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Raja Ampat is an archipelago made up of 1,500 islands in Eastern Indonesia, and is called "the last paradise" for a reason. It's extremely remote and therefore one of those almost secret places where not many tourists go and nature on land and underwater thrives. Raja Ampat is literally the heart of the Coral Triangle (which is the heart of the world's richest coral reefs). It offers the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world, with more than 600 species of coral and 1,437 species of fish. It was the first area in the Coral Triangle to create a sanctuary for its sharks and rays, and has more than 12 Marine Protected Areas. It has truly unprecedented collaboration between its local communities, government agencies, scientific and academic groups and conservation organizations that are working to preserve such a gem of a location.

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Raja Ampat is basically synonymous with nature. The diverse species of marine plants and animals is how it gained its reputation,  but the wildlife on land  that you can encounter, such as the cuscus and multiple birds of paradise, are spectacular too. Hire a local guide to take you trekking and even camping through the lush jungles to ancient cultural sites.  And did we mention that the white sand beaches and picture-worthy sand bars you can splash around in during low tide are all part of the experience?

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Many people choose to stay on liveaboards to explore  around the islands, which are expensive but fantastic. Any of the homestays will give you simple but authentically beautiful accommodation. Many of the bungalows are set above the water, so you can fall asleep the sound of gentle waves lapping beneath you. Visit a local village to see traditional Papuan culture or check out a local pearl farm or weaving center. No matter what you do during your Raja Ampat vacation you'll leave much more relaxed, and probably a little bit more bronzed, than you were before arriving.