Besides visiting popular tourist hotspots all around the world, why not consider exploring destinations that are not as well-known, but still filled with hidden gems that have yet to be discovered by most travellers around the globe?
Seek out new adventures by visiting one of these 5 destinations, and you may be surprised by what you find.
Want to see a different side of South Korea? A great place to visit is Jeju – it has a mild sub-tropical climate, which makes it perfect for those who are looking to be out and about in nature. Spend time hiking Hallasan or Seongsan Ilchulbong that rises straight out of the sea, then discover the many waterfalls that dot the island. For something a little more relaxing, visit one of the many beachside cafes, or stay in a cottage-style holiday home that is made of black lava rock. If you’re into flowers, aim to visit in the spring, when the island will be covered in a sea of pink cherry blossom trees and yellow canola fields.
Yogyakarta is a treasure trove of culture and heritage. Those who visit this city usually spend time exploring the grounds of Borobudur, which is located about 40km away from the city. This famous Buddhist temple, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a huge structure that cannot be missed. There are three tiers: a pyramidal base at the bottom, three circular platforms in the middle, and a monumental stupa that sits at the top. But that’s not all – there are also 72 openwork stupas, and each contains a statue of Buddha. For an experience that you’ll never forget, aim to arrive at 5am, and watch as the sun rises over the surrounding landscape.
Visit Guangzhou in Southern China, and you’ll find a bustling port city that’s built on the banks of the Pearl River. It’s known for delicious Cantonese cuisine as well as notable structures; some of the latter include the Guangzhou Opera House as well as the famous Canton Tower, a 604-metre tall skyscraper that resembles a thin hourglass. Hop on a high-speed lift to the outdoor observation deck and you’ll soon find yourself overlooking the cityscape. For a greater way to take in the panoramic views, hop onto one of the sixteen “crystal” passenger cars that travel on a track that’s built at the edge of the roof. Warning: this activity is not for the faint-hearted.
Vibrant culture, delightful street food, hipster boutique outlets, and a world-class party scene – these are some of the things that Berlin is best known for. It is also a great place to visit if you’re into iconic architecture. At the top of this list is the Brandenburg Gate, a monument and a sandstone gate in the heart of the city. Although it used to be a memorial of division when the Berlin Wall was constructed, these days, it is a national symbol of peace and unity – so if you’re in this city, make time to visit this landmark, before seeing the rest of Germany’s atmospheric capital!
Mention Japan and metropolitan cities like Tokyo and Osaka come to mind. But Sapporo, in the northern island of Hokkaido, is equally fascinating. Given its latitude, its great as a winter getaway – think world-class ski resorts, snow festivals featuring gigantic ice sculptures, and more. That said, this destination is no less spectacular in the other seasons, and one of the best things to do is to take a scenic trip to Lake Toya, a volcanic caldera lake, where you’ll find hot spring resorts. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be ecstatic to taste some of the city’s most beloved delicacies – including ramen, beef, snow crabs, and of course, its eponymous beer, Sapporo!
Planning to escape the ordinary? As a KrisFlyer member, you’ll earn KrisFlyer miles when you fly on Scoot to and from these destinations. Alternatively, you can also choose to redeem your KrisFlyer miles for that long-awaited getaway.
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