Beaches in Asia

Bahrain is not exactly a beach destination. Most beaches here belong to resorts and hotels, but there are a few decent public beaches. Jazair Beach on the west coast is considered to be one of the best. It's long, kind of sandy, and there are a few shady shelters which provide protection from the fierce sun. Since it's obvious not a place to stroll around in your bikini, it's mostly used for picnics and such – or not used at all.

It is a bit ironic that the longest beach in the world lies in muslim country where the ladies' idea of a beach outfit is a burqa, people swim fully dressed and certainly nobody sun bathes. This the-longest-beach-in-the-world beach does not just have one single name, instead every single stretch has a name of its own. The most famous parts are Laboni, also known as Cox's Bazar beach, Himchari, and Inani. The last one being the most charming of them all with local fishermen and boats looking like toy pirate ships. The beach is actually only the longest natural beach in the world, getting beaten badly by Cassino beach in Brazil at 240km long, but for some reason beyond us, Cassino beach does not officially count as one unbroken natural beach.

Angkaul Beach is so new on the travel map that neither locals nor travellers have figured it out yet. It is still just a sleepy fisher village among coconut palms and a beautiful natural coast line only broken by more coconut palms. The beach isn't particularly mind blowing, just a narrow strip of sand mixed with grass, sea weed and garbage from the ocean, but it is pretty idyllic and tranquil with locals drying starfishes in the sun and cheeky kids playing in the water. There is no official accommodation yet but one entrepreneur lady has put up the first beach cafe consisting of a few hammocks and a menu offering coconuts and sea food.

Sihanoukville is Cambodian's answer to a beach resort area. There are several nice beaches around what might one day turn into one connecting town when all the developments are completed. The main beach drag is the crowded Serendipity Beach, which slides into the deserted Ochheuteal Beach. It is a shabby version of Phuket with ramshackle deck chairs, aged jetskis for rent and an endless stream of beach kids, massage ladies, beggers and cheap draft beer. Some people like the edge and seediness of the place (all the middle aged men certainly seem to like it), while others might wish they were in picture-perfect Thailand. Serendipity Beach has a lively backpacker scene where expats, sex tourists and young travellers meet over more cold beers. If you want to escape all the buzz and beach hawkers, hit for easy going Otres Beach further south or one of the many tropical islands off the coast, like Koh Russei (Bamboo Island) or Koh Rong (Monkey Island).

Tucked away in a cove on the backside of the hoovering Jesus statue lies one of the best beaches around Dili. It goes under the precise but utterly uncharming name of Jesus Backside Beach. It is a long stretch of white sand with gentle aqua blue water. Even though it is in close proximity to Dili, it is untouched and has some very good snorkeling right from the shore - maybe even some of the best in East Timor.

Check the photo gallery for more Timor beaches along the northern coast.

Though Havelock is getting more and more popular, and not just with Indian tourists, most of Havelock Island is still pristine forest, mangrove and rice paddy fields. There are three main areas with resorts. Govind Nagar Beach (no. 3) near the jetty, Vijay Nagar Beach (no. 5) further south, and Beach 7 (Radhanagar) across the island. Govind Nagar Beach is very narrow with patches of lovely mangrove. There are some nice resorts here with palm filled grounds.

Laxmanpur Beach is very photogenic with azure water, long stretch of secluded sandy beach, and on a backdrop of tall tropical trees. The triangular spot with water on two sides is known as “Sunset Point”. Even the narrow road, which winds its way to the small parkering area, is pretty. Since the beach is popular, there is a cluster of small snack stands. Maybe because the beach is directly exposed to the sea, it’s unfortunately littered with sea trash (plastic bottles, old shoes, wrappings, etc.).

Radhanagar Beach is probably the most famous beach on Havelock, well even the Andamans. The sandy beach is long and fringed by palms and tall trees. No resorts are visible from the beach, making the setting surprisingly lush, green and shady. The famous swimming elephant, Rajan, used to roam here at Radhanagar Beach, but unfortunately it passed away due to old age in 2016. Guide books are happy to point out that Radhanagar Beach was named "best beach in Asia" by TIME magazine in 2004, but you better do the judgement.

Sitapur Beach is the sunrise spot on Neil Island, but the rest of the day it's pretty much empty. The serene beach is a mix of rocks and sand on a backdrop of what can only be described as jungle. Don't mind the trash at the viewpoint, because the beach itself is clean. The further you walk on the beach, the more wild the coastline gets with dead treetrunks, big boulders, and vertical cliffs. The beach is a real natural gem, though the water can be too rough for swimming. There is a restricted military area above the beach, but it's ok to venture off to all the connecting coves. Just keep track of the tide, so you don't get trapped midway.

The beach at Bira is so popular with locals, that it suffers from the crowds. Trash is pilling up everywhere, the congested lanes leading down to the beach are lined with concrete guesthouses and snack stalls, and the actually stretch of sandy beach is mostly used for selfies. However, about one kilometer down the coast you will find Bara Beach. A long - and at some sections narrow - beach with plenty of shade from the black lava rocks. There are a few tranquil resorts, some with wooden terraces overhanging the cliffs and with panoramic views over the turquoise water and reef. There is fairly good snorkeling a short swim from shore, particular where the reef breaks off, but expect current. Bara Beach and the resorts at this end are the reason you should come to Bira – not Bira Beach itself.