My Top Islands Around The World (So Far)

So, after going to Maldives, I thought to myself, “man, people around the world should know what are the best islands to go to.”

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of islands out there in Europe that I do not know about, but from my personal perspective, these three islands I’ve gone to give a cultural diversity punch to it.  In Europe, it would predominantly be European and possibly American, which means the diversity would lack compared to the places I’ve been to.  So, with that being said, and a podcast at the bottom for some audio fun, LET’S DIVE IN!

Number 3

Maldives!

Hey, it’s not a sad number 3….it still trumps Krabi, Phuket, Koh Phangan and every other beach in Thailand – period.

Maldives is a cluster of islands sitting in the middle of the Indian ocean.  It’s really to access if you live in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and even in some parts of Asia like Myanmar, Thailand, etc.

Being able to island hop, seeing turquoise waters everywhere and tasting some of the super fine cuisine on the island is a massive plus.  The diversity is amazing.  I was served by a gorgeous Balinese the first day at a restaurant a couple hundred meters away from my hotel.  Next day, when I went on a full-day excursion, I met people from all over the world such as Indonesia & Greek chefs, to Egyptian friends.  The clean streets and the super relaxed culture makes this a great destination.

There isn’t much of a nightlife.  After 3 nights, you’ve pretty much seen it all, unless you’re that couple who loves to relax on a private island for weeks at a time.  This is a destination to escape all the hustling and bustling of the developing world.  Period.

Number 2

Hawaii!

Having traveled here twice, this is a ridiculous wonderful place.  You have Diamond Head overlooking Waikiki, Aulani Disney Resort, Pineapple Plantation, Turtle Beach in the north…just so much! Oh, that was just on Honolulu.  For those with an extra bit of cash, you have the Big Island and Maui, which has cliff-jumping and other insane activities, waiting for you.

Hawaii, however, is not a place for single travellers.  The first time I went there was a disaster.  I was bored out of my mind and there isn’t a place where a single guy can walk in and chat it up.  No way.  People go with groups, families (lots of Japanese tourists) and it’s just not that type of place like Phuket or Krabi.  If you’re a solo traveler, Thailand (unfortunately, lol) is one of the best places to go because you can meet people easily.

The second time I went there I had the trip of a life-time with my best friend Alissa.

Rent-A-Car! – See the island in it’s entirety by renting the car! Walking up and down Waikiki can get a bit boring.  Taking the bus is even worse because they rarely come.

Consider The Other Islands – Plan it out according to your schedule, because the other islands houses things that the ultra-touristy Honolulu doesn’t.

Number 1

BALI!

My absolute favorite place on the planet.  No, it wasn’t because of the airport staff paying “la bamba” while I was boarding my plane to leave.  It was a combination of the wondrous hospitality, breathtaking views, remote beaches, night safari, and the resounding culture that was jaw-dropping.

In Bali, you don’t just have an island, and you don’t have a very commercialized city like you do in Honolulu.  You have Jimbaran to the south, which is full of resorts.  You have the ridiculously outlandish party scene in Kuta, which is full of awesome Australians.  You have Ubud about an hour north, which is the most gorgeous jungle one could ever imagine.  You have Komodo island, which is full of creatures that are said to have been around at the same time as Sabre-tooth Tigers and Woolly  Mammoths.  Mt. Bromo, which provides the most compelling views of the island.  This place is just heaven.  When I left, I almost cried.  Going from a place like Bali, back to Bangkok….you can imagine why (LOL).  I was there for a holiday and a competition.  Special shout out to The Sintesa Jimbaran for the best service I’ve ever had (until Maldives, but you’re still in my heart).

These are three islands…and the top three I’ve been to in my lifetime.  Honestly, depends what side of the world you’re coming from.  If you’re coming from America, Hawaii is your best bet.  If you’re in Asia, you’re in a perfect range because you can visit either of the three.  If you’re in Australia, Bali is just an 8 hour ride away….Hawaii could be more difficult to get to (but not anymore because Jetstar Asia now goes there).  If you’re in Thailand, obviously Bali and Maldives.

I will give it to you like this: forest, sea, partying = Bali.  Trekking, hiking, beaches, some nightlife, some islands = Hawaii. Super relaxation and island hopping, along with the best waters in the world = Maldives.

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