Few things in this world can compare to the pristine beauty of Asia.
Whether it’s the rugged mountains of the Himalayas, the rolling plains of central China, the exquisite tiered rice paddies of the South East or the rich jungles of Borneo – Asia offers a diversity like no other continent on earth. Here is an introduction to some of the most stunning landscapes that the exotic orient has to explore:
Bali’s Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The quintessential and iconic image of the tiered rice terrace is one of the first things that the mind conjures up when thinking of Asia. Nothing can compare you for the breathtaking beauty of these stunning works of agricultural engineering as the sun rises or sets. Bali has arguably the most dramatic example of this at Tegallalang. It is simply an experience not to be missed. The fields can be difficult to access, so a guided tour is a great option. Companies like Travezl offer the cheapest and most comfortable way to see this natural wonder
Japan’s Hidden Treasure
Most visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun flock to the major tourist magnets of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. Few people realise that Japan boasts deliciously varied landscapes, all crammed into a small country.
My favourite is the Northern Sea of Japan Coast, where the mountains literally meet the sea. The coastline is dotted with quaint little hamlets and villages, with lush hills on one side and idyllic sea views on the other. Few tourists venture this way, so you will have plenty of opportunities to savour this unique location in peace.
A Spot of Tea?
Sri Lanka’s tea fields seem to roll on forever.
The undulating hills glisten with dew in the morning sun, and offer one of the most serene views imaginable. Soaring mountains, rushing streams and waterfalls and rolling mist act as a jaw-dropping backdrop to discovering where your warm, delicious ‘cuppa comes from.
Rooftop of the World
If you’ve never been to the Himalayas, you simply cannot comprehend the sheer mind-boggling majesty that these mountains embody. There is no better way to experience it than in Nepal. This delightful country offers the most cost-effective, friendly, and safe way to visit the top of the world.
To the Jungle, Jim!
Say the word “Borneo”, and you will instantly be transported to the dense jungles where the Orang Utan dwell free. The iconic “man of the jungle” is just the tip of the astonishing abundance of flora and fauna that grace this truly magical part of the world. Divided up among Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, Borneo is surprisingly accessible, yet still largely untouched.
Vietnam’s Bay of Floating Villages
UNESCO listed Ha Long Bay in North-Eastern Vietnam is truly a sight to behold.
The thousands of rough-hewn limestone karsts jutting vertically out of the pristine ocean waters, it is a maze of quaint inlets, peppered with delightful floating villages that are home to over 1600 locals. Drifting around the Bay on one of the local watercrafts can genuinely feel like taking a step back in time.
G-d’s Paint Palette
The Danxia Landform is part of the Zhangye National Geopark in North Central China. The multicolored layers of stone that can rise thousands of feet look like a bizarre layered cake and are an absolute feast for the eyes. There is simply nothing on earth that can truly compare to this unique geographical formation.
With these and so many other incredible places to visit in Asia, is it any wonder that people from all over the world are flocking to sample its amazing sights, sounds and flavours.
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