Under the strain of mass tourism, the famous island of Koh Phi Phi Leh and its surrounding Maya Bay were forced to close temporarily.
The destination, made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach in 1999, was once a pristine, untouched beauty. Today, an average 200 boats and 4,000 beachgoers flow in and out of Maya Bay daily.
The delicate ecosystem, coral reefs and sea life took a major hit from all of the tourist activity. In order to help the area recover, the beach will face a temporary closure this summer.
Koh Phi Phi Leh is not the first or last beautiful destination to feel the sting of overtourism and pollution in Asia. In Boracay, a resort shut down for six months, starting this month, after Philippine President Rodgrigo Duterte called it a “cesspool” due to the sewage it dumped directly into the sea. The nearby island of Calaguas agreed to clean up its own operations in response to Boracay’s issues.
Tour operators estimated more than 36,000 jobs would be threatened by the temporary shutdown while the sewage system is reconstructed. South Korean airline Air Seoul suspends flights to Boracay starting at the end of April. While the closure will only last three months, more permanent measures will be implemented in the future to maintain a healthy balance for the destination.
The small, once quiet, island of Palawan has implemented daily visitor caps in central areas of El Nido after a surge of tourism in 2016, following being named the world’s most beautiful island by Condé Nast Traveler. Halong Bay in Vietnam faces similar overcrowding issues, resulting in tourist deaths due to boat tour operator negligence.
As these destinations face the brunt of overtourism, it is clear there can be too much of a good thing, especially when considering the most beautiful destinations in the world. These ancient and beautiful wonders are to be protected and conserved.

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 29, 2025You Can Now Take a Private Charter to Tulum’s Casa Xixim Villa
Eco-indulgence reaches new heights with the Go Green Luxury Getaway, a collaboration between Monarch Air Group’s private jet charter service and Casa Xixim eco-luxury villa. After all, it’s a natural partnership: Located in Soliman Bay, Casa Xixim has been extensively lauded for its architecture and environmental practices, while Monarch Air Group offers fully offset carbon emissions, gourmet meals with sustainably sourced ingredients and eco-friendly travel essentials.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
Daily
May 29, 2025These 5 Hotels Offer Beekeeping Experiences
Find out what all the buzz is about at these U.S. hotels and resorts offering beekeeping experiences.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
May 2025
May 29, 2025Escape to a Private Island For the Ultimate in Seclusion and Luxury
At one time, the only people who might seriously consider vacationing on a private island were escapists looking to indulge their Robinson Crusoe fantasies or billionaires and celebrities in search of a luxurious respite from the cameras.
Tea Time is Tree Time at This Banyan Tree Resort
Daily
May 28, 2025Williamsburg Inn Review
eFlyer Reviews
May 28, 2025eFlyer News
May 28, 2025American Airlines Opens 2 New Lounges at Philadelphia International Airport
On May 22, American Airlines opened two new lounges at Philadelphia International Airport in the A-West Terminal. The Flagship and Admirals Club lounges span 25,000 square feet and have a shared entryway, accessible between Gates A15 and A16.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
eFlyer News
May 28, 2025Aman Debuts Amancaya, A New Island Sanctuary in the Bahamas
Aman expands its portfolio with its third property in the Caribbean. Set to debut in Exuma in The Bahamas, this luxury property will mark the brand’s first location in The Bahamas. Amancaya will be built across two of Exumas’ most secluded private cays, comprising a 36-pavilion Aman hotel and limited collection of fully serviced Aman Residences.
ShareThis