Summer is almost here again. Where should you go for your island vacation this year? You don’t want to deal with the crowds in Boracay, Guam is too expensive, Hawaii is too far away – what can you do? Wanting to enjoy beautiful sunshine and beaches without spending a fortune isn’t actually that difficult. Here, travel expert Xiu will introduce you to five nearby islands with very low living costs, so you can take a vacation on the tightest of budgets.
Philippines | Cebu
Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is the second-largest city in the Philippines after the capital Manila. Though small, Cebu Island has everything you need – aside from rich culture and history, you can explore its summer-like beaches and natural landscapes all year round. It’s a paradise for young people on vacation. Here you’ll find Basacado Island, ranked among the world’s top three diving spots, as well as the thrilling Kawasan Falls canyoning experience. And when in Cebu, you must also visit nearby Bohol Island – the Chocolate Hills Park at its center was named one of the Top 10 Wonders by CommonWealth Magazine in 2017.
What’s more, the cost of living here is amazingly low. Many snorkeling and island-hopping tours can be booked as local day trips by car, usually costing between NT$1,000–2,000. There are dedicated drivers who pick you up from your hotel and take you around for the whole day – such prices are truly a great deal. Even taking a taxi from the airport to the city center, even with a two-hour traffic jam, only costs about NT$250 (less than NT$200). Massage parlors are so cheap you could go every day. From my own experience, I spent less than NT$20,000 for a five-day-four-night trip – I really want to go back again.
? Flights: Direct flights available, round trip about NT$6,000–8,000
? Currency exchange rate: Philippine Peso (PHP) / 1 TWD = 0.6 PHP
? Visa: Paper visa NT$1,200 / e-visa NT$1,100
★ Recommended attractions: Oslob Whale Shark Sanctuary, Magellan’s Cross, SM Mall, Cebu snorkeling, Chocolate Hills
Thailand | Phuket
Known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. Even after being hit by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, with the Thai government’s efforts in rebuilding tourism, it is now ranked the 11th most popular tourist destination in the world.
Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach are all popular local beaches. There are also endless island-hopping options including Egg Island, Coral Island, and King’s Island. Phi Phi Island is even known as the Mini Maldives – its beautiful island scenery makes it a favorite for honeymoons, as well as very popular with university students. It's perfect for organizing a graduation trip with friends. Aside from the thrilling water activities during the day, there are also evening activities not to be missed – relaxing at bars or enjoying a cabaret show are must-dos in Phuket. And of course, you can’t forget a traditional Thai massage.
The cost of living here is roughly similar to that in other parts of Thailand, but if you go on island-hopping trips, prices on the smaller islands may be a bit higher. However, overall, a five-to-six-day trip can still be done for around NT$25,000.
? Flights: Require connecting flights, round trip about NT$6,400–9,000
? Currency exchange rate: Thai Baht (THB) / 1 TWD = 1.03 THB
? Visa: Tourist visa NT$1,200
★ Recommended attractions: Phuket Botanic Garden, Patong Night Market, Chalong Temple, Phi Phi Island, Coral Island
Malaysia | Sabah
When talking about Malaysia, aside from Penang and Kuala Lumpur, you must also visit Sabah – an island with incredibly high cost-performance. Whether you’re looking for a visual feast of natural landscapes or a cultural baptism through architecture, Sabah has it all. One must-visit spot is the Perhentian Islands (commonly translated as “Mermaid Island”), which remains incredibly pristine in its environmental protection despite hosting many visitors throughout the year.
The sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach is also not to be missed – the sky transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors before the sun sets, practically nature’s own light show. For mountain lovers, Sabah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu National Park (also known as Mount Kinabalu Park), is home to over 4,000 plant species and ancient trees. The park’s rich natural ecology is absolutely worth the trip. In terms of cultural sights, Sabah also doesn’t disappoint – the state is home to three major mosques: the unique State Mosque, the pink-colored Sabah State Mosque University Mosque, and the floating mosque – all must-sees in Sabah.
Visiting Sabah means you don’t have to worry about language barriers either – since Malaysia is home to many ethnic Chinese, in most popular tourist spots, basic Mandarin is widely understood. You can also rest easy about your wallet, as Sabah is very affordable. Even a one-week trip here will only cost around NT$20,000.
? Flights: Direct flights available, round trip about NT$4,500–6,000
? Currency exchange rate: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) / 1 TWD = 0.13 MYR
? Visa: Visa-free for up to 30 days
★ Recommended itinerary: Mermaid Island, Tanjung Aru Waterfront Square, Floating Mosque, Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre, Pu Tuo Temple
Indonesia | Lombok Island
Indonesia isn’t just about Bali—if you’d rather avoid the crowds of tourists, Lombok is an excellent alternative. It’s located right next to Bali and is easily accessible by both plane and ferry.
The stunning scenery here is in no way inferior to that of Bali. The area around Senggigi Beach is the main hub for tourism and accommodation. Whether you want to shop, get a massage, or enjoy delicious food, it’s all available here. You can also find tour agencies offering day trips, with the most popular being the three Gili Islands: Trawangan, Air, and Meno. Plus, what will truly delight girls is the pink beach—no need to travel all the way to Australia, as Lombok offers dreamy pink landscapes you can capture to your heart’s content. There’s also Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, Mount Rinjani, where adventure seekers can take on the challenge of a five-day, four-night hiking trek.
What’s more, the cost of living here is slightly lower than in Bali. With fewer tourists visiting Lombok, the island retains a purer and more natural landscape, making it a high value-for-money holiday island choice.
? Flights: Require transfers, round-trip costs about NT$7,000–10,000
? Currency exchange rate: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) / 1 TWD = 461.6 IDR
? Visa: Visa-free for up to 30 days
You might be interested: How to exchange Indonesian Rupiah
★ Featured itinerary: Gili Islands
Vietnam | Nha Trang
Huh? Nha Trang isn’t an island, so why is it here? Nha Trang is a port city located in south-central Vietnam. Originally just a small fishing harbor, it was gradually developed into a resort destination during the French colonial period. With its pristine white beaches and a coastline lined with resorts and restaurants, it feels just like a tropical island getaway. A must-do in Nha Trang is the one-day island-hopping tour of the Four Islands, including: Mieu Island, which has a uniquely designed ocean museum; Mot Island, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant coral reefs—perfect for diving and snorkeling; Muong Island, a fishing village island where you can usually enjoy a rich seafood lunch; and finally, Tam Island, which boasts vast stretches of pristine beach where you can try parasailing, jet skiing, and other water activities.
Yes, yes—you can hop to four islands in one day, all for less than NT$300. Of course, some islands may have separate entrance fees or aquarium ticket costs, but those are only about NT$80 or so. All in all, it’s an incredible deal for a full day of fun.
? Flights: Direct flights available, round-trip costs about NT$6,500–9,000
? Currency exchange rate: Vietnamese Dong (VND) / 1 TWD = 752.9 VND
? Visa: Paper visa NT$1,350 / Visa on arrival USD$31 (approx. NT$900)
If you’re dreaming of a perfect, relaxing vacation, you really don’t have to break the bank. These five top-value islands are perfect for everyone. With great scenery and experiences at affordable prices, they’re just as wonderful as other more expensive destinations. So don’t hesitate any longer—pack your bags and head off on a vacation with HowToTrip today.
Text by Hsu An | Tripresso Travel Café editorial team