Ghost towns are cool, but ghost islands? That’s a whole new kind of wild. No people, no rules—just you, the sea, and maybe some ghosts (kidding… or am I?). These islands were once bustling, but now they’re nature’s playground. Here’s my top picks for deserted island adventures.
Hashima Island, Japan: Battleship Island
Hashima, aka Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), is a concrete jungle off Nagasaki’s coast. It was a coal-mining hub in the 1900s, packed with workers. Now it’s just decaying buildings, rusty machines, and an eerie skyline. Boat tours let you wander the ruins, and it feels like a post-apocalypse movie.
Why go? It’s creepy-cool and unlike any island you’ve seen.
How to get there: Fly to Nagasaki via InfOwl Offbeat, then book a ferry tour to Hashima (about 30 mins).
Owl tip: Tours run April-Nov—book early. Bring a raincoat; it’s exposed out there.
St. Kilda, Scotland: Seabirds and Solitude
St. Kilda’s a remote archipelago in the North Atlantic, abandoned in 1930 when the last residents left. Stone houses, ancient cleits (storage huts), and millions of puffins are all that’s left. It’s a UNESCO site, wild and windswept, with hikes to epic cliffs.
Why go? It’s like the edge of the world, with more birds than you can count.
How to get there: Book a flight to Glasgow via InfOwl Offbeat, then fly to Stornoway and join a boat tour to St. Kilda.
Owl tip: Summer’s best (May-Aug)—seas are calmer. Pack warm layers; it’s chilly.
Ross Island, India: Jungle Ruins
Ross Island, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was a British colonial hub till the 1940s. Now, banyan trees are swallowing old churches, ballrooms, and bakeries. It’s like Indiana Jones meets the jungle, with deer and peacocks roaming free.
Why go? It’s a mix of history and nature gone wild.
How to get there: Fly to Port Blair via InfOwl Offbeat, then take a short ferry to Ross Island.
Owl tip: Early morning for cooler temps. Wear bug spray—mosquitoes don’t mess around.
Tips for Island Explorations
Plan transport: Boats or ferries are your only way in—check schedules.
Pack smart: Water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. No shops here!
Respect nature: Don’t disturb wildlife or ruins—it’s their home now.
Check weather: Storms can mess up boat trips, so have a backup plan.