Worried About the Bali Volcano? Go Here Instead
Bali's Mount Agung volcano has erupted, and Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) has closed and canceled hundreds of flights, screwing up exponentially more travel plans. If you're one of the unfortunate travelers who've had Indonesian dream honeymoons, family getaways and solo trips ruined by Mother Nature and her sooty skies, here are six other Asian destinations that could save your vacation.
(For more information on airline rules for rebooking travel, read this post. And if you happen to be stranded in Bali, take solace in knowing you're not alone: Brian, aka The Points Guy, is stranded there too. At this time, it’s not known how the Mount Agung situation will evolve, but you can follow TPG on both Instagram and Facebook to see how he navigates the crisis.)
Langkawi, Malaysia
A short hop from Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL), this small island off the coast of northwestern Malaysia is known as the Jewel of Kedah, and it truly is a gem. The island's exotic appeal (it's actually part of an archipelago of nearly 100 mostly uninhabited islands) comes from the fact that, besides its sunny, palm-covered beaches, there are also rainforests, bat caves, mangroves and swamps for nature lovers to explore.
Luxury knows no bounds on this island, and the Ritz-Carlton Langkawi (December rates start around $600 or 40,000 Marriott Rewards points per night) and the St. Regis Langkawi, which opened in 2016 (December rates start at $400 or 20,000 Starpoints per night), are some of the most opulent hotels on Langkawi, if you're in need of a splurge or have points to burn.
Gili Islands, Indonesia
These three small islands off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, are a godsend if you're looking for white sands and turquoise waters. In fact, if you're stranded in Bali at the moment, boats may still be running to Lombok, from which you can catch a ferry that should reach these picturesque islands in 20 minutes. If you're coming from elsewhere, Lombok International Airport (LOP) has reopened, and you can fly there from Jakarta (CGK) and Kuala Lumpur.
The toughest decision is which of the three islands to visit: You can relax in the romantic tranquility of Gili Meno, party on the sexy beaches of Gili Trawangan or have a little bit of both worlds on Gili Air. Divers love the islands' clear waters, and it's possible to spot giant sea turtles near the shore if you're snorkeling. Plus, there aren't any cars on the islands, so you'll be in exhaust-free heaven. Don't expect large points hotels here, though. Instead, stay in beach huts ranging from budget to luxury, available on all three islands.
Koh Samui, Thailand
This idyllic island is a one-hour flight from Bangkok (BKK or DMK), Singapore (SIN) or Kuala Lumpur. You can also fly from Hong Kong (HKG) nonstop to Samui's airport (USM). Koh Samui has something for everyone: long stretches of unspoiled white sands, beach clubs for the party animal, and calm beaches with shallow waters perfect for families. You can get a stunning Airbnb villa for less than $100 per night or a quaint beach bungalow for less than $40 per night.
Plus, thanks to SPG's current Paradise Is Closer promotion, you can get 35% off award stays through March 5, 2018. The W Koh Samui is included, as is the Vana Belle Koh Samui. There are many points properties on the island, such as the Le Meridien Koh Samui, Renaissance Koh Samui, InterContinental Koh Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort, Sheraton Samui and more.
Sri Lanka
An emerging destination, this is the spot to go to if you're looking for an adventure that includes more than just beaches. It's sort of a PG version of India — similar to its larger sister to the northwest, but less crowded, less smoggy and more organized. One of the popular routes to visit is called the Cultural Triangle, which includes rock fortresses, caves, rock carvings, forest monasteries and abandoned ancient cities.
The country is also known for its elephant sanctuaries, golden beaches perfect for surfing, rainforests and tea plantations. (Get around by train for scenic journeys.) Starwood fans will have to sit tight, though, because two properties are coming to the island, but not until 2018. Till then, there is a Hilton Colombo located close to city beaches, which has rooms for $135 or 32,000 Hilton points per night.
The Philippines
Now is the time to visit the Philippines, just starting its dry season. The easiest place to start is Manila, and from there you can head to a number of different islands for a dreamy beach getaway. Boracay is one of the most popular spots, home to large, luxurious resorts and plenty of activities. Don't miss a climb to the island's high point, Mount Luho, with stunning views of the island and the expansive sea. Palawan is also a TPG favorite, and the island's famous El Nido frequently tops lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Bohol, though a bit far from Manila, is known for having perhaps the most eclectic collection of attractions in the country. First, it boasts some of the best diving in the Philippines, and is famous for its many species of mollusks. It is also home to another important creature, one of the world's smallest primates, the Philippine tarsier. This strange-looking creature has bigger eyes in proportion to its body than any other mammal. The island also has interesting landscapes such as the Chocolate Hills, approximately 1,500 rolling brown-green mounds covered in limestone created from coral deposits. Most of the points properties in the Philippines are located in Cebu and Manila, so if you plan to island hop, it's best to stay at locally owned spots and boutique hotels.
Borneo
A destination fairly close to Bali but still many miles from the erupting volcano, the island of Borneo is actually divided among three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. This island is ideal for nature buffs, and also boasts decent beaches. Many tourists visit the Malaysian gateways to the rainforest, Sabah and Sarawak, from which you can organize river and jungle tours to see orangutans in the wild. Turtle Island is just a few miles off the coast of Sandakan in Sabah, and an overnight stay on the island allows you to watch green and hawksbill turtles lay their eggs on the beach.
On the Indonesian side, Sebangau National Park is home to the largest orangutan population the world, just under 7,000. Brunei only takes up a tiny portion of the island and has strict laws, so it may be best to avoid this region, but if you're really dying to go, there is a Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam. (December rates start around $105 or 44,000 Club Carlson gold points per night.)
Featured image of El Nido courtesy of Wu Zhi Shen Mng / EyeEm / Getty.
Has the volcano interrupted your travel plans? Do you plan to head elsewhere? Let us know in the comments section, below.
Feature photo of the 2000-year-old World Heritage Ifugao rice terraces in Batad, northern Luzon, Philippines, by rmnunes / Getty Images
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.