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Wakatobi: world class diving on your doorstep

International Traveller
East of Bali and accessed via private airstrip, Wakatobi Dive Resort is home to some of the healthiest and most biodiverse coral reefs in the world.

Set on a remote, private island in south-east Sulawesi, Indonesia, Wakatobi Resort promises guests exclusive access to more than 40 diving and snorkelling sites, all located within the surrounding UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve. The encasing waters nurture myriad marine life including 500 species of reef-building corals, called home by an abundance of macro life, such as nudibranchs and robust ghost pipefish. And that’s not all – more than 2000 species of fish, and thousands more varieties of invertebrates dwell here, including rare treasures such as pygmy seahorses, exotic mandarinfish and 15 species of frogfish.

Wakatobi Resort and House Reef
Directly off the resort’s beach is the famous House Reef.

The world’s best shore dive

Directly off the resort’s beach is the famous House Reef, which has earned the title of the world’s best shore dive. Its high species diversity and day-and-night accessibility make it a favourite with underwater photographers and marine-life enthusiasts. Snorkellers can spend hours exploring the shallow grass beds and coral heads close to shore, while the outer edge of the reef drops abruptly from less than two metres into the depths, with numerous critter-filled crevices and caverns throughout the area for divers to discover.

Wakatobi House Reef
Swim with turtles on the famous House Reef, just off the resort’s beach.

Dive further afield

Head out on one of the resort’s custom-built boats to access some of the 40-plus protected dive sites, and you can explore towering walls and fish-laden pinnacles, and swathes of shallows perfect for snorkellers. For a luxury diving experience, the Pelagian yacht makes week-long excursions through the Wakatobi Regency area, including the muck-diving mecca of Pasarwajo Bay.

Wakatobi and Pelagian Yacht
The Pelagian yacht promises a luxury diving experience.

Unique and enriching

Wakatobi is easily reached via direct charter from Bali to the resort’s own airstrip. A short transfer later to the resort, and you’ll find a collection of oceanfront and interior bungalows nestled into a landscaped palm grove. Choose to stay in one of these, or a waterfront villa complete with private access to the beach and reef. Each suite takes design cues from contemporary trends while staying sympathetic to the region, with rich woodwork and local craftsmanship throughout. Modern luxuries abound, such as air conditioning and outdoor showers, and pools on the deck of the two-bedroom villas.

Waaktobi Oceanfront Bungalow
Unwind for the day in a comfortable lounge chair set in front of your Ocean Bungalow.

Along with its untouched location and stylish lodgings, personalised five-star service and gourmet dining are Wakatobi’s hallmarks. Equally important is the resort’s commitment to sustainable tourism, with a portion of guest revenue used to protect some 20 kilometres of coral reef, and provide economic and social benefits to 17 area villages.

wakatobi-villa-dining
Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner by the beach.

 

Book your next getaway to Wakatobi at wakatobi.com.

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This is why cruising is the best way to see Asia

    Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
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    Iconic destinations, unforgettable adventures and thrilling onboard adventures; say hello to your next Asia holiday with Royal Caribbean.

    When you want to explore the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai and the bars of Singapore, but also embrace centuries-old traditions in Japan before traipsing through the lush jungles of Malaysia, a conundrum presents itself: how do you do it all seamlessly without the stress of flying (or repacking)? Enter, Royal Caribbean.

    With a brand designed around maximising your holiday time, sip cocktails by the pool or watch Broadway-style performances on board as the ship glides effortlessly from one atmospheric port to the next.

    Now that you have Asia at your fingertips with minimal effort, the big question is: which all-inclusive experience (and itinerary) is best for you?

    Japan

    The itinerary

    Spectras Cabaret royal caribbean
    Prepare for a show, on and off the ship.

    The Land of the Rising Sun has never been hotter, and Royal Caribbean has a vast array of unforgettable Japanese itineraries – these range from eight-night adventures to 14-night holidays circumnavigating the country’s islands.

    The eight-night Best of Japan sailing is memory-making perfection, kicking off in Shanghai (Baoshan) on 24 October 2026. Stop at fascinating ports to soak in the sweeping landscapes and seascapes of Saikaiminato, Kyoto, Niigata and Hakodate while enjoying incredible dining and adventurous activities onboard Spectrum of the Seas®. Complete your journey back in Shanghai, ‘the Paris of the East’.

    Port highlights

    mt fuji in japan
    See iconic vistas of Japan.

    Off the ship, hike the dramatic volcanic peaks of Sakaiminato’s Daisen-Oki National Park, explore the iconic temples of Kyoto, enjoy traditionally brewed sake made in Niigata (the birthplace of many quality sake brands), and taste local flavours at Kanemore Red Brick Warehouse, a premier dining and shopping district in Hakodate.

    Don’t miss Royal Caribbean’s Amanohashidate Highlights shore excursion in Kyoto, an exhilarating experience that features a cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park and includes a visit to Nariaiji Temple, a hillside Buddhist site.

    The ship

    Spectrum Of The Seas in Singapore
    Step on board Spectrum of the Seas®.

    Aboard Spectrum of the Seas®, days at sea are just as action-packed as those on land. Here, 17 dining venues, along with eight bars and lounges, take guests on the ultimate global dining tour. Stop into Sichuan Red, designed specially for this ship, where you can savour a rich tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-influenced flavours. Start with the chef-recommended royal sea cucumber, then move on to a hot and savoury bowl of mapo tofu simmered in a traditional spicy sauce, or authentic pickled radish and duck soup.

    Fancy a little post-dinner entertainment? Talk salsa lessons, or book front row seats to Showgirl, a multisensory spectacular that pays homage to the ultimate siren of the stage. You can also take a visual journey into the exotic cultures of the Far East with The Silk Road at Two70®.

    Kids (and kidults), as always, are well-catered for, with aqua park Splashaway Bay℠ and the largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex®, which offers everything from laser tag to bumper cars. Those looking to relax can find peace in the adults-only solarium, as well as a wealth of treatments at Vitality℠ Spa.

    Thailand and Malaysia

    The itinerary

    Izumi Teppanyaki on ovation of the seas royal caribbean
    Sit down to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia sailings deliver the perfect fusion of culture, cuisine and coastlines, and the four-night Penang & Phuket cruise is proof that short escapes can still feel spectacularly rich.

    Kick off with Royal Caribbean’s iconic Sail Away Party as Ovation of the Seas® departs from Singapore on 27 February 2026. The itinerary then weaves through two of the region’s most mesmerising destinations: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures in Penang and Thailand’s sun-soaked island of Phuket.

    Each port stop is layered with history, flavour and natural beauty, while each moment spent onboard Ovation of the Seas® is filled with fun and excitement.

    Port highlights

    iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun thailand
    Zoom around the ‘James Bond Island’.

    In Penang’s George Town, a maze of heritage architecture, vibrant murals and street stalls serving sizzling char kway teow and aromatic laksa come together, blending past and present. Visit the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple to soak up its peaceful energy, ride the century-old funicular to the forested summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views, and wander Batu Feringhi Beach, where the Andaman Sea laps gently against golden sand. Jet skis? Why not?

    Then it’s north to Phuket, where both adventure and relaxation beckon. Make the most of the local beach scene at Kata Noi and wander up Monkey Hill for sweeping vistas (and mischievous company). Be sure to book Royal Caribbean’s thrilling shore excursion here – you’ll zip along in a three-engine speedboat to the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun. After a day of exploration, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the waterfront before returning to your ship for another unforgettable evening.

    The ship

    Ovation of the Seas®, royal caribbean
    Experience thrills aboard Ovation of the Seas®.

    Of course, life on board Ovation of the Seas® is just as exhilarating as your adventures off it. Sit down to 16 flavoursome finds, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver® to theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Build up an appetite with Royal Caribbean’s iconic onboard activities, from the FlowRider® surf simulator to soaring sky-high on RipCord® by iFLY® and zipping around in bumper cars in SeaPlex®. You can really choose your own adventure.

    End the night with Spectra’s Cabaret at Two70®, a fascinating fusion of music, robotics and light that redefines entertainment at sea.

    The result? A holiday brimming with discovery, indulgence and Royal Caribbean’s signature magic: Asia, perfectly packaged.

    Start planning a cruise around Asia that you’ll never forget at royalcaribbean.com.