By La Carmina
Run away to Asia’s little-known, eco-rich isles
Word has long leaked out on “island paradises” like Phuket and Boracay. In high season, some beaches seem to have more tourists than sand.
Unless you’re a hardcore Survivor fan, however, vacationing on an uninhabited rock isn’t the solution.
Strike a balance.
Sail away to these overlooked isles, which have enough amenities and activities to keep you breezy.
Innoshima, Japan
A small island in the Seto Inland Sea, Innoshima has a scurvy history: in the 16th century it was a battleground for Murakami Suigun pirates. The swashbucklers’ legacy remains in the maritime museum and annual Pirate Festival. Find the best of Innoshima here.
Why the island is unknown: Innoshima isn’t included in most tour guides or excursions.
How to get there: The island is connected to the mainland by Innoshima Bridge. From Hiroshima Station, take the JR San-yo line to Onomichi Station, then transfer to a bus for Innoshima.
Where to stay: Visitors stay either in Innoshima or the mainland city of Onomichi. The city has a chart of accommodations.
Izu Oshima, Japan
Travellers who shun the sun will feel at home in eerie Izu Oshima. Dissidents were once exiled to the volcanic island, including the shaman En no Gyoja, whose spirit supposedly fathered Sadako from The Ring. And thousands of Japanese have thrown themselves into the bubbling Mt. Mihara. This island has a spooky side as well cheerier attractions.
Why the island is unknown: While technically part of Tokyo, the island is remote and has a foreboding reputation.
How to get there: Take a two-hour hydrofoil from Tokyo’s Takeshiba port terminal, or a 45-minute flight from Haneda or Chofu airports.?
Where to stay: Book a rustic hotel through Rakuten.
Siargao Island, Philippines
Located 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, the laid-back town attracts top surfers who between July and November for some of the best waves in the world. The season peaks with the annual Siargao Cup. For those who wipe out, there are fishing and dive sites.
Why the island is unknown: Until recently, flights to Siargao were not readily available.
How to get there: Philippine Airlines offers flights from Cebu to Siargao five days a week. SeAir takes off three times a week. You can also board a 12-hour overnight boat from Cebu, or a faster boat from Surigao.
Where to stay: The General Luna district is centrally located. Visit surigaoislands.com for listings.
Kinmen Island, Taiwan
Kinmen was a military reserve and tension zone between Communists and Nationalists. Since the island is close to the mainland, curious Chinese come to gape at bullet-ridden walls and get sloshed on local Kaoliang liquor.
Why the island is unknown: Officials lifted travel restrictions to the island only about 10 years ago.
How to get there: Fly on one of Taiwan’s domestic carriers, or take a one-hour boat ride from Xiamen to Shuitou.
Where to stay: The tourism board suggests traditional homestays and inns.
Shengsi Island, China
Shengsi is known as China’s “hometown of mussels” and hosts the annual Mussel Culture Festival. When you’ve eaten your fill of hairy clams in Seafood Town, walk to Lingyin Temple or Huaniao lighthouse, one of the largest in Asia. CNNGo has a foodie’s guide to Shengsi.
Why the island is unknown: Qingdao and Dalian are the bigger beach destinations in eastern China.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 4, get off at Nanpu Bridge Station and walk to 1588 Waima Lu. Ferry tickets are RMB 109 (steamboat) or RMB 140 (fast boat) including free shuttle bus to the harbor (which leaves at 8:30 or 9am).
Where to stay: For hotel options, click here.
Pulau Lang Tengah, Malaysia
Pulau Lang Tengah has the best-preserved ecosystem of the Redang Marine Park islands. The rich coral reef holds hundreds of species, including the endangered green and hawksbill turtle. Scuba. Snorkel. Tan on white sand.
Why the island is unknown: Most beach bums go to Redang and Perhentian Islands.
How to get there: Hop on a speed boat from Merang Jetty on Redang Island, or from Perhentian Islands. The ride takes 30-40 minutes.
Where to stay: The island has three resorts: D’ Coconut Lagoon, Redang Lang Tengah and Lang Sari.
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