Asia: Boracay, Okinawa, Coron & Kaohsiung

Home to 12 million, the capital of the Philippines is a dynamic city with a rich colonial history dating to 1565, when the Spanish arrived. Dive into the most popular attractions, including the elegant Malacanang Palace, the National Museum of the Philippines and Rizal Park. The poignant, 150-acre American Cemetery and Memorial holds U.S. and Allied servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. The historic walled city core, Intramuros, is well worth exploring.

Coron, officially the Municipality of Coron, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 51,803 people.

Colonization by the Dutch in the 17th century has left an ample architectural legacy, as did Taiwan’s rule by Japan from 1895-1945. Grab a coffee at the former British Consulate, a landmark overlooking the bay. Art lovers can enjoy the outdoors and contemporary sculptures at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts’ Sculpture Park, and for a spiritual experience, a visit to the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Centre, with the world’s largest sitting Buddha, is highly recommended.

Discover this remote and picturesque island’s lush mountains, beautiful beaches and magnificent coral reef from island viewpoints. See the native palm forest and the lavishly decorated Chinese tomb. Journey to isolated Irimote to trek through the island’s dense jungles and mangroves or enjoy fantastic snorkelling amid beautiful coral reefs. Back in Ishigaki, search for local textiles, pottery, crafts and black pearls, and enjoy local meat-centred specialties in the town’s restaurants.

Enjoy the scenic countryside, WWII memorials, magnificent limestone caves and a reconstructed Ryukyu village where the island’s heritage and crafts are on display. Take home exquisite Bingata fabric, handmade paper, colourful tsuboya-yaki pottery and other craft items. You’ll also find foods to suit any palate, but traditional Okinawan cuisine blends influences from Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Pacific perfection awaits at Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture. This Japanese island paradise is known for its natural beauty and vibrant local culture. The Eastern Cape is a nationally-designated Place of Scenic Beauty with a spectacular view of the surrounding ocean. Stop by the beaches of Sunayama or Aragusuku for sunshine and snorkelling. A visit to the Shigira hot springs will help you relax or take a ride across the expansive Ikema bridge for a scenic drive across the beautiful blue waters.

Keelung City is a port city near Taipei, in northern Taiwan. Surrounded by mountains, it’s known for its sheltered harbor. Near the waterfront, street-food stalls at Miaokou Night Market offer traditional snacks and seafood. Several forts around the area include hilltop Ershawan Fort, with cannons and a Chinese-style gate. Both Gongzi Liao Fort and Dawulun Fort offer views over the harbor and ocean.