If your idea of a holiday involves fewer crowds, less traffic and more time listening to the sea, Asia has plenty of islands worth adding to your list.
A new ranking by BookRetreats.com has identified the world’s quietest islands through its Unspoilt Index 2026, with four Asian destinations making the global top 10. Malaysia’s Tioman Island leads the region at sixth place worldwide, followed by Thailand’s Koh Chang, Cambodia’s Koh Rong and India’s Havelock Island.
The ranking analysed 100 islands using mapping and satellite data. Rather than measuring noise levels alone, BookRetreats assessed six factors associated with a peaceful environment: naturalness, road density, air traffic, population levels, dark night skies and natural coastal spaces.
Tioman Island leads Asia
Located off Malaysia’s east coast, Tioman Island ranks sixth globally, making it the quietest island in Asia. Much of its 134-square-kilometre landscape remains covered by dense rainforest, while visitors can travel between bays by water taxi or explore the island on foot. It scored 95 out of 100 for naturalness.
For travellers who would rather swap busy attractions for underwater adventures, Tioman also offers coral reefs, turtles, sea fans and dive sites. Salang Beach is particularly easy to access, with a reef close to shore.
Thailand’s Koh Chang follows in seventh place. The island has no airport and much of its interior remains covered by rainforest. It is also part of Mu Ko Chang National Park, making it a good option for travellers looking for beaches and nature without the pace of Thailand’s busier resort islands.
Next is Koh Rong in Cambodia, ranked eighth. While its Koh Touch area can become lively during peak season, quieter beaches and forested areas offer a very different experience away from the main strip. Visitors may even spot bioluminescent plankton after dark.
Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep, rounds out Asia’s top four in ninth place globally. Its forests, beaches and mangroves make it particularly appealing for travellers who want to combine a slow-paced holiday with snorkelling, diving, kayaking or trekking.
Indonesia also gets a mention. Gili Meno ranks 42nd, while Bali comes in at 78th among the 100 islands analysed.
With travellers increasingly seeking “quietcations” instead of packed itineraries, these islands offer a reminder that sometimes the best holiday plan is simply to slow down, find a quiet beach and let the surroundings do the rest.
Asia’s islands in the ranking
- Pulau Tioman, Malaysia (6)
- Koh Chang, Thailand (7)
- Koh Rong, Kamboja (8)
- Havelock Island, India (9)
- Palawan, Filipina (20)
- Amami Oshima, Jepang (26)
- Koh Lanta Yai, Thailand (29)
- Koh Phangan, Thailand (35)
- Gili Meno, Indonesia (42)
- Nusa Penida, Indonesia (44)
BookRetreats’ full 100-island ranking also includes destinations outside Asia, with New Zealand’s Stewart Island taking the overall top spot with a score of 94.6.
