South East Asia is comprised of countries that lie geographically north of Australia, including south of East Asia, west of Oceania and the Pacific Ocean and east of South Asia and the Bay of Bengal. The region boasts all manner of attraction sites that are sure to appeal to the traveler in you. From the centuries-old temples to natural scenic beauty, there is simply no getting enough of the sights here. If you are planning a vacation any time soon, why not consider visiting South East Asia? The following is a list of the top 5 sights of South East Asia to help you plan the perfect vacation.
1. Temples at Bagan, Myanmar
If you have been to the Sunset Boulevard streets in LA and have marveled at the beauty of the setting sun, then you may be forgiven for thinking you have seen enough. The Temples at Bagan in Myanmar take this experience to a whole new level.
The high-rising temples situated on the Bagan plains are a sight to behold. Besides being great architectural marvels, the fact that there are so many of them in one place adds to their overall charm. If you are looking to escape into the spiritual realm, then a trip to South East Asia should certainly include a visit to these temples.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one island in Indonesia that perfectly fits the description of Heaven on Earth. In administrative terms, it is merely a province in Indonesia, but in the world of travel and tourism, the island boasts natural attractions, a relaxed atmosphere and a perfect climate.
Bali is also home to some of the world’s most enchanting beaches, ranging from black to sandy. There are plenty of water sports to keep you entertained at the beaches, as well as restaurants that serve both local and exotic dishes.
Accommodation is offered at the island’s exquisite villas, most of which offer additional services such as spa treatment and massage therapy.
3. Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay is the perfect place to experience nature in the raw. Also known as “The Bay of Descending Dragons”, it presents a breathtaking karst topographical view (formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as dolomite, gypsum and limestone), that juts out of the sea to form more than 2000 limestone islets.
Cruises among these formations are available, with occasional landings on the islets, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy activities such as trekking and rock climbing.
Visitors to Halong Bay should observe the seasons, because the Monsoons that occur from June to September and January to March, may impair visibility. Be that as it may, the bay still holds its charm, especially since it is one of the few least-crowded tourist sites in South-East Asia.
4. Luang Prabang, Laos
The entire area of Luang Prabang is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Their greatest claims to fame are the numerous Colonial and Lao architectural structures scattered throughout the city. There are temples here that not only serve as spiritual places of worship, but also reveal more of the architectural heritage of the Laos people. Luang Prabang is also known for its alms procession and haute cuisine.
Make sure during your stay, to not miss the daily morning rituals performed by monks clad in saffron-colored robes as they go around accepting food donations. The jungle that surrounds Luang Prabang teems with majestic waterfalls, crystal-clear bathing pools and lonely caves.
5. Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia
Mount Kinabalu is Borneo’s highest mountain and the perfect place for mountain climbers and those who simply enjoy spending time out in the wild. The mountain is not only one of the most accessible in the world, but also offers climbers a smooth and straight ascent. It is predominantly snow-capped however, so climbers do need plenty of resilience to arrive at the top of the 4,095-metre peak, where they will be able to enjoy views stretching as far as the Philippines, provided that the fog is not too dense.
Even on those days when the fog doesn’t allow for these extensive views, the fresh air, green vegetation and the calmness of the surrounding makes the climb up Mount Kinabalu exceptionally worthwhile.
Australia is one of those countries that offer an abundance of sights and activities to suit any traveler. If you are considering a trip to this beautiful country, there is no doubt that you’ll be kept busy during your entire stay. Following is list of the top 5 sights in Australia to help you plan your vacation.
1. The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland in the North-Eastern part of Australia, is definitely worth a visit. The largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most amazing natural wonders. At about 2300 km long, the reef is home to many species of colorful fish, starfish, dolphins, turtles, sharks and of course, corals. Thousands of reefs and islands of both hard and soft corals make up The Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is larger than The Great Wall of China and is the only living thing on the planet that is visible from outer space.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Visiting Sydney and not taking the time to enjoy the spectacular sight of the city illuminated at night is simply not an option. Sydney Harbour Bridge, built way back in 1932, is an iconic structure in the city that provides visitors with a magnificent, 360-degree view of what some consider to be the greatest harbor in the world. Night time views of Sydney Harbour with the city lights reflected in the water is absolutely breathtaking and sure to leave magical images imprinted in your mind forever.
3. Fraser Island
Situated off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast and stretching for a distance of more than 120 km, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. Visiting the island gives you the opportunity to see The Cathedrals, the imposing cliffs that stand proudly behind the sandy-colored beach. Fraser Island is also home to Indian Head, a rocky outcrop on the easternmost tip of the island. An eco-tourism destination, Fraser Island, with its beaches, lakes and freshwater pools, is definitely one of the top 5 sights in Australia.
4. The Great Ocean Road
The world-famous Great Ocean Road, one of the many wonders of Australia, is well-worth a visit. Driving along this 150-mile stretch of road is truly a memorable experience. At the end of the drive, you are rewarded with stunning views of the Twelve Apostles, tall pillars of resilient rocks emerging from the sea just off the coastline. Their formation came about from the Southern Ocean constantly gnawing away at the limestone cliffs over the years. It is a strange yet incredibly beautiful sight in Australia that shouldn’t be missed.
5. Uluru
More than likely one of the most famous natural landmarks in Australia, Uluru, more commonly known as Ayers Rock, is an enormous sandstone monolith that stands in the western area of the Simpson Desert, a short distance away from the “Red Center” of the country. According to studies conducted, the rock was created over a period of more than 600 million years. Although named Ayers Rock in 1873 after Sir Henry Ayers, Uluru – its official name, was given to the structure by the Aborigines who have lived in the area for the past 10,000 years.
These are considered by many to be the top 5 sights in Australia. There are, however, countless more to choose from to visit and explore during your stay.
A traveller is most often fond of photography and a professional photographer is almost always fond of travelling and loves to capture photos of his explorations. This beautiful combination has given the world several gems in the form of amazing photographs of beautiful sights, scenes and of course, living beings. If you are a travel photographer, here is a list of some of the best cameras for travel photography for you to consider.
1. The Fujifilm X-T2 – With standout features like full mechanical dial core settings, electronic viewfinder, cinema 4k video, five-axis image stabilization and many more, the Fujifilm X-T2 is undoubtedly a top choice for travellers around the world. A robust body and the well-balanced 24.3 megapixel sensor work impressively at all times and under any circumstances. It promises amazing control and ease of use with a little practice. The Fuji’s proprietary film emulations, like in all Fujifilm models, are loaded in this camera too, allowing smooth shooting with little to almost no post-processing requirements.
2. The Sony A7RII – This model from the Sony A7 series is one of the top mirrorless-cameras so popular among travel photographers. With an exceptionally sharp 42.4 megapixel back-illuminated sensor and a 35mm full frame, this camera will hardly disappoint you irrespective of the adverse shooting environments. It effectively packs numerous pixels into its sensors and is incomparable in this regard. Some of its other features include Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, 4K video, USB charging, hybrid autofocus and five-axis image stabilization. Using a Metabones adapter with these lenses is recommended for the users.
3. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 – This particular Panasonic model is perfect for the travel photography beginners are is often preferred as a backup camera by the pros. The most remarkable feature of this model comes in the form of the moveable electronic viewfinder. It makes shooting videos surprisingly easy and effective whether you want a 90 degree shot, a 45 degree shot, a fully vertical shot or a low angle one. The tilt and swivel OLED monitor and low-light autofocus are among the other notable features. It is also splash and dust proof ensuring longer life.
4. The Olympus TG-4 – This model from Olympus comes under the category of one-pocket size, rugged and point-and-shoot cameras that perform exceedingly well and are very easy to handle. The TG-4 model is the first rugged camera with the potential for RAW shooting. It is a go-anywhere-and-everywhere camera in the true sense as you can use it from 50 feet underwater, drop it or operate it in dusty environments without damaging it or affecting the image it captures. The camera comes with a .3 BSI CMOS sensor and 16 megapixels along with features like interval shooting, super macro modes and advanced GPS.
5. The Nikon Cool Pix P900 – This model from Nikon is one of the most affordable travel-friendly cameras available out there. The Nikon Cool Pix P900 boasts of an excellent focal length coupled with a very helpful stabilization system that makes long distance travel shooting smooth, easy and highly effective. Apart from the .3 sensor and 16 megapixels, the model has several beneficial features like Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, USB charging, preset modes, multi-axis horizon viewfinder aide, GPS and a very useful articulating screen. Using a tripod with this camera is recommended.
While all of these are top models with praiseworthy functionality, make sure to choose your camera based on what suits your style of travel photography and what are your expectations from the camera.
When people think about Peru, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous Machu Picchu, which is perfectly understandable, but there is much more to Peru than this world-famous attraction. When visiting the country and after seeing the magnificent Machu Picchu, there are several other fantastic activities that you can engage in here to make your trip an experience to cherish forever. The following are 5 amazing things to do in Peru.
Take a Tour of the Amazon Rainforest
The Peruvian Amazon makes up 60% of the country and when combined with the Pacific Ocean and Andean Mountain range, the result is a diverse and unique ecosystem. Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos are the two main entrances into the Amazon Basin and it is highly advisable that a plane is used to navigate these areas, as the roads are in rather bad condition. Floating down the river on a river boat for a few hours is another fabulous way to take in everything that the Amazon has to offer.
Take a Hike in the Colca Canyon
The beauty that this canyon has to offer should not be missed and even if you are the type of person who does not enjoy hiking – this is one hike that you will not regret doing! The Colca Canyon happens to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and offers visitors the most eye-popping scenery. The area is also the home of the Andean Condor, a huge bird only found in this region. Booking an overnight trek can be done in Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru.
Explore the Nazca Lines by Air
When flying over the Nazca Desert, you will see the series of ancient geoglyphs that make up the Nazca Lines. These mysterious lines are made up from geometric designs, wildlife and other elements. The Nazca Lines are one of Peru’s most famous attractions. The best way to take on this adventure is by air and this can be done by means of a small private plane. Tours can be booked in lca, Nazca and Lima.
Discover the Cordillera Blanca by Means of a Serious Hike
This is one of the things to do in Peru that is recommended for the serious adventure seeker! It is not an easy trek, but will be well worth it on completion. This location (Huaraz) is situated about 420km north of Lima and is home to the Cordillera Blanca – the highest mountain range in the Peruvian Andes. It is most well-known for the snow-capped glaciers and peaks. Standing at 6,768 metres high, Huascaran is the third highest of its kind the entire Western Hemisphere.
Try Your Luck with the Waves in Manorca
So where is the best place to go surf in Peru? Well, it depends on who you are asking, but most locals will send you to the beautiful beach town of Manorca. Manorca is famous for its perfect beaches and relaxed atmosphere. What could be better than hanging out on the beach, watching the waves for an entire afternoon? Easy, surfing those fabulous waves! This is something that you have to try at least once in your life.
Conclusion
As you can see, there really is more to Peru than Machu Picchu. Choose one or all of these fun activities and you will surely end up craving for a second trip.
Argentina covers an area of 2,780,400 km2 and due to those huge dimensions, it is rather difficult for travelers to have an idea of where they should go. The amount of beautiful sites in this country is unlimited but this article puts together the top sights of Argentina.
Iguazú falls
Of course, we had to start with the most popular waterfalls not only from Argentina but also from America. This waterfall isn´t called the “Devil´s Throat”, “Garganta del Diablo” in Spanish, for no reason, the water makes a peculiar sound when finally lands after a fall that can reach 82 meters.
It has a total of 274 individual drops and are all under the protection of UNESCO. The beauty of this waterfall has been captured in several movies and films such as “Mr. Magoo” in 1997 and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of The Crystal Skull” in 2006.
Buenos Aires
When coming to Argentina, it is inconceivable to go back home without spending some time wandering in the streets of the capital. Coming out from the wild nature for an instant and discovering new modern artistic influences will make you appreciate even more all the things that Buenos Aires has to offer you.
The last 150 years, this city has been a recipient of immigrants from all over the world, making it rich in cultural aspects. You can find all kind of architectural styles, ideologies, ethnicities, religions and even languages in Buenos Aires. That is what makes it so special and personally enriching.
Glaciers National Park
Perito Moreno is one of the most remarkable hotspots inside The Glacier National Park. You will be able to see a huge glacier wall and various icebergs flouting around “LagoArgetino”. A breathtaking view combined with the thunder-like sounds made from glacier pieces tearing apart. Is something that you have to experience it yourself to understand the magnitude of it.
Another glacier located near Perito Moreno is Upsala. Unluckily, this glacier is known for its rapid retreat due to global warning but for now, it is still impressive to see its dimensions.
Talampaya National Park
Apart from that, the landscape of this National Park is full of weirdly shaped rocks and gorges; all of them with a colorful reddish tone. It is mind-blowing to find such different sceneries like Glacier National Park and Talampaya National Park without having to go out from Argentina.
Tierra del Fuego
Also know as the end of the world; this place has a very special mystic feeling. It’s a place where it doesn’t care the direction you are looking out because all its surroundings are spectacular. Moreover, it is the furthest way you can reach in the country, which makes people wonder what they will find there.
This place owns uncountable histories from shipwrecks, tribe extinctions and failed explorations. Maybe that’s the reason why so many visitors are curious to come and wonder in those terrains while feeling the mystical energies.
Conclusion
Argentina is a place full of natural treasures, mystic places and cultural wealth. Definitely, a place to be and experience.
