Five Best

Formally known as the Celebes, Sulawesi is the world’s 11th largest island and one of Indonesia’s main islands. Shaped a little like a lowercase k, Sulawesi has areas areas of unique culture, an abundance of spectacular scenery and some of the best world-class diving spots in the world. Bunaken is one of Indonesia’s most famous diving and snorkelling areas and it draws many visitors from all over the world. Situated on the northern tip of Sulawesi, Bukaken Island is part of the Bunaken National Park, a marine park covering 890 sq. km. More species of marine life are concentrated about the reef just a few kilometres off shore than anywhere else in the Indo-Western Pacific. The different genera of coral here are seven times that of Hawaii. Seven of the eight species of giant clams that occu...

The name here is derived from tiny puka shells that are found in the white sand. This quiet beach, located in the northern part of Boracay is a great place to have a lazy day trip while at the same time savouring the excellent seafood provided by small restaurants around the beach. The 800-meter-long stretch of shining white sand on this tiny island’s northern tip is a major draw for visitors. At certain times of the year the beach is not suitable for swimming as the water is deep and sometimes rough. However, Boracay is a lovely picture postcard island full of gentle attractions. It is a perfect place to soak up the sun and unwind in a tranquil atmosphere. The beach is also known for its astonishing sunsets.

Ko Tarutao Marine National Park in the Adaman Coast of Southern Thailand consists of 51 islands covered with protected virgin rainforest that is home indigenous fauna. Most of the islands are surrounded by magnificent beaches and healthy coral reefs. Ko Tarutao is the largest of the 51 islands that belong to the Tarutao National Marine Park and second-most visited island in the group. In the early 1940’s Ko Tarutao was used as a prison because it was considered remote and hard to escape from. The island is 26.5km long and 11km wide and the highest point is 700 metres above sea level. Rainforest covers over 70% of this hilly and most unspoiled island in the Anderman Sea. Here there are long sandy stretches of unspoiled beach and some caves to be explored. Another island within the Taruta...

The Komodo National Park and Pink Beach on Komodo are just two of the highlights of this island. Pink Beach is not to be missed. Situated in an uninhabited area of the island, this beach is one of only seven in the world that due to a mixture of red and white sand give off a lovely pink hue. The water here is shallow making the beach ideal for swimming or snorkelling from. One is able to gaze down onto wonderful corals of all colours, shapes and sizes. For diving enthusiasts there are world-class diving sites either just off Komodo as well as the close site of Gili Banta, an unpopulated island just northwest of Komodo. Gili Banta features many finger like bays with crescent beaches and is well known for its large population of giant sea turtles and manta rays. The dive site here is said t...

Situated nearby the city of Kuala Trengganu, Pulau Kapas (Kapas Island) is only 2 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide. This small island really fits the imagined images of many of its visitors. Here, untouched tropical forest, turquoise water, swaying palm trees and colourful coral reefs just off shore, makes this an idyllic tropical island destination. A day trip here is highly recommended. The name Kapas means cotton and is attributed to the pure white beaches. The sand is soft to walk on and this helps to engage an image of a most enjoyable island to be shipwrecked on. Most visitors come for relaxation, sun bathing, swimming and diving. With good visibility, calm and shallow water, snorkelling is also popular as there are colourful reefs and a good variety of fish to view. Several ty...