20 idyllic beach getaways

20 idyllic beach getaways

So many beaches in Asia, so little time, so we’ve picked out our faves for their seclusion, watersport action and local flavor
By CNNGo Staff

Life’s a beach, and in Asia there’s a whole lot of good living to be had. We’ve researched and uncovered the top beach destinations to be found in the region. We’ve even broken them down into three categories — secluded beaches, action beaches and local flavor — so all you need to do is decide exactly how much coastal paradise you can handle.
For seclusion

Yunokawa, Hakodate, Japan
Yunokawa may be known as an onsen (hot spring) district but there are lovely, largely deserted beaches all around town.
The true charms of the coastal city don’t show themselves until the winter months. The area is scattered with onsens directly facing out to the shore and we can think of few things better than bathing in a hot spring while looking out at a beach covered with snow. Yunokawa is largely ignored by both foreign and domestic tourists during winter, as most Hokkaido vacationeers opt for Sapporo for skiing, so shops close early, which adds to the town’s sedate ambience.

Bai Dai Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Phu Quoc is being fashioned as the ‘next Phuket’ and will soon be turning in a pretty profit for the Vietnamese government and resort operators. But if unsoiled charms are what you’re after, there’s still time for you to check out the island and find out why the government finds it bankable in the first place (the international airport won’t open until next year).
Phu Quoc is frequently touted one of Vietnam’s most beautiful islands and the Bai Dai Beach, which squats in a Viet military area, is blissfully secluded with white sands and expansive vistas stretching to the horizon.

Patnem Beach, Goa, India
Most tourists know Goa for its Anjuna beach, hippie heaven of the 1960s and now tourist magnet. If the cacophony of flea markets and tourist raves are not your thing, head down to the lesser-known shores of Patnem, which is a stone’s throw away from the increasingly crowded Palolem beach.
Patnem may be smaller than its famous neighbor but it’s also less claustrophobic, with cheaper beach hut accommodation. It’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the sunset while congratulating yourself on ducking the Goan tourist radar.

Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Malaysia
The island cluster of Langkawi is spearheading Malaysia’s bid to become the next major resort destination in Southeast Asia, and while on the main isle (also called Lankawi) most tourists flock to Pantai Cenang beach, we like the quieter Tanjung Rhu for its earthy beauty and serene atmosphere.
The two-mile Tanjung Rhu beach area is surrounded by ancient limestone caves, rippling waterways and dense mangroves. The newly opened Four Seasons resort offers boat tours around the mangrove forests led by naturalists.

Havelock Island, Andaman Islands, India
The idyllic Havelock Island may be the most visited stop on the Andaman Islands circuit, but visitor numbers there are tiny compared to the throngs at other equally charming locations in Thailand.
At the low-key Havelock Island, visitors get to taste what rustic island life is all about. The buses that operate on the island look like they’re just about to fall apart, and locals, while friendly, have a charmingly disaffected demeanor. Those seeking corporate comforts will not find it here as Havelock is free of chain resorts.

Ta Pho Beach, Koh Kood, Thailand
Thailand’s Koh Kood is possibly one of the very few places that can live up to the myth of the unpeopled Asian beachy paradise. It’s got the prerequisites — a rainforest, quaint fishing villages, coconut plantations, snorkeling spots, and a population of less than 2,000.
One of the star attractions is the immaculate Ta Pho Beach, a wide swathe of sugary-white sand fringed with coconut trees.

Pulau Derawan, Indonesia
Tourists seeking to escape corporate comforts can’t go wrong with the Indonesian island of Pulau Derawan. Tourist accommodation is no-frills, and locals are unassuming and chatty. The luckier visitors will be able to spot turtles wading about on the island’s spotless silvery beaches.
The waters surrounding Derawan are known to be a top-notch spot for splashing around with mantra rays and green turtles.

For action

Phra Nang Beach, Railay, Thailand
With Daliesque limestone structures, hundreds of challenging cliff-side climbing routes and Tiffany-blue waters, the peninsular of Railay is the seasoned rock climber’s dream. Phra Nang, the area’s fine-grained main beach, offers a sweeping view of the area’s rugged beauty and is flanked by stalactite-rimmed cliffs that tourists can jump from.
Although Railay is only accessible by long-tail boat from Krabi and Ao Nang, it can get crowded during tourist peak seasons.

Sipadan, Malaysia
For divers, it doesn’t get much better than the beach-rimmed Sipadan. It’s been voted the best dive site in Asia with good reason — Sipadan is blanketed with lush corals and supports an extraordinarily healthy marine ecosystem, including robust reef shark and green turtle populations.
More divers won’t pass up on the opportunity to visit Barracuda Point to experience what it’s like to have thousands of barracuda milling around them. To conserve the area, only 120 diver permits are issued at Sipadan every day.
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Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
With its political woes apparently easing, Sri Lanka’s efforts to become known as a tourism hotspot rather than a terrorism hotbed are no doubt aided by its world-class surf spots.
Surf Mecca Hikkaduwa, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach destinations, has close to a dozen reef breaks that stop short of being life-threatening, and plenty of sea corals to keep snorkelers happy.
To complete the Asian getaway experience, Hikkaduwa has sumptuously spicy local fare and Buddhist cultural spectacles for vacationers to write home about.

Gaya Island, Borneo, Malaysia
Travelers will have a hard time resisting the Gayana Eco Resort, even if they’re not enviro-warriors. The luxury resort, which is erected above water on stilts, has a 130-million-year-old prehistoric rainforest for a neighbor. The resort provides guides for jungle-trekking — if you’re lucky you might even spot the Megapode, a native bird that looks like a chicken but meows like a cat.
For those looking for underwater action, Gaya Island is an excellent dive spot for its corals, warm waters and exotic fish.

Mui Ne Beach, Vietnam
Thrill-seekers will not want to miss out on Mui Ne, Vietnam’s de facto adrenalin capital. It’s famous for kite-surfing for its strong winds and clear skies, and is also generally considered a prime surfing and wind-surfing spot.
Mui Ne has looks, too — parts of the beach consist of massive sand dunes, like a section of the desert crazily juxtaposed next to the sea.

Bacuit Archipelago, Philippines
The Bacuit archipelago, which comprises of over 45 islets, is recognized as one of the Philippines’ crowning geological wonders for its sheer karst cliffs and sensational limestone rock formations. The whitewashed shores in the region — notably the excellent beaches at Cadlao Island — are also great places to get your adrenalin fix, be it snorkeling, kayaking, trekking, cliff-climbing or diving.

For local flavor

Akajima, Okinawa, Japan
The islet of Akajima of Okinawa’s Kerama Islands may be popular among Japanese day-trippers during the summer, but foreign travelers are a rare sight there.
Indeed, Akajima retains a blissfully sequestered charm even during peak season. The beaches are spotless, usually with just a handful of Japanese surfers, and locals are effusive and friendly. Further inland there is a quaint Ryukyuan heritage house open to visitors. If you’re lucky you may even befriend a local and have him teach you the shamisen while you sip on cold beer.

Beidaihe, China
Hainan Island may be China’s beach getaway de jour, but it’s Beidaihe up north that’s been amusing China’s upper echelons for decades.
Beidaihe is a few hours from Beijing and offers a fascinating alternative view of China’s bygone political intrigue. Rulers such as Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping hashed out national policies in their private villas here, and it’s popular among Russian tourists — an offhand reminder of erstwhile Sino-Soviet ties.
Cloaks and daggers aside, Beidaihe’s restaurants offer simpler pleasures with good seafood and ice-cold beer.

Om Beach, Gorkana, India
There’s more to Om Beach at the coastal town of Gorkana than sand and sea. Gorkana, which is the site of one of India’s most sacred Shiva shrines, is a major stop on the Hindu pilgrimage circuit and Om Beach offers a fascinating glimpse into Hindu religious life.
The craggy bay is named for resembling the Hindu symbol for oneness and peace, and is backed by coconut palms and verdant hills. Downtown Gorkana is rich with old-world charm, with bare-chested Brahmin priests wandering about, and chillum-smoking masses.

Haad Rin Beach, Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand
Haad Rin beach’s infamous full moon parties are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every full moon evening, tens of thousands of (predominately Aussie) travelers flock to the island for drunken, drug-fueled revelry. Lining up for toilets and drinks can get annoying, and there’s a lot of shoving and swearing going on, but for many party fiends, the buckets of cheap alcohol, the great food and the maddening crowd makes it all worth it.

Iho Beach, Jeju Island, South Korea
With its Hawaii-like aesthetic, Jeju has long been a favorite among Korean domestic travelers and honeymooners, and a standout in the region is Iho Beach, famous for its mixture of yellow and grey sand. The beach is shallow and good for a swim, and when you’ve dried off, we recommend heading off to downtown Jeju-si to people-watch at the raucous student bars.

The old favorites

White Beach, Boracay, Philippines
Boracay may be a pimped-out tourist central but there’s a reason why it remains a superlative on travel rankings.
Tourism and development have crept up on the tiny island but it still lays a respectable claim to its “tropical paradise” name. Boracay has something for everyone, from powdery beaches to water sports and spas. And while the famous White Beach is lined with luxury resorts and kitschy souvenir shacks, watching the sun go down over the water still rates as a very special moment for many.

Soneva Gili, Maldives
Nearly all the beaches in the Maldives are faultless, but in terms of beach-side luxury, the staggeringly expensive Soneva Gili resort reigns supreme. Each over-water villa is equipped with little indulgences that you didn’t know you needed — room service by speedboat and outdoor bathrooms, for instance — and private butlers will drop you off at deserted private beaches complete with hammocks and picnics on request.

Source: http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/none/asias-best-beaches-207933

Tourists and residents of Manila travel out of town to the north on a short getaway look for the best place in Clark to buy some fine vintage wine to bring home after their holidays and vacations. Many find a top rated wine shop called Clark Wine Center to be an exciting place to do some shopping in Clark Pampanga. This famous wine shop is highly recommended for visitors going to Clark Pampanga to drink good wine, relax and unwind with friends and families. This frequently visited wine shop is known by tourist and visitors to Pampanga, Angeles city, Subic and Clark Philippines as a cool place to hang out in Clark. Many attend the regular wine tasting held either outdoor on the roof deck or in indoor on the second floor above the wine shop. The place has good atmosphere for a private wine tasting party or a small night out gatherings for business or social event.

Leading Philippines Wine Supplier Yats Wine Cellars based in Clark Philippines with outlets in Angeles City, Subic Freeport and Manila Philippines has been not only a wine shop for fine wines covering all major wine regions but also a source of reliable and useful information about wine, wine appreciation, wine accessories, wine and health, food and wine pairing and all other matters relating to wine and its appreciation. This Philippines Clark Freeport based Wine Supplier and Wine Shop frequently holds public wine tasting events in Pampana Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Subic Bay area, Makati, Fort Bonifacio and other areas in Philippines capital city Manila. Private Wine events such as private wine tasting and private wine dinners are also designed and organized for private clientele for their wine loving guests.

Wine Catering is a unique product of Yats Wine Cellars, created back in 2005 in response to a growing demand for private wine parties in Manila, Cebu, Subic, Angeles Clark Philippines.

Chateau Lafite-Rothschild is the most revered wine in China and many other parts of Asia. The best wine shop in Asia to buy older vintages of Chateau Lafite is Yats Wine Cellars located in Clark Philippines. Aside from Lafite, visitors can buy other fine wines at this wine shop in Clark Pampanga such as Latour, Mouton-Rothschild, Haut-Brion and Margaux. Excellent Burgundy wines like Chambertin, Vougeot, Musigny, Bonnes Mares, Pommard, Meursault, Chambertin, Vosne Romanee, Romanee Conti, La Tache and Romanee St. Vivant can be found here.

Yats Wine Cellars can be reached at their Clark Wine Center Philippines wine shop located on the main highway M A Roxas of Pampanga Clark Freeport Zone or their sales office in Ortigas Centre, Metro Manila. Here is the contact information:

http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Getting to this wine shop in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Philippines from Manila
Getting to the Clark Wine Center wine shop from Manila is quite simple: after entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway M A Roxas. Clark Wine Center is the stand-along white building on the right, at the corner A Bonifacio Ave. From the Clark International Airport DMIA, ask the taxi to drive towards the entrance of Clark going to Angeles City. From Mimosa, just proceed towards the exit of Clark and this wine shop is on the opposite side of the main road M A Roxas.

Best place to buy wine in Clark Pampanga outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center.

Click here to contact Clark Wine Center in Clark Pampanga for inquiries and orders.

Clark Wine Center
Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building
Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,
Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023
0922-870-5173 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

YATS Wine Cellars
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 ask for Rea or Chay

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com

While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. Highly recommended fine dining restaurant in Manila for special occasion is Yats Restaurant & Wine Lounge located in the famous Mimosa Leisure Estate in Clark Pampanga. Situated near this popular restaurant in Clark is the Mimosa Golf Course as well as the Mimosa Clark Casino. This top rated restaurant near Angeles City Pampanga in Clark Philippines is frequently used for private parties and corporate functions such as board meetings and other gatherings. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

Besides good restaurants to wine and dine near Manila, Subic or in Angeles City Pampanga, Clark Philippines, those requiring assistance for hotel and resort bookings in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines may log on to http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com for more information and reservations.

The lifestyle in Clark Pampanga is quite unique. For more information about shopping, sports, golf, leisure, hotel accommodation, where to see and visit, what to do, where to wine and dine and good places to hang out, relax, have a drink with friends, child-friendly establishments, log on to
http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

Wine lovers looking for a special bottle or something that is of great value and special discounts might log on to this web site to shop for fine vintage wines
http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

Those visitors who plan to relax and unwind in Angeles City, Subic, Pampanga, Clark Philippines might make an effort to book a room at the famous beach and lake resort Clearwater Resort & Country Club. This famous hotel in Clark Pampanga is frequently visited by families with children looking for a good place in Clark to see, a good holiday destination for the family to relax and unwind in the beautiful outdoor facilities. For more information, log on to www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com