Wadi Rum has long been a highlight of any Jordan itinerary.Credit: iStock
Whether it’s traversing mountain and jungle terrain, exploring the world’s largest cave or riding a luxury train, Asia and the Middle East has it all.
The lowdown
If you think of the world as a restaurant, Asia and the Middle East provide the grandest buffet you have ever seen. With everything from neon-lit cities to some of the oldest civilisations on Earth, from white-sand beaches and lush jungles to the highest, most fearsome, mountains on the planet, no other continent can rival Asia and the Middle East for the sheer range of choices on offer.
What’s hot
Australians are flocking to Japan in record numbers … Takachiho Gorge, Japan.Credit: Getty Images
The beaches of Bali and Thailand remain as popular as ever, and Aussies are flocking to Japan in record numbers. Increasingly, however, we are starting to explore parts of less-visited parts of the continent, including more of its glorious natural wonders. From leopard spotting in Sri Lanka to hiking in Central Asia’s high country, even repeat visitors will find new adventures waiting.
What’s not
Sadly a number of conflict-wracked countries are currently on the do-not-travel list, from Lebanon and Palestine to Myanmar. At the same time some beloved destinations, including Japan, are beginning to reel under the sheer number of visitors – yet another reason to think about doing something different on your next trip.
Five must–visit countries
The distinctive domed roof of Tbilisi’s oldest functioning bathhouse, Chreli Abano.Credit: iStock
Georgia
There are plenty of surprising things about Georgia - not least the fact that this former Soviet republic, straddling Asia and Europe, has managed to stay under the radar for so long given how much it has to offer travellers. From the soaring peaks of the Caucasus to the shores of the Black Sea, from dazzling monasteries and cathedrals to the buzzing streets of the capital Tbilisi, there is plenty to explore – and that’s before we consider the fabulous food and a wine culture dating back 8000 years. See georgia.travel
Bhutan
It’s not just the towering peaks and the fertile valleys that make this Himalayan kingdom such a remarkable place. Suffused with Buddhist spirituality and lacking such mod cons as traffic lights and advertising, Bhutan is a place that moves to its own rhythm. Spend your days visiting monasteries, rafting icy rivers, hiking exhilarating mountain paths or joining in colourful festivals, and you will fall in love with both the land and its people. See bhutan.travel
Singapore
Stroll through the mangroves at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Few cities have reinvented themselves as often, or as successfully, as Singapore. Originally a street food destination, it later became known for its buzzing bars and restaurants. In its latest incarnation, Singapore has become one of Asia’s greenest cities. Hiking and cycling trails wind through almost 8000 hectares of green space, including the 24-kilometre-long Rail Corridor. The city’s plant-covered skyscrapers, such as the Pan Pacific Orchard hotel, will stop you in your tracks. See visitsingapore.com
Laos
Long overshadowed by its neighbours Vietnam and Cambodia, Laos is finally beginning to feature in the holiday plans of more than just intrepid backpackers, thanks to a new high-speed train that makes getting around easier than ever. It is now just one hour from the lively capital of Vientiane to the achingly beautiful landscapes around Vang Vieng, and two hours to the ancient Lanna kingdom capital of Luang Prabang, with its eye-catching temples. See tourismlaos.org
Tajikistan
Irresistible: Lake Iskanderkul.Credit: iStock
Like mountains? Then you are going to love Tajikistan. Ninety-three per cent of this Central Asian republic is covered with mountain ranges, and its rugged landscapes and stunning glacial lakes such as Iskanderkul are irresistible. Make time to visit the capital of Dushanbe, with its pretty parks and Russian-empire style buildings, and fascinating museums that shine a light on the rich history of this part of the Silk Road. See visittajikistan.tj
Five must-see cities
Almaty, Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan’s largest city you can spend the day haggling in the bazaar and the night exploring cool bars and clubs (Barmaglot Bar is the top pick). Take a stroll through its historic centre, known as the Golden Quarter, to admire the lively street art, explore the Soviet-era modernist architecture and the impressive collection at the Central State Museum. In winter, it is a 20-minute trip to the ski fields of the mighty Tien Shan mountains; in summer, hiking and horseback riding are popular. See visitalmaty.kz
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Two and a half square kilometres of charm: that is Al-Balad, Jeddah’s World Heritage-listed old town. Wander down narrow streets past souks and mosques, traditional buildings painted in rich greens and blues, embellished with latticed windows and ornately carved doors. Jeddah’s laid-back vibe is at its best on Thursday and Friday nights, when local families picnic on the Corniche, the expansive promenade that snakes around the Red Sea shore. See visitsaudi.com
Busan, Korea
Busan’s Jagalchi Market.Credit: iStock
Don’t tell the good people of Seoul, but South Korea’s most inviting city actually lies a couple of hours to the south of the capital. Set between the mountains and the sea, beach-fringed Busan is beautiful all year round but never more so than during the petal-strewn cherry blossom season. Don’t miss the fantastic Jagalchi Fish Market (the largest in Korea), stop in at the waterfront temple of Haedong Yonggungsa and get acquainted with the thriving contemporary art scene. See visitbusan.net
Kolkata, India
Can India’s third-largest city (formerly known as Calcutta) really be described as a hidden treasure? Certainly, this friendly – and surprisingly diverse – city deserves many more visitors than it gets. Art deco neighbourhoods sit alongside imperial British architecture, and Chinese temples nestle near synagogues. In the mood to shop? Buy books at sprawling street markets, sweets at retailers that have been in business for 150 years, or armloads of roses at India’s largest, most fragrant flower market. See incredibleindia.gov.in
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Java’s cultural capital, Yogyakarta is a lot more than a base for exploring the stunning temples of Borobodur and Prambanan. Yogya’s sultan still lives in the Kraton, or palace, a massive complex that includes markets and mosques as well as pavilions and residences. Other attractions include the lovely Taman Sari Water Castle, a stroll through the bustling Pasar Beringharjo market, and the opportunity to visit the workshops of traditional artisans including silversmiths. See indonesia.travel
Five must-see sights
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
A landmark takes shape ... the design for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
It already has an outpost of the Louvre but the opening of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi later this year will be yet another reason to visit this sophisticated city. Designed by starchitect Frank Gehry, Abu Dhabi’s Guggenheim will be four times larger than the Guggenheim New York and, together with the new exhibition space by acclaimed Japanese collective teamLab, bolsters Abu Dhabi’s credentials as the region’s cultural capital. See visitabudhabi.ae
Takachiho Gorge, Japan
Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island, is best-known as the hot springs capital of Japan, but it is also home to some spectacular landscapes. Among the most atmospheric is Takachicho Gorge, a narrow cleft where the Gokase River meanders between imposing 100-metre high basalt walls. A number of paths and bridges span the river but the best way to discover the gorge is on a rowboat, which offers magnificent views of the 17-metre-high Manai Falls. See visit-kyushu.com
Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand
Shah-i-Zinda: expect to come away with a crick in your neck from gazing up.Credit: iStock
The intricate tile-work of Samarkand’s Registan Square is the most famous sight on the Silk Road but many visitors find the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis even more breathtaking. When you walk along this narrow avenue lined with mausoleums, it is hard to know where to look first, with each elaborately-tiled tomb more stunning than the next. Expect to come away with a crick in your neck from gazing up at the soaring walls. See uzbekistan.travel
Mulu Caves, Malaysia
Mulu Caves.Credit: Getty Images
Surrounded by the ancient jungles of Sarawak, the magnificent Mulu Caves are home not just to the longest cave in South-East Asia (Clearwater Cave) but also the world’s largest underground chamber, the 600-metre-long, 435-metre-wide Sarawak Chamber. Some of the caves, such as Deer Cave, are reasonably accessible. Adventure caving tours are also available. The evening exodus of Deer Cave’s 2 million strong bat colony is an incredible sight. See sarawaktourism.com
Jebel Akhdar, Oman
It is the part of Oman that takes almost every visitor by surprise. Sitting more than 2000 metres above sea level, Jebel Akhdar is around 15 degrees cooler than Oman’s capital, Muscat. It is a place of tranquil villages and terraced farms that produce a rich crop of peaches, walnuts, apricots and pomegranates. The best time to come is in spring when the pink Damask roses, used to distil rose water, burst into bloom. See visitoman.om
Five must-do experiences
Hit Taiwan’s scenic trails
Whatever your fitness level Taiwan has a walk for you, from gentle coastal routes to stunning Alpine treks (the island has more than 260 mountains over 3000 metres high). Try the 22 kilometre overnight hike up Jade Mountain, which soars higher than Mount Fuji, or watch for flying squirrels and sambar deer on the four-day 26 kilometre walk to Jiaming Lake in the south of the country. For a memorable day hike try the Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail near Taipei. See eng.taiwan.net.tw
Go on safari in Sri Lanka
The leopards of Yala National Park are among Sri Lanka’s most famous attractions but this island’s 26 national parks are home to plenty of other species, including jackals, monkeys, mongoose, crocodiles and more, not to mention hundreds of bird species. Udawalawe National Park is the place for an encounter with wild elephants, while Wilpattu National Park offers the best chance to spot sloth bears (it also has a resident leopard population). See srilanka.travel
Celebrate the floating lantern festival in Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai, it’s not just the rivers that light up, but also the sky.Credit: iStock
Held every November, the Festival of Lights, or Loy Krathong, is one of Thailand’s loveliest celebrations. Right across the country, candlelit krathong drift down rivers, filling the night with twinkling lights. In Chiang Mai, it’s not just the rivers that light up, but also the sky, as the Yi Peng lantern festival is held at the same time. Participants light lanterns and release them into the sky, to carry prayers all the way up to the ears of Buddha. See tourismthailand.org
Feast on Chengdu’s food scene
Chengdu’s pandas tend to hog the limelight but the city has another noteworthy attraction: its food. Sichuan cuisine is considered one of China’s eight great cuisines, known for its use of tongue-numbing Sichuan pepper as well as chili and star anise. Tuck into mouthwatering dishes such as mapo tofu, dandan noodles and chaoshou dumplings in Chengdu’s many street food hubs, including Jinli Food Street, Huaxing Food Street and Yangxixian Food Street. See cnto.org.au
Cruise an underground river in the Philippines
Get your Indiana Jones on: Puerto Princesa Underground River.Credit: iStock
Palawan’s tree-fringed beaches have made it one of the Philippines’ most popular destinations, but its teeming jungles also hold a treat for adventurers. A boat trip down the Puerto Princesa Underground River is a chance to get your Indiana Jones on, from the atmospheric cave entrance to the distinctive limestone formations that line the subterranean river, and the bats and swiftlets that flutter overhead. See philippines.travel
Five must-do journeys
Explore the eastern circuit, Turkey
If all you have seen of Turkey is Istanbul, you have missed the best bits. Eastern Anatolia has not just dramatic peaks, tranquil valleys and sparkling lakes, but also fascinating sights such as the walled Kurdish city of Diyarbakir and the magnificent mosaics at Sanliurfa. The 2000-year-old giant stone heads atop Mount Nemrut – the remains of a royal funerary complex – are unforgettable, and if you need another reason to visit, Anatolian cuisine is considered among the best in the country. See martinrandall.com; goturkiye.com
Take a high-altitude road trip, Pakistan-China
The highest paved road in the world, the Karakorum Highway stretches 1300 kilometres from Pakistan to China, passing through three separate mountain ranges – the Himalaya, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush – along the way. The remarkable vistas are only part of the reason to sign up for a Karakorum road tour: the communities you encounter along the way, from the Ismailis in Hunza to the Tajiks in Tashkurgan, help make this journey so memorable. See gadventures.com; tourism.gov.pk
Ride the rails in luxury in Vietnam
On board The Vietage.
Part of the charm of The Vietage, the luxury train experience plying the route between central Vietnamese hotspots such as Hoi An, Nha Trang and Quy Nhon, is its practicality. Instead of building a whole train, the operators invested in a couple of carriages, which are connected to the regular train. Each carriage takes just 12 people, seated in two-person booths, and the five- or six-hour trip includes either an afternoon tea or three-course meal as well as a 15-minute head and shoulder massage. See thevietagetrain.com; vietnam.travel
Hike the Wadi Rum Trail, Jordan
A day trip to Wadi Rum has long been a highlight of any Jordan itinerary but a new hiking circuit is opening up unexplored parts of this stark and striking region, featured in films such as Dune. The 120-kilometre Wadi Rum Trail can be tackled as a 10-day expedition or in smaller stages, and is designed to showcase the area’s underappreciated history as well as its scenery. Your local Bedouin guide will provide the context for the landscapes through which you are travelling. See experiencejordan.com; visitjordan.com
Head for Mongolia’s deep north
Say the name “Mongolia” and most people think of sandy deserts or sweeping grasslands. They don’t imagine the vast forests, mountains and crystal-clear rivers found in the deep north of the country, bordering Siberia. Getting here is not easy but if you are prepared to rough it, you will discover sights such as the beautiful Khuvsgul lake, as well as spending time with the Tsaatan, who are among the last nomadic reindeer herders in the world. See nomadictrails.com; mongolia.travel
Did you know?
- The only desert-like region in the Middle East that receives regular snowfall is in Lebanon where its mountains are usually draped in snow, symbolised by the white of the country’s flag.
- Asia had the world’s longest continuously operating business, a construction company in Japan called Kongo Gumi, which ran from the 6th century until 2006, until being taken over by a larger firm.
- In some areas of the Middle East’s Oman there is an irrigation system that dates back 5000 years – water flows by gravity from its original source and is then divided between domestic users and farmers via a system called aflaj.
- Asia’s Singapore has a vast network of walk and cycle tracks linking its more than 300 parks which means you can walk all around the island nation and be surrounded by greenery.
- Asia’s first trade with Australia was between Makassan fishermen from what’s now Indonesia and the Yolnju people of Arnhem Land, from at least 1700, centring on sea cucumbers.
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