Skip the crowds and explore some of Southeast Asia’s most underrated and beautiful locations.

Cynics may think you’d be hard-pressed to find a destination in Southeast Asia that doesn’t draw lots of visitors, but there are still a wealth of undiscovered spots and places that are just off the tourist trail. It might take a little effort to get to them, but those who make the journey will find a slice of paradise all to themselves.

1. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

The Perhentian Islands are twin islands off Malaysia’s eastern coast, which are often overshadowed by the epic diving in far-reaching Malaysian Borneo.

It’s not a simple journey to get here - a short flight from Kuala Lumpur takes visitors to Kota Bharu, where private transfers head down to the ferry terminal at Kuala Besut. From here, a wet and wild speedboat zips across to Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Island) and Pulau Perhentian Besar (Big Island).

There’s one thing on the islands: dive shops, and the main crowds are those looking to spend their time on, under or next to the brilliant blue waters. Scuba diving in the Perhentian Islands is some of the most affordable in the world, at around $20 USD per dive, yet the quality is second to none, with multiple house reefs, shipwrecks and drift diving available.

Guesthouses are aplenty, but visitors can stay in style with a brand new Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa now open. Local businesses have an endless choice of water sports, and there are a few stand-out restaurants on the beachside. Get around by water taxi or simply kayak - the islands are really that small, with pristine white sand, hidden coves and transparent waters teeming with sea life.

Stay: Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is the newest opening on Perhentian Kecil. Guests can choose from elegant suites with big, ocean-view windows or private villas with infinity pools and living space.
Eat: On Long Beach, Pit Stop Restaurant serves some of the freshest calamari on the island, or opt for a classic roti canai at any time of day. The eatery at BuBu Long Beach Resort is also a top choice for international food cravings or one of the Perhentian Islands’ famous milkshakes.
Do: Head out on the water - whether it’s a beginner’s dive lesson, paddleboarding, snorkelling or kayaking, spending time on the sand and in the big blue is what the Perhentian Islands are known for.

2. Bohol, Philippines

Although it’s mainly known for the Chocolate Hills, Bohol in the Philippines is bursting with things to see and do. The island is just a short, direct flight from Manila and well-connected to other popular areas like Cebu.

Tick off seeing Bohol’s adorable tarsiers, a highly endangered species of monkey, at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary before heading up Sagbayan Peak. The viewing platform here offers vistas across the famous Chocolate Hills, named for their brown colouration at certain times of the year.

For more natural wonders, Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are an impressive display of vibrant green, cascading terraces in the Candijay region, and Bohol also hides dozens of waterfalls throughout its dense jungle, easily accessed by hiking. The island isn’t all active adventures - Panglao has beaches that rival any in the Philippines, with gently swaying palm trees and perfect sunset views.

Stay: Hennan Resort is currently the best and biggest on the island in a premier beachfront location, with everything from pool bars to a spa and private pool villas. However, with an MGallery hotel and Radisson property set to open in 2025, there’s set to be more and more choice in Bohol.
Eat: For those with a sweet tooth, look out for banana-q (sliced banana deep-fried in brown sugar) and kalamay (made with glutinous rice, coconut milk and brown sugar). Fresh and tasty international dishes can also be found at Bohol Bee Farm, an eco-hotel which grows most of its own ingredients.
Do: Pamilacan Island is known for its abundant marine life, including dolphins, manta rays and whale sharks, which are best seen on a half-or full-day cruise.

3. Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Thailand’s mountainous north borders Laos and Myanmar, and for many travellers, it is a stretch too far to make it onto an itinerary. However, the dramatic scenery and rich culture make this a place that is not to be missed.

For adventurers, the Mae Hong Son Loop is a motorbiking trip stretching more than 600km that begins and ends in Chiang Mai, passing waterfalls and mountainous scenery. It takes at least four days, but being immersed in the scenery is what this region is all about.

There are also historical sights aplenty in Mae Hong Son, specifically beautiful temples like Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang, and for countryside views, the hillside Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu. Trekking, hot springs and deserted countryside are the biggest draw here, making it an ideal place for some off-grid relaxation while in Thailand.

Stay: Although you’ll find a fair number of backpackers in Pai, there’s luxury to enjoy too. Pai Hot Springs Spa Resort has a collection of private chalets, the best of which have mountain views from a spacious balcony, along with an outdoor pool, restaurant and hot spring pools for a dose of R&R.
Eat: Try traditional khao soi, a noodle soup made with chicken or beef in a rich coconut curry broth. The night market is also excellent for grabbing a smoothie or street food dish.
Do: Head up to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu at sunrise to explore its two white pagodas and enjoy views over the countryside as the sun comes up.

4. Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

The capital of Brunei has so much to offer, and its small size means you can spend a layover or a leisurely few days exploring its sights. To get stuck into the city, its ornate grand mosques are a sight to behold. Landscaped gardens surround Jame Asr Hassani Bolkiah, and its minarets are intricately decorated in bright colours and gold, while Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque dominates the heart of the city with its huge white structure topped in gold and reflected in the waters of the Brunei River.

The capital’s waterfront is always abuzz with life, taking in daily life in BSB from the promenade or grabbing a snack at Tamu Kianggeh riverside market.

Slightly further afield, Kampong Ayer is a popular half-day trip that takes visitors to a scenic floating water village that is believed to be one of the oldest in the world. For a tranquil way to start or end the day, take a cruise along the Brunei River - dawn is the best time to get a glimpse of Borneo’s famous proboscis monkeys hiding in the trees.

Stay: Hotel development is still slightly slow on the scene in Brunei’s capital, which is why The Empire remains one of the best luxury properties in Bandar Seri Begawan. It encompasses private beaches, five swimming pools and a championship golf course, paired with suites that have private balconies and opulent decor.
Eat: Don’t miss nasi katok, a dish consisting of fried chicken, sweet sambal and rice, or for a real local experience, ambuyat, the national dish of Brunei, which is a thick, starchy soup made from the sago palm.
Do: If you’re lucky enough to visit the city at the end of March and don’t mind standing in line, this is the only three days of the year the magnificent Istana Nurul Iman opens to the public. The royal residence of the Sultan of Brunei contains 1,800 rooms and a garage filled with dozens of luxury motors. It opens up to guests once per year, and those who enter have the chance to meet the Sultan himself.

5. Koh Kood, Thailand

Koh Kood may well be one of Thailand’s best kept secrets, although its popularity is growing for this very reason. Its untouched beaches and tropical rainforests surrounded by sparkling ocean are a cut above the rest of the Thai islands, making it the perfect desert island getaway.

Beaches like Ao Noi and Klong Chao are likely to be virtually deserted, with lots of space for a good read or a relaxing swim. Intrepid visitors can also hike to waterfalls such as Klong Chao or Huang Nam or take a trip to Koh Rok Marine Park, one of the best places to snorkel in these waters.

Stay: In positive news for some, luxury hotels aren’t big in Koh Kood, but there’s one that would take the crown even with competition. Soneva Kiri has 36 spectacular bamboo villas with private pools and open-air bathrooms. You’ll get a personal buggy to explore the resort’s hidden beach and tropical gardens, and experiences range from treetop dining to cooking classes.
Eat: Koh Kood’s Night Market is a safe option for a quick bite, or there are dozens of beachfront eateries from which to watch the sunset. Kmonlos is a lovely cafe for breakfast, and Soneva Kiri’s Krua Mae Tuk serves locally inspired dishes.
Do: Take a short hike to the secluded Khlong Yai Kee waterfall, which is deep enough to swim and cool off during the wet season.

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