14 places to discover
Cabilao Island is a small coastal island in the Cebu Strait off western Bohol, administratively part of the municipality of Loon. Known for its white sand beaches, clear waters and fringing coral reefs, it is a well-established diving and snorkeling destination. The island features the historic Cabilao Lighthouse, quiet fishing villages, and protected marine sanctuaries, and is reached by outrigger boat from mainland Loon.
Cu Lao Xanh Island is a small coastal island belonging to Nhon Chau commune, Quy Nhon, Gia Lai Province, located about 24 kilometers southeast of Quy Nhon city in central Vietnam. Known for its clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, white sandy beaches and historic lighthouse, the island hosts a fishing community and remains relatively undeveloped. It is notable for snorkeling, diving and its French-built lighthouse offering panoramic views.
Devgad Fort, also known as Janjira Devgad Fort, is a historic coastal fort located in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. Built by Dattajirao Angre in 1729, it served as a strategic Maratha naval defense post surrounded by sea on three sides. The site features fort ruins, bastions, a Ganesh temple, and a lighthouse constructed in 1915. It remains an important heritage landmark offering views of the Arabian Sea and insights into Konkan maritime history.
Diu Fort is a large Portuguese fort located on the eastern tip of Diu Island in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Built in 1535 following an alliance with Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat, and completed in 1546, it overlooks the Arabian Sea. Notable for its massive walls, bastions, lighthouse, and sea-facing ramparts, it is a protected monument and a major heritage attraction in Diu.
Dolphin's Nose is a prominent rocky headland and viewpoint in southern Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, rising about 174 metres above sea level. Named for its resemblance to a dolphin's nose when viewed from the sea, it houses a historic lighthouse and offers panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam Port, Yarada Beach and the Eastern Ghats. It is a well-known natural landmark and scenic overlook within the city.
Hon Dau Island is a small forested coastal island located about 500 meters off Do Son Beach in Van Huong Ward, Do Son District, Hai Phong. Notable for its historic French-built lighthouse from 1896 and the Temple of Nam Hai Than Vuong, the island features dense primeval forest, rocky shores and panoramic views over the Gulf of Tonkin. Accessible only by boat, it is a scenic, cultural and navigational landmark of the Do Son tourism area.
Hon Khoai Island is a forested coastal island archipelago located about 14 km off the southern tip of Ca Mau Peninsula in Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam. The main island is notable for its dense tropical forest, rocky coastline, small beaches, and the historic Hon Khoai Lighthouse on its highest peak. It is part of a small island cluster and is valued for its natural scenery, biodiversity, and panoramic sea views.
Kalpeni Island is an inhabited atoll in the Lakshadweep archipelago, located about 287 km southwest of Kochi in the Arabian Sea. It comprises Kalpeni main island and the smaller islets of Cheriyam, Tilakkam, Pitti and Koomel, enclosing a large lagoon. Notable for its coral reefs, clear lagoon waters, white sandy beaches and Tip Beach, it is known for water sports, snorkeling and its lighthouse.
Kaup Beach, also known as Kapu Beach, is a coastal attraction in Kaup town in Udupi district, Karnataka, along the Arabian Sea. It is known for its sandy shoreline, scattered laterite rock formations, and the Kapu Lighthouse situated on a rocky outcrop. Located about 13 km south of Udupi and 45 km north of Mangaluru, the beach is noted for sunset views, fishing activity, and views of the lighthouse, making it a popular stop on the coastal Karnataka circuit.
Minicoy Island, locally known as Maliku, is the southernmost inhabited island of the Lakshadweep archipelago in the Arabian Sea, about 400 km off Kochi. This crescent-shaped coral atoll is known for its white sandy beaches, large lagoon, historic lighthouse built in 1885, and distinct Maldivian-influenced culture. It is notable for tuna fishing, coconut cultivation, and pristine marine environment.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park is a marine national park in Ko Lanta District, Krabi Province, covering the southern tip of Ko Lanta Yai and surrounding islands including Ko Rok, Ko Rok Nai, Ko Ngai and Mu Ko Ha. Established in 1990, it protects 134 square kilometers of islands, coral reefs, beaches, mangroves and evergreen forest. It is notable for its historic lighthouse, white-sand beaches, hiking trails and rich marine biodiversity.
Penang National Park is Malaysia's smallest national park, covering about 23 sq km at the northwestern tip of Penang Island near Teluk Bahang in Barat Daya District. Established in 2003 from the former Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve, it protects coastal hill dipterocarp forest, mangroves, and secluded beaches. Notable for its meromictic lake at Pantai Kerachut, turtle conservation centre, Muka Head Lighthouse, and diverse trails, it offers hiking, wildlife observation and beach access.
Pulicat Lighthouse is a coastal navigation aid located in the historic town of Pulicat in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, near the southern end of Pulicat Lake where it meets the Bay of Bengal. Serving vessels along the Coromandel Coast, the lighthouse is situated in an area known for its Dutch colonial heritage and bird sanctuary. It offers panoramic views of the lake, backwaters, coastline and fishing hamlets, and is visited for sightseeing and photography.
Surathkal Beach is a sandy coastal stretch in Surathkal, about 12 km north of Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, along the Arabian Sea. Located adjacent to the National Institute of Technology Karnataka campus and marked by the Surathkal Lighthouse, it is known for its wide shoreline, rocky patches and sunset views. The beach is popular for leisure walks, photography and as a traditional fishing shore with nearby temples and eateries.