Miyazaki, located on Kyushu's southeastern coast, offers an enchanting blend of ancient mythology and modern adventure. This renowned haven for outdoor enthusiasts boasts spectacular coastal drives along pristine shorelines and houses seaside shrines steeped in legend. The sacred trio of Miyazaki Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine, and Takachiho Shrine holds profound significance in Japanese creation mythology, marking the legendary birthplace of Japan itself.
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.
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.
Think of Bali, and you’ll likely picture the perfect beaches of the south—and certainly, Celukan Bawang has its share of those. But this modest harbor on the north of the island reveals a Bali shaped by nature and tradition. Once a 19th-century timber port shipping hardwoods from the island’s rainforests, Celukan Bawang now offers quiet entry into a region that is elemental and off the beaten path. Just 10 miles from the port, and you could be soaking in the mineral-rich waters of Banjar Hot Springs, long believed to hold healing properties.
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.
Bali best reveals its deep history in artistry and craft. Admire the work of goldsmiths in Celuk, woodcarvers in Mas, and village batik artists whose hands follow patterns passed down through generations. In Ubud, the former royal capital, Hindu shrines sit among banyan trees, while the surrounding Jatiluwih Rice Terraces—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—invite exploration by foot or by bike.
Cebu is one of the Philippines’ most dynamic islands, with coral reefs fringing the coast, mountain ridgelines shaping the interior, and city life moving with busy purpose. As the country’s primary trading hub, Cebu City’s energy is palpable; street food stalls sizzle, students spill out onto university plazas, and cafés and galleries reflect a growing creative scene. The city is dotted with 16th-century landmarks, including the must-see Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, home to Magellan’s Cross, and the triangular Fort San Pedro, today a garden and museum.
The spirit of Hawaiʻi sings in unexpected places in Honolulu, from palace corridors and open-air markets to the song of the ocean itself. Certainly, the city’s beaches are legendary; paddle a board out from Ala Moana Beach Park if you want sensational coastal views, but slip away from Waikīkī’s buzz to Kakaʻako, where bold street art, farmers markets, and salty-sweet breezes reveal the city's vibrant soul. Walk the halls of ʻIolani Palace (the only royal palace on U.S. soil) or visit Bishop Museum, the historical home for Hawai’i’s ancient artifacts.
Often called the sacred heart of the South Pacific, Raiatea was once Polynesia’s spiritual and navigational center—a legacy still felt at Taputapuātea, the island’s ancient marae and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like many of the Society Islands, its hinterland is dense with forest, home to towering mape trees, wild hibiscus, and several species of critically endangered birds. Kayak along the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia surrounded by pristine rainforests, and look for the elusive Tiare ʻApetahi, Raiatea’s rare, endemic flower.
