70 | TRAVELITE TRAVEL | COVER STORY TRAVEL | COVER STORY A PLACE IN THE SUN ASIA’S SECRET BEACHES Asia is a favourite destination for sun-seekers out to quench their thirst for the sun-sea-sand combo. Since the region is blessed with pristine beaches matching its tropical weather, the visitors come in droves. However, unlike the Balis, Phukets and Boracays of the world, some seaside locales somehow remain as secrets or are simply exclusive, enjoyed only by a chosen few. Take your place in deserted stretches of beach set in unspoilt tropical locales and spend days frolicking in precious privacy. Hidden from the crowds, these gloriously secluded Asian destinations are your hideouts this season – a la Tom Hanks in Castaway but with room service. WORDS BY SJ ROXAS
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TRAVEL | COVER STORYTRAVEL | COVER STORY
A PLACE IN THE SUNASIA’S SECRET BEACHES
Asia is a favourite destination for sun-seekers out to quench their thirst for the sun-sea-sand
combo. Since the region is blessed with pristine beaches matching its tropical weather, the
visitors come in droves. However, unlike the Balis, Phukets and Boracays of the world, some
seaside locales somehow remain as secrets or are simply exclusive, enjoyed only by a chosen
few. Take your place in deserted stretches of beach set in unspoilt tropical locales and spend
days frolicking in precious privacy. Hidden from the crowds, these gloriously secluded Asian
destinations are your hideouts this season – a la Tom Hanks in Castaway but with room service.
WORDS BY SJ ROXAS
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EL NIDO, PHILIPPINESSure, Palawan has been on the travel radar for some time
now, making the rounds of best-beach lists. The naturally
rich province on the westernmost portion of the Philippines
is impossible to ignore, and El Nido, a municipality situated
on the northern tip of the main island, has some of the most
alluring sites with rock and limestone formations rising out
of aquamarine waters.
The nearest public airport is a six-hour drive away, making
the town a challenge to reach for some tourists. The long
land journey is not always a catch as it helps control the
number of visitors, leaving those who do venture to this
tropical haven with more freedom and privacy. This is also
one of the many reasons why it is best to entrust your
getaway to El Nido Resorts, which conveniently offers
assistance in booking direct flights between Manila and El
Nido through a partner airline. And with four eco-resorts
located in separate islands, every discerning wanderer
is spoilt for choice. Apulit offers absolute seclusion,
Pangulasian thrives on bespoke luxury and Miniloc charms
with its rustic, natural allure, while Lagen Island Resort
has everything in equal proportions, making it a fine choice
when immersing in varying island experiences both for kids
and adults.
Boasting an environment of calm, azure waters, ivory
beaches, lush forests and majestic limestone cliffs, El Nido
Lagen positions you in the middle of a natural wonderland
with nature’s best within your reach. Even the most
experienced divers will agree that the place is breathtakingly
beautiful from varying perspectives. Palawan is long known
for its world-class dive spots and the resort is certainly an
excellent base when finding out for yourself what the buzz
is about. Lagen is a PADI-approved resort, offering a full
line of diving equipment and services, giving you as much
convenience when inspecting the surrounding reefs.
Above the surf, Bacuit Bay is literally at your doorstep
through El Nido Lagen’s Water Cottages. Individually
standing on stilts, these magnificent accommodation units
line the sides of the secluded cove that the resort inhabits.
For the best views and utmost privacy, take the farthest
cottage from the shore on the north wing and open up to
a coastal vista that’s simply alluring at any time of the day.
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As a guest of El Nido Lagen, one of the many privileges is
exclusive access to the property’s beach clubs at Entalula
Island and Dibuluan Island, where water sports such as
Hobie Cat sailing and windsurfing are the highlights along
with sumptuous lunches and cocktails. But these spots are
only two of the countless reasons why you must venture
further afield.
El Nido is a gold mine of natural riches, so take any
opportunity to commune with its treasures including some
of its wild residents. What seems like a regular afternoon of
kayaking may lead to the discovery of obscured caves, while
a trek that winds through the forest and leads to a private
cove will most likely yield sightings of Palawan hornbills
and macaques that will surely amuse the little ones. Be
careful not to cause any harm to any of the local wildlife,
but do take notes of such encounters to participate in the
resort’s wildlife monitoring initiative. As El Nido Resorts is
a staunch advocate of the environment, nature protection
and conservation programmes are in place in Lagen and the
rest of the properties.There are 45 islands and islets in El Nido, so it’s best to
book the resort’s guided eco tours and leave it to the local
experts to show you around. After all, with the bounty of
attractions in the area, you’d want to maximise your trip
with a carefully curated itinerary. The breathtaking Big and
Small Lagoons are not to be missed for the clear, cerulean
waters and imposing limestone formations. Also make time
for the spectacular Secret Beach and Lagen Island’s Cove
Two, which are ideal sites for endless beachcombing.
Come sundown, a pre-arranged dinner at the nearby
Snake Island sandbar is a definite highlight of your El
Nido interlude. The elation upon seeing a dramatic scene
of candles illuminating a dinner set-up in the middle of a
deserted beach under a ceiling of stars is incomparable. Just
when you think the night’s spectacle is over, it gets better
on your way back to the resort. Observe the water carefully
and soon enough you’ll notice the tiny specs of light emitted
by bioluminescent planktons – a magical experience that’s
certainly one for the books.
From the cold towels and drinks upon arrival, to the time
the staff gather at the dock, singing and waving goodbye
until you’re out of sight, El Nido tirelessly delivers a kind
hospitality reminiscent of family and a rare type of luxury
that could only flourish in an unspoilt natural haven.
Previous page: Aerial view of El Nido Lagen Island Resort
This page:
Top to bottom: Tour at the Big Lagoon; Water Cottages; Sandbar Dinner
Opposite page:
Top to bottom: Aerial view of Batu Batu;
One of the villas’ private terrace overlooking the South China Sea
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PULAU TENGAH, MALAYSIAWhether you’re going away to reflect or to celebrate, nothing
is quite like the allure of the ocean. Imagine having an entire
stretch of beach all to yourself, giving you all the freedom to
relax or run about. Now, imagine there are eight beaches to
choose from – one for every day of the week plus another
extra for good measure. Wouldn’t that be the best dilemma to
contemplate or reason to celebrate?
Eight beaches. One island. Countless possibilities. Somewhere
in the South China Sea lies Pulau Tengah where Batu Batu, a
boutique island resort, offers all the island space and privacy you
could ever need. From the town of Mersing in Johor, Malaysia,
which is approximately 120 km from Singapore and about 350
km from Kuala Lumpur, a 20-minute speedboat ride takes you
to the barely inhabited island. White sand beaches dotted by
dramatic rock formations and verdant greenery greet every
visitor upon arrival, turning even the most cynical of travellers to
romantics almost instantly. Secluded, quiet and luxurious, Batu
Batu is like a secret that only a few beach-loving couples and
families from some parts of Europe, Australia, North America
and Asia are in on.
As remote as it is, this island resort delivers more than
just the basics when it comes to accommodations. Each of
the 20 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom villas comes
with a view of the sea and are equipped with thoughtful
conveniences including a standalone bathtub, rain shower,
solar hot water heaters and wireless Internet connection for
those special moments that just cannot wait to be shared.
The Two-Bedroom Poolside Villas and One-Bedroom Beach
Villas are best for families for the generous space and the
proximity to either the pool or the beach, but if you’re looking
for a more intimate retreat, stay in one of the Ocean Villas
tucked away from the rest of the resort. With spectacular
sea views – even from your four-poster bed – and nothing
but the sound of crashing waves filling the air, this space is
an absolute love nest.
Since Batu Batu is an advocate of responsible tourism and is
the only development on Pulau Tengah, the natural elements
of the place are well-preserved. In fact, the thriving wildlife
that co-inhabit the island serve as a natural attraction,
offering guests rare encounters with dolphins, reef sharks,
sea cows, otters and about a hundred species of birds. So
in between visits to the eight beaches around, fill your time
with jungle walks, snorkelling trips, diving adventures and
guided tours to neighbouring deserted islands. The more
you get lost in and around Batu Batu, the more amazing
experiences you’ll find.
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PULAU REDANG, MALAYSIATime is indeed the ultimate luxury, so during instances when
that strong urge to get away kicks in but you simply cannot
spare too many hours travelling, it's good to have a go-to
location that, while still accessible, is not overrun by tourists.
This is when Pulau Redang comes in, the largest among a
cluster of islands off the east coast of Malaysia. The most
coveted address on the island comes in the form of The
Taaras, a private beach residence far removed from crowds,
treading the thin line between exclusivity and accessibility.
By air, the island is less than an hour away from Kuala
Lumpur and Singapore, replacing buildings with palm
trees and highways with sandy beaches in no time.
You can also charter a private yacht or helicopter
for a journey that’s bound to be a highlight in itself.
Surrounded by the South China Sea, the island is a precious
gem floating amidst varying shades of blue. On one of its more
isolated areas, The Taaras is sprawled on a privileged spot
with a pristine bay right to its front. The resort structures are