Asia

From ancient civilizations to incredible beaches to increible city life, Asia will definitely mystify and amaze any traveller.

Torii Gate, Japan in Asia

Asia is the largest continent on Earth. It is estimated that Asia represents about 30% of the earth’s land area and 8.7% of the total earth area, not to mention the majority of the human population of way over 4.5 billion people. This continent is so diverse with regards to geography, culture, ethnic groups, environments, climates, economics and historical ties.

The Asian continent shares three of its boundaries with other continents and regions. The Asia-Africa Boundary comprises the Red Sea, the Suez Gulf and the Suez Canal which makes Egypt a transcontinental country with the majority of the country in Africa and the Sinai Peninsula in Asia. The second boundary is the Asia-Europe Boundary has been a cause for dispute over the ages but the recently accepted definition is following the Aegean Sea, the Caspian Sea, the Turkish Strait, the Black Sea, the Caucasus and the Ural River and Mountains.

The last boundary is the Asia-Oceania Boundary. This boundary is another one that was gradually refined over time. Eventually, it is currently defined as somewhere in the Malay Archipelago. The Maluku Islands in Indonesia are considered to be on the border of southeast Asia with New Guinea to their east, being wholly part of Oceania.  

The biggest country in Asia is China which is also the most populated country on the continent. Even though Siberia is considered the largest in Asia, it is a part of the Russian Federation and most of Russia’s area is in Asia. The smallest country in Asia is the Republic of the Maldives and it is the country with the smallest population in the continent. The Republic of the Maldives shares this position with Macau.

Asia can be mainly divided into 6 regions; North Asia (Siberia), Central Asia, Western Asia (Countries in the Middle East), South Asia (Indian Subcontinent), East Asia (Far East) and Southeast Asia (the East-Indies and Indochina). In this article we will learn a bit more about each of these regions, the countries with the most attractive tourist destinations and what you can do in each country.

In this article, we will get to know the different regions of Asia, starting from the western part of the continent, moving step by step towards the east until we eventually reach the Southeast of the continent. In total, Asia is comprised of 48 countries.

We will start with Western Asia which includes over 20 countries, 13 of them are considered from the Arab World. Seven of these Arab countries are located in the Arabian Peninsula. Let’s take a journey through these Arab Asian countries, here! Then we will discover the rest of the Western Asian countries.

Western Asia Region (The Middle East)

Western Asia is a part of the Greater Middle East and it consists of several regions. The Arabian Peninsula, Anatolia, Iran, Mesopotamia, the Levant, the Island of Cyprus, the Sinai Peninsula and Transcaucasia. Western Asia is separated from Africa by the Suez Strait while the waterways of the Turkish Straits and the watershed of the Greater Caucasus separate it from Europe. From the northeast, there’s Central Asia and South Asia to the east.

Western Asia Region
Western Asia Region (The Middle East)

The climate in Western Asia is usually dry, the region contains grasslands, rangelands, deserts, and mountains not to mention large areas of mountainous terrain. The entire region is surrounded by 8 seas: the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

Turkey

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Sunset over The Blue Mosque, (Sultanahmet Camii), Istanbul, Turkey.

The transcontinental Republic of Turkey is located in the Anatolia Peninsula, its capital is Ankara and its largest city and economic hub is Istanbul. Turkey’s history is inscribed in ancient history, back to the age of antiquity all through the Hellenistic Era, the Byzantine Era, the Mongol invasion and many more civilizations up to the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the republic in 1923.

Turkey is considered a regional power as being a member of many important international organizations and alliances such as the NATO, and the IMF and being a founding member of the OECD and the G20. The Turkish economy was classified among the emerging and growth-leading economies.

Tourism in Turkey has been booming all through the 20th century as Turkey is one of the top ten destination countries. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been promoting Turkish tourism under the project Turkey Home. There are 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey with 84 World Heritage Sites on the tentative list.

What Not to Miss in Turkey

1. Dolmabahce Palace – Istanbul

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Dolmabahce Palace and Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey

Located on the European coast of the Bosphorus strait, this breathtakingly beautiful palace was the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887. The palace is in the Beşiktaş district in Istanbul. Built to provide a taste of the European luxury and comfort to the ruling family, Sultan Abdülmecid I ordered its construction in 1843.

The royal family had been residing in the Topkapı Palace until the new, more advanced and luxurious palace was built. Dolmabahce was built on the site of the demolished Beşiktaş Sahil Palace. Construction works finished in 1856 and the palace has been home to six Sultans up until the abolishment of the Caliphate in 1924.

Dolmabahce is the largest palace in Turkey. It is built with elements of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical that are blended with traditional Ottoman architecture. The palace reflects the effect of architecture in Europe on that of the Ottoman Empire. The palace contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 hammams and 68 toilets.

One of the magnificent halls in the palace is the Ceremonial Hall which is home to the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier. It has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tons. Expensive stones were imported to incorporate into the building such as Marmara marble and Egyptian alabaster. There’s a total of 202 oil paintings adorning the walls of the palace. From the beginning, the palace was built with the highest technical standards such as gas lighting and water closets that were still not used in European palaces.

2. Hagia Sofia Mosque – Istanbul

This pinnacle of Byzantine architecture was the world’s largest cathedral until it was converted into a mosque in the 15th century. The cathedral was built in 537 by order of Emperor Justinian I as the Christian Cathedral of Constantinople. The current Justinianic building is said to be the third building in the same location as the former one was destroyed in the Nika riots.

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Hagia Sofia View

The Byzantine architecture of the building was an inspiration for the architecture used in several other religious buildings such as the Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki and the Kılıç Ali Pasha Complex. The building was converted into a mosque when Mehmed the Conqueror entered Constantinople in 1453. In 1935, the building was reopened as a museum until 2020 when it was converted back into a mosque.

3. Sultan Ahmed Mosque – Istanbul

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Blue Mosque View

Commonly known as the Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. The mosque has a Külliye which contains Ahmed’s tomb, a madrassa and a hospice and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. One of the mosque’s beautiful features is the blue hand-painted tiles that adorn its interior and at night the mosque’s domes are illuminated in blue as well as the six minarets and the eight secondary domes.

4. Gülhane Park – Istanbul

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View of historical urban Gulhane Park in the Eminonu district of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace, Turkey.

A visit to Istanbul is not complete until you’ve strolled leisurely along the paths of this massive park. This historical park is the oldest and largest one in Istanbul and is located on the grounds of the former royal palace; Topkapı Palace. The park once contained recreation areas, coffeehouses, playgrounds, a zoo and trees that go back to the 1,800s. The park’s vast space is perfect for picnics, reading time and even photoshoots and enjoying the colourful Tulips blooming flowers during the spring season.

After the renovation works done in the park with the removal of the zoo, the fun fair and the picnic grounds, the open area in the park increased significantly. Greeting you at the entrance of the park if you’re coming from the Sultanahmad area is an open book with a seemingly flipping page made of water! There are different statues in the park, of them the first one dedicated to Ataturk and recently the Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam was opened in the old stables of the Topkapı Palace.

5. Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Pierre Loti Hill – Istanbul

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This mosque is a part of a complex that includes the burial place of the companion Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari who is said to have died during the first siege of Constantinople in the 670s. The complex was constructed three years after the conquest of Constantinople in 1458. Eyüp Sultan Mosque is the oldest and one of the most important mosques in Turkey.

Damage caused by an earthquake was repaired by the year 1800. The architecture of the mosque, though apparently Ottoman, appears to combine several architectural elements. The rebuilding of the mosque infused Baroque-style elements such as crystal chandeliers and Iznik tiles.

From Eyüp Sultan Complex you can head up to the Pierre Loti Hill to get a full view of the sea and the entire area. You can walk from the complex uphill and pass by street vendors for some locally manufactured soap or buy a little Turkish souvenir of the trip. Or you can book a teleferik ride online in advance and enjoy the three-minute cable-car ride.

The hill was named after a famous writer who lived in Istanbul and spent much of his time on this hill, hence it was named after him. When you get up the hill, there are restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy something to drink or have a nice meal while enjoying the panoramic view of the city. The site has also been featured several times in Turkish drama series.

6. A Day-Trip to Bursa

From the comfort of your hotel in Istanbul, you can book a day-trip to the historic city of Bursa. The city is known to have been the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and is packed with historical and cultural sites and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mount Uludağ overlooks the city of Bursa and is a popular tourist destination with its famous ski resort and the cable-car trip you can book from atop to enjoy the panoramic view of the city as you descend from the mountain.

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Panoramic view of the Bursa Uludag Mountain Ski Resort with no snow

The greenery around the mountain is perfect for picnics and hiking as well. Be sure to check the city’s markets after your time at the mountain and enjoy a walk through the historic buildings in the old town. As you’re headed back to Istanbul after your trip, don’t forget to buy some of the most delicious and flavoursome Turkish Delight or Halqoom you’ll ever taste in your life and some Turkish Coffee which is a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage of Turks.

7. Göreme Historical National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia – Nevşehir Province

Located in the volcanic region of Mount Hasan, the park has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 1985 under the name of Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia. The park has been shaped over the years by volcanic lava that hardened and was eroded later on by the effects of nature in the area. The multi-coloured cliffs, rock towers, pillars and fairy chimney rock formations.

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Hot Air Balloons over Cappadocia

The best way to enjoy the beautiful scenes at the park is by taking a ride in a hot air balloon that would take you high up in the sky where you can get a full view of the park and rock formations. This hot air balloon trip is one you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

8. Hattusa – Çorum Province

Hattusa was the capital of the ancient empire of Hittite in the late Bronze Age. These ruins show how well preserved the gates, temples and palaces of the old city are. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 as wandering around this city will make you wonder. There is huge pottery that was discovered and kept at the excavation site while some other artefacts are on display in the Hattusa Museum.

9. Hierapolis and Pamukkale – Denizli

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Hierapolis ancient city ruins, North Roman Gate, Pamukkale, Denizli Turkey

Named the Holy City, Hierapolis was an Ancient Greek city built on hot springs which have been in use as a spa since the 2nd century BC. Some of the ruins of this Hellenistic city are still in a good condition despite the passage of time, the main street and gates are still distinguishable. You can see the tomb of Philip the Apostle, the massive theatre and the Temple of Apollo are among the surviving buildings. The thermal springs were used by royals travelling specifically to Hierapolis to bathe in the healing waters. 

The Roman Bath, which is one of the biggest buildings in the city, was used as a site for the Hierapolis Archeology Museum since 1984. On display inside are findings of the excavations at the site in addition to artefacts from other towns such as Tripolis and Colossae. Hierapolis together with the adjacent city of Pamukkale, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You might’ve heard the name Pamukkale when looking at seemingly shiny water slopes. These wondrous rock formations have been named Cotton Castle in reference to the snow-white limestone shaped over centuries by dripping mineral-rich water from the top of the mountain. The waters collect and cascade down the terraces collecting in the pools below. The terraces are not accessible in an effort to preserve them and there’s a designated pathway to follow while visiting.

Armenia

Armenia (Western Asia Region) on the map
Armenia (Western Asia Region) on the map

The landlocked Republic of Armenia has a cultural heritage that goes back to 860 BC with the Armenian State of Urartu. In the 1st century BC, the reign of Tigranes the Great was the Armenian Golden Age and under his rule, Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion. The ancient kingdom afterwards came under the rule of several foreign empires; the Byzantine, the Ottoman, the Persian and the most recent the Russian Empire.

The First Republic of Armenia was established in 1920 after the Russian Revolution. However, Armenia didn’t achieve independence until 1991; the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Though Armenia is geographically located in the South Caucasus, it’s generally considered European and is a member of several European organizations such as the Council of Europe. The largest city in Armenia is Yerevan which is also the capital.

What Not to Miss in Armenia

1. The Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex – Yerevan

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The Armenian Genocide memorial complex in Yerevan, Armenia

The memorial complex is built on what once carried an Iron Age fortress as extensive excavation works found traces of an old wall, a stone altar and gravestones dating back to the second millennium BC. Construction of the memorial was done in 1967 on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd which literally means “swallow’s fortress.” The Armenian Genocide Museum/ Institute was built in 1995.

On April 24th of every year, thousands of Armenian gather at the memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the genocide on the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. Over the years, many world leaders, political and religious figures, artists, musicians and public figures have visited the monument to pay their respects with the laying of fresh flowers for those who lost their lives.

2. Yerevan Cascade – Yerevan

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Commonly known as The Cascade, it’s located in the downtown area of Yerevan and links the Kentron area with the Monument neighbourhood. Construction of the cascade started in 1971 and was partially completed in 1980. The beautiful cascade looks like a layered structure, with levels descending into more levels until you reach the ground.

Underneath the steps there are escalators that rise up to the level of the cascade, there are exhibit halls connected to some of the landings with sculptures adorning the area as part of the Cafesjian Museum of Art. You can enjoy the view of the centre of Yerevan from the stairs and enjoy a drink or a meal in any café or shop on either side of the cascade. Classical music and jazz concerts take place at the cascade during the spring, summer and autumn seasons with spectators sitting on the stairs.

3. Cafesjian Museum of Art – Yerevan

Established in November 2009, this museum is more of an Arts Centre. Not only does it exhibit unique works of modern art, but also has a rich program of lectures, films, concerts and educational activities for both adults and children. The centre is located in and around the Yerevan Cascade. The museum has two main sections: the External Cafesjian Sculpture Garden and the Internal Cafesjian Art Galleries.

The External Cafesjian Sculpture Garden is the front garden of the cascade. The entire area has been designed in a way to provide an uninterrupted canvas for large-scale sculpture work by international sculptors. The Internal Cafesjian Art Galleries include several galleries with collections of glass artworks.

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Monastery in Armenia against Mount Ararat
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Located on Yerevan’s Republic Square, it is the largest art museum in Armenia. The museum was established in 1921 and at the beginning, there were difficulties to fill the exhibition rooms since there were no state-owned art collections to form a collection. After several purchases and donations, by 1925 there were 400 pieces of art by Armenian, Russian and European artists on display in the museum.

5. Haghartsin Monastery – Dilijan/ Tavush

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The 13th-century Haghartsin monastery in Armenia. The ancient monastery is located near the town of Dilijan, in a wooded valley.

Built between the 10th and the 13th centuries, the monastery is located about 8 kilometres northwest of the village of Haghartsin. The Haghartsin monastery consists of three churches, a sepulchre and a refectory. The St. Astvatsatsin Church was built in 1281 and is the largest building in the complex and has a 16 faces dome and its columns are connected in a unique manner that adds to the height of the dome. The gavit of St. Astvatsatsin is almost entirely destroyed.

The second church; St. Gregory Church is the oldest building in the complex as it was probably built in the 10th century. There was a church music school set in this church. The St. Gregory church is accessible through its gavit which is bigger than the church itself. The gavit is a square building with corners covered with ornaments such as rosettes and sculptures of human figures in monks’ attire, carrying crosses, staffs and birds.

St. Stepanos Church is the smallest church and dates back to 1244. The Bagratuni Sepulcher is located next to the gavit of St. Gregory Church and is the burial place of some of the Bagratuni royalty. The refectory has decorations adorning the centre of its roof and today has wooden seating where receptions take place after events at the monastery.

6. Dilijan National Park – Dilijan/ Tavush

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Landscape of Dilijan National Park in Armenia

The state forest reserve was founded in 1958 and has been known as Dilijan National Park since 2002. There are over 40 types of trees and 18 types of bushes in the park as it is mainly covered with woods. The park is the most suitable place for a hike, there are different types of fauna that are native to the area such as Persian squirrel, European red deer and hedgehogs. Spending some time by the beautiful Lake Parz inside the park is the perfect atmosphere during a holiday.

Cyprus

A view over Cyprus and the sea (West Asia Region)
A view over Cyprus and the sea (West Asia Region)

The Republic of Cyprus is the third largest and third most populated island in the Mediterranean Sea. Archaeological findings on the island date the first human activity on it back to the 10th millennium BC in the form of the well-preserved Neolithic village of Khirokitia. The strategic location of the island meant it came under the rule of several ancient powerful empires starting from the Assyrians up to the Ottoman Empire from 1571. The capital and the largest city in Cyprus is Nicosia.

What Not to Miss in Cyprus

1. Cyprus Museum – Nicosia

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The Cyprus Archaeological Museum is the oldest and largest archaeological museum in Cyprus. The initial idea of a museum dates back to 1882 and it was funded by private donations with exhibitions held in government offices. The museum moved into its own building in 1889 before moving to the current building that was initially dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria.

Exhibitions are arranged in chronological order between the exhibition halls, from the Neolithic era up to the Roman era. The museum consists of 14 exhibition halls surrounding a square central area with offices, a library, storerooms and laboratories for preserving and studying items. With ongoing excavations in recent times, the collections of the museum are increasing rapidly and a new display place has not been chosen or built yet.

2. Kyrenia Castle – Kyrenia

This 16th-century castle was built by the Venetians on the ruins of a previous Crusader fort. Located at the east end of the harbour of Kyrenia, within its walls there’s a 12th-century chapel and the Shipwreck Museum. It is proven through excavations that the castle was initially built by the Byzantines in the 7th century as a protection of the city against the new Arab maritime threat.

The Old Lord of Beirut; John d’Ibelin ordered additional fortifications to the small castle in the form of a new entrance, square and horseshoe-shaped towers, embrasures for archers and dungeons. Kyrenia came under the control of several foreign powers such as the Genoese, the Venetians who installed additional military reinforcements, the Ottomans and the British.

The Shipwreck Museum display the remains of a Greek merchant ship that dates back to the 4th century BC. The ship is estimated to have been 80 years old at the time it sank. Both the ship and its cargo are considered the oldest to ever be recovered. There’s a small café in the courtyard of the castle where you can enjoy a warm drink and visit the souvenir shop.

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A view over the coast with a broken ship

3. Bellapais Abbey – Bellapais/ Kyrenia

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This monastery, now in ruins, was built by the Order of the Canons Regular in the 13th century in the north of the small village of Bellapais. The Canons Regular are the first known occupants to have settled on or near the site. The monastery was founded by Aimery de Lusignan as the first building between the years 1198 and 1205. The main building of the monastery was built during the reign of King Hugh III.

As a result of the several overtakes of Kyrenia, the Abbey saw several foreign forces as well such as the Genoese, the Venetians, the Ottomans and the British and it began to fall into disrepair. It wasn’t until 1912 that restoration works got underway under the supervision of the Curator of the Ancient Monuments of Cyprus. Nowadays, the monastery offers a restaurant and a café and the refectory is a venue for concerts and lectures.

During the summer season, the Abbey is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and from mid-September to May it is from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. An admission charge is equal to 1 Euro.

4. Paphos Archeological Park – Paphos

This massive ancient Greek and Roman city in Paphos southwest of Cyprus is still under excavation. Nea Paphos is estimated to have been built at the end of the 4th century BC by the last king of Paphos; Nicocles and by the beginning of the 2nd century BC the city became the capital of the island. The surviving ruins are from the prehistoric era up to the Medieval ages.

There are four large Roman villas that survived to this day; the House of Dionysos, House of Aion, House of Theseus and House of Orpheus. Further excavations revealed an agora, a basilica, an odeion, a Hellenistic Roman theatre and a necropolis known as Tombs of the Kings. Paphos Archeological Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

5. Ayia Napa – Tourist Resort Town

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Aerial view of the Ayia Napa resort town, Cyprus

Located at the eastern tip of the southern coast of Cyprus, Ayia Napa is the biggest tourist resort on the island. There are more than 175 hotels and apartments and there are 27 beaches of which 14 have been awarded the Blue Flag award. The island has the second highest amount of Blue Flags in the world after Croatia.

The resort has many historical sites such as the Ayia Napa medieval monastery and the Makronissos Tombs. There are two marine museums; the Tornaritis-Pierides Museum of Marine Life founded in 1992 displays marine fossils, specimens and dioramas. The Thalassa Agia Napa Municipal Museum founded in 2005 displays the marine heritage of Cyprus from the prehistoric era.

The Ayia Napa International Festival is held every year over the last week of September. The festival is a reflection of the historic, cultural and agricultural traditions of the town and the entire country. Theatre performances, operas, concerts and folklore dancing are all events that take place during the festival.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Flag as part of Western Asia Region
Azerbaijan Flag as part of Western Asia Region

The Republic of Azerbaijan is located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Humans have settled in the territory of Azerbaijan since the Stone Age as evidenced by petroglyphs dating back to the 10th millennium BC found in Gobustan National Park. The area was under the rule of the Persian Empire for long spans of time alternating with the Byzantine and the Islamic Caliphate.

Gruesome would be the expression used to describe the tens of years-long fight over the territory of Azerbaijan between the Russian and Persian Empires. After Russia finally took over all Azerbaijani lands from under Persia, the Republic of Azerbaijan only declared its independence a few months before the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. With high rates of economic development, literacy and a high employment rate, the country is on its way to sustainable development. The largest city is Baku, which is also the capital.

What Not to Miss in Azerbaijan

1. Old City – Baku

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Known as the Walled City of Baku, this “old city” is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Even though several buildings in the vicinity of the Old City date back to the 12th century, some scholars argue the history of the city goes back as far as the 7th century. There are prominent Medieval monuments in the area such as the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. The city is surrounded by walls that were further fortified under Russian rule and are still visible around the old city’s buildings.

 In the museum inside the Maiden Tower, the story of the Historic Evolution of Baku is told. The purpose of the tower finds its origin in old legends and stories yet none have been confirmed. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a museum preserve and includes a Divanhane, burial vaults, the Shah’s mosque, a mausoleum of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi, a bathhouse, and an ancient mosque.

2. Heydar Aliyev Center – Baku

With an integral part to play in the redevelopment of the city, this architectural masterpiece is one of the most recognized architectural landmarks in the world. With a unique Neo-Futuristic design that is void of any sharp angles, the museum won the Design Museum’s Design of the Year Award in 2014. In addition to a museum, the centre is home to an auditorium, temporary exhibition spaces, a conference centre and workshops.

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Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center

There are several buildings on display inside the centre, mainly on the second floor under the name Mini Azerbaijan. You can learn about the history and architecture behind historical buildings such as the Middle Ages buildings of the Maiden Tower and the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, the 19th-century building of Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, the USSR era building of the Green Theater and the 21st-century building of Baku Crystal Hall.

3. Ateshgah of Baku – Baku

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Also known as the Baku Fire Temple is the only ancient fire temple in the world that stood through the trials of time preserving its original architectural structure. The temple was built by Hindu, Sikh and Parsi traders from the Indian Subcontinent in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Ateshgah is located on the Absheron Peninsula which has shallow oil deposits triggering natural oil fires.

4. The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan – Baku

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Founded in 1920 and opened to the public in 1921, this is the largest museum in Azerbaijan. The building was initially owned by the Azerbaijani oil magnate and philanthropist Haji Zeynal Abdin Taghiyev. Built between 1893 and 1902, the massive building has an Italian-Renaissance style and the building began operating as a museum when the Bolsheviks seized power in Azerbaijan in 1920.

In addition to the Memorial Museum of Haji Zeynal Abdin Taghiyev, the museum has several sections, currently named “Funds”. The Archeological Fund specializes in the study of the archaeological and cultural heritage and history of Azerbaijan. The Patriotic War Fund was established with the aim of collecting, preserving, researching and propagating clothes, memorabilia, documents and photographs of the heroes who gave their life to Azerbaijan.

The Ethnographic Fund has the mission of collecting and preserving the artefacts displaying the ethnographic map of Azerbaijan. The preservation of precious metals, ornaments and gold and silver archaeological findings is the mission of what is now known as the Special Fund with a collection of 1690 items. The Fund of Auxiliary Historical Materials is home to badges, awards, stamps, banknotes, cards and personal belongings divided into the categories of Phaleristics and Glyptics.

Gifts to the Republic of Azerbaijan such as gifts from world presidents are displayed in the Fund of Gifts and Memorabilia along with gifts given to renowned Azerbaijani writers and poets. The Fund of Numismatics is dedicated to excavating coins with more than 100,000 coins at the present time. The Fund of Documentary Sources is home to the various materials documenting the Azerbaijani history from the Stone Age up to today.

The Fund of Weapons and Banners has 1575 items of different types of weapons as well as banners of military divisions. The last fund; The Fund of Descriptive Materials or the Fund of Illustration and Fine Arts displays the works of Azerbaijani, European, Russian and Eastern painters. The Auxiliary Materials Fund houses photographs, newspapers and materials from different periods of Azerbaijani history.

The Restoration Laboratory has 13 specialized workers in metals, ceramics, wood, textiles, paintings and graphics.

5. Palace of Shaki Khans – Shaki

This palace built in 1797 by Muhammed Hasan Khan was the summer residence for the Shaki Khans. The Historic Center of Shaki along with the palace were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Of the entire complex, the summer palace with its decorative tiles, fountains and stained-glass windows with dark blue and the turquoise-tiled interior is the only surviving building. The complex once included a winter palace, residences of the Khan’s family and servants’ quarters.

6. Shahdag Mountain Resort – Near Qusar

Opened in 2012, this resort is the first and biggest mountain resort in Azerbaijan. The resort is located near Shahdag Mountain Park and is well-equipped and maintained for the service of tourists. There are 5 hotels, 20 restaurants, cafés and bars, 4 spas and wellness and fitness centres and several shops and rentals.

The resort has three Ski and Mountain schools with both national and international instructors. There are kids’ clubs and kindergartens and available parking, all for the comfort of the visitors. The winter season in Shahdag starts in the second half of December and lasts through March ending at the beginning of April.

The resort doesn’t only offer winter season activities, but also summer season activities. You can still visit the resort in the summer to enjoy the fun arranged activities for all age groups such as adventure parks, inflatable castles, mountain Segway, children quad and horse riding in addition to Nordic walking and trekking.

Georgia

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Ancient Fortress in Georgia

Georgia is part of the Caucasus region and has been a centre of civilization even before the Classical era. Georgia’s adoption of Christianity in the 4th century contributed greatly to the country’s spiritual and political unification. The Golden Age of the Unified Kingdom of Georgia was under the rule of King David the Builder and Queen Tamar the Great in the 12th and early 13th centuries.

After that Georgia was a battleground for many rival powers including the Mongols, the Ottoman Empire and Persia. After being forcibly annexed by the Soviet Union, the country’s independence was eventually realized by breaking free from the Soviet Union in 1991. The weather in Georgia varies from one region to the other; the west has a humid subtropical climate while the east transitions from subtropical to continental. The biggest city in Georgia is the capital; Tbilisi.

What Not to Miss in Georgia

1. Old Tbilisi – Tbilisi

Old Tbilisi is the term used to refer to the Tbilisi Historic District. Even though a majority of the pre-19th century buildings in the area did not survive the 1795 Persian Invasion, there are several structures from the 5th up to the 20th centuries adorning the scene of the Old Town. The area is packed with tourist attractions and historical buildings such as churches, museums, wooden houses and Sulphur bathhouses.

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Beautiful panoramic view of Tbilisi at sunset, Georgia country

Old Tbilisi is the thriving centre of the art community. In recent years, several restoration works have been carried out to repair the damaged houses and cobbled streets of the Old town. Due to its architectural value, the Old Town was listed on the World Monuments Watch.

2. Georgian National Museum – Tbilisi

This museum is basically an assembly of all the important museums in Georgia. The aim of the establishment was the coordination of structural, institutional and legal reforms aimed at coordinating research and educational activities. Of the museums included within the Georgian National Museum is the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia, which displays the country’s main archaeological findings and the Open Air Museum of Ethnography in Tbilisi.

3. Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater – Tbilisi

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City landmark of Tbilisi. Old puppet theatre. Tbilisi, Georgia

Revaz “Rezo” Gabriadze was a Georgian theatre and film director, playwright, painter and sculptor. He founded a puppet theatre in 1981. The Marionette-themed building was designed by Rezo himself and it stands in the heart of the Tbilisi Old Town. Rezo’s works presented in the theatre have deep meanings and are characterized by their hidden morals.

4. Kutaisi State Historical Museum – Kutaisi

Established between 1921 and 1922, this museum was formerly known as Niko Berdzenishvili Kutaisi State History Museum. The building in which the museum currently resides used to be the National Bank of Georgia. The museum displays a massive collection of more than 190,000 artefacts of archaeological, numismatic, paleographical, ethnographical and items pertaining to the spiritual heritage of Georgia. The museum’s research library and laboratory are considered the most esteemed research facilities in the country.

5. Gelati Monastery – Kutaisi

Constructed as to be visible from wherever you choose to look at it, the Gelati Monastery was built in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia in what was the capital back then; Kutaisi. Built during the Byzantine Empire era, the monastery is considered a prominent example of the Georgian Golden Age. The main church in the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the monastery itself served as an academy of science and education.

Though the monastery is being restored regularly by UNESCO, several of the mosaics and murals were damaged prior to this conservation. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and all of its buildings are intact and working. The Monastery was designed in the shape of a cross, as a symbol of Jesus’ crucifixion and Christianity, and its stone walls are specially designed to reflect sunlight.

6. Bagrati Cathedral – Kutaisi

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Kutaisi Cathedral, more commonly known as Bagrati Cathedral is an 11th-century cathedral in the city of Kutaisi, in the Imereti region of Georgia

This former UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Medieval Georgian architecture. The Cathedral was initially built in the 11th century during the reign of King Bagrat III. The cathedral spent a great deal of time damaged and unrepaired before a series of conservation works began in the 1950s. Restoration works met several bumps along the way, especially as it was considered to affect the site’s historical integrity and value. Eventually, restoration works were finished in 2012 and Architect Andrea Bruno was awarded a Georgian state gold medal for his work in the reconstruction.

Iran (Persia)

Iran on the Map (West Asia Region)
Iran on the Map (West Asia Region)

The Islamic Republic of Iran was home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world dating back to the 4th millennium BC with the Elamite Kingdom. The Achaemenid Empire which was founded in Iran back in the 6th century BC was described as the world’s first superpower. After the fall of the Rashidun Caliphate, Persia’s scientific activities developed greatly. Developing fields such as literature, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy and art peaked in the 10th and 11th centuries, constituting the Islamic Golden Age.

The Qajar were the last monarchs to rule in Iran before the Constitutional Revolution of Iran. However, this seemingly important step fell short of bringing stability into the country. Monarchy was abolished in the country after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Currently, Iran is a multinational state with a diverse population of different religions, ethnicities and linguistics.

What Not to Miss in Iran

1. Golestan Palace – Tehran

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The former royal Qajar palace is one of the oldest historic buildings in Tehran, sometimes also referred to as the Rose Garden Palace. The Palace was once part of a citadel known as Tehran’s Arg except that the majority of the buildings were destroyed upon orders from Reza Shah who believed nothing should stand in the famous of modernity. The Golestan Palace Complex houses 17 structures that were mostly built by Qajar monarchs during their 131 years of rule. Three main archives are also present at the complex; the Photographic Archive, the Library of Manuscripts and the Archive of Documents.

The Golestan Palace has some of the most exquisite structures you can see, the Marble Throne is a marvellous throne made out of the yellow marble of Yazd Province. There are many beautiful halls in the palace such as the Containers’ Hall displaying fine chinaware dedicated to the royalty, the dining hall known as the Ivory Hall and the Mirror Hall which is famous for its unique mirror work.

2. Treasury of National Jewels – Tehran

This museum was primarily established in 1955 to hold the growing collections of royal jewels. The museum is currently managed and owned by the Central Bank of Iran. For some time after the Iranian Revolution, the jewels were withdrawn from public display and were only returned to public display in 1992.

The museum is home to one of the largest jewel collections in the world; the Iranian Imperial Crown Jewels. These jewels include crowns, 30 tiaras, aigrettes, bejewelled swords and shields, unset precious gems, plates and dining services that were cast in precious metals and encrusted with jewels. Of the mesmerizing gems at the museum is the Darya-ye Noor which is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world and the Noor-ol-Ain beautiful tiara.

3. The National Museum of Iran – Tehran

This museum consists of two main complexes; the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Museum of Islamic Archeology and Art of Iran. The first of the two museums was established in 1937 and has a wide collection of artefacts arranged in chronological order from the Lower Paleolithic Period up to the end of the Sasanian period. A variety of artefacts are on display in this museum such as the 9,000 years old human and animal figurines.

The second museum; the Museum of Islamic Archeology and Art of Iran was established in 1972. The building was used at the beginning as the Ethnography Museum and for temporary exhibitions and was reopened in 1996 after a series of renovations as the Museum of the Islamic Era. Artifacts in this museum are also arranged chronologically displaying the early Islamic period in Iran up until the Qajar period.

4. Persepolis – Marvdasht/ Fars

The ruins of this ceremonial city are huddled between the southern Zagros mountains of Iran. Even though the earliest building in this complex is estimated to date back to 515 BC, the purpose of Persepolis remains a mystery to scholars. The complex was built on an artificial platform, which was the signature of Achaemenid architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The magnificent ruins are said to have been host to celebrations of Nowruz; the Persian New Year. Despite its unclear purpose, there are several identifiable building ruins at Persepolis. The Gate of All Nations with the majestic lamassus standing like guards, the Apadana Palace built by Darius I, the Throne Hall is otherwise known as Hall of the Hundred Columns and the private building of Darius I known as Tachara are among the ruins at the complex.

5. Fire Temple of Yazd – Yazd

A fire that has burnt through time is the best description of the burning fire at this temple in Yazd; it’s been kept alight since 470 AD. This Zoroastrian fire temple is home to the Atash Bahram or the Victorious Fire. This is the only Atash Bahram in Iran and one of nine around the world, the other eight are in India. It is said that it was only in the 1960s that the Fire Temple was opened to non-Zoroastrian visitors.

6. Grand Bazaar – Isfahan:

This historical bazar was built in 1620 to the north of Isfahan’s central square; Naqsh-e Jahan Square. The bazar was one of the greatest and most luxurious bazars back during the Safavid Era. Seeing as Iran is one of the top exporters of handmade carpets in the world, it was only fitting that the main speciality of this bazar is the making and selling of carpets and kilim. Before you enter the bazar, you can take a look at one of the biggest squares in the world dotted with different smaller bazars with other varieties of products.

The North Asia Region – Siberia

Frozen Lake Baikal (North Asia Region)
Frozen Lake Baikal (North Asia Region)

North Asia is embodied in the region of Siberia in Russia. The massive region represents 8.8% of the Earth’s total land area but is also the least populated. Even though, Siberia is located in Asia, it is culturally and politically considered European due to immigrants coming in from Russia since the 16th century. This has also influenced the Siberian culture greatly. There are several climate zones in Siberia but in general, the area is characterized by short warm summers and long cold winters.

What Not to Miss in Siberia

1. Church of our Lady of Kazan – Irkutsk

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This Byzantine-style church built for the veneration of the Lady of Kazan was constructed between 1885 and 1892. The unique structure and the colours give the feel that the church just came out of a fairytale. The church is decorated with beautiful frescos and icon works by Chinese craftsmen. Church of our Lady of Kazan is known to hold Irkutsk’s largest church bell.

2. The Irkutsk Regional Historic Memorial Decembrists’ Museum – Irkutsk

The Decembrists is the nickname of those who participated in the 1825 December revolt against the ascendance of Nicholas I to the throne after his older brother; Constantine secretly renounced his right to the throne. The Decembrists were an army force who pledged loyalty to Constantine and gathered in front of the Senate to stage a coup and they were met by fellow army troops who, in turn, pledged loyalty to Nicholas. The short-lived revolt was severely and easily crushed and those who took part were sentenced to hanging, prison or exiled to Siberia.

The Decembrists’ Museum shows how several of the families of those who participated in the revolt used to live. As they participants were members of the army, the museum depicts their prestigious way of life during the years of their exile to Siberia. The museum also houses several personal belongings of the Volkonsky Family such as a pyramidal piano, a grand piano, a music box, Maria Volkonsky’s bead collection and her wall mirror.

3.    Novosibirsk Zoo – Novosibirsk

This grand zoo was founded in 2000 to provide a home for black-maned lions which were found, after extensive research, to be the closest relative of the extinct Cape Lion. Since its establishment, the zoo has been an active participant in 32 different captive breeding programs for endangered species. The Zoo is currently home to more than 11,000 animals representing 738 species of mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles and more. The admission ticket is about 5 Euros!

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Skyline in Novosibirsk

4.  Novosibirsk State Art Museum – Novosibirsk

Built between 1925 and 1926, this museum is home to collections of paintings, graphic arts, decorative and applied arts, sculptures and contemporary arts. At the beginning of the 1990s, the museum’s collections were mainly increased through the museum’s purchase of artwork. By the end of the 1990s, donations of artwork began to enrich the museum’s collections. Artwork on display in the museum ranges from the 16th century until this very day, with works by famous Siberian and Novosibirsk artists.

5. Siberian Snow Sculpture Festival (January 8th to January 31st) – Novosibirsk

Imagine fictional creatures such as dragons standing in the street as you’re walking around in one of a kind! Since snow covers the city of Novosibirsk for the majority of the winter season with degrees reaching minus 30 degrees Celsius, ice sculptures stand for the most of winter up to April even. The festival began in the year 2000 and every year there’s a new theme for the snow and ice sculptures. The figures are first made by pressing snow in wooden cubes with the desired shapes or creatures before being displayed to the public.

6. Omsk Dormition Cathedral – Omsk

A prominent example of Russian Revival architecture laced with beautiful Byzantine elements, this Dormition cathedral was built in 1891 and consecrated in 1898. The Omsk Dormition Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Siberia and the main square of the city of Omsk is named after the cathedral. After suffering serious damage from the 1935 explosion, the cathedral was rebuilt at the beginning of the 21st century back to its original design.

The Central Asia Region (The ‘Stans)

Countries in Central Asia are dubbed The Stans as they all end with the Persian suffix “stan” which means “land of”. Central Asia has been an integral crossroad for the routes of trade where people, goods and ideas moved between Europe and the Far East. During the pre-Islamic and early Islamic eras, Central Asia was mainly inhabited by Iranians while from the mid-19th century to the end of the 20th century it was colonized by Russia and later incorporated in the Soviet Union. The weather in Central Asia is often dry and continental with hot summers and cool winters with occasional snowfall.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Flag (Central Asia)
Kazakhstan Flag (Central Asia)

The Republic of Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country with a population of 18.8 million. The territory’s inhabitants go back to the nomadic Scythians followed by several ethnic groups through history until the Russian takeover in the 18th century. Kazakhstan was the last of the Soviet republics to declare independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The suitable atmosphere and environment of Kazakhstan offer a safe haven for many endangered wildlife species. The capital is Nur-Sultan.

What Not to Miss in Kazakhstan

1. National Museum of Kazakhstan – Nur-Sultan:

The history of the Republic of Kazakhstan is presented in the most interactive exhibits in this national museum opened in 2014. With captivating architectural design, the museum welcomes you into its 14 rooms of exhibits displaying different aspects of the Kazakhstani history. Some of its halls are the Hall of Astana, Hall of Independent Kazakhstan, Hall of Gold and Hall of Ancient and Medieval History.

One of the distinguishing features of the museum is the halls specially dedicated to children; Children’s Museum and the Children’s Art Center. Great efforts have been exerted by the museum to incorporate the visitors in interactions with the history displayed between its walls through holograms, touch-sensitive kiosks and LED technology.

2. Assumption Russian Orthodox Cathedral – Nur-Sultan:

Construction of the biggest Orthodox cathedral in Central Asia began in 2006 with the foundation stone. Two years after the delivery of the church bells, the five domes and crosses of the cathedral were consecrated by the Metropolitan Methodius and by the Patriarch of Moscow and Russia the following year. The Cathedral houses a hotel for pilgrims, a Sunday school and the Astana Orthodox Youth Movement.

With its location among the historic and architecturally unique buildings in the Old City of Nur-Sultan, the Cathedral is equally mesmerizing. You can enjoy the beautiful frescos painted inside the Cathedral as it is open every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. There are benches outside as well if you’d like to sit and soak in the atmosphere of the area.

3. Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments – Almaty

The building now housing the museum was built in 1908, around the same time as the building of the Ascension Cathedral. The beautiful wooden building was used for ceremonies and state receptions and became the House of Officers during the Soviet Union era until it was transformed into a museum in 1980. The museum was named after the Kazakh musician and Folk Music advocate of the 19th and 20th centuries; Ykylas.

There are over 1000 musical instruments on display in the museum with the oldest instrument dating back to the 17th century. The instruments are divided into 60 types of Kazakh national musical insturments and other instruments that were owned by famous singers and composers. Occasionally, concerts are held in the museum today.

4. Ascension Cathedral – Almaty

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This one-of-a-kind cathedral is claimed to be the second of its kind in the world; as it is a special work of art and completely made of wood without any nails. The foundation of the Old Russian architecture-styled cathedral was consecrated in 1903 and the construction works lasted from 1904 to 1907. The Cathedral’s survival through the 1911 earthquake is attributed by some to divine intervention. Extensive restoration works took place two times in the history of the Cathedral; in 1995 and then from 2017 to 2020.

5. Medeu Skating Rink and Ski Resort – Almaty

Located in the Medeu mountain valley, this rink is on the southeastern outskirts of Almaty. Once used only for the training of skating professionals, the skating rink is now open for the public to enjoy its vastness during the day or at night. The building of the skating rink started in 1949 and the first competition took place at the stadium in 1951.

The distinctive feature of the rink is the quality of the ice forming it; previously made from natural ice, the rink made the change to artificial ice in 1972. The rink was host to many world winter championships such as the Asian Winter Games and many world records were achieved in the rink. Today, you can enjoy skating at the rink during the day or enjoy skating at night with light shows and music.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Flag (Central Asia)
Kyrgyzstan Flag (Central Asia)

Officially known as the Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrgyzstan is a multicultural country with Iranian, Mongolian and Russian elements in addition to its Turkic origins. The country has been at the crossroads of trade routes between major empires since the recognition of the Silk Road. Turkic Nomads were the first settlers in Kyrgyzstan followed by the Mongols, the Kalmyks, the Manchus, and the Uzbeks until it became part of the Russian Empire, and later the Soviet Union until its independence in 1991.

The weather in Kyrgyzstan varies from subtropical to temperate to continental to polar climate depending on the region and the elevation. The largest city Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The country was called by the British Backpacker Society “a secret that is bound to get out soon!”. Despite the enchanting beauty of its mountains and lakes, Tourism is not yet a flourishing field in the country and was recently affected by political turmoil.

What Not to Miss in Kyrgyzstan

1. A Tour Downtown Bishkek – Bishkek

The city centre of the capital Bishkek is full of historical, cultural and musical heritage. You can spend the day learning more about the history of Kyrgyzstan through the Kyrgyz State Historical Museum or check the traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts at the State Museum of Applied Arts. Watch the marching of the state guards as they change shifts at independence monument at Ala-Too Square. When shopping time is due you can head to one of the two main bazars; the Osh Bazar or the Dordoy Bazar.

2. Kyrgyz State Historical Museum – Bishkek

Being one of the most important museums in the Central Asia Region, the Kyrgyz State Historical Museum displays sculptures and artifacts from the age of Antiquity up to the end of the 20th century. The museum was founded in 1925 and opened to the public two years later to showcase the diversity of the history and cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people.

In the 1960s, the museum was moved to a different building built back in 1928 and the museum moved to its own and current residence in 1984. Of the exhibits inside the museum are cave sculptures from the Bronze Age, ancient coins, jewelry, clothes that date back to the 1st to the 5th century as well as beautiful and colorful traditional carpet.

3. Issyk-Kul Lake – Tian Shan Mountains

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The world’s second largest saline lake, Issyk-Kul is the seventh deepest lake in the world. The lake’s name literally means “warm lake” in Kyrgyz seeing as the lake is located at an altitude of 1,607 meters it never freezes even during the icy cold winters. Folk legends circulate regarding the creation of the lake with some saying that the barber of an ancient king who had donkey-like ears whispered the king’s secret into a well but did not cover the well correctly. Eventually, the well flooded the kingdom revealing the king’s secret and creating the lake.

A report released by a group of historians stating that evidence was of a 2,500-year old civilization was discovered by archeologists at the bottom of the lake. Findings at the bottom of the lake included walls stretching for 500 meters, Scythian burial mounds eroded by waves, arrowheads, coins and gold wire rings that were once used as change.

One of the nearest cities to the lake is Karakol, at the eastern tip of the lake. The city offers great accommodation options for based excursions set to explore or spend the day by the lake. The resort town of Cholpon-Ata which takes on the majority of the lake’s shore is dotted with bed-and-breakfasts where you can stay and enjoy your time by the lake as well.

4. Ala Archa National Park – Tian Shan Mountains

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Located about 40 Kilometers south of Bishkek, this national park was established in 1976. At a maximum altitude of 4,895 meters stands the Semenov-Tian-Shansky Peak which is the highest of the Ala-Too Mountain Range of Tian Shan. The park is home to more than 20 glaciers that differ in size, about 50 mountain peaks, the gorge of the Ala-Archa River and the mountains surrounding it.

Since the park is open all year round and its busiest season is the end of summer and beginning of fall. The park is the perfect spot for picnickers, mountain-climbers, hikers and horse riders with different nature outlets such as ice, rocks, terrain and mixed routes. A map published by TripAdvisor in 2016 indicating each country’s most popular destinations listed the Ala Archa Gorge as the most popular in Kyrgyzstan.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan Flag (Central Asia)
Tajikistan Flag (Central Asia)

The Republic of Tajikistan is one of the traditional homelands of the Tajik people. The history of the human habitation of the country goes back to the 4th millennium BC; Neolithic and Bronze Age as indicated by the UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient city of Sarazm. The country has been a fertile land for many religions and ethnicities throughout time from Buddhism to Nestorian Christianity to Zoroastrianism to Islam.

The territory of what is now Tajikistan came under the rule of many ancient powerful empires such as the Achaemenid and the Mongol Empires but the area flourished under the rule of the Timurid Dynasty before falling to the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. After independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Tajikistan fell victim to civil war and a ceasefire wasn’t reached till 1997.

The weather in Tajikistan varies greatly due to the fact that the majority of the country’s land consists of mountain ranges. The majority range is between arid climate and polar climate. The Tajik economy mainly depends on the production of aluminium, cotton and immigrant remittances. The Tourism sector in the country still needs more development. Tajikistan’s largest city is the capital Dushanbe.

What Not to Miss in Tajikistan

1. Rudaki Park – Dushanbe:

Located on the main street of the capital; Rudaki Avenue, this park is one of the 15 parks in the city. Named after the famous Persian poet Rudaki who was also known as the Adam of Poets. The park was built in the mid-1930s and houses a couple of historical monuments. A statue dedicated to Rudaki has been erected in the area of the park as well as the second tallest free-standing flagpole in the world at a height of 165 meters. The park offers spacious areas for strolling and activities, decorated with beautifully coloured flowers that are in full bloom almost all year.

2. National Museum of Tajikistan – Dushanbe:

The National Museum of Tajikistan was established in 1934 with a building of beautiful and subtle architectural design. The museum comprises of four exhibition departments; the Department of Natural History, Department of Ancient and Medieval History, Department of Modern and Contemporary History and the Department of Fine and Applied Arts. On display inside the museum are artefacts dating back as far as the 2nd and 3rd centuries BCE such as a Hellenistic statuette from Takht-I Sangin.

3. Victory Park – Dushanbe:

Opened in 1985, Victory Park was built in honour of the 40th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War. On Victory Day every year, parades take place in the park in celebration of the end of the Second World War. The memorial in the park has an eternal flame and the names of the Tajik soldiers who were awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union medal. During Navruz or Nowruz, the park was decorated with 80,000 flowers of different types.

4. Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments – Dushanbe:

The museum was founded by the Tajik actor and musician; Gurminj Zavkibekov in 1990. There are about 100 instruments on display in the museum, most of them were gathered during Zavkibekov’s trips to his home town in Kuhistoni-Badakhshon. String instruments on display include the tar, rubab, Pamiri rubab and setor. Drums are also exhibited such as tabl, daf and doyra.

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan Flag (Central Asia)
Turkmenistan Flag (Central Asia)

Also known as Turkmenia, it is one of the least populated nations in Asia with a population of about 6 million people. In the early ages, Turkmenistan was home to Merv, which was an important crossroad for trade and people. The country became independent with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Turkmenia’s capital and largest city is Ashgabat.

What Not to Miss in Turkmenistan

1. Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque – Ashgabat:

Also known as Gypjak Mosque, it is located about 7 kilometres west of the capital. The mosque was built on instructions by the president of Turkmenistan to be in his hometown. He also ordered the building of a mausoleum to be his final resting place, which became true as he died in 2006, two years after the construction of the mosque.

2. Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque – Ashgabat:

Also known as Ärtogrul Gazy Mosque, seeing this mosque makes you feel as if you’re looking at the Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is a beautiful landmark building with its four minarets and central dome. The mosque was opened in 1998 and was named after Ertuğrul; the father of Osman I who is the founder of the Ottoman Empire.

3. Turkmen Carpet Museum – Ashgabat:

The biggest collection of Turkmen carpets in the country is on display inside the Turkmen Carpet Museum. Opened in 1994, the museum is home to several collections of carpets from the Medieval period up to the 20th century. The largest handwoven carpet in the world, recognized by the Guinness World Records is on display inside the museum. It was made in 2001 as a celebration of the 10-year-anniversary of the Independence of Turkmenistan.

4. Ashgabat Fountain – Ashgabat:

The holder of two Guinness World Records, this fountain is located on the way from the Ashgabat Airport to the city centre of Ashgabat. The fountain earned the first record for its size of 125,000 square meters and the second record for the most fountain pools in a public place. The fountain is equipped with a lighting system powered by solar energy.

The fountain complex was built as a commemoration of the legendary ancestors of the Turkic people; Oguz Khan and his six sons. The creator of the sculpture in the complex intended it to be a source of peacefulness, unity, cohesion, power and creative spirit of modern-day Turkmenistan.

5. Ancient Merv – Mary:

Known as Merv Oasis, this ancient city ruin was once called Alexandria as well. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was a vital city in the Silk Road and was historically proven to have been inhabited as early as the 3rd millennium BC. Merv was a power centre ruled by several ancient powerful empires, from the Achaemenid to the Timurids.

The Merv Oasis still houses remains from the empires that once thrived upon its land. Erk Gala or the Citadel Fort is the oldest of the remains; built back in the 7th century BC. A Soltangala or the Sultan’s Fortress is the largest structure discovered in the oasis. A 7th-century Great Ice House and the exterior of Kepderihana’s south wall are some of the other structures on the site.

6. Darvaza Gas Crater – Darvaza:

While some might call it a Door to Hell, this collapsed gas crater will surely make it on your list of the world’s wonders. While the premises of the crater is popular among tourists for dessert camping, the Turkmen government is hoping to attract more tourists to the crater. Theorists say that Soviet geologists ignited the crater to stop the leakage of methane gas and it’s been burning continuously ever since.

The South Asia Region (Indian Subcontinent)

South Asia is surrounded by the remaining regions of Asia; Western Asia, Central Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia. The earliest human history recorded in Asia is said to go back to the time of the Homo Sapiens to 75,000 years ago or the hominids including Homo erectus from 500,000 years ago. The weather in this region varies from area to area from tropical monsoon in the south to temperate in the north. There are three main mountain ranges; the Himalayas, Karakoram and Pamir.

India

The Train Station in Mumbai India (South Asia Region)
The Train Station in Mumbai India (South Asia Region)

The Republic of India is the most populated democracy in the world and has been inhabited since 55,000 years ago. India is the second most genetically diverse country after the African Continent. Several basic religions in the world such as Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism have set roots along the country’s coasts. The Indian capital is New Delhi.

What Not to Miss in India

1. Swaminarayan Akshardham – New Delhi:

A view of Swaminarayan Temple in New Delhi India (South Asia Region)
A view of Swaminarayan Temple in New Delhi India (South Asia Region)

A magnificent example of Hindu traditions, culture and architecture. Regardless of religion or creed, time spent on the premises of this serene shrine will be filled only with peace and tranquillity. For a calm afternoon, spend your time wondering about the complex, rest on the stairs of the Musical Fountain or stay past sunset to watch a beautiful water music show.

2. Lodhi Garden – New Delhi:

A building in Lodhi Gardens in New Delhi India (South Asia Region)
A building in Lodhi Gardens in New Delhi India (South Asia Region)

Spacious gardens laden with historical architectural works are the perfect place for a morning walk or for a quiet afternoon. There are several historical buildings in the gardens such as the Three-Domed Mosque, Shisha Gumbad and the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi. With different forms of wildlife roaming the gardens and by the lake, recreation area and walking paths, these gardens are an oasis in the hectic atmosphere of New Delhi.

3. Taj Mahal – Uttar Pradesh:

Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh in India (South Asia Region)
Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh in India (South Asia Region)

This magnificent mausoleum is a winner when it comes to world titles; a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and a jewel of Muslim art in India. The exquisite ivory-white marble mausoleum is a symbol of love; built by Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife; Mumtaz Mahal. In the folds of this beautiful complex, you can marvel at a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

4. Agra Fort – Uttar Pradesh:

Agra Fort in Uttar Pradesh in India
Agra Fort in Uttar Pradesh in India

Once the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty, this grand fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With an obscure history, the fort was an important political centre which reached its current state and structure under the reign of Shah Jahan. The fort isn’t only a vast fort but it is also home to other historical buildings such as Shahjahani Mahal and Shish Mahal.

5. Besant Nagar Beach – Chennai

This beach is one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Chennai and most importantly, one of the safest. Along the shores of the beach, there’s a memorial dedicated to a Dutch sailor who lost his life while saving others from drowning, known as the Schmidt Memorial. Nearby are the Annai Vailankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Kovil Hindu Temple.

Nepal

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Public square in Nepal

The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is mainly located in the Himalayas. The first mention of the name “Nepal” dates back to the time of the Vedic Period. Nepal is the only multi-party, fully democratic nation in the world that’s ruled by a communist party. The country’s capital Kathmandu is the largest city as well. While Nepal is mainly famous for climbing Mount Everest, there’s a lot more to explore in the country.

What Not to Miss in Nepal

1. Kopan Monastery – Kathmandu:

This popular recreational spot for both residents and tourists was established in 1969. The monastery is not only for teaching Buddhism but it offers meditation classes. For a month-long of meditation class from November to December, courses of meditation, Lam Rim traditional teachings, discussions and a vegetarian diet are offered. The monastery is open every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

2. Garden of Dreams – Kathmandu:

Built in 1920, the garden is also known as the Garden of Six Seasons. Dubbed as an oasis of peace and tranquillity in the buzzing nature of Kathmandu, the garden has three pavilions, ponds, pergolas, an amphitheatre as well as fountains. After being neglected for a long time, the garden underwent restoration works from 2000 to 2007.

Even though it’s still a popular tourist attraction, only half of the original garden now remains. Currently, the entrance fee to the Garden of Dreams is about 3 Euros.

3. National Museum of Nepal – Kathmandu:

The largest museum of Nepal, the National Museum is of significant importance not just to visiting tourists but to the Nepalese people themselves. The museum was established in 1928 and is home to a collection of historical artworks of sculptures and paintings and a collection of historic weapons used in the wars of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Collections on display in the museum have separate galleries for each; statues, paintings, murals, coins and weapons. The museum consists of three buildings; the Art Gallery exhibits metal works, stone and wood carvings. Buddhist Art Gallery houses paintings, sculptures and ritualistic objects pertaining to Buddha and Buddhism. The Historical Museum is home to the biodiversity of Nepal.

4. International Mountain Museum – Pokhara:

Everything you think of about developments of mountains and mountaineering around the world, the International Mountain Museum holds records, documents and exhibits of all that. The museum consists of three halls: Hall of Great Himalayas, Hall of Fame and Hall of World Mountains. The museum is home to information about famous peaks, famous mountaineers, the culture and lifestyle of mountain people and the flora and fauna of the areas.

5. Bindhyabasini Temple – Pokhara:

With breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the cityscape of the city of Pokhara, the Bindhyabasini Temple is the oldest temple in the city. It was built in the 1760s atop a small hill accessible through a stone staircase. Legend says that the king dreamed about establishing a temple for Bindhyabasini so he sent his men to what is now Uttar Pradesh in India to bring back a statue of the goddess.

On their way back, the men camped in the current location of the temple and legend says that when they woke up the following day, they couldn’t lift the statue from the ground. When the king learned about that, he ordered the temple built around the statue.

6. Shanti Stupa – Pokhara:

Also known as the Peace Temple, Shanti Stupa is the first World Peace Pagoda in Nepal. The words Shanti Stupa literally mean Peace Pagoda. The foundation stone of the temple was set in 1973 along with the relics of Buddha. The view from the pagoda overlooks the Annapurna massif of the Himalayas, Pokhara city and Phewa Lake.

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Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) in Pokhara in Nepal

There are several ways to reach the Peace Pagoda, as it is not far from the major business spot in Pokhara; Mahendra pool. There are hiking trails, cycling tracks or public transportation. The distance between the business centre to the pagoda is only 7 kilometres.

7. Phewa Lake – Pokhara Valley:

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The second largest lake in Nepal, it is the most popular and most visited lake in the country. The lake is most famous for the reflections of the beautiful mountain ranges surrounding it on its surface; mount Machhapuchhre, the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri ranges. An analysis of the lake revealed it might’ve formed around 13,000 BC.

The lake is currently classified as a semi-natural freshwater lake since it is stream-fed and water flow is regulated by a dam. There are several attractions located on the lake such as the Tal Barahi Temple, hotels and restaurants located on the eastern bank and Ratna Mandir; the former royal palace. The lake surface is the perfect spot for paragliding.

Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka Flag

Officially known as the Democratic Social Republic of Sri Lanka, it is an island in the Indian Ocean in South Asia. Even though the country’s registered history goes back to 3,000 years ago, there’s evidence of prehistoric human settlements that date back to 125,000 years ago. Sri Lanka’s importance to international trade goes back to the ancient Silk Road and now to the maritime Silk Road. Today, Sri Lanka is home to diverse nationals and ethnicities and its capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

What Not to Miss in Sri Lanka

1. Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple – Colombo:

An exquisite mixture of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese architecture, this Buddhist temple was completed in the late 19th century. The Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Sri Lanka, it encompasses several buildings such as a museum, a library and an assembly hall for monks.

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Buddha statues at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo Sri Lanka

This temple is a welcome place for all people regardless of religion or ethnicity. In close proximity to Beira Lake, the temple is also involved in several welfares and charitable works such as old people’s homes, an orphanage and a school.

2. National Museum of Colombo – Colombo:

The largest museum in Sri Lanka, the National Museum of Colombo is home to ancient artefacts telling the story of Sri Lanka. The museum was ordered by the British Governor of Ceylon; Sir William Henry Gregory, after the need for a public museum was voiced to him by the Royal Asiatic Society. Construction works finished in 1876 and the museum opened to the public with great attendance the following year.

In the following decades, the collections of the museum grew especially with the addition of new buildings and halls. Of the artefacts on display is the throne of the last Kandyan King, skeletons of animals native to the country and the National Museum Library was established in 1870. It’s been a requirement by law since 1885 that a copy of any document printed is logged in the library.

3. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications – Galle:

The city of Galle is the best example of a fortified city. The fortifications were built by the Portuguese settlers and additional fortifications were added after the Dutch took over the city. The history of the Galle goes back to the old times when it was said to export precious goods such as ivory and peacocks to King Solomon. The city continued to be a valuable seaport with Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Indians and Chinese doing business in the port.

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Galle Fort in Sri Lanka

Galle Fort is the largest remaining fortress in Asia that was built by European occupiers. The fort kept its polished appearance due to regular restoration works it was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the perfect mixture of European architecture and South Asian traditions. In the vicinity of the fort, there are several interesting sites such as the Groote Kerk or the Dutch Reformed Church and the oldest Breadfruit Tree in Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh

Sunset over the beach in Bangladesh (South Asia Region)
Sunset over the beach in Bangladesh (South Asia Region)

The people’s republic of Bangladesh is the 8th most populated country in the world. As part of the Bengal region, the country was a part of strong naval power. The country earned its independence and emerged as a sovereign country in 1971. The capital Dhaka is an economic and cultural hub and is the largest city in the country.

What Not to Miss in Bangladesh

1. Ahsan Manzil – Dhaka:

What is also known as the Pink Palace was built between 1859 and 1872. Built on the banks of the Buriganga River, the palace was the official residence of the Nawab of Dhaka. The magnificent two-storied palace is a prominent example of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture.

Divided into two parts; the eastern side with the dome called Rangmahal and the western side called Andarmahal. Engulfed by the two parts there are drawing rooms, card rooms, a dining room, guest rooms and many more. The palace suffered from mismanagement and fell into disrepair when the successors of the Nawabs couldn’t afford to maintain it.

The government of Bangladesh acquired Ahsan Manzil and its surroundings in 1985 and an extensive restoration process began. Restoration works primarily aimed at conserving the original artefacts, architecture and environment of the palace and the area around it. Following the completion of restoration works in 1992, a museum was later established inside the palace.

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Ahsan Manzil

2. Curzon Hall – Dhaka:

Named after the Viceroy of India who laid the foundation stone of the building in 1904, the Curzon Hall currently is home to the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Dhaka. It was between the halls of this building that the students of the Dhaka University voiced their opposition to the choice of only English and Urdu to be the official languages for addressing the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.

The movement to establish Bengali as an official language is known to have started at the hall. Curzon Hall is one of the best examples of Dhaka’s architectural scene. The architecture blends European and Mughal elements such as a horseshoe and cusped arches in the north façade of the building.

3. Lalbagh Fort – Dhaka:

Sitting across from the modern cityscape of Dhaka is an incomplete 17th-century Mughal fort. Construction of the fort began in 1678 AD by Mughal Subahdar Muhammad Azam Shah but construction was discontinued after his death. The fort was eventually abandoned after the end of the Mughal era and the moving of the capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad.

The fort mainly comprises of three buildings: the mosque, the tomb of Bibi Pari and Diwan-i-Aam. Recent excavations revealed new structures in the fort area such as utility buildings, stables and a beautiful roof garden with fountains and a water reservoir.

View over Dhaka in Bangladesh (South Asia Region)
View over Dhaka in Bangladesh (South Asia Region)

4. St. Martin’s Island – Bay of Bengal:

A small island in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, St. Martin’s Island has increasingly become a popular tourist attraction. With hotel resorts on the island, you can enjoy the beautiful beach under the sun while marvelling at the beautiful coral reef. It is possible to walk around the entire island in just one day since it’s only 8 square kilometres.

5. Tajhat Palace – Rangpur:

On the outskirts of the city of Rangpur sits this early 20th-century palace. The palace was declared a national monument in 1995 and the Rangpur Museum was established on its second floor. The museum is home to many 10th and 11th centuries artefacts, examples of Sanskrit and Arabic manuscripts and examples of black Hindu carvings.

Pakistan

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Pakistani Flag

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is the site of several ancient cultures including an 8,500-year-old Neolithic site. Current-day Pakistan was home to many empires including the Achaemenid. Pakistan gained its independence in 1947 and officially drafted its constitution in 1956. Pakistan’s capital is Islamabad and its largest city is Karachi.

What Not to Miss in Pakistan

1. Faisal Mosque – Islamabad:

The largest mosque in South Asia and the sixth largest in the world, Faisal Mosque is a major tourist attraction in the capital Islamabad. Construction works began in 1976, the mosque was built at the foothills of the Himalayas. The unconventional design of the mosque is derived from the shape of a Bedouin tent with four 79 meters tall minarets.

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Islamabad with Faisal Mosque in the background

Elements of classic and contemporary Islamic architecture are combined in the interior design along with decorations inspired by both Turkish and Pakistani design styles. The interior of the mosque is decorated with beautiful mosaics and calligraphy by the famous Pakistani artist Sadequain. A magnificent Turkish chandelier adorns the middle of the mosque. The mosque has a library, a lecture hall, a museum and a café.

2. Pakistan Monument – Islamabad:

Constructed as a symbol of Pakistani unity, this national monument is located on the western Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad. The monument is dedicated to those who gave their lives up for the better future of their country; Pakistan. The unique design of the monument; the petal shape, is derived from the basis of the Mughal architectural style of the Subcontinent.

The building process took place from 2004 until the beginning of 2007. The Pakistan Monument Museum is adjacent to the petal-shaped monument with its prominent wax hall depicting important events leading to the construction of the monument. All this is in addition to a reference library, an audio-visual archive and a panorama hall.

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Pakistan Monument Islamabad

3. Mazar-e-Quaid – Karachi:

Also known as Jinnah Mausoleum, this is the final resting place of the founder of Pakistan; Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Due to its importance to the Pakistani people, the mausoleum is also known as the National Mausoleum. The complex includes four other tombs of important national figures.

From afar, the mausoleum seems very simple in style. Up close, however, the detailing of the decorations and the materials reveal the extravagant nature of the building with the use of white marble. The tomb of Miss Fatima Jinnah; Jinnah’s sister, is decorated with black floral designs at the base. The other four tombs are all from Italian white marble.

4. Empress Market – Karachi:

With origins going back to the British Raj era, Empress Market is one of the oldest and most popular shopping places in Karachi. The market was built between 1884 and 1889 and was named as a commemoration of Queen Victoria; Empress of India. All you can think of is sold in the market, from groceries to pets.

5. Mohatta Palace – Karachi:

This pink and yellow stone palace was completed in 1927 as the summer residence of Shivratan Mohatta; a Hindu Marwari businessman. The exterior of the palace is decorated with motifs of different shapes and sizes, birds’ wings adorn the large windows and peacock motifs decorate the nine domes. The palace has entertainment rooms on the ground floor with more private use rooms on the first floor.

Maldives

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Aerial view of the Maldives islands

The Republic of Maldives is the smallest country in Asia and is the least populated country in the continent and the world’s lowest lying country. Malé is the capital of the Maldives and is often referred to as the “King’s Island” in reference to the ancient royal dynasties that ruled from the city. Tourism has been a growing sector in the country’s economy in addition to fishing.

What Not to Miss in the Maldives

1. National Museum – Malé:

The first National Museum of the Maldives was opened in 1952; the National Day of the country. The museum has two buildings located in Sultan Park, the old building is part of the Maldivian Royal Palace which dates back to the 17th century. The new building was built by the Chinese government and was gifted to the people of the Maldives and was opened on Maldivian Independence Day in 2010.

The museum is home to artefacts from the pre-Islamic period up to the Islamic monarchs. Of the artefacts on display, there’s a coral stone head of Buddha and a Feyli Kolhu worn by Sultan Ghaazee Mohammed Thakurufaanu-al-A”z”am.  

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Sunset in the Maldives

2. Friday Mosque – Malé:

Also known as the “Old Friday Mosque”, this mosque is the oldest in the Maldives built back between 1648 and 1658 over an older mosque constructed back in 1153. The mosque was built with interlocking coral blocks with beautiful carvings and Quranic verses scriptures. According to UNESCO, “the architecture, construction and accompanying artistry of the mosque and its other structures represent the creative excellence and achievement of the Maldivian People.”

3. Diving in the Maldives:

The first thing that comes to mind when talking about the Maldives is its white-sand beaches, the multi-coloured coral reefs, the diverse marine life along its shores and its warm waters. The Maldives are the perfect spot for honeymooning or having a once-in-a-lifetime experience among its beautiful shores. Each island of the Maldives has its own lagoon.

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Underwater coral reef in the Maldives

The best diving spots in the Maldives are distributed between what are called Atolls and each atoll has its own diving sites. There’s the Ari Atoll which is the largest atoll and has diving sites such as Diguru Guri, Broken Rock and Gangehi Kandu. The Baa Atoll has the Milaidhoo Caves and Dhega Thila. The South Male Atoll has the Cocoa Corner and the North Male Atoll has the Banana Reef.

The East Asia Region (Far East)

East Asia refers to the area in the far eastern regions of Asia and has been regarded as one of the earliest cradles of civilization, especially the Chinese civilization. Some of the civilizations that made it through time until the present day are the Japanese and the Korean civilizations. Other civilizations have merged into neighbouring ones through time. East Asian countries are home to about 1.7 billion people.

China

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Chinese Flag (East Asia Region)

People’s Republic of China is the world’s most populated country with more than 1.4 billion people. The Chinese civilization is one of the world’s first civilizations and has been a world economic power from the 1st to the 19th century. The Chinese monarchy collapsed in 1912 and the country is a unitary one-party socialist republic. China’s capital is Beijing and its largest city is Shanghai.

What Not to Miss in China

1. The Forbidden City – Beijing:

Once off limits to the public, this outstanding palace will give you an inside view of how the Chinese monarchs lived from the Ming Dynasty up to the Qing Dynasty. The perfect example of Chinese palatial architecture, the palace is surrounded by imperial gardens and temples. The Forbidden City is one of the largest and most well-preserved wooden structures in the world.

Gate of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China (East Asia Region)
Gate of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China (East Asia Region)

The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, the city complex consists of 980 buildings with a total number of 8,886 rooms. Since 2012, the Forbidden City welcomed an average of 14 million visitors every year.

The Palace Museum was established in 1925 in the complex of the Forbidden City. The museum collection is primarily based on the Qing imperial collection such as paintings, seals, ceramics and structures. While the Imperial libraries housed collections of rare books and historical documents.

2. The Great Wall – Badaling/ Beijing:

Badaling is the most visited portion of the Great Wall of China in the country. It is about 80 kilometres northwest of the city of Beijing. This section of the wall had strategic importance reflected by the addition of a military outpost when it was built back in 1504.

The Great Wall of China (East Asia Region)
The Great Wall of China (East Asia Region)

After restoration works on Badaling, it was the first portion of the wall to open to tourists in 1957 and since then it has received millions of visitors every year. The surrounding area was also developed to accommodate the increasing tourist numbers with the building of hotels, cable cars and restaurants.

3. Waitan – Shanghai:

The Bund in Shanghai, China (East Asia Region)
The Bund in Shanghai, China (East Asia Region)

Spend your time among the historical buildings on the riverfront of Huangpu River. Also known as The Bund, this protected historical district allows you to get a full view of the cityscape of Shanghai. There are 52 buildings in Waitan spanning most architectural styles from Romanesque to Art Deco.

4. Yu Garden – Shanghai:

The Garden of Happiness, Yu Garden is a wonderful Chinese garden located beside the City God Temple in the northeast of the Old City of Shanghai. Though building the garden started in 1559, construction wasn’t completed until 1577. The garden was first open to the public in 1780.

Yu Garden in Shanghai, China (East Asia Region)
Yu Garden in Shanghai, China (East Asia Region)

In the following decades, the garden suffered damage several times during the 19th century because of wars and rebellions. Eventually, the garden underwent massive restoration works from 1956 to 1961 after which it was opened, again, to the public. The garden is divided into six main areas: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall and the Inner Garden.

 

Japan

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Red card with a message on traditional Japanese Wishing Tree

Japan is an Eastern-Asian island country that consists of 6852 islands. Japan is part of the Ring of Fire and about three-fourths of it is mountains. Even though the first human existence in Japan goes back to the Upper Paleolithic period (30,000 BC), the first written mention of it goes back to the 2nd century AD. The different aspects of Japanese culture are famous around the world, most prominently Manga and Anime. The capital of Japan is Tokyo.

What Not to Miss in Japan

1. Ueno Park – Tokyo:

An umbrella of cherry blossoms and hanami make Ueno Park the most visited public park in Japan. The park was founded in 1873 following the western example of borrowing international practices; a characteristic of the Meiji Period. More than 8,800 trees, and extensive lengths of shrubs and is home to many species.

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Ueno Park in Tokyo Japan

The park area encloses several museums such as the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the Japan Academy, the Imperial Library and the International Library of Children’s Literature.

2. Tokyo National Museum – Tokyo:

Enclosed in the area of Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum is the oldest national museum and largest art museum in Japan and one of the largest in the world. The beginning of the museum goes back to the Shoheizaka Exhibition of imperial artwork in 1872. The museum has an extensive collection of artwork and cultural objects from Asia with a focus on Japanese and Asian art along the Silk Road.

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National Museum in Tokyo Japan

The museum consists of the Honkan which houses the Japanese Gallery, the Toyokan holding the Asian Gallery and the Heiseikan and Hyokeikan for special exhibitions. The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, the Kuroda Memorial Hall and the Research and Information Center.

3. Shinjuku Gyo-en – Tokyo:

Once the residence of the Naitō family during the Edo period, they built a garden on the land in 1772. Prior to becoming an imperial garden, the area was once an experimental centre and a botanical garden. The current layout of the garden was set in 1906 and was largely destroyed in the Second World War. The park was reopened to the public after the restoration works following WWII in 1949.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Park in Tokyo Japan (East Asia Region)
Shinjuku Gyoen National Park in Tokyo Japan (East Asia Region)

The garden mixes three distinct garden styles; French Formal, English Landscape and traditional Japanese. The garden is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The garden usually closes on Mondays except during the cherry blossom season; from late March to late April and early November. The last admission to the garden is at 16:00 pm.

4. Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum – Tokyo:

This open-air museum of Japanese buildings gives examples of all Japanese households, from the middle-class Japanese to the wealthy and powerful. Established in 1993, the museum allows visitors to explore buildings from different periods, and different architectural styles especially buildings from the Meiji Period which are often inaccessible to the public or tourists.

5. Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum with Experience – Kyoto:

This museum is the perfect experience whether you’re a Japanese martial arts enthusiast or you’re an amateur, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. The exhibition shows the history of the Samurai weapons and armour in addition to tools and objects commonly found in the medieval period of Japanese history.

The most impressive display in the museum is the wall of swords. A Samurai’s sword was considered to be their soul and for many martial arts enthusiasts and practitioners, seeing such swords up close is a rewarding experience. You can book tickets online with special discounts on different programs.

6. Kyoto International Manga Museum – Kyoto:

Manga refers to the worldwide Japanese genre of graphic novels and has its own fan base around the world. The museum was established in 2006 and houses more than 300,000 items. Of these items, there are 50,000 volumes of manga that can be read by the public and about 250,000 in the closed-stacked collection.

South Korea

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Aerial view of Seoul with Seoul Tower in South Korea

The Republic of Korea occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and almost half of its population lives in the capital Seoul. While the Korean Peninsula has been inhabited as early as the Lower Paleolithic period, it was only after the Korean War ended (1950 – 1953) that the peninsula was divided into two countries. South Korean citizens enjoy many services under the democratic rule of the country. The Korean Wave; the effect of the country’s cultural aspects including K-Pop, K-Drama and movies has been spreading all over the world.

What Not to Miss in South Korea

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace – Seoul:

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Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul South Korea

The most beautiful of all five palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty, the Gyeongbokgung Palace was home to the Joseon Kings, their households and the government. With a whopping number of rooms; 7,700 rooms, the palace isn’t only a prominent feature of the architectural principles of ancient Korea but it also houses the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum.

2. Deoksugung Palace – Seoul:

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One of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Kings of the Joseon Dynasty, this palace is more like a complex of buildings with different architectural styles. Some buildings include cryptomeria wood, painted wood and stucco while others were built with stone as a replica of western palatial architecture. In addition to the palaces, there are forested gardens, a statue of King Sejong the Great and the National Museum of Art.

The changing of the guards in front of Daehanmun Gate is a popular event among Koreans and tourists alike. One thing to be aware of when visiting Deoksugung is if you’re a couple travelling together, better not walk through the Stonewall walkway of the complex, as legend says that all couples who walk down that road are destined to break up!

3. Myeongdong Shopping Street – Seoul:

This mostly commercial area is one of Seoul’s main shopping, parade and tourist districts. The area was mainly residential back during the Joseon Dynasty but became more commercial during the Japanese era. After the Korean War, the area was rebuilt and department stores were built as well as high-rise buildings, shopping centres, restaurants and boutiques.

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Myeong dong Seoul South Korea

The newly restored area became very popular in the 1970s. Today, Myeong-dong was designated as a special Tourism Promotion Area and is one of the stops on the official Seoul City Bus tour’s main route. Retail shops in the dong range from mid to high-priced, there are international brand outlets as well as Korean cosmetics brands.

Since 1982, the Myeongdong Festival has been hosted twice a year to liven up the area and encourage tourism. From the end of March to the middle of April and the month of September, the area becomes full of parades, music and dance performances and fashion shows. Many stores offer special sales during the festival period to encourage tourists.

4. Udo island in Jeju – Jeju:

One of the most visited spots on Jeju Island, Udo is the largest island in Jeju City; the capital of Jeju Island. Udo means Cow Island in Hanja, which is a Korean word of Chinese origin because the island looks like a cow lying down. The island is mainly made of dry lava and it has several beaches, a cave and a museum. Udo is best explored by renting a bike and cycling around the entire island.

5. Jeju Stone Park – Jeju:

Opened in 2006, works in the Jeju Stone Park were finished earlier in 2021. In addition to the stone park, a Stone Museum and the Exhibition Hall for Jeju Stone Culture were established. The statues in the stone park are all made of lava stones. The museum explains the stone culture of Jejudo Island and it houses many significant items such as a stone pagoda, used to repel evil forces and misfortunes.

6. Geumjeongsanseong – Busan:

Geungjeong Mountain Fortress was built in 1703 to defend the city from successive attacks, the walls around the fortress were built in 1707. After a century of abandonment, the fortress was restored in 1807 and it stood tall until its destruction under the Japanese occupation. Restoration works took place again beginning in 1972 until 1989.

More extensive restoration works were carried out from 1996 to 2010. Today, Geumjeongsanseong is the largest mountain fortress in South Korea. The area around the South Gate of the fortress is a popular resting area.

Taiwan

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Taiwan Flag

The Republic of China is an island country in East Asia. Evidence of human habitat on the island goes back to around 6,000 years ago. The “Taiwan Miracle” refers to the rapid economic and industrial growth the country has gone through in the early 1960s. Taiwan is ranked highly in several human development fields such as education, civil liberties and health care. The ROC’s capital is Taipei.

What Not to Miss in Taiwan

1. Dalongdong Baoan Temple – Taipei:

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Dalongdong Baoan Temple

Dedicated to Paosheng; the god of medicine, this temple was built in 1804 to replace a wooden shrine on the same site. The present temple grounds are a result of several restoration and extension works undertaken all throughout the 20th century. Following years of neglect, a new round of restoration works took place in 1995. The Taipei Confucius Temple is adjacent to the Baoan Temple.

2. Miniatures Museum of Taiwan – Zhongshan/ Taipei:

Founded in 1997 by Mr Lin Wen-ren and his wife, this miniatures museum is the first museum in Asia to collect miniatures. The Wen-rens fell in love with miniature art ever since buying toys for their children, then they discovered miniature art during a trip to the Netherlands. They began planning their museum in 1993 after taking part in several auctions and joining international miniature art associations.

The Miniatures Museum of Taiwan is ranked second in the world with a collection of about 200 objects. This museum, however, is the first in the world to specialize in contemporary miniatures. The museum has two formats: the doll house and room box with cut-away views.

3. Taichung Folklore Park – Beitun/ Taichung:

The construction of this cultural centre in the Beitun district of Taichung started in 1984 by Taichung City Council and the park was opened to the public in 1990. The park has several important buildings such as the Folklore Hall, Folklore and Cultural Heritage Hall and Folk Arts Hall. The Folk heritage of people from the coastal area of Fujian at the end of the Qing Dynasty is on display in the park.

Southeast Asia Region (East Indies and Indochina)

Southeast Asia consists of the regions that are south of China, south-east of the Indian subcontinent and north-west of Australia. Southeast Asia constitutes 3% of Earth’s total area with about 8.5% of the world’s population. The region is home to diverse ethnicities, languages and religions. The climate in the continent is mainly tropical-hot and humid all year round with plenty of rain.

Thailand

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Bangkok skyline with Wat Arun Buddhist Temple

The Kingdom of Thailand is historically known as Siam. The Tai peoples originally migrated from China to Southeast Asia in the 11th century. During Western Imperialism in Asia, Siam was the only country to not fall under foreign colonization. Siam became a constitutional monarchy in 1932 and changed its name to Thailand. The Thai economy is the second largest in Southeast Asia with booming sectors of manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and largest city.

What Not to Miss in Thailand

1. Wat Arun – Bangkok:

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With a 70-meters spire decorated with tiny pieces of Chinese porcelain, the Temple of Dawn is one of the most important landmarks in Thailand. The current temple was built on the site of a previous Buddhist temple in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Wat Arun was mentioned in historical chronicles as early as the 17th century, however, the spire was only built in the 19th century.

Wat Arun has a distinctive architectural style, the main spire is encrusted with colourful porcelain while the four smaller satellite spires are decorated with seashells and pieces of porcelain. Around the base of the central spire are figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals. The statues of two giant mythical demons guard the Eastern gate of the main chapel.

2. Chatuchak Weekend Market – Bangkok:

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The world’s largest and most diverse weekend market lies in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok. The market was established in 1942 and grew extensively over the years to include all sorts of goods and shops. You will find all you can think of in this market, from clothes and accessories to plants and gardening materials to books and even antiques.

3. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai:

Situated on a mountain at an elevation of 1,073 meters, this Buddhist temple gives you breathtaking views of the province of Chiang Mai. The temple is often referred to by the name of the mountain; Doi Suthep. The Founding of the temple remains a mystery but it’s been said that a temple was built on the site in 1383 and over time, it was expanded and given a more extravagant appearance.

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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

Legend says that the temple is home to a piece of Buddha’s shoulder bone, hence its name. “Phra” means an honorific Buddha image. “That” means a relic and combining the two words means that there’s a relic of Buddha enshrined in the temple or “Wat”.

4. Sukhothai Historical Park – Sukhothai:

This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the ruins of the city of Sukhothai; the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom during the 13th and 14th centuries. The park consists of city walls that engulf building ruins inside. The walls of the park are 2 kilometres by 1.6 kilometres enclosing the remains of the royal palace, twenty-six temples and a museum.

Vietnam

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Vietnamese Flag

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam was inhabited by humans back in the Paleolithic era. The country has been through several wars before the unification of the land in 1975. Economic growth plans were initiated in 1986 to transform the country into a market-oriented economy. Today, Vietnam is considered one of the fastest-growing economies of the 21st century. Vietnam’s capital is Hanoi and its largest city is Ho Chi Minh City.

What Not to Miss in Vietnam

1. Văn Miếu – Hanoi:

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Gate of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi

Otherwise known as the Temple of Literature, Văn Miếu is a temple dedicated to Confucius in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. The temple was established in 1070 and is one of many dedicated to the philosopher. Before the celebration of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, calligraphists gather outside the temple to write wishes using Hán characters. The artworks are later given as gifts or used as decorations for special occasions.

2. St. Joseph’s Cathedral – Hanoi:

Named after the patron saint of Vietnam, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the oldest church in Hanoi. It was constructed through 1886 using a 19th-century Neo-Gothic architectural style. The church was one of the first structures built by the French colonial government in Indochina and it was frequently said to resemble the Notre-Dame de Paris.

Asia
Saint Joseph Cathedral in Hanoi

The cathedral’s stained glass windows were made in France before transportation to the church in Hanoi. Mass is held at the cathedral several times a day. Prayer hymns of the church mass are always broadcast and even those who cannot enter the church, congregate outside and listen to the hymns in the street.

3. Vietnamese Women’s Museum – Hanoi:

Dedicated to enhancing public knowledge and understanding of Vietnamese women’s history and cultural heritage among the nation’s 54 ethnic communities, this museum opened to the public in 1995. The museum sheds light on the roles and contributions of Vietnamese women in the historical and cultural development of Vietnam. It consists of three permanent exhibitions: Women in Family, Women in History and Women’s Fashion.

4. Tunnels of Củ Chi – Củ Chi/ Ho Chi Minh:

One of the testimonies of the gruesomeness of the Vietnam War is the network of tunnels underlying much of Vietnam These tunnels were not only used as hiding spots by the Viet Cong soldiers but were also means of communications, supply routes, hospitals, food and weapons. The tunnels also served as living quarters for the North Vietnamese fighters.

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Underground tunnel in Vietnam

This part of the tunnels is open today to allow you to experience what it was like back then. You can walk through a certain portion of the tunnels that were made wider and taller to accommodate tourists. In addition to the underground tunnels, above there are several attractions such as souvenir-selling stalls, monkeys and a shooting range.

Malaysia

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Malaysian Flag

Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy that has roots in the Malay Kingdoms and is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural hub. The country was under British colonization until its independence in 1963, Singapore separated from Malaysia two years later. Malaysia has been exploring other sectors to support its economy other than natural resources. Sectors such as science, commerce, tourism and medical tourism began to boom in the country. While Kuala Lumpur is the legislative capital, Putrajaya is the administrative one.

What Not to Miss in Malaysia

1. National Museum – Kuala Lumpur:

A deep look into Malaysian history and culture is provided at the National Museum of Malaysia. The museum was built in 1963 using a combination of traditional and contemporary Malay architecture. The museum consists of three stories and four main galleries dedicated to ethnology and natural history with artefacts ranging from free-standing tableaux showing cultural events like weddings to arts and crafts.

Each gallery of the museum has its own theme. The ground floor displays the geographic and natural history of the Malay people starting from the Stone Age up to recent history. The second floor is dedicated to the colonial history leading all the way up to Independence. Other galleries include the National Sports Gallery and the Natural History Gallery.

2. Bukit Nanas – Kuala Lumpur:

Literally meaning “Pineapple Hill”, this small hill is the only virgin tropical rainforest left in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve is located there and is open to the public. There are jungle trails, a forestry museum and a visitors’ centre in addition to the Kuala Lumpur Tower.

3. Aquaria KLCC – Kuala Lumpur:

Beneath the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, there’s a 5,600-square meters oceanarium. Construction of Aquaria KLCC began in 2003 and was officially opened in 2005 and is now home to more than 250 different species and more than 5,000 land and aquatic animals from Malaysia and the world.

The aquaria are arranged in the journey starting from land, to the rivers, to the rainforests, to the coral reefs and finally into the deep sea. Aquaria KLCC is equipped with interactive kiosks on fish and turtle conservation. Just outside the aquaria, there’s a huge food court with multiple choices of food.

Asia
Sunrise over Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia (Southeast Asia Region)

4. Legoland Malaysia Resort – Johor:

The first Legoland theme park in Asia and the sixth in the world was opened in Johor in 2012. The theme park is equipped with more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions. The park is divided into several areas, with attractions in each area sharing a common theme.

The Water Park, opened in 2013, and the Sea Life Malaysia Aquarium, opened in 2019 and they both require additional admission fees. There are several shops for LEGO-themed merchandise and visitors’ supplies as well as restaurants and snack stands. As with the case with all Legoland parks, this one also has a miniature park and reproduces iconic landmarks from Asia.

5. Manukan Island – Kota Kinabalu:

A twenty-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu takes you to the first marine national park in Malaysia. Manukan Island is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and is the second largest island in the park. Manukan’s coral reefs are the ideal place for water activities such as snorkelling, swimming and diving.

Of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park islands, Manukan has the most developed tourist facilities. The island is equipped with chalets, restaurants, a diving centre, a clubhouse, a swimming pool and a football field. The island is heavily covered with vegetation and provides beautiful hiking trails. The island has a main resort; the Manukan Island Resort.

Indonesia

Asia
Knobbed hornbill rhyticeros cassidix from sulawesi- Indonesia-rare-exotic-bird

The Republic of Indonesia is the world’s largest island country; consisting of more than 17,000 islands. The archipelago has been a prominent trade centre since the 7th century. Indonesia has been under several foreign grips over the years and only earned independence from the 350-years Dutch colonization in 1949 when the Dutch finally recognized Indonesia’s sovereignty. The diversity of ethnicities, languages and religions in the country all gather under the same motto “Unity in Diversity/ Many, Yet One”. The capital Jakarta is the largest city in the country.

What Not to Miss in Indonesia

1. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah – East Jakarta:

Literally meaning “Beautiful Indonesia” Mini Park, this depiction of all aspects of the daily life of Indonesians, was established in 1975. The park shows the different aspects of Indonesian culture by mimicking the daily life of people in traditional houses as an example of regional architecture, clothing, dancing and traditions.

In addition to the miniature exhibitions, there are cable cars, a museum, a lake, a theatre and an IMAX cinema. In 2014, the World Peace Committee designated TMII as an International Civilization Park and World Peace Theme Park.

Asia
Jakarta view Indonesia (Southeast Asia Region)

2. Kota Tua Jakarta – Jakarta:

Literally meaning “Jakarta Old Town”, this neighbourhood is officially known only as Kota Tua. It covers a major part of both North Jakarta and West Jakarta and contains several historical buildings, most with Dutch architectural style. The neighbourhood was an important walled city under Dutch control, known back then as Old Batavia, which had its own significance in the spice trade.

The area was abandoned for a long time in the late 18th century. Revitalization works only began in 2005 and were mostly finished by 2014. There are several architectural landmarks in the neighbourhood such as the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum, Luar Batang Mosque, Jakarta History Museum, Pasar Ikan (Fish market) and the Wayang Museum.

3. Borobudur – Central Java:

This nine-platform temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Following Javanese Buddhist architecture blending Indonesian indigenous tradition of veneration of the dead with the Buddhist concept of attaining Nirvana. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction.

Asia
Ancient Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia

Even though some evidence suggests that the temple was built in the 7th century, much of its history remains vague as well as its purpose. However, Borobudur lay for a long time under many layers of volcanic ash and heavy forests until its rediscovery in 1814 and later its first restoration works between 1907 and 1911.

A major restoration project took place between 1975 and 1982 with the participation of the government, UNESCO and five world countries. New techniques were tested to use in conserving the site, the structures were stabilized and the improvement of water drainage was among many other restoration works. Today, Borobudur is a pilgrimage site and Indonesians celebrate Vesak Day at the temple.

4. Bali:

The island of Bali is known around the world for its breathtaking views and mesmerizing beaches, it is also considered Indonesia’s main tourist destination. Bali has been inhabited since 2000 BCE and is 8 degrees south of the equator. This makes for stable weather all year round on the island with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius.

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Rock coastline of Nusa Penida. Stone arch over the sea. Broken beach, Nusa Penida,Indonesia

Tourism started in Bali in 1963 and was boosted by the building of the Ngurah Rai International Airport seven years later. There are several popular tourist locations on the island, mainly the town of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, the town of Sanur, Ubud, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Pecatu.

5. Ubud Monkey Forest – Bali:

A vital spiritual, economic, educational and conservation centre for the village of Padangtegal, is the Mandala Suci Wenara Wana or more commonly known as the Ubud Monkey Forest. The forest is the natural habitat of the Balinese long-tailed macaque species of monkeys, in addition to 186 species of plants and trees. The forest is owned by the Padantegal community as well as the three temples located in the vicinity of the forest.

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Mother and kid Long-tailed macaque with young ones on forage. Macaca fascicularis, in Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud, Indonesia.

There are 1049 monkeys living in the forest and are divided into 6 groups, main temple group, forest conservation group, central point group, eastern group, Michelin and cemeteries group. Trails in the forest allow visitors to access many parts of the park. There’s a public hall, a gallery, an open stage and a canteen.

6. Pura Taman Saraswati – Bali:

Dedicated to the goddess Sarasvati; the Hindu deity of learning, literature and art, is also known as the Ubud Water Palace. Built between 1951 and 1952, the temple has a unique louts pond and a beautiful water garden. Sculptures made with volcanic tuff depicting Hindu mythological creatures, plumeria trees and a statue of the rakshasha adorn different spots of the temple.

Philippines

Asia
flag of Philippines at luneta, rizal park waving against blue sky background.

The Republic of the Philippines is an island country that consists of about 7,640 islands. After the establishment of three kingdoms in the early islands, the Philippines came under Spanish colonization after the arrival of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. It wasn’t after the Second World War that the Philippines finally earned its independence in 1946. Now, the Philippines is ethnically and culturally diverse with an emerging economy. Manila is the country’s capital.

What Not to Miss in the Philippines

1. Intramuros – Manila:

In the Latin translation of “Inside the walls”, Intramuros encloses what was once the city of Manila during the Spanish colonial period. Smaller towns established outside the fortified walls were called “Extramuros” back then as in “Outside the walls”. The Spanish settled in the old city of Manila back in 1571.

The building of the fortification walls began in 1590 and finished in 1872 to protect the city from both natural disasters and the danger of foreign invaders. Intramuros still currently holds many of the original historical buildings built back in the day. Casa Manila is a prominent example of the Philippines Spanish colonial architecture and is now a museum giving insight into the lifestyle of that period.

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Downtown Manila Philippines

2. Manila Cathedral – Manila:

One of the main attractions located in Intramuros; the historic walled city in the heart of Manila, the cathedral is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Patroness of the Philippines.  The original church was built in 1581 and was elevated to cathedral status in 1579. The cathedral suffered damage several times during its lifetime and was subsequently rebuilt.

The last restoration works done on the cathedral took place between 2012 and 2014 of the last and current cathedral structure which was built in 1958. Some of the beautiful artwork inside the cathedral was made by Italian artists. One of the Philippine’s contemporary artists; Ocampo, worked on the stained glass windows of the cathedral.  

3. Cebu Taoist Temple – Beverly Hills/ Cebu City:

Built with the cooperation of the Filipino-Chinese community in 1972 in the Beverly Hills subdivision of Cebu City. The temple is the centre for the practice of Taoism; the following of the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Lao Zi. Unlike the near Phu Sian Temple, the Taoist Temple is open to both worshippers and non-worshippers alike, giving them an opportunity of learning more about the religion.

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Aerial view of a residential neighbourhood in Cebu City Philippines

The temple was built at an elevation of 110 meters above sea level. The entrance of the temple is a replica of the Great Wall of China and inside there’s a chapel, a library, a souvenir shop and a wishing well. An interesting ritual performed by the devotees is climbing the 81 steps of the temple; a representation of the 81 chapters of Taoism to light joss sticks and have their fortunes read by the monks.

4. El-Nido – Palawan:

Nicknamed “Heaven on Earth”, El-Nido is famous for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs and limestone cliffs. Located at the northernmost tip of the Palawan Province, El-Nido consists of 45 islands and islets. Often referred to as “Philippines’ Last Frontier”, the island has become a popular tourist destination in recent years.

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El Nido, fishermen’s boat in blue bay with a panoramic view of Cadlao Island in the background, Palawan, Philippines.

Cadlao Island is the biggest island in El-Nido and the closest to the town proper. The island is known for its white-sand beaches, gradually deepening sea floors, lagoons and natural trails. Several beaches are famous on the island such as Sabang Beach in the northeast which offers good snorkelling spots. The Seven Commandos Beach in El-Nido is the only one accessible by water due to its mountainous nature. The beach has a high-end resort, cottages and tent camping sites right on the beach.

East, West, North and South, travelling through Asia will capture your soul and enchant your mind!

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Explore Asia

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Akshardham Delhi - New Delhi

A magnificent example of Hindu traditions, culture and architecture. Regardless of religion or creed, time spent in the premises of this serene shrine will be filled only with peace and tranquility. For a calm afternoon, spend your time wondering about the complex, rest upon the stairs of the Musical Fountain or stay past sunset to watch a beautiful water music show.

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Lodhi Gardens - New Delhi

Spacious gardens laden with historical architectural works is the perfect place for a morning walk or for a quiet afternoon. There are several historical buildings in the gardens such as the Three-Domed Mosque, Shisha Gumbad and the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi. With different forms of wildlife roaming the gardens and by the lake, recreation area and walking paths, these gardens are an oasis in the hectic atmosphere of New Delhi.

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Taj Mahal - Uttar Pradesh

This magnificent mausoleum is a winner when it comes to world titles; a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and a jewel of Muslim art in India. The exquisite ivory-white marble mausoleum is a symbol of love; built by Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife; Mumtaz Mahal. In the folds of this beautiful complex, you can marvel upon a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

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Agra Fort - Uttar Pradesh

Once the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty, this grand fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With an obscure history, the fort was an important political center which reached its current state and structure under the reign of Shah Jahan. The fort isn’t only a vast fort but it is also home to other historical buildings such Shahjahani Mahal and Shish Mahal.

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Besant Nagar Beach - Chennai

This beach is one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Chennai and most importantly, one of the safest. Along the shores of the beach, there’s a memorial dedicated to a Dutch sailor who lost his life while saving others from drowning, known as the Schmidt Memorial. Nearby are the Annai Vailankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Kovil Hindu Temple.

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