As winter creeps in and the temperature starts dropping in the northern hemisphere, you might find yourself daydreaming of being on a white sandy beach somewhere in paradise. It’s time to get planning and make that daydream reality! Southeast Asia boasts the most beautiful sunny islands for the best price making it the perfect winter escape this year.
If you're looking for some of the best hostels on these islands, check out Mad Monkey
Here are the top islands you need to hit this winter:
Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia
This small island just south of the Cambodian coast is the perfect island paradise getaway you need. With more and more airlines flying direct from Bangkok to Sihanoukville, it is easier than ever to get to the island. The island has limited internet access so once you are there you can disconnect from social media and the outside world, and connect with other travellers. Relax on the beach or in hammocks perched over the water, go snorkelling and test your luck fishing, sip on a few bevies on the pier bar for happy hour, and join in on nightly events at Mad Monkey Koh Rong Samloem. This is hands down the best Cambodian island for you to visit this winter.
Siargao, Philippines
Named “The 2019 Best Island in the World” by Conde Nast Traveler, the pristine white beaches, remarkable waves, and lush mangrove forests are truly like nowhere else. From relaxing on beaches to getting out and being adventurous, Siargao will no doubt impress any traveller. Its waves are not only perfect for beginner surfers with locals excited to give lessons, but praised by pros. You can swing from palm trees into rivers, snorkel with the diverse marine life, hike through the mangrove forests, take a boat cruise, or spend your days beach hopping. Make sure Siargao, the best island in the world this year, is high on your list this winter!
Nacpan Beach, Philippines
Just a 45-minute ride from El Nido, Nacpan Beach (also known as Nacpan Twin Beach) is the ultimate secluded beach. Mad Monkey provides the perfect beach front accommodation, bar and restaurant, and activities for your stay. Picture rolling out of bed in the morning and sitting on the beach with a coconut enjoying breakfast before hopping on a boat to visit the five most stunning places around the island. Top it off watching the sunset on Nacpan Beach, where even the locals say is the best place to watch the sunset in El Nido. Staying at Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach will be the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure and party for your winter escape.
Cebu, Philippines
As one of the main transport hubs in the Philippines, Cebu has direct flights from a handful of international Asian airports along with almost every major airport in the Philippines. Just because it can be known as a transport hub doesn’t mean that is all Cebu is. A boat cruise from Cebu will take you to pristine waters for relaxing, snorkelling and partying. For those up for the adventure, the Mad Monkey Moalboal tour will take you canyoneering downstream from the top waterfall tier until you reach the famous Kawasan Falls after a morning of swimming with sardines and turtles. For one of the best nights out on your holiday, you can’t miss out on Mad Monkey’s Jeepeny Pub Crawl after pre-drinks on their rooftop bar, then spend the next day relaxing poolside on the rooftop. Make the most of your stop in Cebu with all it has to offer.
Boracay, Philippines
As the Philippines’ most epic party destination, travellers from all over come to Boracay to party in paradise. Not only is this island known for its legendary parties, but it has so much else to offer. Snorkelling, helmet diving, and scuba diving are popular for seeing the colourful coral and diverse sea life. Make sure to join the legendary Mad Monkey Boat Party where you head out onto the crystal blue waters around the island, stop at the famous Magic Island cliff jumping spot, snorkel with the marine life and enjoy unlimited drinks. The boat party will definitely be a highlight of your winter getaway. Boracay is a must for your holiday this year!
Gili T, Indonesia
As the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia, Bali is a truly wonderful island with so much to offer, just make sure not to miss out on its little neighbouring island Gili Trawangan (also known as Gili T). This island is so small it has no cars or motorbikes, so locals and tourists get around by bicycle, horse carriage and walking. While on Gili T, you can snorkel with turtles right off the shore, dive with mantas, and even try yoga on a stand-up paddleboard if you’re brave enough. Though Gili T is perfect for slowing down and enjoying the pace of a small island, its night life is lively into the early hours for those wanting to party. From relaxing pool days soaking up the sun to cycling around the island and Mad Monkey day sesh’s, Gili T is the perfect paradise island escape to this winter.
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Known for its epic full moon parties, Koh Phangan is all that and so much more. If partying all night long on the beach, painted with neon paints, drinking buckets of alcohol (quite literally) sounds like a little bit of you, then make sure to plan your trip during the Full Moon Parties that happen once a month. Just make sure to stay a few days to explore everything the island has to offer during the day. With the new Mad Monkey Mad Moon Packages, it is now easier than ever to see and do it all. With transfer from the pier, 2 free nights’ accommodation, a sunset ATV adventure, a massage, and last but not least our fantastic staff and service we are known around SE Asia for, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life. On Koh Phangan, you will find the perfect mixture of relaxation, adventure, and party making it the perfect island getaway.
What are you waiting for? It is time to make your daydreams come true this winter!
Book a bed at Mad Monkey Hostels on the most beautiful islands in Asia