Whether you love climbing mountains, visiting temples, food tripping, diving, walking or just lazing around and cycling along rice fields, Asia has it all. There is always something for everyone ito do as well, whatever your age and fitness levels.
Asia is the largest and most populous continent on the planet. It constitutes 30% of Earth’s total land area and 60% of the world’s population. It is no surprise then that Asia is the most diverse in terms of culture, history, civilization, geography, food and natural wonders.
Here are 10 great outdoor activities to try in Asia.
Go on a hiking tour on the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a living symbol of the ingenuity, power, wealth and rich culture of the ancient Chinese Empire. It is the only man-made structure that can be seen from the moon.
The longest wall on the planet is more than just a wall. It was an integrated military defensive system complete with fortresses, beacon towers, watchtowers and logistics.
Hiking to the Great Wall allows you to become one with China’s history. Believed to be more than 2700 years old, an experience on the Great Wall is unique and enriching. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the world and an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Great Wall should be on your bucket list.
Gaze at Taj Mahal during sunrise or sunset in India
Another iconic landmark on the list, the Taj Mahal is another of the New Seven Wonders of the world and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to 1630. Tourists from all over the world flock to India to gaze at the Taj Mahal.
This amazing structure and a religious icon is a perfect example of art admired universally. The inside is so beautiful and the symmetry is incredible. It can get really busy though, so it is best to visit before sunrise or during sunset.
Take a walk to the wait for the Mughal Garden and gaze at the Taj Mahal at sunset. Or admire the Taj Mahal from a boat ride along Yamuna River.
Trek the Banaue Rice Terraces
The famous Rice Terraces in Banaue, Benguet Province, were created by the Ifugao Tribe long before tools were invented. It was believed to be crafted largely by hand and is fed by an ancient irrigation system. The beautiful masterpiece is located 1500 meters above sea level.
Often considered to be the 8th wonder of the world, only a few brave tourists are able to visit this place because of its remote location. It cannot be a part of a day tour thus you would have to sleep overnight and the best way is to stay with the local tribes of Ifugao.
If you want to see it for yourself, be prepared to travel long and hard as connections to this place are unreliable. Traveling on your own is possible but transport to and from the place requires a lot of planning, research and patience so it is best to use a travel agent to ensure that everything is perfect.
Diving and Luxurious Getaway in the Maldives
The Maldives is the dream island vacation but that can be expensive for most tourists. If you have the money, there is no better place to indulge than in the Maldives. It offers unrivalled luxury, rich marine biodiversity and stunning white sandy beaches.
Stroll beautiful beaches or go diving or snorkelling in the beautiful waters.
Climb Mount Everest in Nepal
For extreme adventurers (and those with a lot of money), conquering the summit of Mount Everest is the adventure of a lifetime. The tallest mountain in the world is nestled between Nepal and Tibet in Southern Asia. Many have tried to summit but many have failed. The harsh conditions on the mountain require mountaineers ot hire a guide and to join a summit tour but there are so many things that can thwart even an attempt of the summit, such as weather.
An alternative option for many is to visit Everest Base Camp. You can hike to Base Camp with a trekking tour.
Kayaking in Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous gems. It is so popular all over the world for its towering limestone cliffs, emerald waters and 3000 islets with different shapes and sizes.
The best way to explore this massive area of stunning beauty is on a cruise ship or in a boat. If you wish to beat the crowds and want to commune with nature, go in a kayak and you will get a unique close-up view.
Wreck-diving in Palawan, Philippines
Home to a dozen Japanese Naval shipwrecks, Coron, Palawan in the Philippines offers world-class wreck-dive sites. The ships sunk during the 2nd World War and are now teeming with marine life.
If you are an experienced diver the shipwrecks in Coron Bay will give you the best experience. The ships are massive and they are wonderfully preserved with almost everything still intact. The best part is the ships are quite close to each other so you can make the most of your wreck-diving experience.
Two alternative activities include snorkelling and kayaking in the same waters.
Rehabilitation of Asian Elephants in Thailand
Despite the negative reports about elephant abuse in Thailand, the government and conservationists worked together to ensure that elephants that were abused were rescued and brought to the sanctuary for complete rehabilitation. This sanctuary welcomes visitors who are willing to volunteer and help with simple tasks like feeding and bathing elephants.
Riding on elephant’s back should not be encouraged and any sanctuaries that offer riding elephants to tourists should be reported. Such experience of helping with the elephants ‘conservation and protection is one that you will forever remember.
Cycling in Japan
Japan is a beautiful country with many dedicated cycle paths. Explore the country by bike and stay at campsites for a cheaper type of holiday.
Island-hopping in Indonesia
The biggest archipelago in the world comprises more than 10,000 islands. If you love island-hopping, Indonesia is the perfect place to be. The country is rich in culture and scenic beaches. Enjoy their food and music as well for an ultimate experience.
You can swim or kayak on the clear waters or head to Java Island for big surfing experiences.