Southeast Asia attracts more than its fair share of tourists, but there are plenty of opportunities to escape the hustle. These are Asia’s best family-friendly private island escapes
Nay Palad Hideaway, Philippines
From picnics on desert islands to surfing world-famous waves, Nay Palad had a lot to offer families
Live out your barefoot, tropical island dreams at Nay Palad, a private island barefoot resort on the southeastern tip of Siargao Island in The Philippines.
Ten luxury villas are set around a private bay with facilities that run to a private beach, outdoor cinema, infinity pool and spa and fitness centre. Activities include sailing, snorkelling, kayaking, water-skiing, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, skimboarding, donut rides, diving, deep-sea fishing, island hopping and surfing the world-famous waves of Cloud 9.
There’s a dedicated children’s village complete with shaded trampolines and swings and a treehouse platform with slides that whoosh down to a sandpit. Children are also invited to make s’mores at the campfires. More child-friendly activities include cooking classes and movie nights. Babysitting can also be arranged on request.
Meanwhile, the Hideaway Village offers dining spaces, a games pavilion and a resort pool with pool bar and floating lounges.
One and two bedroom thatched villas complete the picture, with kids’ beds in the attic.
How to get there
Nay Palad is a 40 minute drive from Siargao Island’s Sayak airport. Fly to Cebu or Manila and catch a connecting flight to Sayak. The resort offers complimentary airport transfers in a private jeepney.
Nikoi Private Island, Indonesia
An island of adventures awaits for kids staying on Nikoi
Nikoi Private Island floats off Bintan Island south of Singapore just about where the Java and South China Seas meet.
The island was developed into a luxe, eco-resort by two Singapore-based expats who had been living on nearby Bintan Island. Together they explored the relatively untouched east coast of Bintan and found a little piece of paradise.
Stretches of white sand, pristine reefs and verdant forest make Nikoi an exciting desert island destination.
Spacious two and three bedroom grass huts have no windows or doors, no locks or room keys and no air conditioning - just gentle sea breezes and ceiling fans.
There are beach watersports including a catamaran, kayaks and snorkels and there’s also a pool and possibly Southeast Asia’s most renowned kids’ club - children’s activities include wood carving, treasure hunts, rock climbing, cocktail shaking and evening BBQs on the beach followed by a movie under the stars.
How to get there
Head to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore and catch a ferry to Bintan. From there, the resort will arrange pick-up in a private car to the other side of Bintan and then it’s a 20-minute speedboat ride to Nikoi Private Island.
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
The Song Saa Collective is part of a marine reserve off the Cambodian coast
It’s taken a decade of hard work and engagement with local communities to create the idyllic destination that is Song Saa Private Island.
The pair of neighbouring islands that make up the Song Saa Collective, linked by a footbridge, are part of the Koh Rong archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand.
After years of environmental bad practice, these days the islands are part of a marine reserve and are a haven of ecological best practice, boasting lazy white-sand beaches and an aquamarine ocean vibrant with corals and fish.
The resort offers 24 one and two bedroom villas with private pools and stunningly perched over the sparkling ocean. The resort also has an infinity pool and spa.
The kitchens are supplied by the organic garden and activities include hiking and nature trails, kayak expeditions, snorkel tours, inter-island excursions and ocean nature safaris. Children are warmly welcomed with scavenger hunts and other activities regularly organised to keep them busy.
How to get there
Fly to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh international airports for direct flights to Sihanoukville airport. The resort is a 30-minute speedboat ride from Sihanoukville Port. Alternatively, fly to Phnom Penh and arrange transportation by car via the (relatively) new Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville Expressway (approximately three hours).
Batu Batu, Malaysia
Lose yourself at Batu Batu - Tengah Island in Malaysia
Head to Malaysia and the Johor Marine Park for a holiday to remember amongst the coconut palms of Batu Batu.
Batu Batu means ‘rocks’ in Malay and the island is set amongst coconut groves, rocky outcrops and sandy beaches.
This barefoot resort offers guests a choice of just 20 wooden one and two bedroom villas nestled amongst the trees. Reminiscent of traditional Malay ‘kampung’ or village houses, the villas have been built by local carpenters using traditional techniques and a variety of tropical hardwoods. All beach villas have a family annexe with bunk beds.
Guests can relax on the island’s eight beaches, explore the jungle or learn about the ecology of the islands from the onsite biologists. Tour the turtle hatchery and adopt a turtle nest and, at certain times of year, watch the turtles hatch at night.
There are kayaks, paddle boards and snorkels if you want to hit the water or explore the reefs right off the beach. Or try a PADI dive programme (the dive centre opens from March to November).
How to get there
Batu Batu - Tengah Island is a 20-minute private speedboat ride from Mersing, Johor, Malaysia. The resort can recommend taxi companies to transfer guests from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Mersing.
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
Barefoot luxury at Bawah Reserve northeast of Singapore
Bawah Reserve is located on Pulau Bawah, one of six Anambas islands in the Riau archipelago northeast of Singapore.
The islands are now a designated marine conservation area thanks to the hard work of resort owner Tim Hartnoll. When he first chanced upon the uninhabited island of Pulau Bawah the area was an environmental disaster zone. Hartnoll established Bawah Anambas Foundation to improve and support the ecosystem of the Anambas.
Bawah Reserve resort has just 35 suites including overwater bungalows, beach suites and garden suites. All rooms have air conditioning, in-room Wifi and ipads, a private covered verandah, snorkel equipment and indoor and outdoor showers.
Dining areas include Treetops restaurant, the poolside Grouper Bar and sunset cocktail spot, Jules Verne treetop hideaway. And enjoy the great outdoors by following a snorkel map or heading off for a hike.
Families are welcomed at Bawah Reserve with family-friendly accommodation and activities specifically tailored to five to 12 year olds. However, the resort is not suitable for under fives.
How to get there
Fly to Singapore and guests are met at the airport and taken to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Here they catch a ferry to Batam, then a car transfer to Hang Nadim airport and a seaplane to Bawah Reserve.
Don't go, there's more...
Desert island adventures with the family at Nikoi Private Island
Island-hopping Indonesia's stunning Coral Triangle
Exploring the desert islands of the Anadaman Sea
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