Things to Do in Asia

The halls of this regal-looking museum are filled with art from not only from India, but from the eastern and western worlds. Travelers who venture to the entry of this imposing white structure will find works dating as far back at the 2nd century and as recent as the 20th century. And while the museum showcases the best of local art and culture, visitors will also find plenty of nods to Greek, Roman, and other European influences. 

The stone sculptures, bronze statues, jade carvings, handmade tapestries and colorful Buddhist paintings are just part of what makes the Salar Juang Museum one of Hyderabad’s most popular attractions. An optional audio guided tour unlocks more of the history of the stunning works inside the museum’s halls and travelers say even a couple of hours isn’t enough to take in all of Salar Jung’s collection.

The Gothic twin bell towers of this classic cathedral stretch high into the skyline, marking this as a destination for those looking to escape the buzz of Ho Chi Minh and find some quiet contemplation. Saigon Notre-Dame’s striking red façade and towering stone archways were constructed with materials imported from France in the 1800s. But its unique architecture is not the only draw to this iconic city landmark. In 2005, visitors reported seeing tears flow from the eyes of a statue of the Virgin Mary here, making it a destination for Catholics on religious pilgrimage. 

Thailand is very rightfully famous for its orchids — more than 1,300 documented species grow in the country and it’s the largest exporter of tropical orchids in the world. While Chiang Mai has no shortage of gardens to visit, one of the most unique to the area (and most colorful) is the Sai Nam Phung Orchid Farm.

The biggest orchid farm in Chiang Mai is also to very nearly every species native to Thailand, including the incredibly rare Vanda coerulea alba, or “Pure White,” orchid. The variety of shapes and colors is staggering, and visitors to the farm get to learn about how the flowers are grown. The onsite gift shop sells lovely orchid- and butterfly-themed souvenirs you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Sabang is a small fishing village on the western coast of Palawan. It is dominated by a long, wide stretch of white beach, framed by mountains and lapped by calm waters. The main attraction here is the Underground River, an intriguing river system full of stalagmites that runs beneath the forested mountainside and is one of the Seven New Wonders of the Natural World.

Tours to the Underground River tend to leave from Puerto Princesa and return the same day, but if you have time to linger in Sabang, you’ll find there’s more to it than its most famous attraction. The beach itself is pristine and devoid of crowds, making it easy to spend hours simply relaxing and enjoying the views. Those looking for more action can take a mangrove paddle boat tour at the eastern end of town, fly the Sabang Zipline, go climbing, explore caves, or take a dip in the pools of the Sabang Falls.

Booking an Underground River tour independently involves obtaining permits and often long waiting times for boats. If only visiting Sabang for the Underground River, avoid this by booking a day tour from Puerto Princesa. Some tours include a paddle boat ride as part of the itinerary.

Around two hours’ drive from Yogyakarta, Sadranan Beach is one of the stars of Gunung Kidul’s coastline. Here you can swim, catch some rays, canoe, snorkel, or enjoy a stand-up paddleboarding session amid golden sands, clear waters, simple restaurants, and some of the best coral in this part of Java. You can also camp overnight.

There’s a nominal fee to enter Sadranan Beach, with other small charges for parking and camping. The “warung” eateries on the beach peddle water and simple meals—noodles, rice, and fresh fish—and you can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear by the hour. If you want to spend the night, you’ll need to bring your own camping accoutrements. 

Relatively few tours visit Sadranan Beach, and those that do treat it as a fun break on an adventure tour from Yogyakarta.

Sadranan Beach is located 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Yogyakarta, and the drive takes about two hours. Be aware that traffic is even more gridlocked on weekends, and the driving in Indonesia is not for the faint-hearted. However, public transport isn’t really an option unless you speak Indonesian and are planning to camp overnight.

Sadranan Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations for the bustling university city of Yogyakarta. On weekends and Indonesian public holidays, the beach can get unpleasantly crowded, with traffic even slower than normal. As with many Indonesian beaches, garbage in the water can be an issue during wet season; for the most pristine experience, visit between July and September.

While not known for its beaches, Java can deliver. G-Land, on Grajagan Bay, east Java, is a world-class surf break with golden sands to match; the Karimunjawa Archipelago, off the north coast, offers a welter of white-sand islands ripe for exploring. In addition to Sadranan, other beaches near Yogyakarta include Kukup, Parangtritis, and Pok Tunggal.

The 18th-century Safdarjung’s Tomb, though not as well known as some of New Delhi’s bigger, older Mughal-era tombs, is worth a visit for its beautiful Mughal architecture and pleasant lack of crowds. It’s a peaceful place to escape traffic noise, and its location at the border of Central and South Delhi make it a convenient spot for a visit.

 

As its name suggests, Safdarjung’s Tomb is the final resting place of the Viceroy of Awadh—popularly known as Safdarjung. The Mughal-style structure was built in 1754, making it the newest of India’s closed garden tombs, and much of its architectural inspiration was drawn from the better-known Humayun’s Tomb to the east. Like many Indian tombs of its era, it features a char bagh (four-quarter) garden as well as an intricate interior featuring carved floral designs in marble and red sandstone. 

 

Safdarjung’s Tomb is often visited independently or on a combined tour with the nearby Lodi Gardens. It also features on some full-day tours of Delhi.

 

 

Safdarjung’s Tomb is located where Sri Aurobindo Marg and Lodhi Road meet, making it easy to access by road from Central or South Delhi. The Jorbagh metro station is a 4-minute walk from the tomb’s eastern entrance.

 

Safdarjung’s Tomb is open from sunrise to sunset Tuesday through Sunday. It generally doesn’t get too crowded here, though to beat the heat—especially in May and June—opt for an early-morning visit. Best to avoid the tomb during the monsoon season, as the gardens and pathways get muddy.

 

Delhi is full of fascinating tombs, from the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Humayun’s Tomb to smaller, Archaeological Survey of India–managed mausoleums of lesser-known nobility and rulers scattered throughout local neighborhoods and parks. Many city tours focus on these majestic tombs, allowing visitors to see the evolution of older constructions (such as those found in Lodi Gardens) to relatively young tombs, such as that of Safdarjung.

Well-kept grounds, beautiful fountains, a small museum and towering marble elephants are just part of what makes Sahelion Ki Bari a destination for travelers visiting Udaipur. Its unique history adds to the wonder of this enchanted city escape, since these quiet lotus pools, open pavilions and lush landscapes were originally created as respite for a group of 48 women who traveled with a princess to the city as a part of her marriage dowry. Today, visitors can wander the grounds where queens once watched dancers perform and explore the famous fountains that shower natural lake water in a landscape that visitors describe as almost rainforest-like. Be sure to pack a camera. Despite some noted maintenance needs, Sahelion Ki Bari remains a picture-perfect destination.

Located within easy reach of Kota Kinabalu city center, the Sabah State Museum is a comprehensive museum exploring the heritage, art, culture, and daily life of Sabah and its people.

The museum is made up of the main building, along with galleries exhibiting the various themes, including the Science and Education Center, the Heritage Village, the Sabah Art Gallery and the Museum of Islamic Civilization. Natural history, ceramics, ethnography and archaeology are among the many displays, along with a centerpiece whale skeleton.

The Heritage Village features traditional tribal dwellings of the different indigenous groups of Sabah set on a lake, including Kadazan bamboo houses and a Chinese farmhouse, all set on a lake. The Science and Education Center next door has an interesting exhibition on the petroleum industry, while the the Sabah Art Gallery features exhibitions by local artists.

Sahakari Spice Farm provides an excellent first introduction to India's spice-growing and production. Here you'll get to see where your spices come from and learn about how they’re grown, dried, and processed. If they’re daring enough, guests can also try their hand at swinging from betel-nut palms.

This farm is situated on a 130-acre (53-hectare) plot, 60 acres (24 hectares) of which grow spices, herbs, and fruits. Plants here include cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, peppers, cloves, curry ginger, and turmeric; cashews, Goa's most famous crop, are also processed at the farm. Although spices are the star attraction at Sahakari, there’s also a rustic restaurant here where meals are served in earthenware pots or from plates made from banana leaves.

 

The farm is located in Ponda, an inland town situated about an hour’s drive southeast of Panaji or half an hour from Old Goa. It’s not easy to get here by public transit, and it's a bit far to walk to from the Ponda town center. Travelers who don't have their own means of transportation (such as a motorscooter) are best off taking a taxi or coming as part of an organized tour.

Sahakari Spice Farm is open to visitors every day from 9:30am to 4:30pm. As many spices can grow year round, there's no ideal time to visit, though the monsoon rains from June through September can turn an otherwise pleasant farm visit into a muddy experience. Arrive first thing in the morning to avoid the unrelenting midday heat.

Visitors to India often like to pick up spices as souvenirs to bring back to their food-obsessed friends, but with myriad sold  in markets across the country it can be hard to know where to start. Safe bets include classics such as turmeric (haldi) or cardamom (elaichi), though many travelers prefer to purchase premade spice mixes, such as garam masala (literally “hot spices,” used in all sorts of dishes) or spices for making masala chai, India’s most famous tea.

India’s film and television industry got the name “Bollywood,” derived from America’s Hollywood, as Bombay (Mumbai) became the center of Hindi cinema. It remains at the center of Indian culture and entertainment. Some of Bollywood’s most famous productions have come out Mumbai’s S.J. Studios, of one of its premier filming locations. Bollywood films are shot here 365 days a year, and by some of the industry’s top actors. On set tours show everything from hospitals to a police station and a cafe, all used as the backdrop for Bollywood productions. 

Visitors have the chance to get a peek into the present world of Bollywood, immersed in dancing or action scenes. There is also a portrait gallery of Bollywood stars, demonstrating its progression from black and white to the special effects of today. With eight full-sized sets open to guests, chances are high that you’ll see a filming taking place. 

Sajjangarh Palace (known as the Monsoon Palace) is set on a hilltop with fantastic city views. It was originally built as a getaway during the monsoon season and as an astrological center, but the latter project was never finished. The palace has also been used as a royal hunting lodge, and even appeared in the James Bond film Octopussy.

 

High on a hilltop, about 1,100 feet (335 meters) above Lake Pichola, Sajjangarh Palace offers some of the best views in Udaipur. This nine-story palace is made from white marble, carved with intricate floral designs. Most visits take place during the day, as part of a tour of Udaipur, but the palace is a sight to behold when viewed from a distance at night, when it's illuminated with dozens of floodlights.

 

 

The Monsoon Palace is located up a steep, winding road, just outside of Udaipur's main city, and it's only accessible by motor vehicle (auto rickshaws are not allowed). Getting there from city center locations such as the City Palace or railway station takes about a half-hour by car.

 

Udaipur’s weather is most pleasant between November and February, when the sun is not as bright or strong. The hottest months are May and June, and the monsoon from late June through August can make the city feel gloomy (though heavy rainfall usually isn’t an issue here). The palace is open daily 9am to 6pm.

 

The palace is surrounded by the beautifully preserved Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which wraps around the palace and is hemmed in by the Kishan Pol wall. Ironically, the area was previously a shooting reserve, though today the many creatures here, including jackals, wild boars, reptiles, and even tigers and panthers, are protected.

This bustling river port in the heart of Dhaka is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Some 500 passengers arrive every hour of the day and embark on into the eclectic city streets that meet the dock. Travelers can venture into the port, where photographers say it’s possible to spend the day snapping photos of the hundreds or large and small ships that make their way through the surrounding waters. Adventurous travelers can hire a paddle boat and take a trip across the black waters of the Buriganga River. Visitors agree its diverse markets, incredible views and access to the lives of locals make it a destination among travelers seeking to experience real Dhaka. 

The Saigon Opera House, aka Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theater, is a landmark piece of French colonial architecture. (Saigon was the colonial name for Ho Chi Minh City.) Built in 1897, it is home to the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra, but is best known for evening cultural shows, such as A O and Teh Dar.

 

The Saigon Opera House is an easy walk from other colonial-era masterpieces, including the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Basilica. As a landmark building, it’s a regular stop on Ho Chi Minh City tours. The only way to experience the interior is to buy tickets for a performance. Some Saigon Opera House ticket packages include round-trip transfers.

 

Cultural performances, such as the A O Show and Teh Dar, typically blend acrobatics, dance, drama, and tribal or folk elements. The Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra offers classical concerts, opera, ballet, modern dance, and more.

 

 

An easy walk from other District 1 attractions, including the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Opera House sits on Lam Son Square. The 49 bus stops here, as do some hop-on hop-off bus sightseeing tours. The Grab app takes the strain out of negotiating with motorbike and 4-wheeled taxi drivers in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

As with other Vietnam tourist attractions, the Saigon Opera House gets insanely busy over the Vietnamese New Year (Tet) holidays. Evening is the best time to appreciate the spectacular 19th-century facade, which is dressed up in lights, and, of course, to enjoy a performance. Book ahead of time when reserving show tickets for weekends.

 

Designed by French architects in the Belle Epoque style, the Saigon Opera House opened to the public in 1900 under the name of Theatre de Saigon. Theater companies from both France and Vietnam performed. After being damaged during World War II, it served variously as a theater, a refuge for French citizens, and home to part of the government of South Vietnam.

Welcome to the largest oceanarium in the world! Part of the 8-hectare Marine Life Park complex, the S.E.A. Aquarium houses more than 100,000 animals of 800 species in 45,000,000 liters of water. The aquarium comprises 10 zones with 49 habitats; the Strait of Karimata & Java Sea, the Strait of Malacca & Andaman Sea, the Bay of Bengal & Laccadive Sea, the Persian Gulf & Arabian Sea and the Shark Seas, to name a few, are all represented at S.E.A. Aquarium. Popular species include the bottlenose dolphin, the scalloped hammerhead shark, the goliath grouper, the Japanese spider crab as well as relatively uncommonly exhibited species such as the guitarfish and the chambered nautilus.

The most popular feature of the aquarium, outside its outstanding selection of marine fauna, is its awe-inspiring viewing panel. Officially the world's largest, at 36-meter (118 feet) wide and 8.3-meter (27 feet) tall, it gives visitors the feeling of literally standing on the ocean floor. Other notable features include the world’s largest collection of manta rays (which includes the only giant oceanic manta ray in captivity) and fine specimens of jellyfishes.

A Balinese Hindu site, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is populated by some 700 long-tailed Balinese macaques that live in and around the forest. The monkeys are believed to protect the area and the three Hindu temples within—Pura Dalem Agung, Pura Beji, and Pura Prajapati—from evil spirits. 

The sanctuary’s primate residents are its most popular attraction, along with ancient temples, dense forest, and over 186 tree species. Stroll through the sacred site to observe the monkeys in action and snap photos with them from a safe distance, then explore the ancient 14th-century temples, which are used as places of worship for the Hindu community. Most Ubud sightseeing tours include a stop at the forest sanctuary, along with other popular attractions such as the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Goa Gajah Temple, and Ubud Palace. For a personalized experience, opt for a private tour. 

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is located within walking distance of downtown Ubud, roughly one mile (1.6 kilometers) away. To get there from Raya Ubud, the town’s main street, turn south onto Monkey Forest Road and continue downhill to the sanctuary. 

The best time to visit Ubud’s monkey forest is during the dry, warm months of June, July, and August. The forest makes a pleasant escape from the afternoon heat, but expect crowds during this time of year. 

As you approach the forest, some Balinese vendors try to sell travelers bananas to feed to the monkeys. However, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to observe and photograph the animals without resorting to luring them with food, which can be dangerous.

The Saigon River, the fast-flowing main artery of Ho Chi Minh City, is flanked by both modern skyscrapers and rural villages that give insight into old Vietnamese traditions. Used by locals to escape the urban bustle, the riverbanks are dotted with picnic benches and greenery, making for a pleasant refuge from the metropolitan mania of Saigon.

The best way to experience the Saigon River, and to get a different perspective of Ho Chi Minh City from the water, is during a cruise on either a traditional Vietnamese junk boat or speedboat. Most tours depart just before sunset, when the evening light casts a magical glow on diverging waterways and floating villages, and include free-flowing alcoholic drinks and Vietnamese-style dishes. If you have limited time, speedboat tours along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi Tunnels are a popular choice. 

The Saigon River twists and turns throughout most of Ho Chi Minh City, so wherever you are in Saigon, you’re bound to be close to the river. Most cruise tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you the hassle of making your way to the river yourself. 

Sunrise and sunset are undoubtedly the most atmospheric times to experience the Saigon River. In southern Vietnam, the rainy season falls between May and November; visit outside of these months for cooler temperatures and far fewer downpours.

With its hurtling mopeds and dense traffic, Ho Chi Minh City doesn’t lend itself well to leisurely walking. However, if you follow the path from Ton Duc Thang Street along the Saigon River, you’ll find a refreshingly uncluttered path that reveals French colonial naval buildings, local fishing traditions, the old Saigon banking district, and much more. 

Often mistaken for the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Sagano expands north of the Togetsukyo Bridge in Kyoto. The tranquil area encompasses some of Kyoto’s most stunning landscapes. With rural residential areas, mountains dotting the horizon, fields ablaze with color and a famous bamboo forest, Sagano may just be one of Japan’s prettiest (and lesser known) spots. 

By far, Sagano is best known for its bamboo groves. Walking trails wind through the forest, with thin, tall bamboos lining either side. Sun light filters through the narrow trunks, casting shadows along the path. Beyond the grove, one of the best ways to experience Sagano is on bicycle. In addition to the bamboo groves, there are numerous temples to explore, as well as the river and the well-traveled bridge. This idyllic nook on the outskirts of Kyoto should not be missed. 

Sagarmatha National Park, in Nepalese meaning “the forehead of the sky”, is located in the Himalayan region in eastern Nepal and is the highest national park in the world. Since it includes Mount Everest, the park reaches an elevation of 8848 meters on the very summit. Not only does the park bring in heaps of visitors for the Mount Everest Trek to Everest Base Camp, but also to experience numerous other trails, breathtaking beauty and various craggy peaks. Due to the altitude, the vegetation in the park is rather sparse – only a small part is forested and includes trees such as firs, hemlocks, junipers, rhododendron and birches. Some other stretches of land are used for farming potatoes, but most of it is dominated by highlands of rock, snow and ice. But despite the seemingly inhospitable conditions, the biodiversity and fauna is enormous, ranging from black bears, snow leopards and yaks to smaller animals such as the wild goats named thars, red pandas, martens and marmots.

Because of its unique beauty and wild landscapes, Sagarmatha National Park isn’t only an attraction for high-altitude mountaineers and trekkers interested in the several day long march to Everest Base Camp. Even travelers who are not that fond of crazy altitudes can find enough trails and the fascinating nature of the Himalayas in the lower parts of the park. Apart from the scenery and countless hiking trails, Sherpa villages, for example the important religious center Teng Boche as well as Monju and Khumjung and monasteries, such as the Thame Gomba and the Khumjung Gomba can be visited. There is even a natural history and ethnographic museum at the visitor center in Namche Bazaar.

Please note that UNESCO listed Sagarmatha National Park as “severely affected” by the earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks in Nepal in late April and early May 2015. Authorities have said they will do all they can to restore historic and cultural sites in Nepal and are assessing the extent of damages.