Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
ShowingFilter 1201-1220 of 1872 listings.
Racha Island
Racha Island is, in fact, two islands—Racha Yai and Racha Noi—both known for their excellent snorkeling and diving. Whether for day-long underwater exploring trips or stays of a few days to relax on the unspoiled beaches, the southern Thai islands are popular with water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The Basics
Around 20 miles (40 kilometers) south of Phuket, Racha Island is quintessential Thailand—white sand, turquoise ocean, and softly swaying palm trees. Racha Yai has a small number of resorts and bungalows, and is becoming a popular place to stay for visitors to Phuket, while Racha Noi is uninhabited. Both islands offer excellent diving offshore, and you can snorkel right from the beach on Racha Yai. Many travelers choose to visit the islands as part of an organized snorkeling, diving, or catamaran tour from Phuket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Racha Island is ideal for snorkelers, divers, and those looking for a quiet island escape from Phuket.
- Most tours leave Phuket in the morning to spend the day around both Racha Yai and Racha Noi.
- Snorkelers and divers can expect to see colorful corals and many types of tropical fish.
- If snorkeling or diving is not your thing, catamaran trips are also available.
- Many tours include lunch, refreshments, and water sports gear.
How to Get There
Racha Island, located south of Phuket in the Andaman Sea, is accessible only by boat. Speedboats travel from Ao Chalong and Rawai on Phuket, or you can book a snorkeling, diving, or catamaran tour to access the islands.
When to Get There
High season in Phuket runs from November to March, when the weather is warm and sunny. April and May can be very hot, and tropical rainstorms are possible from June to November. Some resorts and tour operators close up shop or run only limited services in the rainy season.
See Phuket’s Big Buddha
For a photo opportunity extraordinaire, take a trip to see Phuket’s Big Buddha, a 150-foot-high (45-meter) statue sitting atop the Nakkerd Hills, close to Kata. The statue was constructed in 2004 and is made of concrete overlaid with glittering white jade marble. From the base of the Buddha you can enjoy panoramic views over the whole island.
Address: Racha Island, Phuket, Thailand
From $ 107
Qinghefang Ancient Street
Qinghefang Ancient Street, the best-preserved historical street in Hangzhou, stretches 1,575 feet (480 meters). East of West Lake, it’s a great place to shop, dine, and appreciate classical architecture. A number of buildings are from the Ming (1380–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, and some of the shops date back hundreds of years.
The Basics
Qinghefang Ancient Street has been prosperous, filled with shops and restaurants, since ancient times. Businesses from Hangzhou’s past that are still open today include Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors (established in 1663), Wan Xing Ji Fan Store (established during the Qing dynasty), and Baohetang Pharmacy (with 1,000 years of history). There are also a lot of dining options, from food stalls selling street food to 140-year-old teahouses, such as the Taiji Teahouse, and restaurants like No. 1 Scholar Hall, known as the first noodle shop in Hangzhou.
It’s easy to visit Qinghefang Ancient Street independently. With so much packed into a small area though, it can be helpful to go on a guided tour to easily navigate the shops and restaurants, and to learn more about street’s long history. Day tours tend to include nearby attractions, such as West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, and China National Silk Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Qinghefang Ancient Street is a must-visit for those who love shopping and history.
- Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking on cobblestone lanes.
- This is a good place to pick up typical tourist souvenirs, and more unique handicrafts and curios, sometimes handmade on the spot by artisans.
How to Get There
Qinghefang Ancient Street lies to the east of West Lake (an about 20-minute walk) and at the foot of Wushan Hill. Take Metro Line 1 to Ding’an Road (Exit C) and walk 10 minutes to the south or take bus no. 8, 60, 127, 195, 208, or 216.
When to Get There
Qinhefang Ancient Street can be visited at any time. Shops tend to be open from 9am to 10pm. Public holidays, especially Lunar New Year, are extremely busy times. Visit during the day to better see the shops and architecture. Visit at night to see the street lit up with festive red lanterns.
Qinghefang Ancient Street Museums
There are a number of museums along Qinghefang Ancient Street, some more unusual than others, including the Zhejiang ancient ceramic museum, Guanfu art museum, Bingren Copper Sculpture Museum, and the World Coin Museum. Huqing Yutang is both a traditional Chinese medicine shop and a Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Address: Hangzhou, China
From $ 54
Quang Ninh Museum
Quang Ninh Museum is housed in a striking modern building located along the coast of Halong Bay. Spread across three blocks, the structure includes the main museum, a library, and a convention center, all connected by an overhead bridge system. The ground floor is dedicated to the flora and fauna of the region, and the second floor focuses on the history of the province, with displays of US wartime military and some fascinating ancient artifacts dating back to 2000 BC. The third floor of the museum is predominantly about the coal industry in the province, covering its history with stories of the miners and displays of various artifacts.
To get a real insight into the history and culture of this region, join a full-day Halong City tour and visit all of the important landmarks, such as Hon Gai Church, Long Tien Pagoda, and Quang Ninh Museum. If you’re short on time, you can include a visit to the museum on a private half-day Halong City tour, where you can enjoy the stunning views over Halong Bay from Bai Tho Mountain — the highest point in the city.
Practical Info
Quang Ninh Museum is located along the shoreline of Halong City. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm, but is closed on Mondays and from 11:30am to 2pm daily.
Did You Know? The museum building was designed by Spanish architect, Salvador Perez Arroyo. It is made up of 14,000 square-meters of dark glass panels that act as a giant mirror reflecting back the natural beauty of Halong Bay.
Address: Tran Quoc Nghien, Halong City, North Vietnam, Vietnam
Hours: Tues–Sun: 9am–6pm; (Closed from 11:30am to 2pm daily)
Admission: 30,000 VND
From $ 54
Quang Dien District
On the north-central coast of Vietnam, Quang Dien is a rural district in the Hue-Thua Thien province. The livelihood of Quang Dien’s population relies on the Bo river, its fertile banks providing farmland that’s perfect for growing vegetables and rice. The 163-square-km district has a population of 91,000 that is concentrated in seven villages along the banks of the river as well as a few hamlets and the district capital of Sia. In spring, the small town of Sia hosts its own traditional boat races along the Bo river.
On the coastal plain northwest of Hue, Quang Dien district is a popular place for travelers looking to experience rural Vietnamese life. A perfect spot for cyclists looking for a relaxing ride, it’s a good place to bike among the rice paddies and riverbanks. While you’re in the area, be sure to sample some freshly-caught fish from the Bo, too.
The Quang Dien district is located in the Hue-Thua Thien province.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 75
Raffles Landing Site
A 20-foot (6-meter) white marble statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, backed by the skyscrapers of modern Singapore, marks the spot where the British statesman was believed to have landed in 1819 in the area today known as Boat Quay. The founder of Singapore would go on to sign a treaty establishing the sovereign city-state.
The Basics
The Raffles Landing Site, located on the banks of the Singapore River, ranks among the country’s most historically significant attractions; it’s included in just about every Singapore highlights tour, along with other popular points of interest like the Marina Bay Sands, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, and Little India. History aside, the statue sits an open outdoor space that provides a great view of the buildings across the river, as well as an opportunity to take a quiet walk and relax along the waterfront.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The landing site is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to Singapore.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, as the area offers little in the way of shade.
- City tours that stop at the landing site last anywhere from three hours to a full day.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Raffles Landing Site is to take the metro to Raffles Place station and leave through Exit H.
When to Get There
The Raffles Landing Site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since the site lacks much in the way of shade or shelter, it’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon when it’s not too hot.
Where to See the Original Statue
The current statue at the Raffles Landing Site is actually a copy; it was erected in 1969 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Singapore’s founding. The original bronze statue, sculpted by Thomas Woolner, is now on display outside the Victoria Concert Hall at Empress Place.
Address: Singapore
From $ 83
Qingdao Beer Museum
The Qingdao Beer Museum was built in 2003 and commemorates some 100 years of German brewing history and heritage in China. Visitors to this top attraction can wander the halls of the two-story structure and learn about the traditions developed and perfected here, thanks to photo galleries and exhibits where brewing tools from the trade are on display. And while an up close look at the nation’s deep roots in hop history makes this place worth a stop, it’s cold and crisp samples straight from the production line that make a tour of the oldest working brewery worth a visit.
Practical Info
Qingdao Beer Museum is located in a two-story red building at No. 56, Dengzhou Road. It is also known by locals as Tsingtao Brewery. From July through September the museum is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and from October to June the museum is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Admission is CNY 60 from May to October and CNY 50 from November to April.
Address: 56 Dengzhou Rd, Qingdao 266023, China
Hours: July through September the museum is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and from October to June the museum is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Admission: CNY 60 from May to October and CNY 50 from November to April.
From $ 10
Qutub Minar
The superb buildings in this complex date from the onset of Islamic rule in India. The Qutub Minar (Qutb Minar or Qutab Minar) itself is a soaring 240 foot (73 meter) high tower of victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. At its base is Quwwat ul-Islam Masjid (Might of Islam Mosque), India's first mosque.
The tower has 5 distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony, and it tapers, like something out of a fairytale, from a 50 ft (15 m) diameter at the base to just 8 ft (2.5 m) at the top. The first 3 stories are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. The stairs inside the tower coil so steeply that they're enough to make the hardiest climber dizzy and claustrophobic, and it was no surprise when a stampede during a school trip in 1979 resulted in a number of deaths. The inside of the tower has since been closed to visitors.
An inscription over the mosque's eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing 27 idolatrous (read Hindu) temples. A 23 ft (7 m) high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque and it's said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it, your wish will be unfulfilled; however, the pillar is now protected by a fence.
Practical Info
Qutub Minar is located 10 mi (16 km) from Connaught Place in southern Delhi. Catch bus 505, take an organized tour or a taxi to reach Qutub Minar.
Address: Delhi-Gurgaon Rd, Mehrauli, New Delhi, India
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: Rs 250. Filming permission: Rs 25
From $ 8
Raffles Hotel
Founded in 1887 as a 10-room bungalow on the shores of the Singapore River, the resplendent Raffles Hotel has grown to icon status throughout the Far East, attracting celebrity guests from Charlie Chaplin to Queen Elizabeth II. In 1915 another legend was born when hotel bartender Ngiam Tong Boon introduced guests—and subsequently the world—to the Singapore Sling cocktail. A multiphased restoration program is returning the Raffles to its original 19th-century glory.
The Basics
The Raffles Hotel Singapore’s landmark status makes it a must-visit for any Singapore visitor, guests and nonguests alike. Join a walking tour through Singapore’s colonial days: Sip afternoon tea in the Tiffin Room, order a classic Singapore Sling in the Long Bar, or simply marvel at the spectacular colonial architecture, then visit other points of interest like the Raffles Landing Site and buzzy Clarke Quay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A stop at the Raffles Hotel is a must for history buffs, architecture fans, and first-time visitors to Singapore.
- Visit the hotel on your own or as part of a historic sightseeing tour.
- Be sure to check the dress code for the experience you’re planning. The hotel’s bars and restaurants range from casual to somewhat formal.
How to Get There
The Raffles Hotel is located just a couple minutes from Singapore’s famous Orchard Road shopping street, 20 minutes from Changi International Airport. It’s easy to reach by rapid transit: take the metro to the Raffles Place MRT stop.
When to Get There
What type of experience you’re looking to have will determine the best time to visit the hotel. Many travelers come for a Singapore Sling at the historic Long Bar or Billiard Room, both open throughout the day and into the night. Another popular option is an afternoon visit for high tea.
The Man Behind the Name
Like many buildings, roads, and monuments in Singapore, the Raffles Hotel gets its name from Sir Stamford Raffles, the British statesman who founded modern Singapore in February 1819. Interestingly Raffles also founded the London Zoo—one of the world’s oldest—as well as Singapore’s first botanical garden on Fort Canning Hill. Mt. Sophia was named after Sophia Hull, Raffles’ second wife.
Address: 1 Beach Road, 189673, Singapore
Admission: Free
From $ 29
Quan Am Pagoda
Travelers can enter into this charming 19th-century Chinese-style Buddhist pagoda via an ornate gatehouse, which leads the way to an impressive courtyard and several altars that make up one of Ho Chi Minh’s most popular pagodas.
Visitors will find brilliantly colored artwork that pays homage to Thien Hau and Manjusri decorating the altars and hallways of Quan Am. And while travelers agree the traditional pagoda is the main attraction, a nearby garden complete with quiet reflecting pond, rocky landscapes and a covered pavilion offers an equally impressive opportunity to explore.
Practical Info
Quan Am Pagoda is located on Lao Tu Street in Cho Lon in District 5 of Ho Chi Minh.
Address: 12 Lao Tu, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 125
Qingyang Palace
An early Tang Dynasty classic, Qingyang Palace (also known as the Green Ram Temple) is considered to be one of the oldest and most important Taoist temples in all of China due to its location near the boyhood home of Lao-Tzu, the father of Taoism. Much of the palace was restored during the Qing Dynasty.
The Basics
For Sichuan visitors with a deep interest in Taoism, a trip to Qingyang Palace is a great way to either pass the afternoon or reflect on the ancient religion with a warm cup of tea and a comfortable seat from right within the walls of its source.
Many sightseeing tours include a visit to the temple, along with other popular Chengdu attractions, such as Renmin Park, Wuhou Temple, Jinli Street, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, depending on the option chosen.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The palace is a must-visit for spiritual travelers and history buffs.
- Give yourself about one hour to tour the temple grounds.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
Qingyang Palace is situated in northwest Chengdu. The easiest way to get there is to take one of several public buses to Qing Yang Gong Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the entrance.
When to Get There
The temple is open from morning to late afternoon daily throughout the year, though the best time to visit is during spring (March to June) or fall (September to November) when the weather isn’t too hot and the grounds aren't too crowded.
The Goats of Qingyang Palace
Local legend says that Qingyang Palace got the nickname Green Ram Temple from the pair of bronze goat statues flanking the altar of Sanqing Hall. One of the goats is recognizable for what it is, but the other boasts the ears of a mouse, nose of an ox, tiger claws, dragon horns, and a snake’s tail, among other features. Both statues are believed to have been taken from Beijing during the Qing Dynasty.
Address: China
From $ 15
Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple
Up a hillock lies this ornate temple dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman. Resembling a monkey, Hanuman is worshipped for various benefits, including health, wealth, happiness, and success. There are also shrines devoted to Shiva, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.
It is believed that a heap of ragi (a food grain) was turned into a stone, giving the temple its name. It was then that the Hindu holy trinity Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva turned themselves into stone to remain at the temple site. These large stones now bear engravings representing this trinity.
Located in a suburb of Bangalore and built in 1969, the temple has become a social center with a charitable focus. There is an ornate gate that leads to an open auditorium, pond, and yoga center. Several cows that wander the area. In December of every year, the festival of Sri Hanumajjayanthi attracts nearly 35,000 pilgrims for a 12-day long event.
Practical Info
The temple is open to visitors daily from 8 am to 11:30 am and from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. It is best accessed by car or auto rickshaw. There is no cost for admission.
Address: 9th block, Jayanagar, Bangalore, India
Hours: Daily 8 am-11:30 am & 5-8:30pm
From $ 72
Pushkar
Not far from Jaipur, Pushkar is one Rajasthan’s most popular towns. This lakefront holy town is among the most picturesque in an already photo-worthy state, with a peaceful lake surrounded by 52 ghats and beautiful hills and temples in the distance.
The Basics
Pushkar is best known for two things: Brahma Temple, one of the few temples on earth dedicated to the Hindu god of creation, and its annual Camel Fair. The fair attracts an interesting mix of devout Hindus and backpackers, though it’s ideal for anyone with an interest in Indian culture and religion or just those looking to take a day trip from Jaipur.
Private walking tours of Pushkar focus on its spiritual and cultural facets, while sightseeing excursions come with a guide and transportation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes; Pushkar is sunny most of the time and a good part of the town is pedestrian-only.
- Most Pushkar temples are not open to foreigners or non-Hindus.
- Pushkar’s dusty roads and many steps make it difficult to navigate with a wheelchair.
- Beware of “special lassis” in restaurants; they may contain a legal cannabis-based mixture known as bhang, which has psychedelic effects.
- Some priests wait by the lake here and try to get unsuspecting tourists to pay for rituals. If someone clad in white offers you a flower to throw into the lake, you may wish to decline.
How to Get There
Pushkar is a few hours’ drive from Jaipur. The easiest way to get there is by car or as part of an organized tour. Travelers can also take a train from Delhi or Jaipur to nearby Ajmer Junction and then switch to a taxi or bus directly to Pushkar.
When to Get There
Pushkar is a year-round destination. It’s at its busiest during the annual Camel Fair, which takes place over a week during the holy month of Kartik (usually in October or November). During this time, hotel rates spike and desert camps open up around the area to provide additional lodging. April to June can be unbearably hot, with temperatures hovering well over 100°F (38°C), while December–February offers relatively cooler temples and fewer tourists.
Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar’s biggest draw is its annual camel fair, the largest in the world. Camel traders come to the town from across Rajasthan to sell their camels (and horses) and camelid accessories. There are also plenty of festivities, from moustache-length competitions to camel beauty contests, along with live music, dance, and amusement park-style attractions.
Address: Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
From $ 21
Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens
Created in 1992, the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens are located in Amphoe Mae Rim in the Chiang Mai Province. A beautiful place burgeoning with exotic plant life, the facility conducts research and conserves Thailand’s extensive natural plant resources; it’s main purpose is not tourism, which means that there are fewer visitors here than in many locations in Chiang Mai. Named after Sirikit, who was Queen of Thailand in 1994, the queen donated considerable resources to bring the gardens to fruition.
The gardens cover more than 2,470 acres (1,000 hectares) and are best explored by foot. Follow the paths through huge collections of azaleas, rhododendrons and many other flowering plants. Though the grounds are extensive, the greenhouses are where the real treasures are, ranging from carnivorous plants and bromeliads to orchids and water lilies. Other structures emulate the feel of arid deserts or rain forests and have the flora to match.
Practical Info
The gardens are situated about 12.5 miles (20 km) from Chiang Mai in the Mae Sa area. The best way to get there is to charter a tuk tuk or other private transportation. The Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and cost 100 Thai baht ($3 USD) for an adult and 50 Thai baht ($1.50 USD) for children.
Address: Mae Rim, Thailand
Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults 100 Thai baht; children 50 Thai baht
From $ 33
Putrajaya
A fascinating exercise in building a city from scratch, Putrajaya is the administrative capital of Malaysia and located just south of Kuala Lumpur.
Planned as an "intelligent" and "garden" city the Putrajaya has wide boulevards and many lovely parks where the city’s population, mainly government workers, unwind and get back in touch with nature. The park offering the best views of the city is Taman Putra Perdana next to Perdana Putra.
The city is home to many showcase buildings including the Putra Mosque which is a vision in pink with the highest dome in South East Asia, it can fit 15,000 worshipers. Perdana Putra is the Prime Minister’s office and the jewel in the crown of Putrajaya. The educational Millennium Monument gives an insight into the history of Malaysia.
Practical Info
The best way to get to Putrajaya is by train catching the KLIA Transit from either Sentral railway station or the airport.
The public transportation is still fledgling in Putrajaya so it is a good idea to take an organized tour around the city or hire a car.
Address: Putrajaya, Malaysia
From $ 12
Quang Ba Flower Market
The Quang Ba Flower Market in Hanoi is a night market situated on the edge of West Lake. It begins at around 2am and doesn’t wind down until well after the sun rises. As the largest flower market in Hanoi, Quang Ba has fresh flowers shipped in from all over Vietnam each and every day.
The Quang Ba market is at its busiest and most atmospheric when it first starts up in the early hours, when the bustle of commercial wholesale buyers arrive to strike their deals. Later in the morning, the market sees more individual buyers – locals shopping for flowers for celebrations, offerings, and other occasions. It is especially worth a visit here during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), when flowers are used in abundance to mark the festivities.
With its piles of fragrant blossoms – from chrysanthemums and roses to sunflowers and orchids – the beeping of moped horns, and teems of bustling locals, the Quang Ba Flower Market is one of Hanoi’s most colorful attractions.
Practical Info
The Quang Ba Flower Market is located not far from the Old Quarter and close to West Lake. It can be easily reached by taxi or cyclo.
Address: Au Co Street, Hanoi, North Vietnam, Vietnam
Hours: 2am- sunrise (often later)
From $ 46
Puri Agung Karangasem
Like the better-known—and busier—Tirta Gangga Water Palace, this east Bali palace is an atmospheric reminder of the power the kings of Karangasem once held when they ruled much of Lombok. Highlights of Puri Agung Karangasem include the tiered entry gate, vintage photos, and tranquil fish ponds. Descendants of the last raja still use the space.
The Basics
Once you’ve made it to the sleepy town of Amlapura, Puri Agung Karangasem is easy to explore independently. There’s a small ticket charge, and staff provide English-language information sheets. If you’re very lucky, a member of the royal family may be available to assist. That said, you’ll likely get more out of the experience if you travel with a guide who can provide transportation, cultural context, and historical details. (In general, due to heavy traffic, winding roads, and language barriers, booking a private guide or joining an organized tour can help you get the most out of your entire Bali trip.) Some east Bali tours bundle Puri Agung Karangasem with other Karangasem regal highlights, particularly Tirta Gangga Water Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Puri Agung Karangasem is an excellent choice for fans of Balinese culture, history, and architecture.
- While today east Bali is one of the poorest parts of the island, Karangasem was one of the most powerful of Bali’s sundry kingdoms.
- It is possible to stay in the Puri Agung Karangasem, as some rooms are available as a bed and breakfast.
- The main building of the palace is known as Maskerdam—an adaptation of the word Amsterdam—as it was a gift from Dutch colonial forces.
How to Get There
Set in Amlapura, just off Bali’s main east coast road, Puri Agung Karangasem is reasonably quick to reach with a private car and driver. Local buses operate from Batubulan, north of Denpasar, and Singaraja. Perama runs shuttle buses from popular tourist destinations including Amed, Ubud, and south Bali to Tirta Gangga, approximately 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) north of Puri Agung Karangasem.
When to Get There
Puri Agung Karangasem is open from morning until late afternoon daily and is blissfully uncrowded throughout the year, so there isn’t a bad time to visit. If visiting during Bali’s wet season (roughly October until March), consider coming in the morning for a slightly better chance of beating the rain.
I Gusti Bagus Djelantik, Karangasem’s Last King
The last raja (king) of Karangasem, Gusti Bagus Djelantik (Jelantik) ruled under the title Anak Agung Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem until 1966. Besides having a dozen wives, he was a master builder, expressing abstract meditations in architectural form. He built three water palaces: the Tirta Gangga Water Gardens, the Ujung Water Gardens (destroyed in a volcanic eruption), and the Puri Agung Karangasem.
Address: RT. Amlapura, Bali, Indonesia
Admission: Varies
From $ 61
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Set on the shores of Lake Bratan (Danau Bratan), close to the town of Bedugul, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is one of Bali’s most photographed temples. Built, like Taman Ayun Temple, by the king of Mengwi, the combination of multi-roofed shrines with mountains and reflecting lake is incredibly photogenic—one reason it’s so popular with tourists.
The Basics
Made up of five separate shrines, including one that’s actually in the lake and accessible by canoe, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan dates back to the 17th century. Around 4,065 feet (1,239 meters) above sea level, it’s a highlight of the misty Bedugul Highlands on the road to north Bali. Tours typically combine Pura Ulun Danu Bratan with other Balinese water temples, such as Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun, or with north Bali attractions, such as waterfalls and dolphins.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A regular scene on Bali postcards and, increasingly, Instagram, Ulun Danu Bratan temple is a must for aspiring photographers.
- If you choose to explore Bedugul, bring plenty of layers: Temperatures can drop so low that restaurants have open fires.
- It’s well worth buying fresh strawberries from the vendors: They’re locally grown.
How to Get There
Ulun Danu Bratan temple is in Bedugul on the main road north to Singaraja. The most convenient way for non-Indonesians to reach Bedugul independently is via the Perama shuttle bus from Kuta, Ubud, Sanur, Lovina, Padang Bai, or Candidasa. Some opt to self-drive, but the winding road can be tiring for a day trip, so many prefer a driver or an organized Bali tour.
When to Get There
Bedugul’s highland climate can turn surprisingly cold, particularly during the rainy season (roughly October through March). (Bedugul is cool and damp enough for strawberries to grow.) Arrive early in the morning to beat the worst of the crowds and have the best chance at a rain-free visit to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.
Bali’s Subak System
Around 1,000 years old, Bali’s “subak” system of cooperative rice cultivation has been recognized with UNESCO World Heritage status. Water temples, such as Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, and the lake goddess Dewi Danu, play a major part in keeping the rice terraces growing—one reason you’ll see so many pilgrims here.
Address: Candi Kuning, Indonesia
From $ 11
Purana Qila
With a history dating back thousands of years, the city of Delhi has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times by numerous leaders. Purana Qila serves as a reminder of the capital’s turbulent past as one of the oldest structures in Delhi and its oldest surviving fort.
Purana Qila was built during the rule of Afghan ruler Sher Shah between 1538 and 1545 in the midst of a power struggle between him and Humayun, the son of Babur, the first Mughal emperor. Humayun had built his own fort in the same spot in the 1530s but was forced out by Sher Shah, who proceeded to destroy what Humayun had built and establish his own capital.
Purana Qila was built during the rule of Afghan ruler Sher Shah between 1538 and 1545 in the midst of a power struggle between him and Humayun, the son of Babur, the first Mughal emperor. Humayun had built his own fort in the same spot in the 1530s but was forced out by Sher Shah, who proceeded to destroy what Humayun had built and establish his own capital.
Practical Info
Today, all that remains of Purana Qila are the massive red sandstone
ramparts with three gateways providing entrance. Within the old fort,
only two buildings remain, Sher Shah’s personal mosque -- a pre-Mughal
domed structure dating back to 1941, and a two-floor sandstone and
marble tower used by Humayun as a library after he retook the city in
1555.
Address: New Delhi, ND, India
From $ 5
Qianmen Street
Qianmen Street is a famous commercial street in the heart of Beijing that has been restored to its former glory after initially being established in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911).
The street was once the entrance to Beijing city and is now bustling with various shops and eateries. The area has the architectural style of old Peking, and is home to 50 courtyards and hutongs that are listed as protected heritage sites. Many of the traditional shops in the area have been in operation for well over a century.
Visitors can approach Qianmen Street from either its north of south entrance. The Dangdang Che (trams) that ran in Beijing from the 1920s until the 1960s can also be found running the length of the street. These are modelled on the old trams and serve as sightseeing cars for tourists.
Practical Info
To visit Qianmen Street, take Subway Line 2 and alight at Qianmen Station. A number of bus routes also serve the area.
Address: Qianmen Street, Beijing 100050, China
From $ 18
Putrajaya Bridge
Putrajaya Bridge, perhaps the most important bridge in Malaysia, spans Putrajaya Lake at a length of 1,427 feet (435 meters). Inspired by the Khaji Bridge in Iran, the Putrajaya Bridge combines cable backstays and steel tiebacks to create an elegant, sail-like appearance reminiscent of Santiago Calatrava’s sculptural bridges.
The lower level of the bridge accommodates motor traffic and a monorail across the lake, connecting the Government Precinct in the North to a Mixed Development Precinct in the South, while the upper level carries a pedestrian path for jogging, walking or cycling. It’s also a popular spot for watching the sun set over Putrajaya Lake in the evening. At night, changing colored lights illuminate the bridge.
Practical Info
The Putrajaya Bridge is located in the town of Putrajaya, about 40 minutes outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Address: Putrajaya, Malaysia
From $ 12