Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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Mt Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Mt Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990, has featured in Chinese art and literature since the eighth century. Considered one of China’s most beautiful mountains, this peak rising above a sea of clouds in Anhui Province is famous for its irregular granite formations, gnarled pine trees and perpetual mist.
The mountain’s name, however, is a bit misleading; Huangshan isn’t a single mountain but a series of peaks, many of which reach over 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) in height. Paths winding through the park are well-maintained, and many include handrails and paved walkways. It’s also possible to take a cable car to the top and explore on foot from there. Tourists hoping to catch a sunrise or sunset can stay at one of half a dozen hotels located on the mountain top.
Practical Info
Mt Huangshan is at its most crowded from May to October, particularly during Chinese national holidays.
Address: Huangshan, Anhui Province, China
Admission: Y230 during high season, Y150 during low season
From $ 139
Mount Salak
Located in West Java, Mount Salak is one of the most accessible volcanoes from Jakarta, and hasn’t erupted since 1935. It’s popular among climbers and nature lovers, with various routes on the mountain range leading up to different peaks. The hiking here is known for being wet and muddy, with often obscured views due to cloud and fog. However, there’s a great deal of variety to be found on Mount Salak’s slopes, including dense jungle terrain, craters, and wildlife – the latter ranging from frogs and reptiles to birds and mammals.
Mount Salak has seven peaks and offers a number of climbing routes. Peak 1 is the highest and is visited via routes from the east, through Cimelati and Cicurug. It’s a steep but straightforward hike through forest, with very few challenges, and takes approximately four hours to reach the summit. Here, climbers will find a blue sign, a grave site, and two covered shelters, not to mention sweeping views over the forested valleys and lower peaks (weather conditions permitting, of course).
Practical Info
Bogor lies approximately 60 kilometers from Jakarta, and the easiest way to reach it is by hiring a private car and driver, although bus routes also serve the area. There are plenty of accommodation options in Bogor for an early start on the mountain. For Salak 1, take a bus towards Pelabuhan Ratu and alight at Cimelati or Cicurug. From here, take an ojek (motorcycle taxi) or angkot (minibus) to your chosen starting point.
Permits and pre-registration are required for hiking, with permits available at most of the entrance points.
Address: Mount Salak, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
Admission: Rp 20,000 for permit
From $ 84
Mount Mat Chinchang
Mount Mat Cincang is the second highest peak on Langkawi and the oldest mountain in the whole of Southeast Asia. This majestic mountain range is covered in dense rainforest and features some incredibly old and impressive rock formations. Mount Mat Cincang is one of three UNESCO World Heritage Geoparks on Langkawi and is understandably one of the top tourist attractions on the island.
The rainforest within Mount Mat Cincang is home to some ancient, gigantic trees, as well as a flurry of forest animals, including the macaque monkey and an array of birdlife, including the eagle – the symbol Langkawi itself.
A cable car carries passengers 709 meters above sea-level to the top of Mount Mat Cincang. One of the steepest cable car rides in the world, the journey offers breathtaking views of the rainforest and the Seven Wells Waterfall, along with Langkawi’s islands scattered in the Andaman Sea below. From the top of the peak on a clear day, Mount Mat Cincang presents sweeping views all the way to the Malaysian mainland and even across to southern Thailand.
Practical Info
The most popular and scenic way to see Mount Mat Cincang is to take the cable car ride from Oriental Village, located at the foot of the mountain in the Pantai Kok area. Opening hours are 10am-7pm from Monday to Thursday, 12-7pm on Wednesdays and 9:30am-7pm on weekends.
Address: Telaga Harbour Park, Langkawi, Malaysia
From $ 26
Mt Bukhan
Mt Bukhan, also called Bukhansan, is a mountain just north of Seoul with three distinct peaks. It is not only an easily recognizable landmark overlooking the city, but also part of the Bukhansan National Park and a popular hiking, bird watching and rock climbing destination. Climbing Mt Bukhan is one of the more popular day trips from Seoul and every Saturday and Sunday morning, Seoul’s air-conditioned metro cars are crowded with hikers decked out in colorful hiking equipment heading in that direction. At the base of the mountain, spicy fragrances saturate the air where countless food stalls are selling everything from dumplings and bulgogi to hardboiled eggs and kimchi. Sustenance for the steep climb to the main peak Beagunbong and refreshments for the returning hikers.
The South Koreans not only visit Mt Bukhan for the nature and a breath of fresh air, but also for the many temples and shrines spread throughout the national park. They visit partly due to religious conviction, partly to stop and catch a break surrounded by incredible scenery. Also popular are the Bukhansanseong Fortress, a fortification built along the mountain’s ridges to stop foreign invasions and Seungasa Temple on Bibong Peak with its Buddhas carved in rock.
Practical Info
To get to Bukhansan National Park take subway line 4 to Gireum Station, then take bus 110B or 143 and get off at the last stop. Be aware that the trails are very steep, the popular Baegundae Course is 1.9 kilometers long and takes one and a half hours to hike, the trail to Bukhansanseong Fortress is 3.4 kilometers long and roughly three hours to complete. Getting around Mt Bukhan can be a bit difficult, as most signs are in Korean, but don’t hesitate to ask the local hikers for help.
Address: Bukhansan National Park, Seoul, South Korea
From $ 85
Mt Kailash
This towering snow-capped peak of smooth black rock is located in the Himalayan Mountains of western Tibet. Mt Kailash is a sacred destination for multiple religions, including Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon followers. Despite varying beliefs, each sect believes this sky-high peak to be among the holiest sites.
Rising up some 22,000 feet above sea level, the surrounding terrain is beautiful, but unforgiving. Two freshwater lakes, including Lake Manasarowar, the highest body of freshwater in the world, as well as several streams and breathtaking scenery make a voyage to Mt Kailash a truly epic adventure. A 32-mile path winds its way up the moutain and typically calls for three days to complete, but travelers say only foreigners make the trip to the top, since religious pilgrims believe walking around the mountain’s base 108 times will remove all sins.
Since Mt Kailash sees such little foot traffic, amenities are few and far between. Travelers should plan to carry water and supplies and prepare for a harrowing, but memorable, journey. Guides are recommended, and porters can be hired in the nearby city of Darchen.
Practical Info
Travelers and pilgrims typically start their journey to Mt Kailash from the city of Darchen. Yaks and porters can be hired for about Y100 per day, and permits are required.
Address: Tibet, China
From $ 2,150
Mount Phousi
Mt. Phousi (also written Phu Si or Phou Si) dominates the heart of Luang Prabang, rising around 330 feet (100 meters) above the city. Several temples and shrines adorn the slopes, with That Chomsi stupa at the summit. But the main attractions here are the city and river views, which can extend to the surrounding mountains on a clear day.
The Basics
There’s a small fee to climb to the top of Mt. Phousi by various sets of stairs and winding paths, although the lower religious monuments can be visited free of charge. Sweeping 360-degree views are the main draw here, with a sunset-viewing session a popular way to round off a Luang Prabang day tour. If Mt. Phousi’s temples interest you, a private guide can explain the meaning of the various murals and relics enshrined here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mekong-sunset connoisseurs won’t want to miss the sunsets from Mt. Phousi.
- Mt. Phousi is a low hill, but its paths and steps can prove surprisingly steep.
- Much as you may wish to wash down your sunset with a sundowner, the religious site on the summit means alcohol is not allowed.
- Bring your camera to capture sunset views—but be prepared to come early to stake a tripod claim during high season.
How to Get There
Situated directly in the heart of town, behind the Royal Palace Museum, Mt. Phousi is hard to miss. It can be reached on foot or by bicycle from most central Luang Prabang accommodations. Stepped paths wind up from the northern, eastern, and southern sides of the hill, one of which boasts an impressive 329 steps.
When to Get There
Mt. Phousi is open from sunrise to sunset year-round, and it’s most commonly visited to watch the sun cross the horizon in one direction or another. During Luang Prabang’s tourist peak (November to January), the small summit can get unpleasantly crowded at sunset, so sunrise might be a better bet. Needless to say, climb on a clear day to enjoy the views.
Temples of Mt. Phousi
The temples on Mt. Phousi are not Luang Prabang’s most significant, but some are worth a visit en route to the summit. The 79-foot-high (24-meter-high) golden stupa atop the hill is That Chomsi. Wat Pa Huak includes 19th-century murals, while gold Buddhas surround Wat Thammothayalan. Pick of the religious bunch, however, is a 10-foot-long (3-meter-long) footprint, believed to have been left by Buddha.
Address: Luang Prabang, Laos
Admission: Varies
From $ 39
Mount Everest Base Camp
While climbing Mount Everest is neither financially nor physically possible for many travelers, laying eyes on the world’s tallest peak from Mount Everest Base Camp is. The infamous peak has two base camps, one in Nepal and the other in Tibet, and for many, a visit to China’s easternmost region wouldn’t be complete without an excursion to take in the spectacular view of Everest’s north face.
Everest Base Camp sits nearly 500 miles (800 kilometers) southwest of Lhasa at an elevation of around 17,000 feet. Unlike the base camp on the Nepal side, you can drive directly to the Tibet base camp without any hiking required. While visitors can’t spend the night in the official base camp without a climbing permit, the area offers many “tent hotels” and Tibetan-style guesthouses. The area is also home to the highest post office in the world and the highest monastery in the world, Rongphu Monastery.
Practical Info
Visits to Mount Everest Base Camp in Tibet require travel permits from both Tibetan and Chinese authorities and therefore must be organized through a guided tour.
Address: Tibet, China
From $ 1,063
Mt Batur
Bali is known for it beautiful beaches, but the interior has its own appeal. Here you’ll find one of the region’s most active volcanoes, Mt. Batur (Gunung Batur), rising 5,633 feet (1,717 meters) above sea level In the highlands of Kintamani.
The Basics
To best appreciate the Mount Batur experience, sign up for an early-morning trek to the summit. Such excursions typically depart from Ubud at 2am or 3am and arrive at the base of the volcano while it’s still dark. Trekkers then make the 2-hour journey to the top of the volcano using headlamps and the light of the moon, an effort rewarded with amazing sunrise views of Mt. Agung and the surrounding mountains. Since Mt. Batur is an active volcano, you’ll likely also get to experience a very unique breakfast of eggs boiled on the lava-heated rocks. After you’ve made the trip, nearby Lake Batur offers hot springs perfect for relaxing tired muscles. It’s also possible to combine your Mt. Batur sunrise trek with whitewater rafting on the Ayung River or a coffee plantation tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Climbing Mt. Batur volcano is a must for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers; it’s chilly before sunrise but will warm up significantly once the sun comes up.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat for the trek down.
How to Get There
While it’s possible to climb Mt. Batur without a tour guide, it’s much more convenient (and safe) to visit as part of a guided tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Ubud, as well as breakfast at the top. The starting point for the hike is usually the village of Toya Bungkah, about an hour by bus from Ubud.
When to Get There
Since Mt. Batur remains one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, it’s important to inquire about current activity before making the trek. For the best chance of clear skies and dry weather, plan to visit between April and October. July and August tend to be busiest on the trails.
Who Can Make the Climb
It takes about two hours to make the ascent to the top of Mt. Batur, and the hike is almost entirely uphill over jagged volcanic rocks. It’s a moderately difficult hike suitable for those with at least an average fitness level.
Address: Mt Batur, Bali, Indonesia
From $ 10
Mt Batukaru
While travelers flock to more celebrated Balinese peaks such as Mt. Batur and Mt. Agung (when volcanic activity permits), it’s likely you’ll have the wild and unspoiled slopes of Mt. Batukaru to yourself. Even if you don’t choose to summit this 7,467-foot-high (2,276-meter-high) peak, admire majestic views from Pura Luhur Batukaru temple below.
The Basics
Most organized Mt. Batukaru tours either focus on the lower slopes and scenic foothills, view the peak from the pretty highland town of Bedugul, or visit the thatched shrines of Pura Luhur Batukaru temple.
If you’d like to hike, your best option is to arrange a private guide, either online or on arrival at the Pura Batukaru temple office. Expect the guided trek to the summit and back to last a full day. An even more scenic route leads up from near Jatiluwih; you’ll need a private guide and driver to find it.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must for nature-lovers, the slopes of Mt. Batukaru are home to deer, macaques, palm civets, and more. There are even rumors of big cats.
- Wear comfortable shoes—sneakers are sufficient—and bring layers as it can get cool at the top, especially at sunrise.
- If you plan to stop at Pura Luhur Batukaru temple, dress respectfully, with shoulders and thighs covered.
- Adventurers will find space to set up a tent at the summit of the mountain.
How to Get There
If you’re aiming to reach the summit of Mt. Batukaru, you can start from either Pura Luhur Batukaru temple or near Jatiluwih, famous for its scenic rice fields. Neither is accessible by public transport, so most travelers arrange a tour package that includes a guide and driver.
When to Get There
As with other Balinese volcanic peaks, Mt. Batukaru is best climbed during the dry season (roughly May to September). Leeches can be a particular trial during the wet season. Sunrise from the summit rewards the early morning start with views across to the volcanoes of East Java, the south and north coasts of Bali, and, if you’re lucky, Lombok’s Mt. Rinjani.
Bali’s Sacred Mountains
Bali’s most sacred mountain is its highest peak and most active volcano, Mt. Agung (Gunung Agung). Yet Mt. Batukaru, its second-highest peak, also plays an important role in local beliefs, and the route up from Pura Luhur Batukaru is lined with temples and pilgrims. For people seeking a quieter climb than the ever-popular Mt. Batur, though, rewards go beyond the spiritual.
Address: Indonesia
From $ 54
Mt Okura Observatory
Some of the best views of Sapporo can be had from the Mt. Okura Observatory. The observatory got its start in 1972 as the site of the 90-meter ski jump competitions during the Sapporo Winter Olympics. Today, the facility still hosts ski jump events during the winter months, but during the rest of the year, the ski lift ferries visitors to the Viewing Point Lounge, located 1,007 feet (307 meters) above sea level.
Besides offering views of the city of Sapporo and the Ishikari Plain, the site also houses the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of winter sports in Japan and try simulators that immerse you in the experience of timing a ski jump or technical spin in figure skating.
Practical Info
The easiest way to get to the ski lift at the base of Mt. Okura Observatory is by catching a taxi from Maruyama Koen Station (a 10-minute ride) or from central Sapporo (a 20-minute ride).
Address: 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan 064-0958, Japan
Admission: 500 yen
From $ 56
Mount Agung
When volcanic activity permits—an evacuation zone has been in place since 2017—the sacred volcano Agung offers one of Bali’s most challenging and exciting hikes. Towering 9,444 feet (2,878 meters) above northeast Bali, it’s typically climbed in one long and tiring day, either from Pura Pasar Agung or from the Mother Temple of Besakih.
The Basics
An experienced mountain guide is not only essential for climbing Mount Agung safely but required by local law. (While the mountain is off limits due to volcanic activity, no guides are available.)
Some tours will bring you all the way to the summit; others stop at the crater rim. Most aim to reach the apex of the climb for sunrise—perhaps Bali’s most beautiful—with sweeping views across the island. The mountain is both steep and sacred to the Balinese: Treat it with respect.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Temperatures at the top of Mount Agung can drop to close to freezing at night: Bring warm clothes.
- The Agung trekking trail is both steep and slippery in places: Proper walking boots are a must.
- Establish whether your guide will provide a headlamp or whether you need to bring your own.
- Mount Agung can take a good couple of hours to reach from Sanur or Nusa Dua: Ubud is a better place to start.
- Mount Agung is one of Indonesia’s harder volcano climbs: Be sure you're reasonably fit.
How to Get There
In Karangasem, northeast Bali, Mount Agung can only be climbed with a guide. Most travelers opt for a convenient sunrise trekking tour that includes round-trip transfers from their accommodation and doesn’t require self-driving after a night climb. Freelance guides are usually to be found at the two main starting points for the trek: Pura Pasar Agung (Pasar Agung temple) and Besakih temple.
When to Get There
For views and visibility, Mount Agung is almost always a sunrise climb. Climbing during the dry season (roughly March to September) is recommended, as rains can make an already steep and challenging path very slippery and further reduce temperatures at the summit.
Which Indonesia Volcano Climb is Right for You?
Indonesia is home to more than 120 active volcanoes, and a volcano climb is a rite of passage when in the country. If Mount Agung is closed due to volcanic activity, or if you prefer a less physically challenging climb, Mount Batur offers beautiful sunrise views, while Mount Rinjani on neighboring Lombok is an epic multi-day hike.
Address: Bali, Indonesia
From $ 27
Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu towers over the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah. At 13,435ft (4,095m) above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the 4th tallest mountain in the Malay Archipelago, drawing travelers the world over to climb its slopes in search of the perfect sunrise.
But it’s not just for the views from its summit that travelers come to Mount Kinabalu. This UNESCO listed World Heritage Site is recognised as one of the most important biological sites in the world.
An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 plant species call Mount Kinabalu, and its surrounding National Park, home. Many carnivorous plants and orchids grow on its slopes, which also attract 326 species of birds and over 100 mammals, including orangutans, Black shrews and the gloriously-named Bornean Ferret-Badger.
The mountains incredible biodiversity is due to several factors - its geographical position as one of the world’s richest plant regions (along with Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and Borneo); it’s wide-ranging climate – (from extreme heat and humidity at its base to near freezing conditions at the summit); its high rainfall, and its rocky and diverse terrain.
Practical Info
Experienced climbers should have no problem climbing to the summit of Mount Kinabalu. It is a tough climb, however, and travelers wishing to attempt it should have a reasonable level of fitness in order to cope with the extremes of heat and cold, and lower oxygen levels as you near the summit. It can be tricky (read bureaucratic nightmare!) to try to arrange to climb Mount Kinabalu independently. All climbs involve an overnight stay on the mountain and an early morning trek to the summit. Climbers are advised to book well in advance.
Buses from Kota Kinabalu take 3 to 4 hours to reach Mount Kinabalu National Park. Alternatively you can arrange to visit as part of a tour.
Address: Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia
From $ 53
Mount Fuji's 5th Station
At 7,546 feet (2,300 meters), Mount Fuji’s 5th Station affords incredible views over Fuji Five Lakes and Hakone National Park. Easily accessible by road, 5th Station lies at the midpoint of the Yoshida Trail to Mount Fuji’s summit; many hikers begin their ascent here.
The Basics
Most visitors explore Mount Fuji 5th Station on a day trip from Tokyo, combined with other attractions in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. A typical day tour itinerary includes a Lake Ashi boat cruise and a ride on Mount Komagatake’s ropeway; a visit to Oishi Park and Mount Kachi Ropeway; or activities, such as fruit picking, wine tasting, or a soak in a traditional onsen (hot spring). Mount Fuji’s 5th Station also serves as the starting point for hikes to the summit. From 5th Station, the observation point offers unobstructed views of Fuji Five Lakes, Fujiyoshida City, and Lake Yamanaka.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If visiting other attractions by public transport, purchase the Hakone Free Pass for access to many of park’s lakes, funiculars, boats, and buses, including the bus to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station.
- The mountains can get cold even in summer, so bring warm clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are a must if you plan on hiking.
- Visitor facilities include car parking, coin lockers, hiking supplies shops, cafés, and restaurants.
- Mount Fuji’s 5th Station is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
5th Station is accessible via the Subaru Line toll road; buses leave from Mount Fuji (Fujisan) or Kawaguchiko Station. From Tokyo, you can journey by car or by train to Fujisan or Kawaguchiko, via Otsuki. During summer, the Shinjuku Expressway Bus runs directly from Shinjuku station in Tokyo to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station.
When to Get There
Weather permitting, it’s possible to visit Mount Fuji’s 5th Station year-round. During summer, when the hiking trail is open (July to mid-September), the station can get extremely busy, and the access road is closed to private vehicles—shuttle buses run between car parks at the bottom of the mountain. In winter, heavy snow can sometimes hinder access.
Climbing Mount Fuji
Scaling the 12,389-feet (3,776-meter) summit of Japan’s highest mountain is a popular challenge for adventurous travelers. Yoshida Trail is the busiest route to the top, with more than 170,000 climbers annually. It’s only open for two months each summer, and the ascent takes between five and six hours, with the descent taking three to four. Many hikers start out in the middle of the night in order to reach the summit in time for sunrise.
Address: Tokyo, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 84
Mount Faber
Mount Faber Park, one of the oldest green spaces in Singapore, is also one of the best places to go for views over the city and Singapore Harbour. More of a large hill than a mountain, the slopes of Mount Faber are covered in lush rainforest, and if you want to get to the top, you have two options.
Budget travelers looking for something free to do can hike to the peak. The path is paved the entire way up and shaded for most of the way, but bring plenty of water, as Singapore can get hot and humid. If you’d rather save your energy, you can ride the Singapore Cable Car to the top.
No matter how you get to the summit, set aside some time to wander the gardens and take in the views from several lookout points. Mount Faber is also home to the Jewel Box, a shopping, dining and entertainment venue and one of the most romantic spots in the city for dinner.
Budget travelers looking for something free to do can hike to the peak. The path is paved the entire way up and shaded for most of the way, but bring plenty of water, as Singapore can get hot and humid. If you’d rather save your energy, you can ride the Singapore Cable Car to the top.
No matter how you get to the summit, set aside some time to wander the gardens and take in the views from several lookout points. Mount Faber is also home to the Jewel Box, a shopping, dining and entertainment venue and one of the most romantic spots in the city for dinner.
Address: Singapore
From $ 26
Mt Pinatubo Crater
Towering 4,757 feet (1,450 meters) above Luzon, the Mt. Pinatubo stratovolcano blew its top quite spectacularly in 1991. Today, the crater lake that’s left behind and the surreal mudflow landscapes around it make one of the Philippines’ most fun adventures—and one that’s well worth the early start. The volcano is carefully monitored for safety.
The Basics
In order to visit the volcano, you must be with a guide in a 4x4. Mt. Pinatubo tours typically set out from the small town of Santa Juliana, around 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Manila. If you want to explore from Santa Juliana independently, arrive the day before and spend the night. Most travelers choose to visit Mt. Pinatubo as a day trip from Manila; these tours generally set out around 4am and start the 4WD adventure not long after 6am. It’s also possible to visit from the city of Angeles, around 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Santa Juliana.
A typical Mt. Pinatubo tour includes a 4WD adventure on the dusty mud plains that cover the volcano slopes followed by a fairly easy guided hike to Lake Pinatubo, the crater lake. Tours generally include lunch at a nearby town, and some operators might add activities like hot springs and white-water rafting.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mt. Pinatubo is a fun, not too difficult adventure that’s perfect for anyone with an interest in volcanoes. Kids who can face the early start will find it fascinating.
- Mt. Pinatubo is an easy hike, but, as always with a volcano hike, sneakers will make it more comfortable.
- There are stalls selling packaged snacks and drinks along the route. It’s still worth bringing water or booking a tour that includes water.
- Although Lake Pinatubo is no longer toxic, swimming remains prohibited.
- Mt. Pinatubo crater tours are not suitable for travelers with mobility issues.
How to Get There
Around 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Manila, not far from the city of Angeles, is Santa Juliana, the jump-off point for Pinatubo tours. Reaching it independently involves an exciting array of jeepneys, tricycles, and more followed by a night in town. Since the volcano can only be visited with a guide and 4WD, most travelers opt to join a tour from Manila (or occasionally Angeles), which includes door-to-door transfers to mitigate the early start.
When to Get There
Philippines regulations state that trips to the Mt. Pinatubo crater must start between 6am and 8am. That means most tours from Manila leave as early as 4am and even those from Angeles start long before 6am. The mountain can be closed for reasons as varied as heavy rain (Pinatubo is prone to both landslides and flash floods), volcanic activity, and military exercises. Visit during the week to beat the weekend crowds.
The 1991 Mt. Pinatubo Eruption
Achieving a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 6 and causing more than 700 deaths, Mt. Pinatubo saw the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century and the largest in a populated area. The eruption reduced the summit of the mountain from 5,725 feet (1,745 meters) to 4,872 feet (1,485 meters) and produced ash clouds that caused temperatures to drop around the world.
Address: Luzon Island, Philippines
From $ 180
Mt Rinjani
When volcanic and seismic activity permits, 12,224-foot (3,726-meter) Mt. Rinjani is one of Indonesia’s great volcano climbs—even if you stop, as many climbers do, at the crater rim. The towering peak, complete with crater lake, dominates north Lombok, so even when the mountain is closed to visitors, hikes on the lower slopes appeal.
The Basics
Climbing Mt. Rinjani is a serious hike that involves at least one night camping on the mountain. Any organized trek should include guides, porters, tents, food, water, and sleeping bags, and prices will vary according to the trek length and other extras. It’s possible to arrange Rinjani hikes on the spot in Senaru or Sembalun Lawang, but many travelers prefer to book ahead online.
When the mountain is closed, the crater and summit are inaccessible. Scenic waterfall hikes out of Senaru may provide some consolation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mt. Rinjani sometimes closes, as in 2018, because of volcanic and/or earthquake activity, and it regularly closes due to rain.
- Temperatures at the summit can drop to close to freezing. Wear hiking boots and bring a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat.
- Mt. Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia and attracts as many as 100,000 trekkers in a year.
How to Get There
The hillside village of Senaru is the most popular base both for climbing Mt. Rinjani and for exploring its scenic lower slopes. Despite its status as a trekking center, there is no public transport. Many travelers prefer the convenience of a tour that includes transport from Lombok port or airport.
When to Get There
Mt. Rinjani is regularly closed to visitors during the worst of the rainy season (roughly from December until late March) and occasionally closed because of geological activity. Climbing can be at its most colorful on full moon nights, when local Sasaks make pilgrimages—the mountain is sacred both to them and Balinese Hindus.
Mt. Rinjani Climbing Routes
Most Mt. Rinjani climbs start from Senaru or Sembalun Lawang and involve at least one night camping on the mountain. The shortest route to the summit is a 2-day hike from Sembalun Lawang; the shortest trek takes you from Senaru to the crater rim in two days. It’s possible to spend up to four days and three nights exploring, but most opt for a 3-day, 2-night trek that includes the crater lake.
Address: Lombok, Indonesia
Admission: Varies
From $ 51
Mount Mary Church
One of the most famous churches in Mumbai and arguably all of India, Mount Mary Church is a Roman Catholic Basilica known for being the site of feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the subsequent Bandra Fair. The tall steeples sit on a hill overlooking the sea and draws in thousands of pilgrims and devotees of all faiths. Once a simple shrine, it is now a semi-Gothic structure with stone pillars and twin bell towers. It is unique to see such a central house of worship for Christianity in a country that has a large Hindu majority.
The church’s interior has a nave with teak-wood detailing and Mangalore tiles, as well as altars and a domed sanctuary. In one of the world’s busiest and most bustling cities, the church is a respite of peace and calm for many.
Practical Info
Mount Mary Church is located in the Bandra area of Mumbai. Mass takes place four to six times daily, and is free to all to enter. The closest railway stop is the historic Bandra Station. The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary takes place annually on September 8th, with the Bandra Fair taking place the week after.
Address: Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount,, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Hours: 8am-8:30pm
From $ 95
Mt Koya
Mt Koya is at the center of Shingon Buddhism, which was introduced in Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi – one of Japan's most important religious figures. Built on a forested mountain top, the secluded temple village of Koyasan has since developed around the Shingon headquarters, which is also the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum.
Koyasan is the ideal place to experience an overnight stay at a temple lodging (or shukubo). Around 50 temples in the area offer this type of visit to both pilgrims and other travelers, offering them the chance to experience a monk's lifestyle by eating, living, and observing prayer times just as they do.
Practical Info
Mt Koya can be reached by train from Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka via a scenic route through valleys towards the final stages of the journey. The cable car that leads up to Mt Koya is the longest in the country, and from the station at the top there’s a bus up to the holy areas. Koyasan tends to be around 5°C cooler than down on the plains, so bring warm clothes if you're visiting at any other time than the height of summer.
Address: Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
From $ 3,430
Mt Seorak
Seoraksan National Park, one of the most scenic parks on the Korean peninsula and a UNESCO Biosphere Protected site, is home to Mt. Seorak, South Korea’s third tallest mountain at 5,604 feet (1,708 meters). Since it became a national monument in 1965, Mt. Seorak (Snowy Peak Mountain) has been a popular destination for weekend hikers from Seoul.
In springtime, the mountain gets blanketed with the colorful blossoms of dogwoods, azaleas and forsythia, while autumn’s show of yellows, oranges and reds is no less spectacular, and arguably more popular with locals. Of the three sections of the park, Outer Seorak is the most accessible, and therefore the most crowded. Visitors hoping to escape the crowds should heat to Inner Seorak, the least developed section on the western edge of the park. Southern Seorak is famous for its mineral springs.
Practical Info
Visitors wanting to overnight at the park can rent a camping site or find accommodation the village of Seorak-dong in the Outer Seorak portion of the park.
Address: Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Kangwon, South Korea
From $ 350
Mt Merapi
One of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, Mt. Merapi’s name literally means “mountain of red fire.” The mountain, which looms over Borobudur, occupies a sacred place in the hearts and minds of many Javanese. When it’s not closed or partially closed due to volcanic activity, Merapi also makes for a spectacular volcano hike or climb.
The Basics
Volcanologists closely monitor Merapi’s activity levels and, if necessary, will close the mountain to visitors. But when the 9,613-foot (2,930-meter) Gunung (Mount) Merapi is open, hiking is the most popular way to experience it. Hiking tours typically include door-to-door round-trip transfers from Yogyakarta, mountain guiding, food, and drink.
Five-hour treks to the summit and the crater rim, which include challenging features such as volcanic scree, happen at night so hikers see the sunrise and the sensational view—Merapi protrudes 4,449 feet (1,356 meters) from the surrounding highlands. More leisurely daytime hikes along the slopes typically focus on the local flora and fauna. Jeep tours of the lower slopes are also available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mt. Merapi is an ideal Indonesian destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Before sunrise, the summit can be extremely cold, especially if it’s raining; freezing temperatures are not uncommon. Wear plenty of layers that you can easily remove on the descent.
- The trail up Mount Merapi includes rough volcanic cinders. Wear long pants and hiking boots or sneakers.
- Bring your camera to capture epic sunrise vistas.
How to Get There
Most Merapi hikes begin in the village of Selo, about 47 miles (75 kilometers) from Yogyakarta (or the airport); the drive can take between 90 minutes and three hours. As there is no practical public transportation and a guide comes in handy on the mountain, most travelers opt for an organized Mt. Merapi volcano climb from Yogyakarta.
When to Get There
While it can rain on Java year-round, hikers should visit Merapi during the dry season (April until September). On a clear night with a full moon, the climb and views are spectacular. During rainy season (roughly October to March), the weather is cold, the path is slippery, sulphur in the air becomes unusually oppressive, and it’s impossible to see the view.
Indonesia’s Sacred Volcanoes
With around 130 active volcanoes, it’s unsurprising that Indonesia’s hundreds of ethnic groups have developed their own beliefs around these fiery mountains. Mt. Merapi is just one of a wealth of sacred volcanoes. Others include Mt. Agung on Bali, Mt. Bromo in central Java, and Mt. Rinjani on Lombok.
Address: Indonesia
From $ 37