Popular with Japanese tourists thanks to its coral reefs, emerald seas, sunny blue skies, subtropical vegetation and historical past, Ishigaki, in the Okinawa archipelago east of Taiwan, has clear waters offering terrific diving and is considered to be the best place in the world to dive with manta ray. If you prefer lazing in the sun, the island has numerous white-sand beaches, such as Sukuji Beach and Kabira Bay, famous not only for their white sand and turquoise water, but also black pearl cultivation. Go mountain biking or driving along the picturesque coastal roads or go trekking in the mountainous interior. On two small neighbouring islands of Taketomi and Iriomote, you can kayak through mangroves and hike through jungle to waterfalls.