Misool, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

© Giordano Cipriani/Getty Image

The islands are calling!. Misool, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

Imagine an aquatic sanctuary so pristine that it feels like a secret whispered by the ocean itself. Misool is an island of almost 800 square miles within the Raja Ampat archipelago in Indonesia. The archipelago comprises four main islands, including Misool, Waigeo, Batanta and Salawati. Here, the waves gently caress the powder-white sands, while a kaleidoscope of marine life swims beneath the surface. The coral reefs, known for their biodiversity, are the dreams of many divers. Visitors can also explore the Pulau Misool Nature Reserve, established in 1982, and spot white cuscus, sugar gliders, common spiny bandicoots and other marsupials. As a 'no-take zone' with fishing and hunting activities banned and a shark and manta ray sanctuary, Misool offers hope for the future of our oceans. It is an islet where nature's finest gifts are preserved and cherished.