There’s plenty of overlooked destinations all across the world waiting to be explored. To find them, you just have to look a little harder and sometimes, take a leap of faith. Luckily, that leap doesn’t have to be such a risk, as KAYAK.com.au has done the research for you and found four great under the radar gems to add to your bucket-list. So if you’re looking to stretch your dollar, beat the crowds and check out less-charted locations, we’ve got you covered.
Koh Lipe, Thailand
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Koh Lipe is an island paradise in the South Andaman Seas. Accessible only by boat, the beaches of Koh Lipe range from developed to deserted. Choose between lounging on the sand or checking out the pristine reefs where 25% of the world’s tropical fish species live. We recommend you make your way to Sunrise Beach, it’s less ‘touristy’ and the best location on Koh Lipe for snorkelling right off the sand. Keen divers should check out “8 Mile Rock”, ‘Yong Hua Shipwreck’, ‘Hin Takorn Dukong’ and ‘Stonehenge’ – some of the most famous dive spots in the area.
Hainan Island, China
Relatively unknown to most travellers, China’s largest tropical island offers all the balmy weather and coconut palms you could ask for. Hainan Island is off China’s southern coast and is home to plenty of Insta-worthy scenery including a volcano-themed national geo-park, the Nanwan Monkey Island, an ancient Gusong Village and a Shaolin Buddhist temple. When you’ve had enough of a soaking up the sun on the coast, the cool central highlands are an ideal place to explore on a bicycle. The winding roads and knockout mountain views are perfect for those looking for a unique two-wheeled adventure.
Palawan, Philippines
Located between the South China Sea and Sulu Sea, Palawan is a hidden island paradise with nature reserves both in the sea and on the land. Dolphins and marine gardens with giant clams can be found in Palawan’s sparkling waters, while the lush jungle-covered mountains are home to 600 species of butterflies and the small fishing villages that dot the island. Palawan has some of the best spots for scuba diving in the world, including Barracuda-filled shipwrecks that line the bottom of Coron Bay.
Milos, Greece
Known as the island of colours, the Greek Island of Milos provides an alternative for travellers adventurous enough to take a detour from Santorini, Mykonos and the other popular islands. The volcanic island has spectacular, colourful rock formations which form the most interesting coastline of any other island this size in the world. Like Santorini, the island is not only rich in spectacular sunset views and minerals but also in the things travellers come to Greece seeking, including beautiful beaches, white Cycladic villages and excellent food. Milos makes a perfect holiday destination for those who want to experience Greece in all its beauty, minus the crowds and at a fraction of the price of its more frequented neighbours.
Main image credit: ©Kasia Soszka/shutterstock.com
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