4 minute read
TREASURE ISLANDS
Get your bags packed as we pick the top island retreats to explore this year
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Calaguas Islands, Philippines
This group of islands in the province of Camarines Norte is a hidden gem; the ultimate place for those looking to unplug, switch off and completely detach. A far cry from the more popular, and often overcrowded, destinations of Boracay and Palawan, the Calaguas Islands are equally as beautiful and are far more relaxing. They are also home to some of the best white-sand beaches in the world, amazing coral formations and no end of fresh seafood.
Wayag Island
Wayag Island is a true hidden gem which lies within the magical province of West Papua. Its unique, mushroom-like karst islands and pristine beaches make this an escape like no other. To get there is an adventure by air and sea, but its variety of underwater life – a treasure for divers – remote location and dream-like landscapes make this worth every inch of the challenge. Set across 155,000 hectares, the vast lush area looks nothing less than magical.
Penang, Malaysia
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Penang is famous for its soft sandy beaches and is fondly regarded as the food capital of Malaysia. The island’s main city, George Town, is packed full of street food vendors and restaurants serving delicious Malay cuisine, including the famous char koray teow – a dish of flat rice noodles with scrambled egg, prawns, cockles and crunchy bean sprouts. Aside from the tantalising food, Penang also boasts no shortage of cultural sights and stunning natural scenery.
Tahiti
The largest of the 118 islands making up French Polynesia, Tahiti, nestled between Sydney and California, is the region’s cultural capital. From water sports to hiking, its lush landscapes – including its impressive waterfalls and idyllic beaches – offer much to do. The vibrant street markets, museums and cultural shows offer the chance to delve more deeply into the lives of the Polynesian people.
Turks and Caicos
This relatively untouched series of 100 small islands, a short distance from the Dominican Republic, has one of the lowest rainfalls in the region and offers yearround sun. Though famous for its dreamy white beaches, there is much to do, from adventure sports and water sports to horse riding and golf. The former British colony is brimming with history and eye-catching architecture, while its natural environment comprises caves and coves, reefs and cliffs.
Zanzibar
Located 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is the ideal place to escape the stresses and strains of modernday life. Visitors will enjoy clear, turquoise waters, shallow sandbars that are perfect for wading and a range of nearby islands that are virtually deserted and untouched by tourists. Home to tiny fishing villages and stunning seafood restaurants, the World Heritage Site of Stone Town in the old quarter is also well worth visiting.
Santorini, Greece
Perched on an underwater volcano and famous for its tranquillity and beauty, Santorini is one of a series of picturesque islands. Its charming whitewashed clifftop villages and towns are surrounded by historical architecture and castles boasting breathtaking views out over the Aegean. Beyond the black and red sand beaches, there is much to do for adventure seekers including island hopping and hiking, and for food lovers and culture vultures, the verdant island is steeped in history and archaeological sites to discover. Even summer climes are mild, rarely exceeding averages of 27 degrees.
Galapagos Islands
Sitting above a volcanic hot spot along the equator, the
Galapagos Islands are home to hundreds of species of plants and animals. Here visitors will discover birds, reptiles and mammals freely wandering the beaches and lazily resting on the rocks, including the giant Galapagos tortoise. Aside from the wildlife, the island also boasts epic hiking trails, pictureperfect beaches and a surprisingly varied dining scene.
