boracay Island should be on your bucket list, this island has been in the news recently and is well recognised as one of the world’s finest resort Islands. The views are fantastic and, once you step on the island, you’ll be overcome by the relaxed feel of the place and its positive vibes. The island is shaped like a thighbone (an unusual shape) and measures 7 kilometres in length and is only 1 kilometre wide at its narrowest point, it is a world-class holiday destination. White Beach in Boracay is famous for being whiter than white and is classed as one of the finest beaches in the world. The beach with its clear shallow water offers ideal conditions for swimming and snorkelling while at nearby Bulabog Beach there are more challenging water activities such as kite boarding and windsurfing. As night falls the island comes alive with restaurants, bars and live music along the white beach, this is a time to eat and drink or just to walk and soak up the atmosphere.