When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Tokyo, Osaka and Hokkaido, right? These major tourist towns attract the highest number of traffic every year. However, Japan has many gorgeous islands and panoramic scenery in other cities too that is for sure, worth travelling to.

Countries such as India have over-populated cities that some may find too claustrophobic. What most leave out are the smaller suburban areas and the mountains that can be found away from the city that holds the same rich culture. If you have always been the adventurous type, why not take the road less travelled (literally)?

Here are 5 Unique Travel Destinations in Asia You Never Knew About – Treat Yourself To Asia’s Most Well-Kept Secrets.

Source: Foreigner CN

#1 HOH XIL, TIBET

Hoh Xil in Tibet is China’s largest and the world’s third largest uninhabited area and it home to massive wildlife.

This beautiful area is made up of the most beautiful mountainous landscapes and is one of the main sources of the Yangtze River. Get in touch with the very primal part of life, where you free yourself of worries and take in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Photo Credit: ecns

Average price of accommodation: Below S$40 a night for an Airnb apartment Cheapest flight price: S$950 return (excluding visa, compulsory to obtain) Average cost of food a day: S$20 (all meals) Total for 5 days (all expenses): Approx. S$1200

Source: Japan Guide

#2 SHODOSHIMA, JAPAN

As the second largest island in the Sento Inland Sea, this “Mediterranean-style” Japanese island is home to beaches, resorts and lovely coastal sceneries.

Check out soy sauce factories, olive farms and Monkey Park when you visit this island.

Photo Credit: therealjapan

Average price of accommodation: S$30 a night for AirBnb apartment, S$250 (hotel) Cheapest flight price: S$650 return, including two-way transfer from Tokyo Average cost of food a day: S$50 for all meals Total for 5 days (all expenses): S$1050 (Airbnb apartment), S$1900 (hotel)

Source: Garden of Dreams

#3 GARDEN OF DREAMS, NEPAL

This neo-classical historic garden, is a nice respite from the bustling city of Kathmandu and provides a very lovely and tranquil atmosphere.

Although Garden of Dreams is not a full city, it is a must-visit when you venture to Kathmandu to appreciate the historical monuments and the flora & fauna.

Photo Credit: tripadvisor

Average price of accommodation: S$50 a night (3-star hotel), $25 a night (AirBnb apartment) Cheapest flight price: S$600 return Average cost of food a day: S$25 for all meals Total for 5 days (all expenses): Approx S$885

Source: Danum Valley

#4 DANUM VALLEY, SABAH

This is for all the nature lovers out there. Danum Valley is situated in a rainforest where you can have a full-on experience learning about nature and going for nature walks.

You can choose to stay in the rainforest lodges where you will be treated to a very quintessential experience.

Photo Credit: borneo holidays

Average price of accommodation: S$40 per night for an AirBnb apartment (Rainforest lodge recommended but is much pricier) Cheapest flight price: S$130 Average cost of food a day: S$20 for all meals Total for 3 days (all expenses): S$270

Source: Kerala Tourism

#5 MUNNAR, INDIA

If you are a tea fan, look no further than Munnar, a fairly unknown part of the mountainous regions in India.

Despite this, Munnar houses beautiful tea plantations that span over large areas and has luxurious hotels and lodges where you can stay in, with mountain views.

Photo Credit: kerala tourism

Average price of accommodation: S$50 per night (Airbnb apartment), S$200 a night (luxurious mountain view hotel) Cheapest flight price: S$182 return Average cost of food a day: S$20 all meals Total for 5 days (all expenses): S$1000 (hotel), S$462 (AirBnb apartment)

Going on a hiking expedition is always an exciting adventure to look forward to. You get to temporarily disconnect from the overwhelmingly hectic lifestyle, explore the best of nature, and of course, burn all the undesirable calories you have gained from the holidays!

Few things in life are more liberating than reconnecting with Mother Nature.

From Hong Kong’s best urban hiking trail Dragon’s Back to Taiwan’s highest point Yushan National Park, here is our Guide to the 8 Best Hikes in Asia for Every Adventurous Traveller Out There.

#1 DRAGON’S BACK, HONG KONG

Are you looking for an easy hike with spectacular views?

Located in the outskirts of metropolis Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back boasts breathtaking panoramic backdrops of tall skyscrapers, coastal shores and its surrounding mountainous region. The best part is you can conquer Dragon’s Back within an hour if you embark on the shortcut that we have taken.

Source: Destination Chiangmai

#2 DOI INTHANON, THAILAND

Situated in the Chom Tong District of Chiang Mai Province, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s tallest mountain and is also otherwise known as Doi Ang Ka or Doi Luang. The highest peak is at 2,565 metres and the majestic hilltop is home to several hundred species of flora and fauna.

Doi Inthanon is also exceptionally popular amongst avid birdwatchers and enthusiastic hikers.

Source: Jess Hay

#3 MOUNT BATUR, BALI, INDONESIA

Mount Batur – an active Balinese volcano – last erupted in year 2000 but has fallen back into a deep slumber for the past decade and a half. Rising 1,717 metres above sea level, a hike up the scenic Indonesian mountain can be completed within two hours one-way by fit climbers.

Source: Remote Islands

#4 MOUNT BROMO, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

It takes approximately four hours to drive from Surabaya – the capital of East Java – to active Indonesian volcano Mount Bromo, but the long journey has not deterred many from hiking up the prominent volcanic mountain. Needless to say, the scenery is incredibly beautiful.

Source: Chuck Jonkey

#5 MOUNT KINABALU, MALAYSIA

Nestled by the lush greenery of UNESCO World Heritage Site Kinabalu Park, Mount Kinabalu is a natural attraction located just under a short 2-hour drive away from the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.

Standing at 4,095 metres, the towering mountain is simply unmissable.

#6 TAROKO NATIONAL PARK, TAIWAN

The 920 km² wide Taroko National Park is renowned for its iconic landmark – The Taroko Gorge.

Spanning across Hualien County, Nantou County and Taichung Municipality, it will take more than a day to fully explore Taroko National Park. The spectacular marble geological features were formed since 200 million years ago and are still morphing at a gradual rate.

#7 YUSHAN NATIONAL PARK, TAIWAN

Yushan National Park – the tallest point in Taiwan – is also the highest peak in Northeast Asia. With an altitude of 3,952 meters, the jaw-dropping scenery will have everyone pinching themselves. We were literally walking in the clouds and were ecstatic about how surreal it felt!

Source: Lori and John Skip Town

#8 100 WATERFALLS, LAOS

Laos’ 100 Waterfalls is a gem that one should visit with a guided tour. This is due to the fact that a couple of unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War remain at large in unchartered territories. Besides this imminent danger, the gorgeous site itself is worth a special trip.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.