Top-secret Southeast Asian beach hideouts for the best family vacations

Southeast Asian beaches are universally recognized as some of the world’s best beaches to experience an unforgettable family holiday. The warm sun, gentle waves, and shady trees at these tropical beaches create the perfect backdrop for making lasting memories so if you are planning an upcoming family vacation, look no further. Let us guide you through a list of the best-kept secrets amongst all the Southeast Asian beaches. The unfiltered, raw beauty of these natural beaches is something you won’t find at the usual touristy beaches, so you can definitely get a unique, uncommercialized experience. 

1. Menjangan Beach

Country: Bali 

Bali is definitely one of the first countries that come to mind when you are thinking of a Southeast Asian beach holiday.

Due to its popularity amongst tourists, many of Bali’s gorgeous beaches are overcrowded and polluted — but not Menjangan Beach. This beach on the west of Bali may be a little off the road but once you get there, you will be rewarded for your journey. The pristine clear waters, sparkling white sand, and the myriad of animals roaming around such as deer and big lizards will definitely make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise. There are tons of family-friendly activities to try out together, from exciting ones like horseback riding to snorkeling, to simple yet enjoyable ones like cycling and trekking. Make the most of your time here by booking a stay in the Menjangan Resort just nearby. Tucked away in a quiet forest sanctuary, this is one resort that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The rooms here overlook a luscious green canopy and come equipped with beautiful nature-themed furniture in aesthetic earthy tones, setting the mood for a calming and relaxing retreat.

2. Rawa Island

Country: Malaysia

 The best beach getaways are at offshore islands where you can completely immerse yourself in the beach vibes and forget about city life for a while.

Rawa Island is without a doubt one of the top picks for an island escape in the summer — the scenery here is stunning with its lush tropical greenery, powdery white sand, and warm azure waters.

It’s also not as crowded as other recreational beaches around Malaysia, making it a great place to hit the coast without worrying about overcrowded facilities. Apart from relaxing on the gorgeous beach, you can also try your hand at numerous sea sports activities here, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. For serious divers, you can even get yourself certified at the dive center here. The activities here don’t just cater to adventure junkies — there is also a top-notch spa facility here for those who prefer to indulge and relax under the hands of an expert massage therapist. To enjoy the full experience at Rawa Island, book a stay at the island’s luxurious resort where you can indulge in sumptuous buffet meals and relax in the elegant rooms after a long day at the beach.

3. Bohol

Country: Philippines

We have all heard of the magnificent Cebu and Palawan beaches in the Philippines, but not many people know about Bohol which is good news — you get to enjoy this untouched beach paradise without getting caught in the stressful hustle and bustle of a huge crowd.