Top Islands in Southeast Asia

Islands in Thailand

It should come as no surprise that the islands in Thailand make the top of the list. Not only are they easily accessible via Thailand's great tourism infrastructure, the Thai islands are diverse enough to please a wide range of travelers.

From raging party scenes to quiet islands with part-time electricity, you'll find either as much action or as much peace and isolation as you can handle.

Although Koh Phangan seems to get all the party attention because of the monthly Full Moon Parties, it's a big island! You'll find plenty of bays and beaches with more to offer than beats and bucket drinks.

• Most Popular: Phuket and Koh Samui
• Top Picks: Koh Lanta and Koh Chang
• Where to Party: Haad Rin on Koh Phangan; Koh Tao; Koh Phi Phi
• Where to Chill: Koh Lipe, Koh Muk, and smaller islands on the Andaman (west) side
• Most famous for Diving: Koh Tao
• High Season: Between November and April, although the weather differs depending on the island. Koh Lanta mostly shuts down between June and November due to storms.

Islands in the Philippines

With more than 7,000 islands making up the Philippine archipelago, you'll have plenty of choices both close to Manila and farther afield.

A quick flight to Cebu City gives you a myriad of island options in the Visayas accessible via flight or the Philippines' busiest seaport. Negros Island is an often-overlooked option in the area.

Philippine islands are typically volcanic, with lush, hilly interiors and many bays with beaches scattered around the edges. Although the beaches in the Visayas are very photogenic and many are practically undeveloped, don't always expect powdery sand; many beaches are made up of coral or rocks. Sadly, some are plagued with rubbish.

• Most Popular: Boracay, Panglao Island, and Palawan
• Top Pick: Palawan
• Where to Party: Boracay Island
• Famous for Diving: Apo Island
• Most Superstitious Island: Siquijor Island
• High Season: Weather differs by the place. The peak of typhoon season is from June to September.

Islands in Malaysia

Although Langkawi is Malaysia's undisputed island hotspot, there are plenty of other pleasant choices with pristine beaches and excellent diving. The two main Perhentian Islands are a solid part of the Banana Pancake Trail for backpackers.

Perhentian Kecil is smaller and more popular for budget travelers and socializing. Perhentian Besar, the larger of the two, is a little more sophisticated and is home to quieter resorts.

Duty-free Langkawi wins the award for most popular due to the accessibility. The quick flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi regularly costs less than US $30!

Tioman Island, closer to Singapore, is a duty-free island with both busy beaches and quiet bays. While Penang is a great place to visit, it's so large that you may not even realize you are on an island!

Diving in the Perhentian Islands is very affordable and enjoyable. Tioman Island, although harder to reach, delights divers and people who prefer to snorkel. It's a place where you can rent snorkeling gear and walk out from the beach to see turtles and barracuda!

• Most Popular: Langkawi
• Top Picks: The Perhentian Islands and Tioman Island
• Best for Diving: Perhentian Kecil or Perhentian Besar
• Where to Party: Perhentian Kecil
• Where to Chill: Perhentian Besar and Tioman Island
• When to Go: Peak season in the Perhentian Islands is between June and August. The islands practically close down during the winter months.

Islands in Indonesia

For obvious reasons, Bali gets all the attention from visitors to Indonesia's more than 17,000 islands — but there are other pieces of paradise in the archipelago waiting to be enjoyed.

The three famous Gili Islands in Lombok are a great choice for island hopping to find a balance between peace and socializing. Gili Trawangan is often a raging party while Gili Air, and especially Gili Meno, are more laid back.

You'll find incredible diving throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Sumatra, the sixth largest island in the world, is the place to go for orangutans, volcanoes, and jungle adventure.

If Bali gets too busy and there isn't time for the Gili Islands, you can always grab a quick ferry over to nearby Nusa Lembongan where less crowds and snorkeling with giant mantas await.

• Most Popular: Bali
• Top Pick: Gili Air
• Where to Party: Gili Trawangan and Kuta Beach on Bali
• Where to Chill: Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Nusa Penida
• When to Go: The summer months are usually busiest but have the best weather.

Singapore

Yes, Singapore is a city, island, and country all at the same time! While notorious for being pricier than its Southeast Asian neighbors, Singapore is a unique, world-class destination for many reasons.

Singapore may not be the first choice for clean beaches or solitude, but you will find an amazing number of things to do. And don't make the popular mistake of assuming Singapore is an urban, concrete jungle famous only for shopping — Singapore enjoys an abundance of green space and bike trails for its size.

• When to Go: The weather in Singapore is fairly consistent; afternoon thunderstorms are common throughout the year. November to January is often the wettest period; February is often the driest month.

Malaysian Borneo

Many visitors to Malaysia forget that Borneo, the third largest island in the world, is only a quick, cheap flight away from Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia shares the island of Borneo with Indonesia and Brunei. It's a nature-lover's dream come true. There you'll find endangered species, national parks, trails with waterfalls, exotic indigenous culture, green rainforests, and some of the best diving in the world.

• When to Go: Borneo is hot and rainy throughout the year, but the two Malaysian states have slightly different climates. June, July, and August are the best months to visit Kuching (Sarawak). Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) is driest in February, March, and April.