A few months back, Indian celebrities were making us yearn for a trip to the Maldives with their Insta-perfect pictures. If you’ve been experiencing major beach-vacay FOMO and have experienced the pleasures of vacationing in the Maldives, we have curated this special list for you of equally gorgeous island destinations. By Karan Kaushik
These 8 island destinations can be great alternatives to the Maldives
Palawan, The Philippines
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Turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, shining lagoons, white-sand beaches, and swaying palms. That’s Palawan for you. Blessed with stunning islands and rich marine biodiversity, Palawan is great for diving enthusiasts and swimmers.
One of the prime attractions in Palawan is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the river has been recognised as one of the new seven wonders of nature. Other must-visit destinations in Palawan include El Nido, Coron and San Vincente.
Then there’s Puerto Princesa’s Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which must also be on your checklist. Palawan’s San Vincente is also home to Long Beach, the longest beach in the Philippines.
Nosy Be, Madagascar
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Perhaps Madagascar’s best beach destination, Nosy Be island features thick forests, massive craters, and gorgeous crater lakes. A sheer paradise for water babies, Nosy Be offers incredible opportunities for diving, snorkelling, and swimming. There’s superlative seafood too.
Here’s what your itinerary for Nosy Be could look like. Start with a visit to the Lakobe National Park. Head out to the Mahatsinjo village and seek blessings at the sacred banyan tree there.
Evenings can be enjoyed by taking strolls along the Nosy Iranja beach and catching stunning sunsets from Mont Passot. To shop for souvenirs, pay a visit to the Ampangorinana market.
Whitsunday Island, Australia
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Nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, The Whitsundays is an archipelago comprising of 74 tropical islands. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway with your partner or a fun-filled beach holiday with your family and friends, Whitsunday Islands could be a nice alternative to the Maldives.
Soak in the sunshine, go sailing, discover the magical underwater world and pamper yourself at one of the many luxurious cottages that dot the pristine landscape. One of the best experiences to have in the Whitsundays is riding a seaplane over the spectacular Heart Reef.
Nothing less than a natural wonder, the Heart Reef appears like a heart, thanks to the natural placement of corals that form it. Beach bums will have a great time at the Whitehaven beach.
Cook Islands
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Kayak on crystal clear lagoons, relax by the poolside at your plush resort, ride a sea scooter or try your luck at fishing, Cook Islands will give you enough reasons to fall for it. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, the island nation is visited by divers throughout the year, thanks to its diverse marine life and pleasant climate.
The largest of all islands is Rarotonga, which features rugged mountains and incredible marine life. The national capital of Avarua is also located in Rarotonga. A major draw in the Cook Islands is Aitutaki Island, known for its gorgeous lagoon dotted with stunning coral reefs and sandy islets.
Experiences like paddle boarding, snorkelling, and diving in the azure waters of Cook Island will stay with you as cherished memories of a lifetime.
Curacao
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Curacao is located between The Americas and Europe. This geographic positioning has blessed this Southern Caribbean nation with fantastic terrain and a pleasantly sunny climate throughout the year. The beaches here have something for everyone. Those looking for a laid-back experience can spend some leisure time at the idyllic Cas Abou, while those vacationing with their family can visit Kokomo.
Curacao’s main port city Willemstad must be on your list for its imposing Dutch colonial buildings painted in bright pinks and yellows, and old-world charm. Art lovers and café hoppers may fancy a visit to Pietermaai.
If you are in the mood for some serious adventure, plan a climb to Mount Christoffel. If unwinding is all you need, Sint Joris Bay is where you should be. Snorkelers and scuba divers will find Curacao nothing less than a paradise, thanks to its excellent marine life.
Vanuatu
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One of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, Vanuatu is home to 13 major and numerous smaller islands. Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, Vanuatu is blessed with mountains and plateaus. But it’s the coastal terraces and coral reefs that make it a favourite among travellers.
Vanuatu features volcanic and coral islands embellished with beautiful white sand, emerald waters, and spectacular coral deposits. Vanuatu offers some of the best surfing and diving spots in the world.
From luxury cruises to enchanting waterfalls to thrilling jungle zip lines, Vanuatu will leave you spoilt for choice. Those of you who love to splurge during your vacations will have a great time shopping at the boutique shops in Port Vila.
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
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The Perhentian Islands have come a long way from being a pitstop between Bangkok and Malaysia to evolving into a popular and much sought-after beach destination. A part of the Pulau Redang National Marine Park, the Perhentian Islands is divided into two islands. These are Besar and Kecil.
While Besar offers expensive and luxurious experiences for couples, Kecil is where backpackers go. The beaches of both Kecil and Besar provide ideal conditions for snorkelling and scuba. You can fancy canoeing and kayaking too on non-windy days.
What makes Perhentian Islands unique is the forest that lies at the centre of the island. You can have fun hiking through the jungle or go fishing in the small village of Terengganu.
Fiji
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An all-time favourite among leisure travellers, Fiji is home to as many as 333 tropical islands. Each island has incredible experiences in store for you. The largest of them all is Viti Levu, where you can have an adventurous time climbing Mount Tomanivi, the highest mountain in Fiji.
Then there’s Kadavu island, which is preferred by scuba divers, who arrive here to discover the Great Astrolabe Reef. If you are looking for an extremely luxurious experience, the islands of Mamanucas are your best bet.
Want to swim with a tiger shark? Head to the small island of Beqa. If you would like a more secluded experience, the Vanua Levu Island is where you can enjoy a truly relaxing time.
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