In places like the Philippine island of Boracay, the transformation is well under way, so I head first to Bacuit Bay, to check out a diminishing rarity: a self-proclaimed tropical paradise that contains no go-kart tracks or daiquiri stands or much of anything but wild animals, water and sand.

WSJ: The Philippines's Strange Paradise

He was returned to the wild after recovering from surgery to remove 3kg (6.6lb) of sand from his stomach.

BBC: Concern mounts for 'missing' penguin Happy Feet

The wild geography and topography around Killary, with its gorse-covered mountains, sweeping valleys and white sand beaches, presents both stark beauty and physical challenges.

BBC: A finish line few will cross