Marvel at Some of Asia’s Most Stunning Natural Wonders

Asia has a reputation for overcrowded, over-visited places, so much so that Thailand was forced to close island beaches to protect ecosystems. The continent is brimming with natural wonders, you just need to know where to look to find the unspoiled beauty.

January 12, 2021

By: Lucy Sherriff

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Kapas Island, Malaysia

A pristine gem east of mainland Malaysia, Kapas Island has a stunning range of coral reefs while rickety wooden pathways lead from one secluded beach to the next. Snorkelling is the best way to while away the hours, keeping an eye out for schools of sharks and turtles. With no cars – or even roads – on the island, this is as natural as you’ll get.

Inle Lake, Myanmar

Inle is the country’s second largest lake and covers more than 40 square miles. It’s home to species that are found nowhere else in the world. Scenic waterfalls, stunning mountain ranges and breathtaking hikes can be found all along the water’s edge. The southern part of the lake is a more remote experience and there are some spectacular floating villages and gardens.

Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia

One of the world’s oldest rainforests is home to rare Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, and 3,000 species of plants and flowers. Covering more than 1,600 square miles, visitors can trek, white water raft, and explore caves, as well as bird watching and mountaineering in a park that’s some 130 million years old.

Stone Forest, China

Also known as the “Shilin”, the forest is a set of limestone formations in Shilin Yi Autonomous County in Yunnan Province. Spanning 100,000 acres, the Shilin took around 270 million years of erosion and seismic activity to create. Not only are the towering rocks spectacular, but there are caves, waterfalls, and it’s teeming with wildlife to boot.

Mt Kelimutu, Indonesia

This stunning mountain in Flores, Indonesia has three volcanic crater lakes, each differing in color. Not only that, but they change in shade throughout the year. Each has a haunting name: Lake of the Ancestors Souls, Lake of Young People’s Souls, and Lake of Evil Spirits. The lake was discovered in 1914, and scientists have since discovered that the changes occur due to the different mineral contents in the waters.

Gobi Desert, China and Mongolia

Stretching across northern China and southern Mongolia, the vast arid region is a sight to behold. It’s known for its snow leopards and camels. If the rolling golden dunes weren’t enough, there’s an incredible ice field located in the Yolyn Am canyon, as well as dinosaur fossils in the burnt-red “Flaming Cliffs.”

Tubbataha Reef, Philippines

This wonder is underwater. The marine park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains 360 types of coral, almost 90% of all coral species in the entirety of the Philippines. It features a 100 meter-tall perpendicular wall, huge lagoons, and coral islands. Home to tiger sharks, barracuda, whales, dolphins, and 700 species of fish, the reef is a breathtaking example of marine life at its finest.