The good news? You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy beautiful islands, crystal-clear waters and a relaxing tropical escape.
Around the world, several lesser-known island destinations offer stunning scenery, excellent snorkelling, charming beach resorts and memorable local experiences at a fraction of the cost of a luxury Maldives holiday.
If you're ready to explore somewhere different, here are five hidden island alternatives worth adding to your travel bucket list.
Imagine stepping onto a quiet beach surrounded by clear blue water, colourful coral reefs and swaying palm trees. That's the appeal of Lakshadweep, an Indian archipelago in the Arabian Sea that remains relatively unexplored compared with more famous island destinations.
Lakshadweep is known for its coral atolls, lagoons, white-sand beaches and excellent opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. Agatti and Bangaram are particularly appealing for travellers seeking peaceful island scenery and marine adventures.
Unlike the Maldives' high-end resort scene, Lakshadweep offers a more nature-focused experience, making it attractive to travellers who prefer quiet surroundings over extravagant luxury.
Best experiences in Lakshadweep
- Snorkelling in clear lagoons and exploring coral reefs
- Scuba diving and discovering colourful marine life
- Enjoying peaceful beaches away from crowded tourist destinations
- Experiencing the distinctive island culture and local cuisine
The Philippines has thousands of islands, but Siquijor remains a quieter alternative to some of the country's busier beach destinations. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, waterfalls, turquoise waters and local folklore, the island is ideal for travellers who want more than a traditional beach resort holiday.
Siquijor combines beautiful coastlines with lush landscapes and a relaxed island lifestyle. You can spend the morning swimming in clear water, explore a waterfall in the afternoon and finish the day watching the sunset from a beachfront café.
The island also has a growing selection of guesthouses, boutique stays and affordable beachside accommodation, making it appealing to budget-conscious travellers.
Best experiences in Siquijor
- Swimming and snorkelling around Tubod Marine Sanctuary
- Visiting Cambugahay Falls
- Exploring quiet coastal roads by scooter, where permitted and safe
- Watching the sunset along San Juan's coastline
Bali may dominate Indonesia's travel scene, but Karimunjawa offers a different experience: a collection of islands known for turquoise waters, coral reefs, sandy beaches and a slower pace of life.
Located off the northern coast of Java, this archipelago is an attractive option for travellers who want to explore Indonesia beyond its most famous destinations.
Karimunjawa is particularly appealing to nature lovers. Its surrounding waters offer opportunities for snorkelling, diving and boat trips between small islands. On land, visitors can find quiet beaches, village life and accommodation options ranging from simple guesthouses to comfortable resorts.
The destination's relative remoteness can be part of its appeal, although ferry schedules and weather conditions require careful planning.
Best experiences in Karimunjawa
- Taking boat trips to nearby islands and sandbars
- Snorkelling over coral reefs
- Relaxing on secluded beaches
- Exploring local villages and enjoying fresh seafood
Cambodia might be better known for its temples, but its coastline hides islands that are well worth exploring. Koh Rong, located off the coast of Sihanoukville, offers stretches of pale sand, tropical vegetation, warm water and a mix of lively beach areas and quieter retreats.
Koh Rong has options for different travel styles. Some areas are popular with backpackers and social travellers, while others provide a more peaceful setting for couples and visitors looking to disconnect.
You can spend your days swimming, relaxing in a hammock, exploring beaches or taking boat excursions. Certain areas may also offer opportunities to see bioluminescent plankton under suitable conditions.
Best experiences in Koh Rong
- Relaxing on Long Set Beach and other sandy stretches
- Taking boat trips and exploring the coastline
- Swimming and enjoying the island's tropical scenery
- Looking for bioluminescent plankton on a suitable dark night with local guidance
For travellers dreaming of turquoise water, coral reefs, beachfront cafés and spectacular sunsets, Gili Air is another destination worth considering. Part of Indonesia's Gili Islands near Lombok, it offers a relaxed atmosphere with a mix of local culture, small resorts and independent accommodation.
Gili Air strikes a balance between quiet island living and enough restaurants, cafés and activities to keep a trip interesting. Motorised traffic is heavily restricted on the Gili Islands, so many visitors get around on foot, by bicycle or using local horse-drawn carts.
Snorkelling and diving are major attractions, while the island's beachfront dining spots make sunset a highlight of the day.
Best experiences in Gili Air
- Snorkelling and scuba diving in nearby waters
- Enjoying sunset views over the sea
- Cycling or walking around the island
- Sampling Indonesian food at local cafés and restaurants
The best alternative depends on your travel style, departure city and preferred level of comfort.
The Maldives remains exceptional for its overwater villas and private-resort experience. These alternatives are most attractive if you care more about beautiful coastlines, marine activities and memorable island experiences than having a luxury villa above the water.
Choosing a less expensive destination is only part of the savings. A few smart decisions can help you keep the total trip cost under control.
You don't have to choose the Maldives to enjoy a beautiful island escape. From Lakshadweep's coral lagoons to Siquijor's waterfalls and Gili Air's laid-back beach culture, these five destinations offer memorable ways to experience tropical island life without automatically committing to a luxury-resort budget.
If you're flexible about where you stay, how you travel and which experiences matter most, you may be able to spend considerably less than you would on a comparable Maldives holiday.
Your dream island holiday might be somewhere you haven't considered yet.