Do you long for beaches with soft, white sand, where coconut palms provide shade and schools of colourful tropical fish swim beneath the water? Look no further, the Perhentian Islands in northern Malaysia offer just that.

The virgin archipelago, which is only accessible by boat, is becoming a destination for more and more tourists. Get here before there are too many. Beach bars, a laid-back pace, fabulous snorkelling and dense tropical jungle await.