WHY NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ASIA

One of the world’s greatest scuba diving and snorkelling destinations, Raja Ampat consists of four large islands and hundreds of smaller ones scattered like confetti across the Ceram Sea. There are exceptional sites to spot manta rays, schooling hammerhead sharks and quivers of sea snakes, amongst a profusion of coral and a multitude of tropical endemic fish. It is here, in fact, that the highest number of species have been counted on a single dive: 374, at Cape Krt.

Above the waterline the seascape is equally stunning, particularly Wayag with its karst outcrops of towering rainforest, limestone caves and aquamarine lagoons filled with (harmless) golden jellyfish, not to mention sea eagles, tree kangaroos and magnificent birds of paradise.

The Ultimate Travel Company (020 4625 2788) offers a 16-night trip from E13,250pp sharing, including flights, transfers, seven nights all-inclusive on the cruise yacht Aqua Mu (category HI suite), seven nights’ full board at the Misooal Resort, and two nights at airport hotels.