Tourist Destinations in Asia, You Must Visit
By Cahaya Asia -
Diverse cultures, beautiful scenery, exciting activities and fascinating histories are just a few attributes that describe Asia. No doubt about it, Asia is a very rich continent. It’s no wonder that it’s a very ideal travel destination. Every year, millions of tourists flock to Asia for excitement, entertainment and to loosen up.
Fly Around Asia
Asia is a wonderful place to visit if you want to get away from your hectic and stressful life. The only problem that you might encounter is this: where exactly will you go? Remember, Asia in its entirety, has a land area of 43,810,582 square kilometers. It has 50 countries within it, and is subdivided into six regions. That’s a lot of land to cover.
To narrow down your options, you should first find out which Asian countries have beautiful tourist hot spots within them. Here are the top ten most popular and must-visit tourist sites in Asia today. See which ones you’d like to have in your travel itinerary.
10. Island of fun: Sentosa Island, Singapore
Anyone who’s traveling to Singapore should not miss out on this very popular tourist destination. Sentosa is just 15 minutes away from the main city, and this 500-hectare island offers a wide variety of recreational and leisure activities and sights for its guests.
Sentosa Montage
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With a beautiful white sand beach, sea sports, comfortable accommodations and modern attractions such as the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon, and the famous Carlsberg Sky Tower (the tallest, observation tower in Asia), Sentosa is worth every minute of your trip. You’ll never get bored while you’re in this tourist resort.
9. For the kids at heart: Disneyland Hong Kong
You shouldn’t miss out this exciting tourist spot if you ever visit Hong Kong. Located in Penny’s Bay, Lautau Island, this “Magic Kingdom” is one of the most visited spots in Hong Kong. Every year, almost 34,000 visitors enter its gates to experience magical fun and entertainment.
You can visit different themed lands, such as Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Main Street U.S.A. Exciting must-ride attractions include the Jungle River Cruise, the Cinderella Carousel, UFO Zone and Space Mountain.
Minnie and Mickey Mouse in Hong Kong Disneyland
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Disneyland might seem Western, but come to think of it, who can resist amusement parks? Kids and kids at heart will definitely love this fabulous place. For more information on Hong Kong, readHong Kong The Asian Destination of the Orient.
8. Nippongo sightseeing: Kyoto City, Japan
Everyone says Tokyo is the city to visit if you go to Japan, but if you’re looking for peace, quiet and some historical sightseeing, it’s not a good idea to go there. You should opt for Kyoto.
Located in central Honshu, the largest island of Japan, this is considered the most important historical town of Japan. Known as the former imperial capital, Kyoto is now known as the sightseeing capital of the country.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
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It has over 300 Shinto shrines, 1,700 Buddhist temples and a number of gardens, imperial palaces and traditional Japanese wooden homes. If you want to have a taste of classic Japanese culture, you should visit this beautiful city.
You can also get a fill of Japanese festivals in this city. Be sure to watch out for the Aoi Matsuri, the Gion Matsuri. The Bon Festival, and the Jidai festival when you go to Kyoto.
7. The cradle of Indonesian entertainment: Bali
When Indonesia is mentioned, the first place that many people think of is Bali. This Western island is the largest tourist destination in the country. Nestled between Lombok and Java, Bali is home to Indonesia’s Hindu minority and is also known as a place of entertainment, relaxation and leisure. This tropical paradise boasts of sunny white beaches, mountain scenery and lush jungles.
The Balinese Dancers
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Bali is home to friendly natives who have a thriving and interesting culture that is marked with ceremonies, music, festivals and dancing. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to experience these during your stay in the island.
6. Malaysia’s beach paradise: Pangkor Island
Aside from its rich culture and beautiful scenery, Malaysia is also known to have some of the most beautiful, tropical beaches in Southeast Asia. Pangkor Island is a popular example.
As the largest island situated on the western coast of the country, Pangkor is known for its blue, crystalline waters, sunny, golden beaches and cool and refreshing breezes. If you’re into fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and wind surfing, you’re going to love this place.
Fu Ling Kong temple
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Pangkor also offers several interesting places that tourists will definitely find enjoyable. The Pangkor Forest Reserve houses many rare and beautiful birds, orchids and butterflies. The Fu Lin Kong Chinese temple is also a must-visit place. This serene attraction is ideal for those looking for a little peace and quiet.
5. The Finest Korean Getaway: Jeju Island, South Korea
A visit to South Korea is never complete without a trip to this beautiful island. Known as the “Island of the Gods”, Jeju or Jeju-do lies on the Korea Strait, and is the only self-governing province in the country. It boasts beautiful sceneries, sandy beaches, subtropical forests and numerous craters. Home to many local legends, this scenic Korean spot is a must-visit place in the country.
Water Fall in Jeju Island
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If you’re going to spend time in Jeju, make sure you don’t miss out on the beautiful Hyeobje caves, the Cheonjiyeon and Chenjeyeon waterfalls and Mountain Halla. You can also enjoy leisure sports on this island, including mountain climbing, fishing, hunting, golf and horseback riding. Festivals are also common in Jeju, including the Horse Festival, the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Midsummer Night Beach Festival. (To learn more about South Korea, seeWelcoming the South Korean Wave)
4. A Unique Diving Experience: Tubbataha Reef, Palawan, Philippines
If you enjoy diving and you’re looking for an underwater adventure, you should head out to this beautiful underwater paradise. Located at the western area of the Philippines, on the Cagayan Ridge, this remote reef ecosystem is considered one of the most beautiful marine sanctuaries in Asia. This natural treasure was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. Tourists flock to Tubbataha Reef to view its underwater grandeur every year in peak seasons.
Tubbataha Reef in Palawan
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There are no permanent residents in Tubbataha, since the islets are too small to live in. During the diving season, locals rent out their boats to tourists and then take them to the site. The visitors dive into the reefs and enjoy their beauty. There are over a thousand animal and coral species found in Tubbataha, including a variety of tortoises, manta rays, fishes and sharks.
Tubbataha Reef is an ideal place to visit, but if you’re going, make sure you have already reserved a boat. Last minute travelers find it difficult to secure rides to the reef during diving season. It can be a little bit of a hassle, but it’s definitely worth the trouble.
3. Legacy of Ancient Times: The Great Wall of China
In the northern part of China stands one of the grandest man-made structures ever created: The Great Wall. Who hasn’t heard of this amazing and gigantic artifact? Tourists who go to China make sure they pass by this breathtaking tourist site.
The Great Wall of China
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The Great Wall of China is the longest existing man-made structure, with a length of 2,272 miles or 5,000 kilometers and with a history that dates back to over 2,000 years ago. It was first created as a military fortification, ordered by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. He wanted to have a strong fence that could barricade intruders and protect China from northern invaders.
For over a decade, thousands of Chinese toiled to finish this majestic structure.
The Great Wall is not as grand as it was thousands of years ago, but it continues to awe thousands of visitors all year round. When you visit this tourist site, make sure you go to the three renovated sections, the North Pass, the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Ming Great Wall’s steep climbing slopes.
2. India’s finest jewel: The Taj Mahal
A trip to India will never be complete without visiting this beautiful tourist site. Constructed between the years 1631 to 1648, the Taj Mahal is one of the most prestigious Indian structures ever constructed. In 1983, this extravagant building was named one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
The Taj Mahal
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The creation of the Taj Mahal was credited to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. When his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal died after giving birth to their fourteenth child, the mournful emperor decided to construct a mausoleum where he could place the remains of his beloved. Using the principal design of Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the white, dome-shaped marble Taj was erected.
If you ever visit the Taj, the first thing that you’ll definitely admire will be its beautiful interior and exterior design. Combining Islamic, Turkish, Persian and Indian elements and architectural styles, this structure shows the finest example of Mughal architecture. Even the gardens are well-crafted, showing an elegant, but serene environment.
The Taj Mahal is a must-visit tourist site. Make sure you include this beautiful site in your India travel itinerary.
1. Asia’s Entertainment Capital: Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand is a country with a mix of historical sites, cultural traditions, modern structures and amazing night life. Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is known as the top tourist destination in Asia today.
Bangkok Skytrain
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Located near the Gulf of Thailand and beside the Chao Phraya River, this modern, but historical city is known as the world’s 22nd most populous city. Bangkok has an estimated population of 15 million, and a land area of 7,761.50 square kilometers. With its mix of modern and ancient Thai culture, Bangkok is a place in Asia that any eager traveler must visit.
There’s a lot to do in this city. For those who want a taste of history and culture, visiting palaces such as the Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace is recommended.
If you want a sports-oriented excitement, you can watch Muay Thai boxing. Dining on a Chao Phraya Rriver cruise is also a favorite activity in Bangkok. There’s never a dull minute in this fabulous city.
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