Hidden Vistas: The Most Scenic Routes for Ferry Travel in Southeast Asia
Ferry Travel in Southeast Asia
It’s not always from the window of a bus, nor necessarily from the clouds at 30,000 feet, that you see the world. It’s from the deck of a ferry, feeling the spray of the sea on your face as you watch the jagged limestone cliffs rise out of the emerald water.
After crisscrossing the Malay Archipelago and the Gulf of Thailand for most of the past year, I learned that the ride between the islands is not always an afterthought, as it is elsewhere.
In Southeast Asia, it is the destination.
From the silent, misty morning hours of the waters off Vietnam to the high-speed runs across the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the views are the kind that linger long after you have checked out of your bungalow.
These are the most scenic ferry rides that I have come across.
The Limestone Labyrinth: Tuan Chau to Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
There is a special kind of magic in Northern Vietnam that only comes alive on the water. While the majority of travelers choose the more conventional overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, the experience of taking the ferry from Tuan Chau Marina to Gia Luan Pier on Cat Ba Island is a revelation.
As the ferry pulls out from the pier, you are not merely crossing a waterway; you are entering a prehistoric world. Thousands of limestone karsts rise abruptly from the water like the humps of a sleeping dragon.
This ferry passes through the less crowded waters of Lan Ha Bay, allowing you to avoid the massive cruise liner traffic.
I recall a time spent on the upper deck of the ferry, watching small floating fishing villages go by, small splashes of color against the monolithic gray stone. It’s a 50-minute slow-motion movie of one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.
The Gulf’s Azure Highway: Koh Samui to Koh Tao, Thailand
Thailand is the undisputed heavyweight in the world of island-hopping, but this route from Koh Samui to Koh Tao has a special place in my travel log.
The change in water hue alone is worth paying for. From the palm-lined beaches of Samui, the ferry moves northwards into even calmer and deeper waters.
On a sunny day, it is not possible to distinguish where the horizon ends and the sea begins. As you near your final destination, Koh Tao, the turtle island, you will pass by the majestic island of Koh Nang Yuan, comprising three small islands joined together by a sparkling sandbar.
It is during these periods that you realize the genius and efficiency of ferry travel in Southeast Asia, which makes this mode of transportation not only functional but also a scenic tour of this beautiful chain of islands.
The sight of rugged, jungle-clad hills rising majestically from the turquoise sea is the perfect way to welcome you to Thailand’s premier diving destination.
The Expedition of a Lifetime: El Nido to Coron, Philippines
If I had to select an itinerary that embodies adventure in its most authentic form, it would be the route between El Nido and Coron in Palawan. This area is the Last Frontier of the Philippines, and this ferry ride is said to be among the most beautiful in the world.
For years, this route was an eight-hour bangka ride in a wooden boat. These days, faster ferry boats have cut down travel time to five hours, but nothing else seems to have changed.
You pass by the Linapacan Islands, said to have some of the clearest water in the world. I spent the entire journey gazing out the window, mesmerized by the sight of these uninhabited white-sand islands and hidden lagoons.
The ride to Coron is particularly thrilling as you begin to pass by these towering dark limestone cliffs that remind you of a fortress.
The Gateway to Paradise: Lombok to the Gili Islands, Indonesia
While the speedy boats from Bali are certainly popular, my personal favorite method of getting to the Gilis is the short, intense ride from Bangsal Harbor on the island of Lombok.
It’s a short trip, usually only 15 to 20 minutes, but the view you obtain of Mount Rinjani is unmatched.
Looking back towards the mainland, the massive volcano looms over the horizon, its peak covered in a ring of clouds most days.
Looking forward, the three islands of Air, Meno, and Trawangan rise out of the water like flat green pancakes, glinting in the sunlight like a sea of glass. You can see sea turtles surfacing to breathe from the boat before you reach the jetty.
The International Corridor: Singapore to Bintan Island, Indonesia
It’s almost surreal to think of how, within an hour’s time, one can travel out of the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Singapore and into the midst of the lush mangroves of the Riau Islands of Indonesia.
The ferry ride from Tanah Merah is an experience in contrast.
As the ferry leaves the Singapore Strait, it navigates through what is considered one of the world’s most congested shipping lanes, passing by gargantuan cargo vessels that resemble floating cities.
Eventually, the man-made landscape gives way to the deep greens of Bintan Island. The final approach to Bandar Bentan Telani takes one through secluded beaches and quaint kelongs, or fishing platforms, for a peaceful transition to the island’s serene atmosphere.
So, these are some of the most scenic routes in Southeast Asia I’ve witnessed. What about you? Share your experience with us in the comments below.
