Next Stop: Southeast Asia

There’s nothing like setting out to explore a place that’s new to you, and possibly uncovering your next favorite spot. Here are some up-and-coming alternatives to five Indagare Adored destinations, which offer an abundance of adventure, but far fewer tourists.

Just Back From: Belize | Next Stop: Philippines

Movie-star appeal, lush jungles, world-class scuba diving and snorkeling

Director Francis Ford Coppola’s off-the-grid hideaways in Belize were inspired by his love for the Philippine landscape, which captivated him during the filming of Apocalypse Now. Those who have visited Belize will find the Philippine archipelago, composed of 7,107 islands, strikingly similar, both aesthetically and in terms of off-property excursions. Hopping between islands, which boast mangrove-laden inlands and shallows teeming with tropical fish and coral reefs, visitors will discover a luxuriously low-key tropical paradise, along with poignant reminders of the region’s somber history.

Stay: Amanpulo, Dedon Resort, El Nido Pangulasian

Just Back From: Turkish Riviera | Next Stop: Komodo Islands

Deluxe yachts, otherworldly landscapes, far-flung romanticism

It’s hard to equal the Turkish Riviera when it comes to stylish boat vacations. But Aman Resorts manages to do just that with its Amanikan luxury cruiser, a traditional Indonesian sailboat whose three cabins are decorated in the brand’s signature minimalist style. From the comfort of the five-star private charter, guests can access the most biologically diverse underwater sites in Indonesia, as well as the World Heritage Komodo National Park, one of the few locations where the endangered Komodo dragons can be viewed in their natural habitat.

Stay: Amanikan

Just Back From: Mayan Peninsula | Next Stop: Southern Laos

Chic thatched bungalows, ancient ruins, authentic spiritual experiences

Those seeking a cultural adventure without the crowds will appreciate sparsely touristed southern Laos. Like the Mayan Peninsula, the region offers a wealth of ruins to explore—most notably, the Khmer temple Wat Phou—bungalow-chic hotels and secluded waterfalls and swimming holes. However, the pristine landscape, infused with a spiritual aura and a rich history, makes the lush region feel uniquely cocooned from the rest of the world.

Stay: Settha Palace in Vientiane, River Resort, La Folie Lodge

Just Back From: Peru | Next Stop: Sapa, Vietnam

Right: Courtesy Topas Ecolodge

High-altitude hiking, verdant landscape, unique indigenous culture

Vietnam's oft-photographed terraced rice paddies are concentrated in Sapa, a rural destination in northern Vietnam known for excellent hiking. The mystical atmosphere of this remote region is best experienced by trekking through the vast terrain, which is often enveloped in fogs swirling off the southern ridges of the Himalayas. (The view is strikingly similar to seeing Machu Picchu shrouded in mist.) The charming town of Sapa, a former French colony perched on a green hillside, displays both Vietnamese and European influence in its architecture, fusion cuisine and serene resorts.

Stay: Victorian Sapa, Topas Ecolodge

Just Back From: Costa Rica | Next Stop: Malaysian Borneo

Concentrated wildlife, diverse topography, thrilling adventure

Malaysian Borneo is an adventure seeker’s paradise, with rainforests, a vast national park and unique wildlife. Visitors can spot orangutans scampering through the trees, scuba dive with schools of brightly colored fish, climb the country’s largest peak and explore the rich culture of local villages. The region’s de luxe beachfront resorts fulfill dreams of being washed ashore on a tropical hideaway.

Stay: Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Bunga Raya Resort