Huangshan Mountain Range
Photo by: B cool, Creative Commons

Visiting China is not complete without hiking the Huangshan Mountain Range. The magnificent and breathtaking views while trekking the mountain or riding a cable car will send your weary mind rest. You will also notice that the views you will be seeing are comparable to illustrations found on Chinese scrolls.

There are many ways to get to the mountain range. Two of the most popular ways are hiking and riding the cable cars. Although hiking the mountains may be strenuous, compared to riding a cable car, most visitors who are up for an adventure choose to hike along the footpaths.

When hiking, there are two trails: the eastern steps and the western steps. The eastern step is a much easier route with footpaths that guide you on your way up. The western steps, on the other hand, have a more rugged path yet it has the more scenic route. The peak circuit is where the two steps meet and it is shrouded in the clouds, which makes it more rewarding when reached.

During your upward trek, you will encounter different rock formations with different names based on what creature they resemble. Inscriptions on stones are common on the Huangshan Mountain Range most of these inscriptions date back centuries.

Though you might see many inscriptions and carvings, you are not allowed to write on the mountain range. Expect rainfall during spring and summer. Temperature changes rapidly in the mountain range, which is why it is advised to bring extra clothes. Use apparel according to the season and also bring extra money for souvenirs.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Photo by: Helsinki***, Creative Commons

There are many miniature theme parks all over the world, making one think that once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a far cry from these, as it shows many aspects of the country, which brings the country to a new light for many tourists.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, translated into Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park and is also known as TMII, is located in East Jakarta. This park depicts the culture of the country interactively as people could not only see the miniature of the country’s 26 provinces but they could actually go inside the houses and see the structure up close, as though they are truly living in the house. Apart from these houses, there are gardens, small zoos, museums, and other recreation for tourists and locals alike. There are ten gardens in the park, which includes a cactus garden, a flower garden, and a medicinal-plant garden. Also within the park are small parks with animals, including a freshwater aquarium, a bird park, and even a park dedicated to the Bekisar chicken.

There are fourteen museums in TMII, most notable of which is the Keong Emas Imax Theater, which is designed like a golden snail. Other museums are those devoted to the komodo dragon, war, electricity, stamps, sports, cultural heritage, telecommunications, transportation, and oil and gas. There is also an insect museum and butterfly garden in the grounds. Work of Indonesian scholars as well as anything related to the Kuran could also be found in another exhibit, the Bayt al Qur’an and Museum Istiqlal.

There are also other recreational activities to be experienced in TMII. There is the Children’s Palace, which is shaped like a castle and has fairy tales from all over the world. Situated within the park grounds is a small arts and crafts village, a rare book market, theaters, one of which is 4D, and a fishing lake. There is also a small water park and something similar to a boot camp. The water park amenities include a wave pool, a vortex pool, a wave river, and even a hot spa. On the other hand, the camp, which is made for kids, has amenities that include a zip line, a canopy trail, tunnels, and bridges.

Transportation within Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is varied. People may take bike tours, the car tour, ride the swan boats, miniature railway, cable car, or the Aeromovel Indonesia, which is a train that generates energy from wind and is on top of an overpass that encircles the park.

Tana Toraja
Photo by: a rabin, Creative Commons

Preserving the culture of one’s country is very hard, especially with the advent of the modern era where technology rules much of the economy. This is why the regency of the Toraja Land, situated in the highland region of Sulawesi garners much interest. Many of the locals have not only preserved much of their cultural heritage but are still practicing many of the traditions to this day.

The Toraja Land, or Tana Toraja is a place where the culture of one of Indonesia’s ethnic communities can be seen. The people in the villages live in traditional houses called tongkonan, which has a distinctive peaked roof. These people are usually of the same family. Their culture and beliefs are seen through the various woodcarvings. But amongst these things, apart from seeing the people and their homes, this place is famous for its funeral rites. The funeral rites may last for several days, or even weeks. The burial of the dead is unique to this ethnic group. For deceased adults, the coffin may be hung from a cliff or placed inside a cave or a carved stone grave. The tombs are man-made caves that are cut into the cliff faces. Balconies overlooking the planes are made for effigies of the dead, which are called tau tau. Carved stone graves are usually for nobles of the village. Those hung from the cliffs are left until the ropes rot and the coffin falls to the ground. For dead babies, the coffins are either hung from or buried inside a tree. This is practiced because of the belief that the babies will continue to grow as the tree grows.

The Toraja Land is also known for other things. Indonesian coffee, an Arabica coffee, originates from this island. Balok, a traditional Indonesian drink that is also known as tuak, can also be purchased here. This is palm wine and is said to be stronger if it has a darker color.

Bodrum Peninsula and Bodrum Castle in the middle
Photo by: bazylek, Creative Commons

Much like most cities in Turkey, Bodrum has a rich history. Records show that inhabitants settled in the city as early as the 7th century BC. Formerly called Halicarnassus (or Halikarnas in Turkish), the city now thrives in a combination of old world charm and modern vibrance.

It is no surprise that travelers hold a special spot for Bodrum once they visit the city. There is something quite endearing about the place, and such makes it an ideal destination for vacations. There are a handful of interesting places in the city that are worth a visit.

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is among the famous spots in Bodrum. The structure, which was constructed between 353 and 350 BC, is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city’s ruler, Mausollos, had a wife—Artemisia—who wanted a resting place for her husband when they met their demise. The structure exhibited the craftsmanship of the sculptors then. Today, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is still that imposing structure that never fails to leave travelers in awe.

The Castle of St. Peter is also quite a wondrous sight. This castle in Bodrum was built in 1400, and served as a refuge for knights for a long time. Constructed near the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Castle of St. Peter used materials from the former. Today, the structure is home to the Museum of Underwater Archeology. Visitors can find out about the city’s history by visiting the museum.

An open-air museum can also be found in Bodrum. The Ampitheatre—divided into three parts namely the skene, orchestra, and cavea—is testament to the people’s skill in architecture during the ancient times. Built between 330 and 30 BC, the theater could seat 13,000 people. The structure dates back to the time of Mausollos, and its glory is still preserved today.

Hanging Monastery of Hengshan
Photo by: Patrick Streule, Creative Commons

Located in Hengshan, The Hanging Monastery of Hengshan is mainly influenced by Taoism. Located at the Jinlong Valley of Henshang Mountain, it will take you two hours to reach the Mountain from Datong.

The landscape of the mountain is a combination of manmade and natural designs. This is why many of people from around the world come and visit. Together with the Hanging Monastery, the nature vistas are very popular.

Built during the Beiwei dynasty in 491, the Hanging Monastery of Hengshan is more than 1,500 years old. The rich history of China and its deep-rooted cultural beliefs are etched into Hengshan and its Hanging Monastery.

80 religious statues made from different types of materials like rock, copper, clay, and iron can be found in the monastery. Through different reigns of dynasties, the monastery has been rebuilt and redesigned forming 40 different rooms interconnected through walkways and pillars.

The architecture and the history involving the Hanging Monastery of Hengshan have made it popular worldwide. Visitors from different parts of the world visit Hengshan only to be amazed by the wonders of the Hanging Monastery.

Hengshan, including the Hanging Monastery is open every day from 8:00am to 6:00 pm.

Shuttle buses from Downtown Datong to the Hanging Monastery in Hengshan is available for a nominal fee. Visitors can also rent cabs for their own convenience. Renting will be much expensive compared to taking the bus.

Visitors going to the Hanging Monastery should be prepared physically. Having extra spending money won’t hurt either The walkway and stairs in the Monastery are steep and narrow, if you have fear of heights, then it is advised that you refrain from looking down.

Newgrange Walk-in Tomb
Photo by: sedoglia, Creative Commons

UNESCO has designated Newgrange as a World Heritage Site, so do thousands of visitors every year who appreciate its mystifying pre-historic monuments that define a momentous period in European pre-history as early as 3200 B.C.

Known as a passage tomb, Newgrange is a well-constructed passage that leads to cremated remains of the dead. The passage is covered by a large mound and is retained at the base using large kerbstones. One can only imagine the hard work that went into the construction of the passage.

The most famous of the three large monuments built along the River Boyne, Newgrange is believed to be fairy mounds in mythology. It is particularly known as the home of the god of love, Oenghus. The other two monuments are Knowth and Dowth. With its mystifying air, these mounds captivate the visitor with its air of mystery. It was in 1699 when the passageway received considerable attention with its rediscovery. The people removed some materials in order to use them to build roads. It was then when the entrance was rebuilt using the same stones in the site. Originally, however, the entrance was made of sparkling white quartz.

The passageway in Newgrange is less than 60 feet long and you’ll see a chamber with three side recesses. With a closer look at the chamber’s roof – you’ll see that a corbelled vault was used for it. This has remained intact without conservation or repair.

Do not miss a trip to the Newgrange chamber. Its tri-spiral design is a sight to behold. Not only is it considered a well-known Celtic design, but it is also known as a Megalithic symbol of the Irish. It is much smaller than the tri-spiral design found on the stone at the chamber’s entrance, but it looks quite more intricate, and nonetheless, amazing. Visit Newgrange and get firsthand experience of the finest achievements of European Neolithic art.

Rock of Cashel
Photo by: Shadowgate, Creative Commons

If you want to see the most incredible collection of Celtic art and medieval architecture in Europe, pay a visit to the Rock of Cashel. It is also known as the majestic Cashel of the Kings – and religiously, it is called “St. Patrick’s Rock.” This historic site has a lot of names with many stories to tell. The place proves to be valuable for visitors and guests who cannot help but be in awe of the buildings which crown the Rock with such complexity and colossal appearance that make it a charming, scenic and wondrous site.

The Rock of Cashel served as the traditional seat of the kings of Munster before the Norman invasion. Although a few remnants of the earliest structures still stand, majority of the buildings exude an ancient feel, as they date back from the 12th and 13th centuries. This is also said to be the place where St. Patrick converted the King of Munster in the 5th century A.D. and locals would tell you about the story of the Devil’s Bit – the mountain from which the Rock of Cashel is said to have originated. The Devil’s Bit is found 30 km north of Cashel and they say that when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, it resulted to the Rock landed in Cashel – and it is for this reason that it is also called St. Patrick’s Rock.

In addition to the interesting stories, you will be amazed to see a round tower about 28 meters high – one of the tallest and oldest of buildings in Cashel. Although it was still stand because of the mortar used to fill it for safety reasons, you will be astonished with how well preserved it is. You’ll also see a chapel, some tombs and well-designed graveyard crosses in the area, which definitely look just amazing.

Prambanan Temple under stormy skies
Photo by: Thrillseekr, Creative Commons

Indonesia has a lot of temples that venerate the Hindu deity. Prambanan Hindu Temple exceeds most of the temples in Indonesia with its size and beauty. The destruction of the smaller shrines does not even mar the magnificence of the place.

Prambanan Hindu Temple is located within Central Java. This temple complex consists of 224 shrines, 16 of which are within the central courtyard of the said complex. Most of the remaining 208 structures are small shrines which open to one of the four cardinal directions.

In the central courtyard, three shrines stand high, one for each of the Hindu trinity. The middle temple, the largest among the three, honors Shiva. This temple is the only temple in the complex with four entrances and has five chambers. This temple houses the statue of Shiva as well as smaller sculptures of other Hindu gods, namely: Durga, Shiva’s consort, is in the north chamber; Agastya, Shiva’s teacher, is in the south chamber; and Ganesha, Shiva’s son, occupies the west chamber.

Brahma’s temple, which is south of Shiva’s, houses the statue of Brahma in its only chamber. The temples of Brahma and Shiva are plastered with bas-reliefs of the Ramayana legend. The last of the main shrines, Vishnu’s temple, is similar to Brahma’s temple in its design. With only one large chamber, this is where Vishnu’s statue is contained. Unlike the other two, though, the outer walls depict the Krishnayana, which is the story of Vishnu’s human incarnation Krishna.

The three other shrines, each at the east of the main temples, are dedicated to their vehicles: Nandi, the bull, for Shiva; Hamsa, the swan, for Brahma; and Garuda, the eagle, for Vishnu. Other than these six main structures are two smaller temples, one to the north and the other to the south. There are also eight structures along the wall of the inner complex indicating the four cardinal directions and the four intermediate points.

The Prambanan Hindu Temple depicts the wondrous Hindu temple architecture in its classic glory.

Blue Mosque overlooking the Bosphorous
Photo by: Rudolf Stricker, Creative Commons

At first glance, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) – a famous structure in Istanbul seems to be a misnomer. After all, the mosque’s exteriors are anything but blue. However, learning about the structure’s background will tell a traveler that the Blue Mosque is called such because of the blue tiles in its interiors. To fully appreciate the mosque’s beauty, one has to go inside.

Quite a famous building in the country, the Blue Mosque—also called the Sultanahmet Mosque—has gained popularity perhaps because of its six minarets. Looking around other mosques will show a traveler that most of these have only four minarets; the story behind the two extra minarets is quite interesting. It was said that when Sultan Ahmet I was only 19 years old, he commissioned the construction of the mosque. Sultan Ahmet I requested for gold (altin) minarets. However, the architect misunderstood the request, and he instead built six (alti) minarets.

The six minarets stirred concern among the people, as Mecca’s Harem Mosque also had the same number of minarets. To resolve the issue, the sultan sent his architect to Mecca to construct an additional minaret to the other mosque.

Today, the Blue Mosque gathers a battalion of visitors every year. Travelers would be in awe of the cascade of domes, which exhibit the great skills of those who built the structure. Moreover, the ceiling is lined with thousands of blue tiles.

It is said that people going to the Blue Mosque should enter from the west entrance; this is so that there is more drama in seeing the structures. By doing so, they would be able to appreciate the breathtaking details of the mosque. However, it is encouraged that non-worshippers enter from the north entrance in order to keep the sacredness of the place. As much as the mosque is a sight to behold, it is also a functioning mosque. Worshippers still use the structure for prayers.

Ganden Monastery
Photo by: mckaysavage, Creative Commons

The Ganden Monastery was built in 1410 by Tsongkhapa. This makes it the first ever Gelugpa monastery in Tibet. Well preserved cultural relics can be found in the monastery. These historical relics date back to 1644 and are part of China’s rich history and culture.

With over four thousand monks residing in the monastery, the Ganden Monastery is one of the three principal monasteries along with the Dreprung and the Sera Monasteries. The Ganden Monastery is 57 kilometers east of Lhasa and is situated in the Wangbori Mountain that has an altitude of 3,800 meters.

The Ganden Monastery is accessible through bus from Jokhang Square which is available every day. The bus leaves at 7:00 am in the morning and comes back at 2:00pm in the afternoon.
A roundtrip fare is available for visitors for a nominal fee. Travel time from Jokhan Square to the Ganden Monastery is approximately two hours.

The Monastery opens at 9:00 am and closes at 4:00 pm in the afternoon. For visitors, there is an entrance fee to be paid upon entry. Locals enter the Ganden Monastery for free. Normally, it takes two hours to finish a tour of the whole monastery.

The main assembly hall of the monastery and the Tantric colleges are two of the main attractions present in the monastery. West of the assembly halls lay the Buddhist Building called Yangbajian. The Buddhist doctrine -protecting hall, the Numen Chapel, the Shidongkang Hall, and the Shangshi Hall can be found in the Yangbajian.

Buses going to the Ganden Monastery are also available in Barkhor Square. Travel time from Barkhor is roughly two and a half hours so the bus departs thirty minutes earlier at 6:30 am compared to the Buses from Jokhang Square which leaves at 7:00 am.

Replica of the Trojan Horse in Troy
Photo by: Alaskan Dude, Creative Commons

A short lesson in history and a review of Greek mythology, you will find that Troy plays an important role in shaping history. Even before a movie was made, Troy already has been popular among travelers. Today, the Ruins of Troy houses imposing structures that would take your breathe away.

Going back in history, the Troy Ruins will allow one to think about the Trojan War that went on for years. Hailing Helen as “the face that launched a thousand ships”, the war sparked a number of significant events that shaped the course of history.

Today, the city that has existed for over 4,000 years displays the skills developed during the ancient times. Charles McLaren first discovered the Troy Ruins in 1822, and later on, Heinrich Schliemann spearheaded the excavation between 1870 and 1890. An excavation in 1988 supported the claim that a battle ensued in the city, as archeologists found evidence of such a battle, among them arrowheads in the site.

A visit to the Troy Ruins will bring you face to face with a replica of the Trojan horse, which was a supposed gift from the Greeks; the token led to one great battle. This is a favorite spot among visitors, as the horse provides a perfect backdrop for a photo opportunity.

The archeological site of the Troy Ruins welcomes visitors coming from Istanbul by bus, or from Canakkale, by ferry. Officially called Troia by the Turkish government, the site now features several shops and a museum. The recent years saw the greater concern to protect the site, as looting and destruction of important structures transpired in the earlier years.

Guided tours to the site are available, and availing of such would enrich one’s visit to the site. More than visiting a place that holds great importance in history, a visitor would bask in the good feeling that he or she has learned something new.

Chengde Mountain Resort
Photo by: madiko83, Creative Commons

Found in the Heibei, the Chengde Mountain Resort is a popular place to escape to during the grueling heat of summer. The area covered by the mountain resort is the entire half of the urban area of Chengde; the entire mountain resort took more than 80 years to complete under two emperors, Qian and Long.

The Chengde Mountain Resort is composed of beautiful palaces and gardens enclosed in a wall of rock 10 kilometers long and 13 meters wide. Seventy-two scenic spots found inside the mountain resorts were named by the emperors themselves and the designs were copied in other parts of Northern and Southern China.

The garden area of the mountain resort is made up of more than a hundred clustered buildings and seventy-two scenic trails composed of lakes, plains, and mountains. The garden area spans from the northwest to the southeast areas of the mountain resort.

The palaces are in a building complex. Overall, there are three different building complexes. The main palaces, the chambers, and the towers are all situated inside the building. The main hall called the Danpochinjeng Hall span 583 square meters. The Hall is also known as the ‘Namnu Hall’ since it was rebuilt during the Qianlong rule.

There are eight outer temples inside the mountain resort in the northeastern part of the walls. Mongolian, Tibetan, and Ugyur architectural influences can be seen.

Food is great in the Chengde Mountain Resort. Local delicacies are available in the resort and all of them are delicious. Rou Jia Mo, pork and cilantro stuffed inside a bread pocket, is one of the foods you will enjoy.

Lombok from the air
Photo by: yeowatzup, Creative Commons

Indonesia has a lot to offer. Everyone from locals to tourists, children and adults alike, may find something worth visiting in this wonderful country – one of which is Lombok, an island located in the western southeast islands of the said country.

Within the island is a collection of cities, each of which has something to offer potential visitors. Traveling within the island, one could choose to ride taxis or motorcycles if these are available. Many, however, choose to ride bicycles or the cidomo, which is a horse-drawn cart. Mt. Rinjani is one of the main attractions within the island as it is an active volcano and is the second highest Indonesian volcano. It has a lake, the Segara Anak Lake, in the crater, and a hot spring, the Aik Kalak, at the crater rim.

The first city, Mataram, is the largest of the mainland cities. Here, one could venture into the Mayura Garden and Water Park, which boasts of its magnificent architecture, history, landscape, and pond. In the middle of the pond is a small building where palace officials of erstwhile eras would hold meetings. Nearby, one could visit Pura Meru, or Meru Temple, which is a large temple with three pagodas on its grounds to symbolize the trinity in Hindu: Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. People could also go to the Museum Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat, which shows exhibits regarding the history and culture of the island. Narmada Park, or Taman Narmada, is visited by many for the Youth Fountain.

Bangsal, another city in the mainland, serves as a port for the Gili Islands. The Gili Islands consists of three islands that form a straight line from the mainland. One could enjoy surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the reefs surrounding these islands. One of the islands, Gili Meno, has a small bird sanctuary. People who are searching for a more club or party scene are suggested to island-hop to Gili Trawangan.

Kuta is the city in Lombok, which possesses wonderful beaches and surfing spots. Praya, a city located in the central part of the island. Villages specializing in weaving, such as Sukarara, are found by traversing its main road.

And last but not the least is Senggigi, which is the foremost tourist destination. Tourists regularly visit Pura Batu Bolong and Pura Lingsar. Pura Batu Bolong is a small temple located at a cape in Senggigi. It is famous for its peak, where a chair symbolizes the throne of Brahma. Pura Lingsar, on the other hand, is a complex of temples and is known to be the holiest within the island.

China’s Stone Forest
Photo by: maveric2003, Creative Commons

Have you ever heard of a stone forest? Imagine entering a typical forest with gigantic trees stationed a meter away from each other. This time, picture the forest with high, irregularly shaped rocks with sharp pointed tips – that’s what a stone forest looks like.

The Chinese Stone Forest, located in Lunan Yu Autonomous County, is considered as the world’s most amazing calcareous relief for its vast array of karst formation. Karst is a terrain that forms through the disintegration of soft rocks like limestone. The formation of Karst in the area is responsible for the arrangement of several limestone rocks in a three hundred-square kilometer stretch of land. This area is crowded with huge and gigantic rocks that are about 30-40 meters or 100-133 feet tall. It was known to exist since 1368-1644 A.D. when the Ming Dynasty ruled China.

In 2005, the Chinese Stone Forest or Shilin in Chinese, was visited by over 2.2 million tourists from around the world. Its large-scale rock formation of different shapes and sizes continuously attracts both local and international visitors who enjoy natural beauty, and have a flair for rare destinations.

Visitors will have a great time exploring some of the rocks that were given names according to their appearance:

· The Great Mogul
· Mother and Son
· Teeth of the Dragon
· The Phoenix Bird
· Monkey on the Elephant Back
· Rhinoceroses Watching the Moon

Other stones look like mushrooms, towers, pyramids, columns, and other figures that resemble the things around us. Most of the rocks are surrounded by water, the reflections of these behemoths exude an eerie serenity. Some rocks have crumbled from its original state due to the earthquakes that devastated the area.

Shilin is divided into different sections according to their features. There is the Major, Minor, and Naigu Stone Forest that offers tourists the various rock formation that the place is known for. Then there’s subterranean section located in Zhiyun Cave. Zhiyun Cave shows the formation of cave in a Karst terrain. There’s also the Strange Wind Cave, the Penfeng Cave, Hongxi Spring, and an underground river. There is also a Karst lake named the Long Lake, which is three kilometers long and 300 meters wide.

The Stone Forest is just 85 kilometers from the Chinese city Kunming. The recommended time for visiting this place is 2-3 hours. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Longji Rice Terraces
Photo by: dawvon, Creative Commons

Indeed, the Longji Rice terraces are worthy to be called the “champion of the terrace world”. Covering a stretch of 66 kilometers of systematically designed rice paddies in Longsheng, it looks like magnificent chains of rice ribbons in plain view. As far as your eyes can seek, the hillsides are carved with rice terraces following the slope formation.

The terraces were mostly built during the Ming Dynasty. They are popular because the terraces looked like scales of a dragon. This is where the rice fields got their name. Longji means “Dragon’s backbone”.

Agriculture was the main reason the terraces were built. Locals aim to make good use of the areas arable land. The terrace system allows enough water to be trapped in each puddle to ensure best rice growth while excess water trickles down to the lower puddles.

The highest elevation of the rice terraces is at 880 meters above water and the lowest is at 380 meters above water.

The view is at its best when you visit in June. By then, the rice plants are in full bloom with the greenery adding beauty to the overall magnificent effect. Visiting the site during different seasons provide a natural beauty of the area; winter outlines gray frost paddies, fall highlights the golden hue of the full golden rice heads, and spring reflects the sun’s rays on the water.

The most popular creation among the Longji rice terraces are Jinkeng Rice Terrace and Ping An Rice Terrace. A visit to the sight will make you realize how a work of farming intelligence brings out a magnificent view worthy of picture taking.

Tomb of imam Ali bin abi taleb
Photo by: Arlo K. Abrahamson, Creative Commons

The Wadi al-Salam cemetery in the city of Najaf is one of the most popularly visited landmarks today. The city welcomes two million visitors from the neighboring Muslim countries every year. Because of this, many neighborhoods have now been converted into high-rise hotels, providing immediate accommodations, that is, as long as you don’t mind sleeping beside the cemeteries.

The popularity of the city can be credited to the tomb of imam Ali bin abi taleb, the fourth caliph and the first imam who is revered by so many in the Muslim faith. This is why the Wadi al-Salam cemetery has been a famous destination for devotees and even families who would like to have the distinction of being buried in the valley of peace.

The recent influx of people have persuaded the people of the city to make the necessary arrangements to be able to offer accommodations for the visitors who travel to the site from as far as Pakistan and India. You will know that you have arrived in Najaf as soon as you see large signs of different colors.

The Wadi al-Salam cemetery is one of those interesting destinations in Iraq to visit. If you have become weary of taking different day tours to ancient ruins, then head on to Najaf and experience history in the making by visiting the second largest cemetery in the whole world.

Rock carving of Sakyamuni Buddha
Photo by: Addictive Picasso, Creative Commons

This is the home of exquisitely carved and beautiful rock carvings, where a journal of a rich past is displayed. The influence of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism are found along the steep hills of the Dazu County. Dazu County is located south east of Sichuan province, which is known for its warm climate.

The county hosts forty sites of the world-renowned rock carvings where there are fifty thousand statues of Buddha included. The Dazu rock carvings became known for its artistic and exquisite demonstration of rock carving skills. This has made it a part of the Cultural Heritage List in 1999 together with other well-known rock carvings from other countries.

The rock carvings are found beginning in Dazu County to Baodingshan, Beishan, Nanshan, Shizhuanshan, and Shimensan; all of which are adjacent to Dazu County.

Baodingshan rock carvings are approximately fifteen kilometers northeast of Dazu County. There are a total of almost ten thousand figures categorized into thirteen carving groups with a strong influence of ethnic Buddhism.

Beishan rock carvings, on the other hand, are situated two kilometers northwest of Dazu County. Buddhist philosophy is reflected in each of the well-preserved statues and when it comes to elaborate and graceful craftsmanship, the ‘Oriental Venus’ or the Samantabhadra Bodhisattva stands out.

Nanshan and Shizhuanshan are both located south of Dazu County. At this location, a combination of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian influences are being integrated making a rare piece of rock carving that stands out among others.

Shimenshan is located twenty kilometers east of Dazu County where the carvings are more of a combination of Taoist and Buddhist influence. Most statues possess inscriptions about the statues.

During the summer months, Dazu County gets quite warm that it becomes unsuitable for most tourists. Spring, autumn, and winter months are ideal times to make a visit. The rock carvings are open for viewing from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Jiayuguan Fort
Photo by: eviltomthai, Creative Commons

The Jiayuguan Fort is located approximately six kilometers from Jiayuguan City of Gansu Province. The building of the Jiayuguan Fort dates back to the Ming Dynasty, and to this day, the Jiayuguan Fort is still a well-preserved symbol of a rich history.

The walls of the Jiayuguan Pass are 11.7 meters high and 733 meters in circumference. It occupies a total of approximately 33,500square meters. The gate towers of the fort are found on the eastern and western sections and both stand 17 meters high.

The Jiayuguan Fort is popular because of a legend that dates back when it was being built. The legend of the last brick remaining is about the strict compliance of the Chinese builders to not waste any bricks on building the Fort which made them have one brick left after the completion of the construction. The one remaining brick is still kept and preserved on the western gate tower of the Jiayuguan Fort.

Old building can be found outside the eastern gate tower of the fort. Similar structures like temples, pavilions, and warfare buildings can be found outside the walls. These buildings were built during the Qing Dynasty.

The overhanging great wall is one of the main attractions found in the Jiayuguan Fort. Located four miles northwest from the fort, the overhanging great wall was built in 1539 during the Ming Dynasty. Using yellow earth and local gravel, the wall was built painstakingly layer by layer. Only 832 yards of the wall remain. Parts of the wall were damaged during war and most of the sections have succumbed to the weather overtime.

Daily bus trips are available which leaves from the train station in Jiayuguan. Other transportation is also available, either by plane or by via long bus rides.

Babylon walkway lined with lions
Photo by: inyucho, Creative Commons

Once the capital city of ancient Mesopotamia, Babylon is one of the most interesting historical sites in the world today. About 90 miles from Baghdad, you will find that this ancient city has access to what was crucially considered as the life source for the ancient kingdoms, the rivers Tigris and the Euphrates. This is probably why the people of ancient civilizations popularly referred to Babylon as “the gate of God.”

Having survived countless invasions and wars, many of its famed structures have been reduced to rubble, however, the mystery that is Babylon are yet to be unearthed. The famed site that is still eluding many generations of explorers is the hanging gardens of Babylon built by the great ruler Nebuchadnezzar as a representation of his undying love for his wife. It was also during Nebuchadnezzar’s time that Babylon became one of the most beautiful ancient cities in the world.

If you have a passion for discovery and history consider a visit to Babylon. Take in the grand structure, the lion of Babylon and imagine the hundreds of generations that have also gazed upon it at different stages of the city’s existence. You should not miss a visit to Nebuchadnezzar’s southern palace, a walk along the streets of processions and a glimpse of the temples Esagila and Nabushcari. And although the tower of Babel is long gone, you can still make your way to the site where the base of the tower is said to be located so that you can see it yourself.

Komodo National Park at Sunset
Photo by: prilfish, Creative Commons

With many countries working to preserve what remains of the once wonderful natural resources, it is still no small feat to actually create a sanctuary for many endangered species, let alone one. Komodo National Park is able to give just that to the animals in its care.

The Komodo National Park, founded in 1980 and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, serves as a home for the Komodo dragons and many other species, marine or otherwise. The dragons were conserved by the people living in the islands as it has been passed on from their ancestors that harming these creatures is considered a taboo. The dragons, which are part of the monitor lizard family, are known to be the largest of its species. Their size ranges from two to three meters, with the males being larger than the females. These animals are opportunistic carnivores rather than being predators. In the early times, some of the dragons were dependent on their human neighbors for food.

The area consists of three large islands and other smaller ones near the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. While the dragons are the main attraction for many, there are other things also worth seeing. Inhabiting the islands are various species of reptiles, mammals, and fish. Exotic reefs could be explored during dives. Flying foxes or fruit bats are best seen at twilight, as they soar in the sky in legions.

In this unspoiled land, one would see natural beaches and forests that had changed little since its creation. Trekking or boating is the only means of going around the island. Apart from seeing the dragons, trekking allows one to unwind and enjoy nature at its best. During these guided trips, rangers may offer one to view the feeding of the dragons. Boating, on the other hand, offers the person an alternative aspect of the beauty of the landscape.

With all of nature has to offer, Komodo National Park is truly one of its kind.

Divrigi Great Mosque & Hospital
Photo by: Avniyazici, Creative Commons

A mosque and a hospital may seem like an unlikely combination for some people. However, visiting the Divrigi Great Mosque & Hospital in Anatolia, Turkey would show travelers that a combining a place for spiritual and physical healing makes perfect sense.

The Divrigi Great Mosque & Hospital is one of Turkey’s famous spots. Built in 1299, the structure boasts of elaborate carvings that exhibit the people’s skillfulness. It was Mengujukid Emir Ahmet Shah who commissioned the construction of the mosque. At the same time, his wife—Melike Turhan Melek—commissioned the construction of the hospital in the same complex.

Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Divrigi Great Mosque & Hospital is Anatolia’s oldest complex. Made of yellow stone, the structure is a sight to behold. The eight-sided domes only add to the magnificence of the place. Travelers would be impressed with the view of the complex from afar, but visiting the structure and seeing the details up close is a far greater experience.

The two parts of the Divrigi Great Mosque & Hospital each have its own charm. The mosque houses a single prayer room topped with two cupolas. This takes up most of the complex, and is larger than the hospital. The northern doorway is considered as the main entrance to the mosque, and is higher than the other parts of the mosque. The carvings are ostentatious, and feature dedications to Sultan Aladdin Keykubad and Ahmet Shah, who built the complex.

The hospital is smaller, but that does not mean that it is less striking. In fact, the hospital’s carvings are more refined. Among these carvings are moldings featuring human figures that stand for the moon and the sun.

Visiting the Divrigi Great Mosque & Hospital is like unlocking a secret, as the place is not crowded with visitors. Visitors would do well in visiting the site now, so that they can say that they’ve been to one magnificent place that not many people have gone to.

Bund Riverfront – Nightlights
Photo by: Jakob Montrasio, Creative Commons

The Bund Riverfront is an attraction best viewed and visited in nice weather, daytime or nighttime. With over fifty tall buildings lit from 7:00pm to 11:00pm, nightlife in the Bund is something that you should experience while in Shanghai. Visiting the Bund riverfront during the daytime also holds a certain charm.

Walking along the Bund during the daytime, you will learn about China’s history and the development of the magnificent architecture in the past.

Most of the buildings in the Bund are for commercial purposes. National organizations, clubs, and restaurants call this home. Overall, there are ten different bank buildings along the Bund.

Two popular buildings found along the Bund are the peace hotel and the HSBC building, which is one of the most popular banks nowadays. The Bund stretches 1500 meters along the Huangpu River.

During the early mornings, tai chi enthusiasts gather around the Promenade to do their early morning exercises. Tourists are welcomed to learn and do tai chi themselves. Early to mid morning strolls along the Bund is suitable to those who don’t enjoy crowds.

Other attractions are also present along the Bund riverfront and most of them are part of Shanghai’s rich history. Some of these attractions include the Waibaidu Bridge, which is made of iron and was built in 1906. The bridge was recently repaired and reconstructed to accommodate an underground tunnel.

Most restaurants and commercial buildings are designed to overlook the river that holds a beauty during daytime and nighttime. Because the Bund riverfront is well known and is a primary commercial and business district, transportation is easy and accommodations are readily available.

Tsavo East
Photo by: smudger888, Creative Commons

Airstrips in the park allow guests to come in via light charter planes. But for those who will visit the park through land transportation, they can access the park through three main gates: the Bachuma gate from Mombasa, Sala Gate from Malindi and the Manyani gate from Voi. Actually, the park’s name was derived from the Tsavo River which converges with Athi River to form the Galana. The two rivers separate Tsavo East from Tsavo West.

The eastern part of the Tsavo National Park, slightly bigger than its western counterpart, is consisted mainly of grasslands which are generally flat and dry. Conservationists consider this area as one of the world’s strongholds when it comes to biodiversity, mainly due to the wildlife that proliferates here. Occasionally, you will see elephants and other wild animals walking along the roads. A mix of migratory and native birds can be seen especially in late October until early January. These include goshawks, palm nut vultures, African skimmers and white headed buffalo weavers.

Camping activities are regularly held inside the park. Among Tsavo East National Park’s attractions is the Yatta Plateau, billed as the world’s longest lava flow. It actually runs along the western portions of the park, slightly above the Athi River. With a 290-kilometer length, the plateau was formed from the lava that came from Ol Doinyo Sabuk Mountain.

The Mundanda Rock is yet another scenic spot inside the park. Here is where wild animals usually go to before embarking on a quest for water especially during the dry season. The Lugard Falls, on the other hand, is a long series of strong rapids on the river Galana, where crocodiles hunt for food.

Labrang Monastery
Photo by: mariachily, Creative Commons

The Labrang Monastery is known as one of six big monasteries of Gelugpa. Made of wood and stone, the Labrang monastery holds a great and admirable architectural influence that awes the visitor.

A structure at the foot of the Mt. Phoenix, the Labrang Monastery sits at the north western portion of Xiahe County in the Gannan Tibetan Nationality Autonomous Prefecture. The Labrang Monastery also provides a good view of the Dragon Mountain and stands by the Daxia River. The Phoenix and Dragon Mountains have been part of a well known legend including the Labrang Monastery.

The Labrang Monastery has a Tibetan influence. The two white towers of the Labrang Monastery located both in the northeast and northwestern parts of the monastery are symbols related to the whole structure.

The halls of the monastery are in a crescent shape. The Buddha halls and the Grand Sutra in the Labrang Monastery are located on the northwestern part which is centered on the grand Sutra Hall. The Grand Sutra Hall of the Labrang Monastery is the primary location for worship. Built in shrines and portraits of Buddha are placed on the walls and the walls are decorated elegantly.

There are more than a thousand Buddha statues made from different types of materials like gold and silver are present in the Labrang Monastery. There are also statues made from other materials like ivory and jade. All statues in the monastery have kind faces.

The Labrang Monastery possesses a lot of Buddhist treasures and Buddhist hats. Treasures decorated with emerald, jade, and other precious stones hold great value and are well treasured by the Buddhist monks.

Large summon ceremonies are also being held in the Labrang Monastery. Some of the grand ceremonies done annually are the Buddhist Doctrine Explaining Ritual done in the seventh month of the lunar calendar and the Summons Ceremony which is done during the first month of the lunar calendar.

Krakatoa Island
Photo by: flydime, Creative Commons

Walking near a volcano seems like a very exciting experience, even more so when the aforementioned volcano has always been active, with explosions every so and so year. Krakatoa Island offers that and much more to people who come to visit this wonderful place.

Krakatoa Island is also known as Krakatau. This name is used to identify a whole group of Islands. The main isle, known as Rakata, is a volcanic isle with the volcano occupying much of the land area resulting from its massive eruption on 1883. What’s interesting about this isle is that within it are three volcanic cones, two of which are considered to be twin volcanoes, though these two were destroyed by the 1883 eruption. Rakata has a crater with a diameter of 2000 feet. Along with the main volcano is also the newly formed volcano, aptly named Anak Krakatau, in the middle of this group of landmass, which emerged from the latter eruption. Since its discovery in 1927, it has steadily been growing and rising above sea level.

Within this area is the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ujung Kulon National Park. This reserve protects many endangered species, one of them being the Javan rhinoceros. The rhinoceros has a distinctive one horn on its head. Only 50 to 60 remain of this creature. Apart from the rhinoceros, the park is home to many flora and fauna. 57 species of flora found in the park are considered to be rare. Rangers could oversee travelers who want to climb the peak of the mountain. Around the area are magnificent lava formations and volcanic stones that were submerged in the sea, which could be explored by experienced divers. Tourists may trek within the isle. For those wanting to explore the clear waters of the park, swimming, snorkeling, and even fishing is allowed.

A day in Krakatoa Island would show one the beauty of nature, whether it be its destructive or nurturing side.