Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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Pudong
Pudong, the area of Shanghai east of the Huangpu River, is home to many of Shanghai’s most famous modern buildings. Formerly an agricultural area, Pudong is now Shanghai’s financial district and commercial hub -- a stark contrast to the colonial buildings of the Bund just across the river.
Pudong’s skyline includes notable buildings like the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV tower, Jinmao Tower Observatory, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and the International Convention Center. Pudong New Area is also home to Century Park, the largest park in the city, as well as some of Shanghai’s best shopping opportunities, like Nanjing Road.
Before visiting Pudong, take a walk along the Bund for the best views of the iconic Shanghai skyline across the river. Once you’ve crossed over, set aside some time to ride to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower, the 1,535-foot (468-meter) tall space age building that stands out among the other skyscrapers of Shanghai. Within you’ll find an observation floor, shopping mall, revolving restaurant and the Shanghai History Museum in the basement.
Pudong’s skyline includes notable buildings like the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV tower, Jinmao Tower Observatory, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and the International Convention Center. Pudong New Area is also home to Century Park, the largest park in the city, as well as some of Shanghai’s best shopping opportunities, like Nanjing Road.
Before visiting Pudong, take a walk along the Bund for the best views of the iconic Shanghai skyline across the river. Once you’ve crossed over, set aside some time to ride to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower, the 1,535-foot (468-meter) tall space age building that stands out among the other skyscrapers of Shanghai. Within you’ll find an observation floor, shopping mall, revolving restaurant and the Shanghai History Museum in the basement.
Practical Info:
Routes to take by transit: Subway: Line 2.
Address: Pudong, Shanghai, China
From $ 31
Puli
Puli is a city in the Nantou County in central Taiwan. It’s a popular stop-off point for those heading on to places like Mt. Hehuan, the Taroko Gorge, and Sun Moon Lake. Others come to visit the city’s impressive Chung Tai Chan Monastery – designed by C.Y. Lee (the architect of Taipei 101). The building of this elaborate, towering monastery is said to have cost in the region of US $110 million.
Puli enjoys a pleasant climate, characterized by short and relatively dry winters followed by cool summers. Although severely damaged in the 1999 earthquake, the town has since been rebuilt and is well-known in its own right for the pure local spring water it produces, which is sold in bottles at supermarkets all across Taiwan. Puli is also known for its production of wine.
Practical Info
The Kuokuang bus company operates a service between Taipei and Puli every hour. The journey usually takes just under four hours. Although Puli is not on any railway routes, you can make the journey by train by alighting at Taichung and taking the Nantou Bus or the Sun Moon Lake Shuttle Bus from here.
Address: Puli, Nantou, Taiwan
From $ 328
Prambanan
Though not quite as large as nearby Borobudur, the ancient Hindu temples that make up the impressive Prambanan are spectacular in their own right. Built by the Mataram Kingdom in Central Java around 860 CE, the first temples here were meant to honor Lord Shiva. While many of the later temples erected on this site fell to ruins in an earthquake curing the 16th century, Prambanan still attracts visitors from across the globe seeking to experience walking through one of the Hindu religion’s most prized sites.
Prambanan is divided into three main zones, which include an outer open space, a middle zone housing rows of 224 identical shrines, and an inner zone where eight temples and small shrines dedicated to gods are located.
Practical Info
The complex opens at 6 a.m. daily and locals say it takes the better part of a day to truly experience Prambanan’s wonder. Crowds typically begin arriving by 9 a.m., so travelers seeking to wander in silence and free of foot traffic would do well to arrive earlier.
Address: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Hours: Opens at 6 a.m. daily
Admission: Donation of Rp 5,000 is requested
From $ 10
Pulau Ubin (Ubin Island)
Pulau Ubin is a small island located to the north east of Singapore and is one of the last undeveloped areas of the country. Legend says that the island was formed when three animals—an elephant, frog and pig—challenged each other to a race; the losers would be turned to stone. As none of the animals could finish the race, the elephant and pig were turned to stone and became Pulau Ubin and the frog became Pulau Sekadu (Frog Island). Whether the legend is true or not is up for debate, but the truth is that the island is made of granite, a fact that thrilled the English when they were settling the area.
Nowadays, the island is an oasis of green with old wooden homes and jetties and abandoned plantations and quarries illustrating the traditional kampong village, a side of Singapore that is mostly absent on the mainland. Many Singaporeans visit the island during the summer months for recreation—there are plenty of hiking and biking paths—and tourists have taken note and followed suit. One of the most popular aspects of the island is Chek Jawa, a former coral reef that allows visitors to get an up-close glimpse at a variety of marine wildlife. There are several restaurants that specialize in seafood and have amazing views, so don’t worry about going hungry during your day of exploring.
Practical Info
To get to Pulau Ubin from the main island of Singapore, it’s just a 10- or 15-minute bumboat ride from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The bumboats run from about 6 a.m. to about 8 p.m. and each boat can fit 12 people. The fare is $2.50 Singapore dollars (SGD) each way, $2 SGD for a bicycle. The boat operators will wait until the boat is full before departing, but if you want to get there more quickly, you can rent out the whole boat for $30 SGD.
Address: Pulau Ubin, Singapore
From $ 64
Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Located in the Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc Districts of Northern Vietnam, Pu Luong Nature Reserve comprises 43,643 acres (17,662 hectares) and one of the largest swathes of limestone mountain forest remaining in the nation. The park attracts eco-tourists from around the globe with its incredible biodiversity: nearly 600 species of fauna, including the second largest population of Delacour’s langur in Vietnam.
While many visitors come – and rightly so – for the spectacular natural scenery and wildlife watching, the two mountain ridges that make up the reserve also sandwich a valley of agricultural land where a Thai ethnic minority live. In Hieu Hamlet, visitors can see traditional Thai water wheels, verdant rice terraces and traditional stilted houses. Homestays with local families living in the valley are also an option.
Practical Info
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located 112 miles (180 kilometers) from Hanoi.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 130
Presidential Palace
Vientiane’s Presidential Palace would do the president of any country proud: a grand building with a colonial-era Beaux-Arts feel that belies its relatively recent 1986 construction. While the president’s official working residence is elsewhere, the palace still remains closed to the public.
The Basics
Vientiane’s Presidential Palace is closed to the public, opening its doors only for receptions and formal events—and even then an invitation is required. As such, the casual visitor’s only option for seeing the palace is by capturing photos from outside the gates. The Presidential Palace is an easy walk from other town center attractions; although some Vientiane city tours include a photo stop here, there are no dedicated Presidential Palace tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Laos’ Presidential Palace is not open to visitors; rather, it’s strictly a government building.
- Bring your camera or your phone—even the exterior of the building is worth a snap.
- The Vientiane Presidential Palace is probably not worth the effort with kids.
How to Get There
The Presidential Palace sits in the heart of Vientiane, just steps from Wat Sisaket and the Nam Phou Fountain; Patuxai (Victory Monument) is located less than a mile (1.3 kilometers) to the northeast. It’s easy to swing by for a photo stop when exploring Vientiane on foot or by bicycle; alternatively, a few city tours make a short stop here en route to Patuxai.
When to Get There
As with many architectural subjects, the Presidential Palace is best photographed during the morning or the golden hour—just after sunrise or just before sunset. The building is also illuminated it at night, making it a great topic for evening photography if you have the ISO capacity.
Deceptively Historic: Vientiane’s Presidential Palace Architecture
Like so much of Laos, Vientiane’s Presidential Palace displays the influence of the French, who occupied Laos from 1893 until 1954. But it was actually built decades after they left. Construction started in 1973 under the Royal Lao Government and continued during the 1980s under the Communist Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. The building was finished in 1986.
Address: Junction of Lane Xang Avenue and Settathirath Road, Vientiane, Laos
From $ 45
Pre Rup
Built in 961 by King Rajendravarman II, the three-spired Shiva temple of Pre Rup resembles Angkor Wat on a smaller scale. The name of the temple translates to “turning the body,” suggesting that it might have once served as a crematorium for Angkor’s royalty.
Built a few years after nearby Mebon but identical to it in architectural style, Pre Rup was made from gray sandstone, once coated in a layer of plaster that has largely worn away. The crumbling sandstone, especially on the eastern towers of the complex, paired with the jungle vines beginning to grow through portions of the stone, give Pre Rup a wild feel, and its vast scale is still impressive despite being smaller than the main temple at Angkor Wat.
Visitors who make the steep climb to the top of the temple will be rewarded with views of Angkor Wat’s spires to the west on clear days.
Practical Info
The light is best at Pre Rup at sunset, but this is also when it’s busiest. If you want a more peaceful experience, plan your visit for early in the day.
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 59
Presidential Office Building
Taipei’s Presidential Office Building has housed the offices of the president and his staff since 1949. The stunning colonial-style building was constructed in 1919 to serve as the Japanese occupation headquarters but was severely damaged by bombing during World War II. The entire structure was rebuilt in 1946 in the same style as the original, and its distinctive brickwork is an excellent example of Japanese-era architecture in Taiwan.
The five-story red brick building has an eleven-floor tower at its center. At the time it was built, it was the tallest building in Taipei. On weekday mornings, the Presidential Office Building is open for tours, giving visitors the chance to see exactly where the president works. Even if you don’t take the tour, it’s worth stopping by just to see the building’s facade.
The five-story red brick building has an eleven-floor tower at its center. At the time it was built, it was the tallest building in Taipei. On weekday mornings, the Presidential Office Building is open for tours, giving visitors the chance to see exactly where the president works. Even if you don’t take the tour, it’s worth stopping by just to see the building’s facade.
Address: No. 122, Sec. 1, Chongqing S. Rd., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 10048, Taiwan
Hours: Mon-Fri (except holidays). The Presidential Office Building is partially open on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. (Visitors should enter the building before 11:30 a.m.)
From $ 25
Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan)
At the heart of New Delhi is one of its most remarkable buildings, the Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan). The 320-acre (130-hectare) complex comprises a palatial 340-room main building and sprawling Mughal gardens. Many visitors come to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, complete with horses and a brass band.
The Basics
The palace was designed as a symbol of British colonial power and built in the early 20th century, after India’s capital was moved to Delhi from Calcutta. It became the president’s official residence shortly after independence. Until 2017, visitors were allowed inside only once or twice a year, though now the Bhavan is open to guests with prior registration. The Changing of the Guard is a regal affair worth witnessing.
Most half-day and full-day tours of Central Delhi at least stop for photos of the rectangular complex and its circular garden, and the Delhi hop-on hop-off bus allows for longer visits (which you book in advance).
Things to Know Before You Go
- To visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan, you must reserve a spot online in advance. See the palace’s website for details, and for the Changing of the Guard schedule.
- All visitors must bring a valid photo ID, such as a passport.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the palace is large and requires a lot of walking.
How to Get There
Rashtrapati Bhavan is located on the western end of Rajpath Marg, right in the heart of the leafy Lutyens’ Delhi neighborhood, where most of the city’s colonial-era buildings are situated. Directly opposite India Gate, it’s about a 25-minute walk (or a 7-minute drive) southwest of Connaught Place. The nearest Delhi Metro stop is Central Secretariat, which connects to both the Yellow and Violet Lines.
When to Get There
You can visit the palace throughout the year by booking in advance. If you’re coming for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, held on Saturday and Sunday, you may want to opt for a morning visit when temperatures are cooler—particularly if you’re in Delhi in the sweltering premonsoon season (roughly May and June).
Who Lives in Rashtrapati Bhavan?
India uses the parliamentary system of government, with a prime minister (who lives in a considerably humbler abode on nearby Race Course Road) as head of government. The president of India, who has lived at the Rashtrapati Bhavan since independence from Britain, has less power and clout than the PM, but is still the head of state and commander of the Indian military.
Address: Rashtrapati Bhawan, Raisina Hills, New Delhi 110004, India
From $ 16
Puputan Square
A rare patch of quiet in Bali’s busy capital, Denpasar, Puputan Square commemorates the site of a mass suicide that occurred in 1906. The king of Badung, facing overwhelming opposition from Dutch colonial forces, led his court in committing suicide by keris dagger. A statue of a Balinese family stands in honor of the lives lost.
The Basics
There is no charge to visit Puputan Square, which is a popular destination for local workers on their lunch breaks and for families during evenings and weekends. Most people visit on a Denpasar city tour, with either a private driver or an organized group. The Puputan mass suicide is an important event in the history of both Denpasar and Bali as a whole, so history completists will not want to miss the square.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Puputan Square is worth visiting for history buffs and fans of Vicki Baum’s novel Love and Death in Bali.
- The mother of the Balinese family in the statue is holding her jewelry in her hand, because women apparently threw their jewelry at the Dutch soldiers in contempt.
- Bali was one of the last parts of Indonesia to be occupied by the Dutch.
- Badung, whose king led the mass suicide, is now a province covering south Bali.
How to Get There
Puputan Square (Lapangan Puputan Badung) sits in the heart of Denpasar, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northeast of the airport. Choked roads, dangerous traffic, and confusing one-way systems make Denpasar a risky choice for self-driving. Unless your Indonesian is good enough to piece together bemo minibuses, hiring a private driver or joining a tour is a must to get around Denpasar.
When to Get There
The square is most lively during weekends, when it becomes a gathering place for Denpasar locals, who feast on satay and other street snacks from the stalls. Children often meet here to fly traditional kites. You can visit pretty much any time during the day on Saturday or Sunday, but sunset is particularly popular.
Love and Death in Bali: The Puputan
First published in 1937, Vicki Baum’s classic novel Love and Death in Bali tells the story of a simple man who survives the Puputan mass suicide. The book also depicts life in Bali before the Dutch arrived. Baum visited Bali in 1935 and stayed in Ubud with the painter Walter Spies, who also figures in the book in thin disguise.
Address: Jalan Udayana and Jalan Gaja Mada, Denpasar, Bali 80235, Indonesia
From $ 44
Pub Street
Travelers looking for cold beers and cheap food almost always find themselves in the throes of chaotic Pub Street. Local taverns, unique vendors, musicians and traditional dancers line this paved pass, giving Siem Reap’s entertainment Mecca a true party vibe.
Pedestrian-only streets mean it’s easy to wander between stalls selling traditional crafts, ice-cold beers and spicy hot soups. Food here is as popular with locals as it is with travelers. Strong-stomached visitors can sample frog legs, beetles, snake and crispy grasshoppers, while the less adventurous can head indoors to dance at bumping disco techs, or simply saddle up to one of the numerous outdoor tables and sip cool drinks while absorbing all of the city’s energy.
Practical Info
Pub Street is located between Sivatha Road and Hospital Street, south of Street 8 and north of Street 9 in Siem Reap.
Address: Pub Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia
From $ 48
Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple
Serene, spiritual, and off the beaten path, Pura Luhur Batukaru was the state temple for the kings of Tabanan. Batukaru Temple nestles high above sea level in the jungled foothills of west Bali. A series of tiered shrines, including a striking 7-roofed shrine, help create a mystic air, as does the general absence of tourists.
The Basics
As the setting of Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple is reasonably remote, many visitors prefer the convenience of a tour or a private driver over self-drive. Many Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple tours include a trip to the Jatiluwih rice terrace, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Tanah Lot, the sea temple sacred to the Indonesians, not far from Tabanan.
Entrance tickets are affordable and include the rental of a sarong so that men and women can meet temple standards of decency.
Things to Know Before You Go
- As always at Balinese temples, a sarong (included in the entrance fee) is a must for both men and women at Batukaru Temple.
- As at other Balinese temples, menstruating women are forbidden from entering the site.
- The scenic setting and absence of tourists makes Pura Luhur Batukaru a must for aspiring photographers.
How to Get There
There is no public transport to Pura Luhur Batukaru, so your options are self-drive to Penebel, a private driver, or an organized Bali tour. With patchy signposting and unreliable traffic signals adding to Bali’s roadway hassles, many will prefer to leave the driving to the professionals and opt for a Tabanan day tour with round-trip transport, which might also visit Tanah Lot and Jatiluwih.
When to Get There
Open year-round, Pura Luhur Batukaru, like other temples, is particularly appealing during the key Balinese festivals, when worshippers come to bring offerings and the grounds are alive with colored cloth and bamboo decorations. When visiting during the rainy season, weather is generally more clement in the mornings.
Bali Temple Etiquette
It’s important to show respect at Balinese Hindu temples, such as Pura Luhur Batukaru: Both men and women should wear sarongs. The Balinese welcome visitors to the main sections of their temples, but areas they consider most sacred are typically reserved for worshippers.
Address: Wangaya Gede, Indonesia
From $ 40
Preah Khan
Preah Khan was built around the same time as Angkor Thom, and like it was conceived as a whole city, though on a smaller scale. It was erected on the site of an important military victory and its outer perimeter is guarded by 72 stone garudas (winged mythological creatures depicted throughout Southeast Asia).
A stupa (a domed structure holding Buddhist relics) and numerous smaller Hindu temples indicate the spiritual mix that Preah Khan embodied. In later years it was renowned as a center of scholarly Buddhism.
A stupa (a domed structure holding Buddhist relics) and numerous smaller Hindu temples indicate the spiritual mix that Preah Khan embodied. In later years it was renowned as a center of scholarly Buddhism.
The restoration program has left mighty silk-cotton tree roots undisturbed; they make an awe-inspiring sight, appearing to wrestle with the stonework. Elsewhere a two-story, round-columned pavilion of uncertain purpose is a charming, free-standing oddity.
Practical Info
Preah Khan is the northernmost of the regularly-visited sites in Angkor Archeological Park, being 8 miles (13 km) from the center of Siem Reap.
Address: Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: 80,000 riel
From $ 59
Puerto Princesa Underground River
A new Seven Wonders of Nature, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Puerto Princesa Underground River flows through a limestone cave system before spilling into the South China Sea. A paddle through this eerie ecosystem, filled with otherworldly cave formations and chattering bats, is one of the Philippines’ most unforgettable experiences.
The Basics
The Underground River, situated within Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park on Palawan, is an easy day trip from the city of Puerto Princesa. Take a guided boat ride along one of the world’s longest underground rivers, beginning at Sabang Wharf near the mouth of the cave. The rock formations within, considered among the most complex in the world, are illuminated only by flashlight beams. Some tours also include a stop at Ugong Rock for optional ziplining or spelunking.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Underground River is a must for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Day trips from Puerto Princesa last eight to 11 hours, depending on the option chosen.
- You’ll get wet on this tour. Bring a waterproof case for your camera and phone, wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and if you’re wearing socks, bring an extra pair.
- Most tours include pickup and drop-off in Puerto Princesa.
How to Get There
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is 90 minutes away from the city of Puerto Princesa by road. It’s a 15-minute boat ride from Sabang village to reach the entrance of the cave. Most visitors arrive by guided tour; alternatively several public buses run from the San Jose bus terminal to Sabang.
When to Get There
Boat trips can be cancelled due to rain and poor weather, so it’s best to visit the cave system during the dry season (January to April). This natural wonder is one of Palawan’s most popular attractions, so it’s a good idea to arrange your tour before arriving on the island, particularly during the peak season (December to May).
Biodiversity in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
While the river is the area’s star attraction, the surrounding national park supports impressive biodiversity, including some 800 plant species, 195 bird species, 19 reptile species, and 30 mammal species. While some of these critters are hard to spot, visitors commonly see some of the eight species of bat living within the park and its cave system.
Address: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Admission: Varies
From $ 45
Princess Mother Memorial Park
Work began on the Princess Mother Memorial Park in 1993, after King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in remembrance of his mother Srinagarindra, began plans to renovate the area around her childhood home in Thonburi.
Known by the Thai people as the Princess Mother, a museum within the park depicts stories of her life and a reconstruction of her old home. Two exhibition halls within the park are dedicated to the Princess Mother’s memorabilia and mementos. The first hall displays photographs chronicling her life, while the second hall contains items relating to her various projects, and even some of her personal belongings.
However, the majority of the park is dedicated to wide-open spaces, including a number of well-maintained gardens. There’s also a pavilion featuring a statue of the princess sheltered under a gazebo.
Practical Info
The Princess Mother Memorial Park is located within the Khlong San district of Bangkok, close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The easiest way to reach the park is to catch the Chaophraya River Express boat to the Memorial Bridge Pier. The park museum is open daily from 9am to 4pm and admission is free.
Address: Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Daily from 9am to 4pm.
From $ 48
Potala Palace
Tucked into Lhasa’s iconic Red Hill, Potala Palace is the highest palace in the world, with its main structure sitting more than 12,000 feet above sea level. Its sprawling structures are divided into two parts, known as the Red and White palaces. Travelers who venture to this religious Mecca will find a center devoted to Buddhist prayer and impressive, detailed murals located inside the Great West Hall. The Dharma Cave and Saint’s Chapel date all the way back to the seventh century, offering visitors a chance to connect with Tibet’s rich history in a truly unique way.
The White Palace, which once housed local Tibetan government, now serves as the living quarters for the Dalai Lama. It’s also home to a school, seminary, printing house, well-kept gardens and even a jail. In addition to breathtaking views, visitors will find cultural relics, brightly colored murals and hand-carved statues dating back to ancient times.
Practical Info
Polata Palace is located at 35 Beijing Middle Road in Chengguan in Lhasa, and as with many sites, the Chinese government strictly controls entrance. All travelers must enter from the east main entrance, and all visits are limited to one hour. During high season, from May 1 to October 31, travelers must apply for reservation tickets to enter the palace. Although they are free, it is not possible to enter the grounds without them. No liquids are allowed in the palace, and a thorough security check is administered. Be sure to respect Tibetan Buddhist customs by not stepping on thresholds or wearing hats.
Address: 35 Beijing Middle Rd, Lhasa, China
Hours: May-Oct 7:30am-6:40pm
Nov-Apr 9am-4pm
Admission: May-Oct 200RMB; Nov-Apr 100RMB
From $ 544
Pregnant Maiden Lake
Pregnant Maiden Lake is located on Dayang Bunting Island, the second largest island in the Langkawi island group in Malaysia. The legend surrounding this lake says that a princess named Mambang Sari married a man named Mat Teja and had a son. Unfortunately the boy got sick and died just a few days after he was born. The princess laid his body to rest in the lake and made a blessing to all women who have trouble conceiving a child. Supposedly infertile women who go for a swim in the lake will later be able to get pregnant.
Despite only being separated from the sea by less than 100 feet, Pregnant Maiden Lake is a freshwater lake. Popular activities include swimming and renting paddle boats. You can also walk on a path through the mangrove forest that surrounds the lake. In the forest, you'll have the chance to see some of the 90 bird species that live on the island, as well as lizards, monkeys, butterflies, and other native animals and insects. The lake is part of Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park, which has many limestone formations and caves.
Practical Info
Pregnant Maiden Lake on Dayang Bunting Island is about 12 miles south of Langkawi's main island. You can get there by boat from either Kuah Jetty or at Pantai Cenang, and the journey takes about 15 to 20 minutes. There are several island hopping tours that include the island and the lake.
Address: Kedah, Malaysia
From $ 42
Pulau Singa Besar
Located at the southwest tip of Langkawi, Pulau Singa Besar (meaning “Big Lion Island”) is nestled between the two islands of Pulau Beras Basah and Pulau Dayang Bunting. Pulau Singa Besar is home to over 1500 acres of dense rainforest, swaying palm trees, pure white sandy beaches, and some fascinating limestone formations.
This undeveloped Langkawi island remains refreshingly untouched by humans and as such features no basic amenities or constructions whatsoever. Instead, Pulau Singa Besar is a natural haven for a variety of flora and a range of wildlife, from mouse deer and macaques to monkeys and eagles – the latter of which are a huge attraction on the island come their feeding time.
The gentle, clear waters surrounding Pulau Singa Besar are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with some unique species of fish and coral making for a fascinating underwater experience. However, many visitors choose to spend their time on Singa Besar simply lazing on the island’s soft sandy beaches and gazing out to those craggy limestone formations in the distance.
Practical Info
Those who visit Pulau Singa Besar’s shores often do so as part of an island-hopping tour taking in the other islands in the region. Alternatively, if you’re traveling as part of a group, you can hire an eight- or 12-person boat from Pulau Langkawi. Visitors should be aware that there are no amenities on Pulau Singa Besar and they should also be careful to take all rubbish with them when they leave the island.
Address: Malaysia
From $ 18
Pulau Payar Marine Park
An overload of tropical fish awaits you at Palau Payer Marine Park. The park is a coral reef teeming with fish including feather starfish, rainbow runners, barracuda and ghost fish. It is one of the west coast’s most popular dive sites, there is the wreck of an old fishing boat and the wreck of a small boat carrying roof tiles to explore. It was the first marine park created in western Malaysia and is also used as a research center.
Snorkeling in the very warm waters is fantastic; get ready for the hungry little fish to nip at your toes as you explore their home. Aside from the colorful fish there are sea turtles, anemones, and friendly octopi. In the afternoon there are shark feeding exhibitions put on by the tour groups. The sharks are reef sharks which are exciting but won’t hurt humans.
The best time to visit is October to March, although any time of year is fine if the weather is good.
Practical Info
To get to Palau Payer you’ll need to join one of the tour groups allowed access to the park. They vary in what they deliver so it is worth doing your research.
Address: Palau Payer, Malaysia
Hours: Open year-round
Admission: RM20
From $ 94
Pulau Sapi
Few beaches offer the same picturesque white sands and crystal blue waters that travelers will find on Pulau Sapi. Its coral reefs and clear waters make it ideal for snorkeling, and the surrounding epic landscapes and unmatched beauty make it one of the best spots for travelers seeking an island retreat.
Whether it’s enjoying picnic shelters and BBQ pits with family and friends or watching crab-eating monkeys gather along the shore, there’s plenty to see on a visit to Sapi. And travelers won’t be disappointed by the para sailing, scuba diving and underwater adventure they’ll find here, either.
Practical Info
Pulau Sapi is located off the coast of downtown Kota Kinabalu. It is accessible via the Jesselton Point ferry terminal.
Address: Sabah, Malaysia
From $ 22