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Cradled in the pristine waters of the Sulu Sea, Boracay is a tiny tropical paradise renowned for its powdery white beaches. In fact, one of the island’s most popular beaches is White Beach, an immaculate stretch of soft sands lined with palm trees, chic resorts and bustling restaurants. The serene waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding. Just a relaxing stroll away, Bulabog Beach is on the windward side of the island and considered one of the best places to kitesurf in Asia.

The Fari Islands may well be the crown jewel in a chain of coral atolls renowned for pristine white sands and impossibly blue waters. On a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, blissful hours in this remote retreat include exclusive access to the luxurious amenities and world-class hospitality of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. Relax in a private cabana on an idyllic beach overlooking the turquoise lagoon, or go farther to discover the vibrant marine life under the surface on a snorkeling or diving expedition.

To describe Bora Bora as paradise is no overstatement. The island is a vision of vivid blues and verdant peaks, topped by slow-drifting, milky white clouds around the centerpiece of Mount Otemanu. Water shapes everyday life here and sailing the serene lagoon by outrigger canoe or snorkeling among the coral gardens are adventurous ways to get a sense of how the island breathes. Visit a working pearl farm to see how rare black pearls are cultivated, or encounter Bora Bora’s military history at the World War II cannons perched above Faanui Bay.

Located off Sumatra’s east coast, Belitung is almost surreal in its perfection. This quiet island is laced with sugar-white beaches, crystalline shallow waters, and surreal granite boulders that rise like sculptures from the sea. Tourist attractions are few, so life here unfolds slowly: wade through sparkling tide pools, snorkel above coral gardens, and settle into a beachfront warung for warm grilled fish topped with fiery Indonesian sambal.

If ever there was a place shaped by resilience and faith, it’s Semarang. This city on Java’s north coast is the gateway to Borobudur, the awe-inspiring 9th-century Buddhist monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, buried for centuries beneath volcanic ash and only rediscovered in 1814. Bell-shaped stupas and intricate stone reliefs trace the path to enlightenment, drawing the faithful from around the world to its sacred walls. Not far away, the towering spires of Prambanan—Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple—rise from the plain, carved with scenes from ancient epics.

Onboard comforts extend to shore at Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa. Inspired by Flores’ spiderweb-shaped Lingko rice fields, Ta’aktana builds island tradition into every detail—woven textures, hand-carved wood, and warm local hospitality. Unwind beside the turquoise pool, sip champagne at the overwater bar, or take in the tamarind-scented breeze from a shaded terrace or sandy beach. Yet Ta’aktana offers more than relaxation alone. Set on the western tip of Flores Island, it’s also an ideal gateway to Komodo—home of the famous dragons and the UNESCO-recognized national park.

Lombok may be lesser known than its big-hitting neighbor Bali, but it’s no less compelling. The island is a treasure trove of tradition, where daily life carries on much as it has for centuries. Head south from the harbor through tobacco fields and rice terraces to Sukarara, and find a women’s weaving community that continues the tradition of threading vibrant songket patterns by hand. A trip inland brings you to Sade, a heritage village that has been inhabited by the same community for 15 generations, as well as Ende, a Sasak village where homes are built from clay and bamboo.

Few places on Earth feel as ancient or as alive as Komodo. The island is home to its legendary namesake dragon, whose low, muscular gait seems like something from another time. Join a local ranger for a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park to look for these prehistoric lizards, while also keeping an eye out for deer, wild boar, and rare, endangered birds. If you prefer to do your wildlife watching underwater, head to Pink Beach, a beautifully photogenic and uncrowded stretch named for the microscopic coral organisms that give the sand its blush color.