PHILIPPINES // Since it has more than 7000 islands, the challenge in the Philippines is which to choose for that perfect mix of sand, palms and coral. We'll make it easy for you: from the dive resort of El Nido in Palawan, you can access a karst limestone wonderland of jungle-capped islets in a perfect turquoise bay. The Bacuit Archipelago has hidden beaches, secret caverns, lost lagoons, archaeological sites and spectacular dive sites. The main form of transport for getting around is the outrigger canoe, though you can also go by kayak or just use your own pair of fins. Take an island-hopping cruise or charter a boat to drop you on an uninhabited island and go Robinson Crusoe; either way, you'll discover what ultimate - and increasingly hard to find - Southeast Asian island travel is all about.