5 Other Islands To Visit Now That Boracay Is Banning All Tourists

Just in case you haven’t heard, the Maldives of Philippines, Boracay will be locking its doors to tourists from 26 April onwards. While it’s good news for the island and the locals who hate the sharp influx of tourists ever since it was declared the world’s best island two years ago, tourists who have booked their holidays to the Asian island paradise have been left hanging after Duterte decided that Boracay needed a holiday from being a holiday destination, period.

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White beaches and blue sand – there’s no question why the entire world fell in love with Boracay

Mounting sewage problems from the increased tourist traffic has made the island a ‘cesspool’, and needs a major clean-up. The island’s drainage system has been releasing untreated sewage into the surrounding turquoise waters, which means that sooner or later if left to its own devices, the island might be its own worst enemy.

People have been raging online about their dream holidays and honeymoons being ruined, and the locals who make their living off tourists also face 6 months of no income are no better either. While Duterte has made plans to support those affected by the shutdown with government funding, all the other holiday goers have been left in the dust to figure out how to save their trip. Don’t think that you can still make your way to Boracay and still enter the island – police and soldiers will be setting up camp at entry points to turn away tourists and airlines have been slowly cutting down flights and rebooking affected travellers.

If you’ve already booked your flights and still die die want your own island beach holiday, here’s 5 other islands in Asia you can consider to get your sand fix. Just book another connecting flight or hope that you can at least change your flight tickets to a different destination. We’ve always got your back.


1. Phu Quoc, Vietnam

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With 28 different islands and countless beaches, you won’t ever get bored in this tiny beach paradise that is up south of Vietnam. Visit Hon Xuong that is an inhabited island  (although you can choose to camp there overnight), or take the oversea cable car to Hon Thom. There are also waterfalls, hikes and snorkelling in the seas to satisfy any adventurous bugs you might get bitten by.

How to get there: A few airlines have direct flights to Phu Quoc International Airport, or it’s a one hour flight from Ho Chi Minh or a two hour flight from Hanoi. Inter-island transfers by boat.

2. Koh Lipe, Thailand

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If you were planning on having a romantic getaway or was planning on a honeymoon trip, you might want to give Koh Lipe a try. The island is small enough to explore with your loved one, but is not as crowded as the other more touristy islands like Koh Samui. Sunset is the most secluded beach, but totally worth the hike. Get relaxing couple massages at your resort, or just give each other massages in your own room.

How to get there: take a boat from Pak Bara (Thailand), Koh Lanta (Thailand) or Langkawi (Malaysia). There are no direct flights, and if you’re coming from Bangkok, you can fly to Hat Yai and take a boat from there.

3. Chichi-jima, Ogasawara, Japan

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Forget Okinawa, Ogasawara (Bonin Islands) is where you should go to really to get away from the world. There is only one way to get to Chichi-jima – which is a 24 hour long ferry ride from Tokyo. White sand beaches, whale sightings and lots of nature exploration await you. You can also feast on fresh crops and catch from the ocean, and really take a break from the urban life because you’re literally in the middle of nowhere with nothing else to do. While there is internet on the island, it can be expensive, so it might be a good chance to disconnect from the rest of the world for a while.

How to get there: Take the liner ship Ogasawara-maru which leaves Takeshiba Pier, Tokyo. Most airlines have direct flights to Tokyo. The 24 hour ferry only makes one trip every week.

4. Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines

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Your airline or travel insurance might not be so generous to make refunds or change flights, so another destination within Philippines is still better. Book yourself a connecting domestic flight to Bohol to check out the Bohol Chocolate Hills before chillaxing at Panglao Island. Panglao also has those same (if not, better) clear, sparkling waters, and sees much lesser tourist traffic compared to Boracay. If you’re a seasoned diver, you might also want to explore the surrounding underwater flora and fauna.

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Hills that look like chocolate…? Whaaaaat? Source

How to get there: domestic flights via Cebu Pacific or other domestic airlines.

5. Lazarus Island, Singapore

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This little pocket of white sand and blue waters paradise is closer to home than you think. Source

Don’t want to go through the hassle of booking yet another holiday again because your Boracay plans fell through? Just go for a day trip to Lazarus Island – you’ll even get to see Singapore’s skyline from one side of the island. If you’re willing to do a little hiking, there are a couple of secluded beach spots where you can have a little private romp without having to go all the way to who knows where for some quiet beach time. Although we can’t promise that other visitors might have the same idea, a little skinny dipping is something you want to consider!

How to get there: a 30 minute ferry ride from Marina South Pier to St. John’s Island and take a 20 minute walk over to Lazarus Island via the link bridge.