"Travel is education for the young and experience for the old," said Francis Bacon. God created a world full of beauty and wonder, and it would be a shame not to appreciate and experience it. The stars at night, the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas - all these beautiful sights are gifts. When we're surrounded by beauty, our perspectives broaden, and we learn to be grateful. The world is a beautiful and delightful place.
Most people have a special place in their hearts for the ocean. Its vast blueness is clear and captivating. In the heat of summer, the color blue and the water itself bring a sense of coolness. Summer travel destinations are synonymous with islands. This summer, escape the crowds and enjoy the sea. That's what summer is all about!
This post highlights 10 idyllic island destinations for your summer travels. Dreams are not a luxury if you dare to take the first step.
Your body and soul should always be on a journey.
1. Palau: Crystal-Clear Waters and a Diver's Paradise
Palau, an island nation in the western Pacific, comprises approximately 340 islands. It's hailed as "one of the 50 places to visit in your lifetime," "God's aquarium," and "the top of the seven underwater wonders of the world." Its waters boast seven distinct colors, and the underwater world teems with countless fish.
Dance with jellyfish and swim with sharks - Palau is a haven for divers. In recent years, it has also become a popular honeymoon destination. Conquering the underwater world with your loved one is a heroic dream in the midst of a busy urban life.
2. Semporna: Pristine Island with Year-Round Tropical Climate
Semporna, located on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, was once a small, unknown fishing village. Now, as the gateway to the world-renowned diving destination of Sipadan, Semporna has become a famous hub for underwater tourism.
The town of Semporna, surrounded by turquoise waters, and its surrounding islands are like a dreamlike paradise. Beaches, coconut trees, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life attract travelers from all over the globe.
3. Guam: The Island of Sails and Serene Beauty
Guam, the southernmost island in the Mariana Islands of the western Pacific, is an unincorporated territory of the United States. With its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, stunning coral reefs, tranquil sunsets, and the warm hospitality of the Chamorro people, Guam will leave you captivated.
This "paradise" in the western Pacific offers a true escape. Guam is also known as a "duty-free shopping paradise." It also has beautiful seaside chapels, making it a dream wedding destination.
4. Koh Samui: Tranquil Beauty Off-Season
Koh Samui, the third-largest island in Thailand, is located in the Gulf of Thailand. If you're looking for a beautiful, peaceful place to relax, then look no further than Koh Samui, an island that "would rather reject the glory of being a Hollywood film location than to lose its secluded purity."
This tranquil and beautiful land retains a natural and unspoiled charm. While its tourism infrastructure may not be top-notch, the natural, relaxed, and thoughtful atmosphere, combined with the tropical scenery of coconut trees, clear waters, and white sand, easily captivates every visitor.
5. Dumaguete: An Underrated Gem
Dumaguete, located on Negros Island, the fifth-largest island in the Philippines, has become a popular diving destination due to its whale sharks and relatively low cost of living. Besides its stunning underwater landscapes, it has a rich cultural atmosphere, with several universities located in the city.
The city is small, and in addition to Siliman University, the oldest American-style university in Asia, it's home to several other higher education institutions, earning it the nickname "University Town." Its tranquil and slow-paced lifestyle attracts many Westerners to settle here.
6. Maldives: A Pure Ocean Paradise
The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, is the world's largest coral island nation. While many Chinese tourists opt for island-hopping, this slow-paced country is better suited for a relaxing vacation.
A unique feature of the Maldives is the "one island, one resort" concept. Choose your favorite island, stroll leisurely, enjoy meals, watch the sunset, and sleep soundly. Wake up to a beautiful sunrise, with the sea, breeze, and clouds creating an intoxicating scene.
7. Nha Trang: A Secluded Coastal Retreat
Nha Trang, located in Khanh Hoa Province in central Vietnam, is a relatively quiet coastal city compared to the more famous Ha Long Bay. Its tranquility and understated charm are attracting increasing attention from foreign tourists.
Nha Trang has a pleasant climate and excellent beaches. The sea breeze is rich in bromine and iodine, which promote blood circulation. Many people visit Nha Trang's beaches, even in winter. It's a great place for swimming, water sports, and diving.
8. Saipan: Endless Waves and White Sands
Saipan is the capital of the US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Located near the equator, it enjoys a year-round summer climate and beautiful scenery, making it a world-renowned tourist destination. Saipan is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Philippine Sea and has lush tropical vegetation in its interior.
Visitors to Saipan often say that "being in Saipan is like being in paradise." The crystal-clear waters, the charming Micronesian women and their traditional dances, and the exciting water sports attract tourists from all over the world.
9. Camiguin: A Picturesque Island
Camiguin is a small island province in the Philippines, located north of Mindanao, and part of the Northern Mindanao region. Its people are Christian and known for their warmth and friendliness. Camiguin's unique charm lies in its pristine natural environment, with forests, volcanoes, hot springs, and waterfalls.
White Island is a sandbar in Camiguin province, about 1.4 kilometers long and shaped like a horseshoe. It has no trees and attracts about a thousand tourists annually, mostly arriving by outrigger canoes and boats. Some resorts offer tours with private boats.
10. Hawaii: The Eternal Honeymoon Paradise
Hawaii, the only US state composed entirely of islands, is located in the central Pacific Ocean. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oahu. It's a world-famous tourist destination, with Waikiki Beach being a major draw. The weather is pleasant year-round, with clear blue waters. Honolulu International Airport handles up to 400,000 passengers daily.
Mark Twain said, "Hawaii is the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean." With its unique environment, the warmth, friendliness, and sincerity of the Hawaiian people, along with its volcanic parks, hula dancing, and silver beaches, Hawaii offers a truly relaxing tropical experience.