Many of you may not be aware that holiday in an island is my favourite getaway destination. It’s enlightening to see what other people think but when I write about my top tropical island getaway destinations, I always feel that I’m not giving justice to many other islands which are not on the list. I haven’t been to many islands like other travelers. My concentration is more towards Asian Polynesian and here are my Top 10 Favourite Island getaway of all time. Mind you…most of them are from Asia.

1. Koh Samui (THAILAND)
Koh Samui is the most paradise like place I’ve ever been, and i’ve got to tell you, I’ve travelled through places and nothing beats Koh Samui. Koh Samui is simply my most desired island destination of all time. Koh Samui is a small, relatively unspoilt tropical island paradise off the southern coast of Thailand, in the Gulf of Siam, and its tallest buildings rise no higher than the tallest palm tree. The interior of Samui is hilly and covered with tropical jungle, having spectacular views and waterfalls that sweep down to perfect white-sand beaches and an azure blue sea. The north coast of Samui witnesses some of the finest sunrises and sunsets in the world.

2. Sipadan Island (MALAYSIA)
Ever since diving celebrity Jacques Cousteau raved about the diversity of marine life, this dive mecca has been indisputably the most famous scuba destination in Malaysia. It is located off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia’s eastern most state, and lies on the north-eastern corner of Borneo, the world’s third largest island. The Sipadan diving legend has passed through the world’s dive community to the extent that all divers with an interest in visiting the best sites in the world, have this small island near the top of their wish list. Pulau Sipadan Island was at the top of Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine Gold List for ‘The Top Dive Destination in the World’. In fact the island shared its top spot with two other destinations known for the amazing diversity of their marine life - the Galapagos Islands and Truk in Micronesia

3. Bali (INDONESIA)
Many regard Bali as one of Asia’s top island destinations. With beautiful beaches, scenic views, towering mountains and a rich cultural heritage, Bali does deserve this reputation. Try staying in one of Bali’s luxury villas: you’ll often get your own pool and or jacuzzi, a truly quiet place, a personal masseuse, and even your own butler!

4. Bora Bora (FRENCH POLYNESIA)
An island of enchanting possibilities, Bora Bora beckons every traveler who longs for island getaways. Enclosed in a lagoon with a marine sanctuary, its surrounding water houses the most amazing variety of marine animals that many of us long to see: manta rays, sharks, giant mussels and much more. In Bora Bora, you don’t just see them from afar, you swim with them, dive with them, and perhaps even dance with them!

5. Maldives (SRI LANKA)
A tropical luxury getaway in the Indian ocean. True, accommodation may be rather pricey in this archipelago but if you have the cash, a private resort on its own island is very much worth it. Island getaways in the Maldives are bound to be very private and peaceful. This is not the place to go if you’re into big parties but is THE place if you love quiet evenings, bungalows by the beach and if you’re lucky (and / or loaded), an island all to yourself.

6. Koh Phangan (THAILAND)
Just north of Ko Samui and about two-thirds its size, Ko Phangan has beautiful beaches and inexpensive, basic bungalows. It’s the simple beach life which attracts many tourists each year, and also the island’s reputation for full moon parties and hedonistic culture. Popular with budget tourists seeking paradise and cheap accommodation, the Full Moon parties, once a spontanous event, now attract up to 7,000 party-goers. Although there have been changes caused by development, Koh Phangan still has plenty of remote beaches, surrounded with beautiful coral and protected by the spirits of old temples.

7. Phi Phi Island (THAILAND)
The Phi Phi islands (think picture postcard beaches - white powder sand, crystal clear water and sundowners) are just a 90 minute boat trip away from Phuket. The utimate in idyllc beaches. Stay in a beach bungalow or small resort by the sea and simply relax under a shady tree. Excellent shallow water snorkelling around the sister island of Phi Phi Ley.

8. Redang Island (MALAYSIA)
Redang Island, locally known as Pulau Redang or just “Redang” is one of the largest and most beautiful of the islands off the east coast of Malaysia. One of the most beautiful beaches of Redang is Pasir Panjang. The beach is covered with soft white sand. Corals and fish can be seen just a few metres from the beach.

9. Pangkor Laut Resort (MALAYSIA)
Don’t mix up with the other nearby island called Pangkor Island. Both of them are different islands altogether. Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island located three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia in the Straits of Malacca. Situated on this exotic island is the internationally acclaimed Pangkor Laut Resort. The island resort has won many prestigious awards since day one of its operation, including ‘5 Star Diamond Award’ from Condé Nast Traveller in 2003. Meanwhile, their beach, Emerald Bay, considered by independent travel consultants as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

10. Lombok (INDONESIA)
Only a stone’s throw from Bali is Lombok. It’s the next island in the eastern Nusa Tenggara chain, and it has the advantage of being less developed while still being able to offer a decent infrastructure for visitors to get around. To take things an extra step, check out the Gilis, three tiny islands off Lombok’s northwest coast. The stretches of white sand and plentiful coral reefs make Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan dream spots for snorkelers and scuba divers, and the islands’ beachside bungalows can make for a gorgeous but affordable getaway.