The Ogasawara Islands (Bonin Islands) are a remote group of 30 islands in the Pacific Ocean. They were formed by an ancient underwater volcano, and are home to 140 species of indigenous plants. In 1827 the British navy found and declared possession of these islands, which were not returned to Japan until 1876. During the Second World War the inhabitants moved to the mainland of Japan and by the end of the war, the islands were ruled by the United States. They were eventually returned to Japan in 1968.

Of the 30 islands, only Chichijima and Hahajima are inhabited, and their total population is only 2,300 people. Ogasawara is completely unpolluted and its crystal clear waters are full of corals and tropical fish. It is an excellent place to see whales and dolphins, especially between February and April.

1. Bali

2. Manado

3. Hateruma

4. Lombok

5. Ogasawara

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