Many travelers are reluctant to visit South East Asia because of gangs of hoodlums governing most of the cities and crowded places and target foreigners. Complaints of humidity and ‘abnormal’ weather temperatures come next. Yet, this common stereotyping has not hindered others to try the region out. In fact, those who have gone there have even expressed utmost gratitude to seeing heaven up close. Well, if you think this sound far fetched and exaggerated, why not try it for yourself?
And while you are at it, why not also try these places Sinclair James International Travel and Tours, a trusted Australian traveling partner, has made some good reviews out of?
Nogas Island, Antique, Philippines
Albeit a little farther from the ports of Manila, the country’s capital, and a two-hour bus ride away from the airport of Iloilo, the province of Antique is a lush nature reserve which promises haven for those who spent hours looking for a place to reprieve. Nogas Island is itself enchanted which silences visitors while taking a 15-minute boat ride for fear of getting sucked by some unknown creatures lurking in underwater volcano below. As of the record, no one dares make a sound before reaching the shore. If this in itself is not thrilling enough, I don’t know what is.
Shodoshima, Japan
Foreigners rarely travel the roads to these lush olive groves, hot springs and wild monkeys. The 817-meter Mount Hoshigajo-san, which translates as “Mount Kingdom of Stars,” is an excellent vantage point for Shodoshima’s scenic landscape, including the famous Kankakei and Choshi-kei valleys. The island’s many hot springs provides reprieve for tired feet after a long day of country rambling.
Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
Perhaps the largest cave in the world so far (it is yet being tested by experts), Son Doong Cave is more than 200m high, 150m wide and 5km long. The cave has its own river, jungle and climate. It is located in the heart of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province. The cave has only been open to public for 4 years since it was discovered by a British traveler in 2010.
Haputale, Sri Lanka
The misty Haputale is a wonder at dawn like any other hidden mountain secrets in the world. An experiencing worth the thrill are the shrill cries of Tamils selling English vegetables every morning. You will definitely find remnants of Sri Lanka’s British legacy in numerous plantations around town.