The island destinations Aussies are heading to this summer1:34
Take a look at the new island destinations Aussies are heading to this summer
Emerging destinations such as Puerto Princesa in The Philippines are seeing a surge of interest from Australian holiday-makers ahead of summer. Picture: Leoks
BALI and Phuket have long been Australian holiday-makers’ favourite playgrounds.
While the popular islands remain two of our top five places to visit, the infatuation may be fading as more and more Aussies seek alternative, under-the-radar destinations for their holidays.
Lesser-known island destinations such as Apia, Puerto Princesa, Nuku’alofa and Balikpapan are seeing a surge in interest from Australian holiday-planners ahead of summer, according to new data from travel search engine KAYAK.
KAYAK vice president for the APEC region Debby Soo told news.com.au a “been there, done that” mentality was likely driving Bali-worn Australian travellers elsewhere.
And it comes as budget airlines expand their routes across the Pacific region especially, unlocking even more island destinations.
“The search data showed that for the most part places like Bali and Thailand are still very, very popular among Australians. But Australians also tend to be very adventurous and they’re trendsetters, so it’s not surprising that they feel they’ve been there, done that and are now looking elsewhere,” Ms Soo said.
“Malaysia and Indonesia have always been searched for but nothing like the way we’re seeing now, especially the islands around the Philippines and Indonesia, where we’re seeing huge growth and a big shift away from traditional holiday places.
“These new places are still offering the fun in the sun that Australians want, they have new resorts, they have lots of activities, and they’re also less crowded than places like Seminyak.
“And especially with the rise of low cost carriers getting to these places, they are a lot cheaper than they were for our parents when they were in their travelling prime.”
These are the alternative island destinations Australians are searching for more than ever.
NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA
Picture-perfect Tonga is an emerging destination and it’s not hard to see why.Source:istock
Global interest in Tonga surged after the Olympic Games in Rio thanks to taekwondo champion Pita Taufatofua, who sparked a social meltdown when he took part in the Parade of Nations in traditional Tongan garb, including a generous lashing of coconut oil. His appearance in the Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony set off a surge in travel searches to Tonga (as well as skyrocketing sales of coconut oil).
Accordingly, KAYAK has seen a spike in flight searches to Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, ahead of the summer holiday period. The island paradise boasts protected lagoons, picturesque deserted islands and plenty of wildlife — and it’s a great place to try sea kayaking.
MALAY, THE PHILIPPINES
Malay is the gateway to Boracay, everybody’s new favourite spot in The Philippines. Picture: iStockSource:Supplied
Malay, on the Philippine island of Panay, heads up the list with a 66 per cent increase in flight searches from last year.
Malay is the gateway to Boracay Island, which is one of the hottest Asian destinations for Aussie travellers right now and was just declared the world’s best island by Conde Nast.
But Malay also offers travellers its own wonders, from sandy beaches and bamboo forests to rich hinterland and the intriguing Pangihan Cave.
BALIKPAPAN, BORNEO
Balikpapan boasts idyllic coastlines as well as lush rainforests that are waiting to be explored. Picture: Rafal CichawaSource:Supplied
Balikpapan sits on the east coast of Indonesian Borneo and is enjoying a 60 per cent surge in flight searches by Aussie travellers on KAYAK.
Not only does it offer all the hallmarks of a quintessential tropical getaway — sandy beaches surrounded by lush rainforests — but it’s a gem for adventurous travellers, who can explore the jungle terrain that’s home to an incredible orang-utan population.
Sports and outdoor activities abound in the port city, offering plenty of ways to fill up those holiday days.
PUERTO PRINCESA, THE PHILIPPINES
The Subterranean River National Park in Puerto Princesa was named among the New7Wonders of Nature. Picture: iStockSource:Supplied
Dubbed one of the greenest cities in the Philippines, the coastal city of Puerto Princesa is the gateway to Palawan island.
The island draws travellers keen to explore lush tropical sanctuaries and secluded beaches of white sand and turquoise water, notably Marufinas, Nagtabon and Naspan.
Puerto Princesa itself boasts a pretty incredible gem — the Subterranean River National Park, where tourists can take paddle boat rides through an underground river. It’s been named among the New7Wonders of Nature.
APIA, SAMOA
Samoa, and especially its lovely capital Apia, is emerging as the new place to be this summer.Source:Getty Images
Samoa has well and truly landed on the radar of Australians recently, with KAYAK seeing a surge in flight searches to its capital, Apia.
This may be due to the Samoan islands being a filming location for the recent Australian series of Survivor.
Apia is on Samoa’s second largest island, which encompasses lush rainforest, volcanic mountains and uninterrupted coastlines.
Local areas are easily accessible by foot and there are fantastic places to sample the local cuisine.
NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA
Aussies are rediscovering the wonders of Noumea.Source:Supplied
A longtime favourite of those who love to cruise, New Caledonia is enjoying a new-found popularity among Aussie holiday-makers this year.
Its capital Noumea offers spectacular white-sandy beaches, exotic delicacies and plenty of culture — all with a French twist.
And there are plenty of experiences to enjoy, from reclining by a resort pool with a cocktail through to exploring the island and hitting the waves on a windsurfing or kitesurfing adventure.