7 Unreal Places to Add to Your Bucket List

Otherworldly places in Asia you have to visit

Last updated: 21 Sep 2023 - 4 min read
7 Unreal Places to Add to Your Bucket List

You know there are places that everyone talks about, and when you visit, it's just a bit meh? Well these are the opposite.

These are some of the most incredible places we have seen in the world, but few people have heard of them. From remote beaches with dancing trees where wild horses roam, to the most untouched place in the world - they're all pretty surreal. Plan a visit before the word gets out!

1

Sumba

A journey through Sumba is like stepping back in time to an era of tribal villages and ancient rituals — like the annual Pasola Festival, when spear-wielding, jousting horsemen battle to appease the spirits.

Here you'll enjoy a peaceful retreat where you can get lost amongst the beautiful dancing trees, untouched beaches, and go back in time. Oh and to add to the magic, there are wild horses frolicking about — you’re most welcome to join the herd and swim with them! 🐴 🌊

Sumba
2

Maliau Basin

If you're an explorer looking for truly untouched places on earth, Maliau Basin should definitely be on your list.

Known as "Sabah's Lost World", Maliau Basin is one of the very last places on earth that has never been inhabited by humans. A 130-million year old rainforest in Borneo, Malaysia, Maliau Basin was only discovered in 1947 when a plane almost crashed into the hidden, mist-shrouded rim! It's estimated that at least 80 percent of the Basin is still unexplored, so if you love wildlife, exploration and conservation, come here.

Maliau Basin
3

Mount Tambora

Mount Tambora is not only stunning, it has a great story. This is the volcano that changed history and inspired the writing of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. It's the largest volcanic eruption in history (1815), and caused a climate event around the world - a ‘Year without Summer", even as far as Europe. 🤯 ⁣

Here you'll see stars like never before, and every step feels like you're walking through history. Tambora only sees about 200 visitors per year, so it's very much a hidden gem.

Tip: You can pair your Tambora trip with a trip to Sumba!

Mount Tambora
4

Raja Ampat

To divers, Raja Ampat, one of the most legendary dive sites in the world, is not an unknown place. But it is still incredibly remote, and non-divers would hardly have heard of it.

Raja Ampat's 1500 small islands possess unfathomable mystery, with only 35 islands being inhabited. The underwater world here is one of the most magical and untouched in the world with vast underwater gardens, Manta rays, tuna and sharks. Even if you're a non-diver it's worth coming here to learn, or just to soak in the beauty of the islands!

Raja Ampat
5

Toraja

Toraja in Indonesia is not for the faint hearted, but if you love otherworldly places or disappearing tribal traditions, Toraja needs to be on your list.

Here you'll find a mystical world with a deep spirituality, boat shaped houses and fascinating funeral rites. The local tribes here celebrate funerals like we might celebrate weddings. From the day a person is born, they would be saving and planning for their elaborate funeral. If you want to visit somewhere unmarked by time, come here.

Toraja
6

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is no longer a hidden gem, but to us, it is still one of the most beautiful places on earth. Being on a boat in Komodo National Park feels like you've entered the set of Game of Thrones and are sailing to Westeros. To add to the magic, there are actually real life prehistoric dragons here, as well as pink beaches you can chill at, and Manta rays you can snorkel with. It should be on every bucket list.

Tip: You can pair your Komodo trip with a trip to Moyo Island!

Komodo National Park
7

Mount Ijen

Many volcanoes have incredible views but Mount Ijen is probably the only one that can boast electric blue flames that can reach up to 5m high! This blue flames phenomenon takes place in the volcano, when Mount Ijen's sulfuric gases come into contact with the air.

For us what makes this experience extra special is being able to do it with an ex-miner. When you climb Mount Ijen you'll see lots of miners working in its sulphur mines, and hiking with an ex-miner is a great way to give back to the community.

Tip: Of all the places on this list, Ijen is the most accessible as it's just a short drive & boat ride from Bali!

Mount Ijen
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