Myanmar Adventure – Southeast Asia

5 Most Beautiful ASEAN Countries According To Forbes For Epic Adventures

bookasean — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:00:49 +0000

Now that borders of countries around the world have reopened to travellers, it’s time for epic adventures once again. The world may be full of wonders, but did you know that Southeast Asia is home to a wealth of unique experiences that cannot be found anywhere else?

In a recent study by Forbes magazine and British website Money.co.uk which ranked the top 50 most beautiful countries in the world, five countries in Southeast Asia made that list, with Indonesia taking the crown as the most beautiful place on Earth! The list followed a February 2022 Money.co.uk article titled “Natural Beauty Report” which initially created the rankings.

The study was based on the number of natural wonders in each country such as volcanoes, tropical rainforests, glaciers and coral reefs, as well as the availability of nature-based activities for locals and visitors.

Here’s a look at the natural wonders of the five ASEAN countries on Forbes’ “World’s 50 Most Beautiful Countries” list and why they are the perfect destinations for your next epic adventure.

Indonesia

Ranked No. 1

Taking the top spot is Indonesia, home to over 17,000 breathtaking islands. Just off the shores of these islands, there are over 50,000 square kilometres of coral reef, teeming with life, much of which can be explored from the popular island of Bali.

Wayag Island in Raja Ampat

Other natural attractions that helped propel Indonesia to the top of the list include Komodo National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in East Nusa Tenggara; Sumatra’s Gunung Kerinchi, the largest volcano in Southeast Asia and a popular destination for hikers worldwide; the exotic rainforests of Kalimantan (home to an orangutan sanctuary); and Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua Province, a paradise for divers, nature lovers and underwater photographers.

Philippines

Ranked No. 17

Comprising over 7,000 islands and islets, the Philippines offers endless opportunities for island-hopping getaways, beach adventures, water sport activities and underwater explorations in and around beautiful islands like Boracay, Cebu, Palawan and Siargao.

Aerial view of Batad Rice Terraces in Ifugao Province, Luzon Island

Landlubbers are not left out as the country is also home to world-renowned natural wonders like Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces, Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Mayon Volcano National Park, Taal Lake and Volcano, and Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ASEAN Heritage Park), as well as architectural marvels like the four UNESCO World Heritage Baroque Churches that have stood the test of time.

Malaysia

Ranked No. 24

Malaysia’s rich and varied landscape, spread across Peninsular or West Malaysia and East Malaysia, offers plenty of opportunities for amazing outdoor adventures. The country has tropical rainforests teeming with flora and fauna, mountain ranges, caves, natural rock formations, swamplands, beaches and more.

On West Malaysia, adventure-filled experiences await in the jungles of Taman Negara, Endau Rompin National Park and Gunung Ledang National Park; rolling hills of Cameron Highlands; and islands of Langkawi, Pangkor, Perhentian, Redang and Tioman.

Mount Kinabalu in Sabah is Malaysia’s tallest mountain
Photo: Tourism Malaysia

Must-visits for nature enthusiasts and adventure buffs in Sabah and Sarawak include Kinabalu Park (Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site), Gunung Mulu National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Bako National Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Maliau Basin, Niah Caves, Sipadan Island, Mabul Island and Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

Thailand

Ranked No. 38

The Land of Smiles is a magnet for adventure lovers and pleasure seekers looking for exploration, exploits and action. Its picturesque beaches and islands are tropical playgrounds, offering plenty of fun in the sun, sand and sea.

Dive with whale sharks at Chumphon Pinnacle (northwest of Koh Tao), Hin Daeng (accessible from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta), and Richelieu Rock (north of Similan Islands); snorkel in the waters of Koh Lipe, Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Phi Phi and Surin National Marine Park; and scale the limestone cliffs at Krabi’s Railay Beach.

Admire beautiful coralscape while snorkeling at Surin National Marine Park
Photo: Shuttertong/Shutterstock

For hikers and wildlife lovers, there are spectacular national parks like Erawan, Khao Sok, Khao Sam Roi Yot, Khao Yai, Kui Buri, Kaeng Krachan and Doi Inthanon for enriching nature discoveries.

Myanmar

Myanmar has an amazing landscape and natural beauty, many of which are waiting to be discovered. Boasting an abundance of sharks, rays, fish and coral reefs, the waters around Mergui Archipelago and Burma Banks are on many divers’ bucket lists, while the crystal clear waters of Cocks Comb Island (or Emerald Heart Island) is a snorkeller’s paradise.

Thrilling rafting activities can be enjoyed on Malikha River, May Kha River and Nam Lang River, and some of the best hiking and trekking experiences await in Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park, Mount Victoria, Mount Popa, Mount Zwegabin, Hsipaw, Lashio, Kalaw and Putao.

Hot air balloons over the plain of Bagan at sunrise

No trip to the Golden Land would be complete without a visit to the ancient town of Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its majestic pagodas and temples, and experience a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the town from a hot air balloon.

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Best Snorkelling Sites

bookasean — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 21:31:45 +0000

Myanmar’s warm, clear waters are teeming with tropical fish, colourful corals and giant seafans so snorkellers are guaranteed a spectacular scenery underwater. Here are some of the country’s best snorkel spots.

Burma Banks

Cocks Comb Island (Emerald Heart Island)

Snorkelling in Cocks Comb Island
Photo: emeraldheartisland.blogspot.com

Mergui Archipelago

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Popular Places To Hike & Trek

bookasean — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 21:45:28 +0000

See Myanmar’s spectacular landscapes, check out pine forests and bamboo groves, stumble upon hidden waterfalls and explore hilltribe villages on foot. Here are some of the best places to go for a great outdoor adventure.

Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park

Upper Chit Kyaung Valley

Hsipaw

Kalaw

Photo: Matej Hudovernik/Shutterstock

Kanpetlet

Kayah State

Keng Tung (Kyaing Tong)

Kyaukme

Lashio

Mindat

Mount Phongun

Moung Ponyin

Mount Popa

Mount Victoria

Mount Zwegabin

Nat Ma Taung National Park

Pindaya

Putao

Trekking in Putao

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Where To Take Hot Air Balloon Flights

bookasean — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 21:59:29 +0000

Soak up spectacular bird’s-eye views of Myanmar’s temples and countryside on a hot air balloon. Catch a hot air balloon flight from one of these spots.

Bagan

Soar over Bagan’s ancient temples on a hot air balloon
Photo: Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar

Inle Lake

Mandalay

Ngapali Beach

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Best Dives Sites

bookasean — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 21:24:18 +0000

Myanmar has a plethora of dive sites, with more waiting to be discovered. Divers, head to these spots to experience some of Southeast Asia’s best dive sites.

Photo: Dive The World

Mergui Archipelago

• Black Rock
• Burma Banks
• Western Rocky
• North Twin Island
• Three Islet
• Tower Rock
• Shark Cave

Ngapali Beach

Ngwe Saung Beach

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Popular Cycling Routes

bookasean — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 21:19:41 +0000

One of the best ways to see Myanmar’s interesting sights is on two wheels. Here are some popular bike routes that can be completed in one day.

Photo: Myanmar Trekking Tours

Amarapura to Sagaing to Mingun to Mandalay (50km)

Aung Ban to villages of Shan Hills to Indein Pagoda (50km)

Bagan to Mount Popa (48km)

Dala to Twante (38km)

Inle Lake to Kalaw Highlands (67km)

Kakku Pagodas to Taunggyi (45km)

Kyaung Chaung to Myit Chay to Pakokku (43km)

Mandalay village ride (30km)

Nyaung Shwe to Khaung Daing village to Indein Pagodas to Nam Pam village to Red Mountain vineyard (56km)

Yangon to Bago to Khayan (64km)

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Popular Caves To Explore

bookasean — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 19:36:52 +0000

Myanmar has many fascinating caves, some filled with gilded Buddha statues and pagodas. Explore these natural wonders that have been created through thousands of years of weathering.

Bayin Nyi Cave

Datdawtaung Cave

Hai Sin Cave

Htam Sam Cave

Kawgun Cave

Kaw Ka Taung Cave

Kyet Cave (Kyut Cave/Yarsu Ku)

Padamya Cave (Ruby Cave)

Peik Chin Myaung Cave (Maha Nandamu Cave)

Pindaya Caves

An important pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists, Pindaya Caves are filled with thousands of Buddha statues
Photo: Indochina Charm Travel

Po Win Daung Caves

Saddan Cave

One of Myanmar’s largest caves, Saddan Cave requires a torch to explore

Shwe Oo Min Paya

Ya Thea Pyan Cave

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Popular Birding Spots

bookasean — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 19:07:56 +0000

Myanmar is home to numerous endemic, endangered and specialty birds as well as a popular destination for migratory birds. Here are some of the country’s premier bird-watching locations.

Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park

Chin Hills

Hlawga Wildlife Park

Hukaung Valley

Indawgyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary

Inle Lake Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary

Bird watching at Inle Lake
Photo: Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar

Kyauktawyawk Wildlife Sanctuary

Mainma Hla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary

Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary

Nat Ma Taung National Park (Mount Victoria)

Pyin Oo Lwin

Southern Rakhine

Ye Ayekan Reserve Forest

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Popular Climbing Spots

bookasean — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 22:40:10 +0000

With its many limestone crags and mountains, Myanmar offers the perfect terrain for technical rock climbing. These places are hot spots of climbing enthusiasts.

Mandalay

• Devil’s Right Leg
• Fire Wall
• Karaweik Wall
• Monk’s Life Wall
• Saya Steve Wall
• Waterfall Hill

Hpa-An

Rock climbing in Hpa-An
Photo: Andrew Riley

• Colombière
• Elephant Leather
• Limestone hills around Bayin Nyi Cave
• Natyaykan (Nat Lake) Wall
• The Alamo

Yangon

• Kandawgyi Boulders

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Popular White Water Rafting Spots

bookasean — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 22:05:14 +0000

Myanmar’s rivers offer plenty of opportunities for fun and thrilling rafting activities. Here are the rivers to explore for scenic water adventures.