Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Apart from the beaches, Koh Samui’s distinctive icon is the golden Big Buddha Temple - or Wat Phra Yai - visible above the red-tiled rooftops on the island’s north coast.
The 12 meter (40 foot) Buddha statue is visible from several kilometers away, and even from an airplane if you’re arriving or departing by air.
The temple, shops and restaurants cluster at the base of the statue, and ceremonial stairs lead up to the top for terrific island views.
Practical Info
The Big Buddha Temple is near the airport, on Koh Samui’s north-east coast.
The temple sits on a hill at the end of a causeway at the eastern end of Hat Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach).
Address: Highway 4171, Hat Bang Rak 84140, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Bitexco Financial Tower
With nearly 70 floors, this towering modern glass and metal structure is the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City and the third tallest in Vietnam. While the majority of Bitexco Financial Tower is dedicated business and commercial use, it’s also home to the city’ first heli-pad, a world-class restaurant and an observation deck that offers up some of the most impressive views of the city.
Travelers can purchase tickets to the skydeck, or hop aboard the high-speed elevator to the 50th and 52nd floor, where a bar and coffee shop showcase 360-degree spectacular views of city streets, rivers, and Ho Chi Minh architecture—free of charge—to those willing to buy a beverage as they relax and unwind.
Practical Info
The tower is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh’s financial center. Stationed at Nguyen Hue, it’s easily accessible via the Saigon Bridge, Thu Thiem Tunnel and a short drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
Address: 45 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Admission: Charge for Skydeck
From $ 9
Bogyoke Aung San Market
Since 1926 this city heritage site known for its rare antiques, old coins, Burmese jade and black market moneychangers has been a destination for locals and travelers alike. The halls of this crowded labyrinth are lined with bustling stalls where local artists sell traditional handicrafts, handmade clothes and hearty regional dishes.
Bogyoke Aung San Market has one of the largest selections of traditional longyi and gemstones, and since the first sale of the day is considered good luck, those who arrive early are likely to get some of the best prices. Travelers can watch jade being fashioned into earrings or bracelets and see clothes being stitched by hand on the second floor of Bogyoke.
Visitors looking to escape the intensity of the market and the sounds of the city can stop into the nearby Holy Trinity Cathedral for some peace and quiet contemplation.
Bogyoke Aung San Market has one of the largest selections of traditional longyi and gemstones, and since the first sale of the day is considered good luck, those who arrive early are likely to get some of the best prices. Travelers can watch jade being fashioned into earrings or bracelets and see clothes being stitched by hand on the second floor of Bogyoke.
Visitors looking to escape the intensity of the market and the sounds of the city can stop into the nearby Holy Trinity Cathedral for some peace and quiet contemplation.
Practical Info
The bazaar is located on Bogyoke Aung San Road in Pabedan Township in the central part of the city. Travelers looking to exchange money can visit the larger jewelry merchants, who are sometimes able to change bills at better rates.
Address: Bo Gyoke Rd, Yangon, Myanmar
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 8am-4.30pm
Sunday: Closed
From $ 28
Bintang Walk
To truly feel the pulse of Kuala Lumpur, plan to spend a few hours walking one of its busiest streets, Bintang Walk. Located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, a neighborhood with the highest concentration of shopping outlets in the city, Bintang Walk runs along the area’s main artery, Jalan Bukit Bintang, but has come to encompass the surrounding area as well.
While the shopping scene is what initially attracted tourists and locals to the area, Bintang Walk has grown beyond a mere commercial center. There’s plenty of shopping to be done, but the streets here are also lined with cafes, hip nightclubs, eateries and vendors serving up just about anything one could want. This is also one of the best areas in the city to find Arabian food.
While Bintang Walk is buzzing throughout the week, weekend evenings are the prime time to see the area at its peak of activity, as a mixture of local youth and foreign tourists congregate to shop, eat, drink, see and be seen.
Practical Info
Bintang Walk is a popular area near Kuala Lumpur’s center with its own metro station.
Address: Bintang Walk, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Daily
From $ 41
Binh Tay Market
At the heart of Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese district, the central Binh Tay Market is a popular spot among visitors and tour groups thanks to the backdrop of picturesque French-Chinese architecture. The modern market was built in 1928 after the original burned down. A Chinese businessman Quach Dam funded the reconstruction, and you can find a memorial to him at the center of the market. The ornate statue of Quach Dam that was the market’s original centerpiece now resides at the Fine Art Museum. Binh Tay is Ho Chi Minh City’s largest market, comprising four city blocks. During a visit here, you can peruse a mind-boggling array of wares, everything from pottery and flowers to cheap souvenirs, noodle stalls and vendors selling bulk rice and wholesale produce.
Practical Info
Binh Tay Market is located in the southwest of the city, a 17-minute drive from Dong Khoi and 35 minutes from Tan Son Nhat Airport. The market is open throughout the day, but the best time to visit is in the morning.
Address: 57 Tháp Mười, 2, Quận 6, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Hours: Daily, hours vary
From $ 9
Boh Tea Plantation
The Boh Tea Plantation is one of those must-visit places when in the Cameron Highlands. The largest manufacturer of tea in Malaysia, Boh Plantations have a tea shop, factory, and around 8000 acres of planted tea at this site, all set against a backdrop of rolling green hills.
The Boh Tea Plantation is not particularly easy to reach, with a narrow, seven-kilometer access road winding up the hill to the plantation. It’s therefore recommended to visit as part of a larger tour so that transport is taken care of, allowing you to gaze out at the scenery along the way. A trip to the plantation can be combined with a visit to Tanah Rata Town, the Strawberry Farm, Brinchang Temple, and a number of local markets.
On arrival at the Boh Tea Plantation, you’ll be able to tour the factory where the tea is processed. There’s also an open-air tea shop, where you can sample tea (and cakes) while taking in the vistas of undulating slopes with neat rows of planted tea. Taking a guided tour of the processing plant is especially fascinating, particularly for avid tea lovers, with the five steps of the tea making process explained in detail.
Practical Info
The access route to the Boh Tea Plantation lies around three kilometers beyond Ringlet Town, or six kilometers before Tanah Rata along the main road. Joining an organized tour is not essential, but recommended.
Did You Know? Between Boh Plantations' four tea gardens, nearly 9 million pounds (4 million kilograms) of tea are produced each year.
Address: 39200 Ringlet, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia, Malaysia
Hours: 9am-4:30pm Tuesday to Sunday
Admission: Free; dependent on tour
From $ 42
Big Buddha
Lantau Island’s Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) is a huge bronze seated Buddha at 112 feet (34 meters) tall. The statue is a popular pilgrimage site for travelers from Asia and around the globe who climb the 268 steps leading to its base for panoramic views of the South China Sea.
The Basics
Big Buddha is a popular day trip destination from Hong Kong, and most Lantau Island tours include a visit to the iconic statue. Explore the adjacent Po Lin Monastery and its Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, ride the skyrail cable car from Ngong Ping Village for picturesque views of the giant statue, and perhaps visit nearby attractions such as Tai O fishing village, famous for its stilted houses. For a personalized experience, opt for a private or small-group tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Big Buddha is a must-see for first-time visitors to Hong Kong.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Day trips to Lantau Island from Hong Kong typically last about eight hours.
- Big Buddha and the cable car ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping are both wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Big Buddha is located on Lantau Island, roughly one hour by road from Hong Kong. To get to the statue via public transportation, take the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) from Hong Kong to Tung Chung MTR Station. From there, hop on a bus or the scenic cable car railway to Ngong Ping Village.
When to Get There
The statue is open daily and is busiest on Saturdays and Sundays, when many locals and mainland tourists come to visit. Arrive early to avoid crowds and check the weather in advance, as views from the statue’s base are best on a clear day.
Design of the Big Buddha Statue
It took 12 years to plan and build the Big Buddha statue, partly due to the 32 symbolic markers (laksanas) that were incorporated into the piece from Buddhist scriptures (sutras). Each element is symbolic—from the pearls on Buddha’s head that represent his wisdom to the wheel of law etched on each palm, referencing the Buddha’s eternal truth that spreads out in all 10 directions of the universe.
Address: Lantau Island, China
From $ 19
Bogor Botanical Gardens
A charming escape from downtown Jakarta, the Bogor Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya) are some of southeast Asia’s oldest educational gardens, officially opening in 1817. More than 15,000 species of plants, including hundreds of palm species, deck 215 acres (87 hectares) of lush green grounds amid the cool, rainy highlands of West Java.
The Basics
There is a modest admission fee for the Bogor Botanical Gardens, which are big enough to merit spending at least half a day. Given their beauty and historical significance, they’re the highlight of any visit to Bogor and an essential stop on West Java highland tours, which also often include a trip to a tea plantation.
Bogor Botanical Gardens tours typically include highlights such as the Orchid House, the Water Garden, the Medicine Garden, and the orchidarium. History geeks will appreciate the cemetery, the Presidential Palace, and especially the memorial to Singapore founder Stamford Raffles’ first wife.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bogor Botanical Gardens are a must for garden admirers and anyone seeking a verdant respite from Jakarta’s bustle.
- With its lily-pond views, the Grand Garden Café makes an excellent spot for lunch.
- Bogor sees hundreds of thunderstorms every year, so bring an umbrella or poncho (or buy one at a minimart).
- Do not underestimate the journey time from Jakarta—it can take well over two hours at busy times of day.
- The Bogor Botanical Gardens are mostly accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Bogor Botanical Gardens are 36 miles (60 kilometers) south of Jakarta, about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)—or a 20-minute walk—from Bogor train station. Slow trains run from Jakarta and Bandung but can be very crowded during rush hour. If you’d like to combine your trip to the Kebun Raya with other West Java attractions outside Bogor, book a tour or private driver (or experience gridlock while driving on the left).
When to Get There
The Bogor Botanical Gardens are open from morning to late afternoon seven days a week. They are hugely popular with locals on Sundays, so a visit on that day is best avoided. If you’re traveling from Jakarta, traffic on the roads and the trains is lighter on Saturdays than on weekdays.
Bogor Botanical Gardens Research
During the Dutch colonial era, key cash crops were developed here, including tea (the first instance of tea being grown by a colonial power), the quinine tree, tobacco, and cassava. Today, Kebun Raya Bogor remains a globally known center of botanical research: the Indonesian Institute of Sciences operates the gardens.
Address: Jalan Ir. Haji Juanda No.13, Bogor, West Java 16122, Indonesia
From $ 84
Bogd Khan Palace Museum
This iconic palace is the only remaining residence of the eighth emperor of Mongolia. Built in the late 1800s, this popular attraction is home to six temples, as well as living quarters, a shop and a well-kept garden.
Visitors can explore the temples, which are dedicated to gods and deitys and covered in colorful Buddhist artwork. The displays are some of the nation’s most impressive and certainly worth of checking out. Travelers who wander through the halls of the residence will also find a vast collection of the Bogd Khan’s personal effects and prized possessions, including a large collection of taxidermied animals that offer evidence of his unique hobbies and interests.
Because Bogd Khan Palace Museum is located en route to the Zaisan Memorial, it’s easy to check out both destinations on a city tour or quick half-day trip to the south side of Ulaanbaatar.
Practical Info
The Bogd Khan Palace Museum is located on the southern side of Ulaanbaatar on the road to Zaisan.
Address: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
From $ 52
Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple & Museum
Often referred to simply as the Birla Mandir, the Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a striking white marble Hindu temple in Jaipur. The modern edifice—built in 1988 with an adjacent museum—is dedicated to the god Vishnu (the Preserver) and his consort Lakshmi, and features idols of the two deities carved from a single piece of marble.
The Basics
Open to visitors of all faiths, this peaceful temple features marble carvings of various gods and historical figures, from Jesus Christ to Socrates. Unusual for a Hindu temple, the Birla Mandir contains stained glass windows depicting scenes from Indian mythology. There is also a small museum containing personal items from the wealthy Birla family, who are behind the temple’s construction.
Most group and private Jaipur tours (including half-day and full-day tours as well as Golden Triangle tours that also visit Delhi and Agra) stop at the Birla Mandir.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Birla Mandir is ideal for those with an interest in architecture and Hindu traditions.
- Out of respect, cover your knees and shoulders before entering the temple.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
How to Get There
The Birla Mandir is located right below the Moti Dungri Fort, about a 15-minute drive from Jaipur’s City Palace and Pink City, and 10 minutes by car from Albert Hall. There’s plenty of parking here (for a small fee) just outside of the temple. Some visitors combine their visit with a stop at a popular Ganesh temple next door.
When to Get There
This temple is open throughout the year, from 6am in the summer season and 6:30am in the winter. It closes for a few hours each day around lunchtime, then for the night around 8:30pm. A lovely time to visit is first thing in the morning, when crowds are thin and the bright-white temple complex is wonderfully photogenic—it can appear overexposed if shot under the midday sun.
Makrana Marble
Many of India’s temples, hotels, and even some homes are full of beautiful white marble, much of it sourced from Rajasthan. Makrana produces the best-known white marble, which was used in a number of famous buildings including the Birla Mandir in Jaipur, the Victoria Memorial of Kolkata, and India’s most iconic attraction, the Taj Mahal.
Address: J Nehru Marg, Jaipur, India
From $ 13
Bogor
Located just 37 miles (60 km) south of Jakarta, the city of Bogor sits at the foot of Mount Salak. The city is known for its unpredictable weather and almost year-round rainfall and generally has a much cooler climate than the often stifling capital city of Jakarta.
Although the city has seen much development over the years, the heart of Bogor remains untouched; right at the center of town, amid the constant stream of traffic, stands the calm oasis that is Bogor’s world-famous Botanical Gardens. Here, visitors will find a tranquil lily pond and paved walkways leading around perfectly-manicured gardens and ancient gnarled trees.
The Botanical Gardens are connected to Bogor Palace, another of the city’s most famous attractions. The palace was built to serve as a country retreat for the Dutch governors in the mid-1700s and was once the residence of Sir Stamford Raffles. This incredibly regal building has distinctive architectural features and a fascinating history that sees a steady stream of visitors flock to it year after year.
Practical Info
It’s easy enough to travel from Jakarta to Bogor—simply hire a driver and prepare to settle back for around an hour or so. (Be aware that heavy traffic on weekends and public holidays can significantly increase journey times along the route from Jakarta to Bognor).
Address: Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
From $ 84
Blood Compact Monument
A bronze statue on a hilltop fronting the sea commemorates The Sandugo, a traditional tribal trust ceremony shared by regional chief Datu Skiatuna and Captain General Miguel López de Legazpi of Spain shortly after his arrival in Bohol in 1565. The symbolic gesture formed the foundation for lasting peace between the Spaniards and the Island residents.
The statue, near the site of the original ceremony, sits on small raised pedestal and depicts the two men seated in their period regalia and clanking glasses while three Spaniards look on approvingly. The blood compact required both men to create a small incision in their forearms, sprinkle blood in a glass of wine, exchange cups, and drink, thus solidifying the compact.
Practical Info
The monument is located off Tagbilaran East Road in the southern part of Tagbilaran City, just before the bridge to Panglao Island. Tricycles, public buses or jeepneys make the trip from the Integrated Bus Terminal 3 miles (4.5 km) to the north, and the site is included in many tours departing Tagbilaran City. Sunset is a popular time to visit for photos.
Address: Tagbilaran East Road, Tagbilaran City, Philippines
From $ 60
Birla Mandir Temple (Lakshmi Narayan)
Officially known as the Laxminarayan Temple in honor of the god Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity) and his consort Lakshmi, the beautiful Birla Mandir complex centers around one of the most significant temples in the Indian capital. Though built in the 1930s, it remains one of the finest local examples of modern temple architecture.
The Basics
Spread out over seven acres (three hectares), this large temple complex was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi himself in 1939, and was groundbreaking for its time in that it allowed people of all castes and backgrounds to enter. Although the main 3-story temple is dedicated to Vishnu and Lakshmi, it features shrines to numerous deities, including Shiva and the Buddha. The grounds are a fun place for families, with large plaster animals that are big enough for kids (or small adults) to climb on.
Birla Mandir is a popular stop on many group and private Delhi tours, particularly those focused on temples and religious sites. Some time their visits to coincide with the morning and evening aarti, a traditional Hindu ritual.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Birla Nadir is a must for lovers of religious and temple architecture.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temples but is permitted in the surrounding gardens.
- Secure lockers are available by the main entrance.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Birla Mandir is located about a 10-minute drive or auto-rickshaw ride west of New Delhi’s Connaught Place. The closest metro stop, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, is a 20-minute walk away. Generally it’s easiest to visit by taxi or as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
The Birla Mandir complex is open daily from 4:30am to 1:30pm and 2:30pm to 9pm. Like all Delhi attractions, it’s often more pleasant to spend time here during the cooler winter months. Especially if you’re visiting in the hot season (particularly May and June), you may want to get up early or visit after sunset to avoid the heat—and to catch an aarti ceremony.
The Birla Family Legacy
This temple (or mandir) is the oldest of many similarly named and equally grand Birla Mandirs built by one of India’s most prominent industrial families, the Birlas. Although there are Birla Mandirs dedicated to a variety of deities—from Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity, to the goddess of learning and music, Sarasvati—a good number are dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan, including the landmark Birla Mandir in Jaipur.
Address: New Delhi, India
From $ 15
Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)
Known for the blue tiles that cover its roof, Seoul’s Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae or Cheongwadae) sits at the foot of Mount Bugaksan and is the official residence of South Korea’s president. The house was built in the traditional Korean architectural style within a Joseon Dynasty–era royal garden.
The Basics
The Blue House is an ideal spot to appreciate traditional Korean architecture and learn about South Korea’s tumultuous history. Seoul sightseeing tours often stop by the Blue House, allowing you to see the structure from the outside. City tours typically visit the Blue House along with other local attractions such as Gyeonbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and the National Folk Museum. Small-group and private tour options are available, and it’s also possible to visit the Blue House independently on a hop-on, hop-off tour.
To see the interior, a formal application must be sent via mail or email at least three weeks in advance. If you gain permission, you can stroll through the gardens, visit the main building where the president lives and conducts business, and see the Main Office Hall (Bon-gwan), the State Reception House (Yeongbin-gwan), the Press Hall (Chunchu-gwan), and the Secretariat Buildings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Blue House is a must-see for history buffs and architecture lovers.
- Bring a camera to capture the Blue House with Bugaksan Mountain in the background.
- Tours of the grounds must be approved by a formal application sent via mail or email; applications must be submitted at least three weeks in advance.
- A passport is required to tour the grounds.
How to Get There
The Blue House is located in the Jongno-gu area of Seoul, adjacent to the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds. It is accessible by guided tour, taxi, and public transportation. To get there on the subway, take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station and leave via Exit 5. Then, head to Gwanghwamun Gate parking lot (east gate).
When to Get There
You can see the house’s exterior year-round. Guided tours of the grounds take place Tuesday through Friday and every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Visit at 10am on Saturdays to see the Military Honor Guard and Band perform outside the Blue House. The presidential residence is closed on Saturday, Monday, and national holidays.
The Blue House’s Auspicious Location
The Blue House was deliberately located at the foot of Mount Bukhansan. It is flanked by two other mountains—Naksan (symbolizing the azure dragon), and Inwangsan (symbolizing the white tiger). To the south is Namsan, said to be the capital’s protective mountain, while the Cheonggyecheon stream and Han River flow in front of the building.
Address: 1 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
From $ 18
Binlang Ethnic Village
Located in the heart of Hainan Island, about 40 minutes outside of Sanya, this former ethnic village has been transformed into a cultural park where visitors can learn about the traditional lifestyle of Hainan’s rural Li and Miao communities. Craftspeople demonstrate their skills in recreated old-style huts, while local villagers stage an outdoor dance production.
Two on-site museums display traditional Li and Miao clothing, arts and crafts. Should you see something you like, you’ll find numerous souvenir shops (bargaining accepted) with arts and crafts for sale. Electric cars ferry visitors to various points of interest within the village — a welcome amenity when feet start to feel tired.
Practical Info
Weekends at Binlang Ethnic Village can get crowded. If possible, plan your visit for a weekday instead.
Address: Ganshiling Nature Reserve, Sanya 572000, China
Hours: 9am-5pm
Admission: 160 RMB
From $ 50
Bhupatindra Malla Statue
Erected in 1699, this iconic statue of King Bhupatindra Malla is located at the Vatsala Durga Temple and the only remaining royal pillar in the Katmandu Valley. Travelers can see the former ruler’s hands folded into prayer atop this important city symbol. Detail-oriented visitors may even notice the small bird perched atop the serpent’s head, which is said to support the entire capital. Though tucked among some of the area’s most incredible examples of architecture, history and art, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla is not to be missed.
Practical Info
The statue is located in Bhaktapur Dubar Square near the 55 Window Palace, in front of the Vatsala Temple and the Golden Gate.
Address: Bhaktapur 44800, Nepal
From $ 91
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)
Built in 652, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) is one of Xi’an’s oldest structures. While its form follows the typical pagoda style of several successive levels, it lacks the decorative frills typically associated with such buildings in China. Within you’ll find Buddha statues and religious relics brought from India along the Silk Road.
The Basics
The stone Big Wild Goose Pagoda is one of Xi’an’s most notable landmarks, and it’s almost always included in city sightseeing tours around the ancient city. It’s usually visited along with other Xi’an attractions, such as the Terracotta Warriors in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xi’an City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and the Bell Tower.
Within the structure, a spiral staircase leads up to an overlook with a panoramic view of the city. Visitors pressed for time in China who still want to see this and other Xi’an highlights can do so with a day trip by air from either Beijing or Shanghai.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The pagoda is a must-see for first-time visitors and travelers with an interest in Chinese or religious architecture.
- Visitors must pay an entrance fee to Da Ci’en Temple, as well as a separate fee to climb the pagoda.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to climb the pagoda tower.
How to Get There
Several public buses stop at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, but the easiest way to get there is to take the Xi’an Metro to either Dayanta or Xiaozhai stations. The latter is about a 10-minute walk from the pagoda.
When to Get There
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is open daily throughout the year. For the best weather for enjoying this and other outdoor attractions in town, plan to visit from March to May or September to October.
Da Ci’en Temple
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda sits on the grounds of Da Ci’en Temple. While the grounds of the Buddhist temple are much smaller than their original size, they still exceed 12 acres (5 hectares). Xi’an’s Drum Tower and Bell Tower sit to either side of the entrance, with a series of structures running along its central axis, including the Hall of Mahavira, Sermon Hall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Hall of Xuanzang Sanzang.
Address: China
From $ 18
Boat Quay
There are a number of places to scope out Singapore’s cityscape and the historic Boat Quay is among the best. Once the epicenter of maritime trade, the famous Quay now boasts loads of great restaurants and bars housed in well-preserved old shop houses. Complete with open-air terraces, these mainstays of the Quay are heralded for not only their terrific viewpoint, but reasonably priced sea food as well.
Open through the late hours of the evening, one can sit back there and take a midday break from the urban sightseeing or have a romantic dinner as the city lights glimmer on the waterfront. The pedestrian area also contains a few great nightclubs and pubs, for those looking to stay out a bit later.
Among the structures you can spot from the Quay are the Parliament House and Empress Place Building along the North Boat Quay Promenade as well as the famous Fullerton Hotel.
Open through the late hours of the evening, one can sit back there and take a midday break from the urban sightseeing or have a romantic dinner as the city lights glimmer on the waterfront. The pedestrian area also contains a few great nightclubs and pubs, for those looking to stay out a bit later.
Among the structures you can spot from the Quay are the Parliament House and Empress Place Building along the North Boat Quay Promenade as well as the famous Fullerton Hotel.
Address: Singapore
From $ 14
Big Lagoon
With its limestone cliffs, emerald green waters, and craggy karst formations, the Big Lagoon can almost seem fake—too beautiful to possibly be real. This isn’t some tropical dream, however, but an actual place with a placid lagoon that’s perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
From the moment you enter the Big Lagoon on an island hopping tour from El Nido, the rest of the world seems to fade away, unable to penetrate the cliffs, and there’s a moment of stillness, serenity, and calm as smooth as the tropical waters. If you choose to jump off the boat for a swim when visiting the Big Lagoon, take a second to look back at your boat and notice how small and toy-like it appears at the base of the towering cliffs. Everything here is grandiose, and it’s little wonder why the Big Lagoon is considered one of the most scenic spots in El Nido, the Philippines, and the world.
Insider's Tip: The water looks dark when you enter the lagoon, but the rich green waters are actually very clear—particularly when visiting in winter.
Practical Info
The Big Lagoon is on Miniloc Island and one of the stops on “Tour A.” El Nido’s tourist routes are regulated by the government, and are designed to help with overcrowding and protecting the natural resources. December-March is the best time of year to visit the Big Lagoon, with the wettest months being June-August, which are prone to heavy rains. Crowds can definitely be lighter, however, if you visit El Nido in the off-season.
Address: Big Lagoon, El Nido, Philippines
From $ 32
Blahbatuh
Just outside of Ubud within the Gianyar Distric lies an even smaller sub district with the poetic name Blahbatuh, where, watched over by the peak of the holy mountain Mount Agung, a giant’s head rests inside the temple Pura Gaduh. The big stone head, sometimes even mistaken for a giant baby, is actually the portrait of Kebo Iwa, a legendary minister to the last king of the Bedahulu Kingdom. Apparently, Kebo Iwa was quite fond of food and ate so much that first his parents went bankrupt trying to provide for him, and afterwards, even the whole combined effort of his village didn’t manage to feed him. Still, in thanks, he helped built wells and damns and protected the villagers from conquerors. In short, he was a hero – until the invading troops from Majapahit Empire had him buried alive. The temple is a reconstruction of a former shrine, which was destroyed in an earthquake in 1917.
In Blahbatuh you can also find the temple Pura Kutri with a beautiful statue depicting Durga, the six-armed goddess of death and destruction killing a demonic water buffalo and if that doesn’t already sound exciting enough for you, the region is also known for the great views over the many rice paddies as well as the Tegenungan waterfall, which can be reached from Kemenuh village. There is also a royal palace from the 16th century, where the king used to grow and keep his orchids and while the flowers are no more, the place is still worth a visit.
Practical Info
Blahbatuh is located about 8 kilometers outside of Ubud, where most public busses going in that direction make a stop. From there, it’s easy to take a taxi or scooter to Blahbatuh.
Address: Ubud, Indonesia
From $ 54