UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan

Japan, known as the endless discovery country for travelers, live up to its tagline with 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites pack into this relatively small size. The sites range from historical to nature and to cultural.

Truly pack with all the wonders of the world from natural to man-made, you can be sure to be to be wow by the many tourist attractions here. If you are those who want to tick of the list of world heritage sites, Japan is one of the best place to start.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Sites Map

 

Japan’s Cultural Heritage Sites

Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area

One of the National Treasure of Japan, this area includes a variety of buildings found in Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The structures inscribed within the Buddhist monuments area are some of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the world, dating back to 7th century. These structures illustrate the adaptation from Chinese Buddhist architecture to Japanese culture, reflecting the introduction of Buddhism to Japan from China.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Horyu-ji

 

Fujisan, sacred place and source of artist inspiration

Mount Fuji, although a natural phenomena, had instead been designated as a cultural sites instead due to it being a symbol and icon that had inspired many artists, poets and pilgrims for centuries. This symmetrically beautiful mountain had been featured in arts dated back to the 11th century and had made deep impact on Western art. The inscribe property for this includes 25 sites that reflects the essence of the entire Fujisan sacred landscape, inclusive of Mount Fuji.

                                          Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Fujisan

 

Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu

These groups of sites and monuments are the testaments of the hundred years of Ryukyuan history (12-17th century). There are ruins of castles, elevated and sacred sites that mark the evidence of social structure over that period. They stands as the testimony to the survival of ancient religion to the modern age. Ryukyu islands had give rise to a unique culture after served as years of economic and cultural interchange between Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan. The sacred sites are an exceptional example of indigenous form of nature and ancestor worship that still survives to this modern age of new religions.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Gusuku Sites

 

Himeji-jo

One of the finest surviving example of a 17th century Japanese castle architecture, Himeji-jo is worthy of the award. Comprises of 83 buildings of highly developed systems of defence and ingenious protections fashioned from the beginning of the Shogun period and stood as a testament to the powerful symbol of feudalism in Japan. The appealing construction of woodwork that fusion aesthetic and elegance with practicality is a masterpiece.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Himeji-jo

Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land

Hiraizumi consists of five sites including the sacred Mount Kinkeisan, gardens, water and surrounding landscape that is part of the realm based on Pure Land Buddhism, which had spread to Japan in the 8th century. It represents the pure land of Buddha that people seek to be after death and also the peace of mind in this life. With the combination of Pure Land Buddhism concept with Japan’s own unique twist, this planning and garden design is one to marvel with.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hiraizumi

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)

This structure was the only thing that is left standing after the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. The people of Japan, including those of the city Hiroshima, took effort to preserve the state of this dome after the bombing. Now it is a powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created and used by humankind. At the same time is stood for world peace and against all nuclear weapons. in 1910, the hiroshima Prefectural Assembly build the hiroshima Commercial Exhibition Hall to promote the industrial production in the area.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hiroshima

Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)

Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan from 794 AD to the 19th century, leaving it with generous markings of the past grandeurs. It is the center of the Japanese culture for more than 1000 years, thus you will find Japanese wooden and religious architecture, Japanese art gardens and other unique features of the aesthetic and finesse of Japan here. The Japanese garden design in between 8-17th centuries played a major role in solidying Japan’s culture and had after that made a mark to the rest of the world. Besides, again with the introduction of Buddhism from China, there were marking of influences and two of the most famous imperial temples to behold is the To-ji and Sai-ji. Also Kyoto are filled with many symbols of the aristocratic society of the Heian period that had dominate for four centuries.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ancient Kyoto

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

For a short while from 710-784, Nara was the capital of Japan. Here is wehre the foundation and framework of the government was consolidated and Nara started of prospering as the head of Japanese culture. The historic monuments here are such as the Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and the remains of the great Imperial Palace. With enough imagination you can vividly picture the life of the Japanese capital in the 8th century, the period of political and cultural change in Japan.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ancient Nara

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

These villages are special as they are located in the mountainous region and was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time. The houses here are made in Gassho-style and people live on cultivation of mulberry trees and rearing silkworms. These Gassho houses are large with steep thatched roofs are the only one of their kind in Japan. The people kept to their traditional way of life, despite economic upheavals. These villages are an example of traditional human settlements blending and adapted perfectly into new economic changes in Japan for the past half-century.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Shirakawa-go

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

Itsukushima Island, located in the Seto inland sea, is a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest time. The first shrine here can be dated back to the 6th century while the present shrine is of around 12th century. All of the shrines are arranged harmoniously, showing great artistic and technical skill. The inspiring design of these shrines plays on the contrast of colors and forms between mountains and seas, combining human and nature creativity beautifully. Popularly known as Miyajima for its “floating” torii in the middle of the sea that you can see it on a bed of mud during low tide.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Itsukushima

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape

At the southwest of Honshu island, there is a cluster of mountains that rise to 600m with deep river valley cutting among it. These valleys feature the archaeological remains of the large-scale mining of the 16-20th centuries. It is also the route that transport the silver ore to the coast towns. The mining area now built around with wood fortresses, shrines and other means to aid in transport. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine stood as a symbol of exchanging values between East and West via large-scale production of silver. though now that the silver is exhausted, the entire ensemble still remain as a remarkable proof of development in relation to silver mining.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Iwami Ginzan

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

The Kii Mountain range is set overlooking the Pacific Ocean and it contains three sacred sites – Yoshino and Omine, Kumano Sanzan and Koyasan. These sites are linked by the pilgrimage routes to the ancient capital cities of Nara and Kyoto, reflecting Shintoism and ancient traditions of nature worship to Buddhism. The sites and the surrounding landscape are well preserved with abundance of streams, rivers and waterfalls. Annually there are up to 15 million of visitors coming here to hike and for ritual purposes. Each of these sites contain a shrine that dated back to 9th century.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kii Mountain

Shrines and Temples of Nikko

The shrines and Temples of Nikko had been the testament of sacred sites blending into natural surroundings for centuries. The architecture and decorative masterpieces are impeccable. They are closely associated with the history of the Tokugawa Shoguns of the Edo period. The architects and decorators of those time are ingenious and creative as it is shown by the way the shrines and temples are build in perfect harmony with nature. They are the bold example of how man and nature can live in harmony.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Nikko

Japan’s Natural Heritage Sites

Ogasawara Islands
One of the natural sites of Japan, Ogasawa islands consist of a cluster of 30 islands. The islands have a myriad of landscapes that are bursting with all sorts of species from the Bonin Flying Fox, a critically endangered bat to 195 endangered bird species. You can also find 441 native plant taxa here that supports numerous marine life. The ecosystem of this place is major marking of the evolutionary process of plants from the whole of asia. Today, only two of these islands are inhabited – Chichijima and Hahajima.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ogasawara Islands

Shirakami-Sanchi

Another natural site, Shirakami-Sanchi lies in the mountains of northern Honshu. These sites does not have tracks and are the last of the virgin mountains of Japan, which is rich with Siebold’s beech trees. Species found here are also the black bear, the serow, 97 species of birds and 500 plant species. . The entire area cover one-third of the Shirakami mountains where the summit peak at 1,200m with many streams running through it.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Shirakami-Sanchi

Shiretoko

Located in the northeast of Hokkaido, Shiretoko is the northernmost island of Japan. The site includes the land from the central part of peninsula (the tip – Shiretoko Cape) and the surrounding sea. It stood as a home to the interaction of marine and terrestrial ecosystem, largely influenced by the seasonal sea ice. There are a number of important terrestrial and marine species here, some endangered, like the Blackiston’s fish owl and the Viola kitaminana plant. This site is also important for the migratory birds and a number of marine mammals like Steller’s sea lion.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Shiretoko

Yakushima

Last of the natural sites among the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Japan, Yakushima is located at the interior of Yaku Island. It is the cross between the palaearctic and oriental biotic regions. It is rich with flora of about 1,900 species including the famous ancient cedar trees and also contains the remnant of a warm-temperate ancient forest. As part of the Ryukyu archipelago, Yakushima is just off the southernmost tip of Kyushu by 60 km. The highest mountain here peak at 2,000m with several other high peaks surrounding it. They are extremely steep and are made mostly of bedrock granite with sandstone at the foot of the mountain areas.

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yakushima

With 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites awarded, Japan is indeed a place with many hidden gems. Travel to Japan and visit some of these sites of wonders that covers from history to culture to religion to nature and best of all, the harmonious blend of all these together. Japan indeed has a unique culture and charm that exudes even into the surrounding architectures and natures that are well preserved.

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Top News 10 Must Visit Places in Japan

Japan is the place to visit to see how a world can be blend in both history and nature with modern technologies, trends and styles. Boasting 17 UNESCO World Heritages sites, and dotted with temples, Shinto shrines, monuments and other modern wonders of technology, Japan is a country one have to marvel with. But with so many tourist attractions to choose from in cities, towns or even islands, one can get a bit overwhelmed by the choices.

So here is our take for you on Top 10 Must Visit Places in Japan:

Golden Temple Kinkakuji, Kyoto, Japan

 

Tokyo

Shinjuku street, Tokyo, Japan

Capital city of modern Japan and unlike other countries, this is one capital that when travelers came to would not leave in a hurry to other better place or off beaten tracks. Tokyo itself has so much charm and hidden delights that many travelers stay for a long time to discover and experience it all. Head to Shinjuku to be awed by the skyscrapers across the skies or over to fashion streets like Harajuku or Shibuya to see youth of today displaying the trends and styles of modern Japan. After that stumble over to Ginza neighborhood that is well known as a shopping paradise else if that is not your thing, then old-style temple district may be just right for you. In the morning head to the bustling Tsujiki fish market for the an early breakfast of the freshest sashimi and sushi in Japan. Regardless, Tokyo is one capital city that defies the stereotype and is actually worth visiting just for itself.

Kyoto

Mention Japan and Kyoto will come to mind to many people, dreamy yet modern, this previous capital of Japan for thousand of years is embedded with rich history and legacy. You will find temples, palaces and gardens that are grand and the epitome of Japan’s rich traditional culture, arts and style and its most refined cuisine. Kyoto was the main backbone during the majestic imperial times and now stand as a testament to Japan’s grandeur, with more than 2 000 temples and shrines, numerous beautiful gardens and other form of heritage. The most iconic building here is the Kinkakuji that is perched at the bank of a serene pond that reflects it in the golden sunlight. Kinkakuji used to be a shogun’s retirement villa but now used as a Zen Buddhist temple. While the famous Shinto symbol here is the Fushimi Inari-taisha, where you would pass thousands of torii from the foot of the hill to the shrine.

Yasaka Pagoda, Osaka, Japan

Osaka

Just an hour train away from Kyoto, Osaka is the almost like a blend of both Tokyo and Kyoto. The famous Osaka Castle is here which is a product of Japan’s rich history again. Just about 40 minutes away is another famous tourist attractions – Himeji Castle, another Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site. Else on another nearby location to visit is Kobe with the remnants of the devastating 1995 earthquake but the true reason most travelers come here is for the famous Kobe beef.

                                                      Himeji Castle, Osaka, Japan

 

Mount Fuji

As the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 m, Mount Fuji is a volcanic mountain that is fame for its natural symmetrical cone which had became a symbol of Japan. It is located on Honshu Island, southwest of Tokyo. This picturesque mountain is well loved among artists, poets and photographers. Thus it had been listed as part of UNESCO World Heritage’s Cultural site for inspiring many artists for centuries. It is one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains together with Mount Tate and Mount Haku. Scaling the peak of this long-dormant volcano is tough yet rewarding. It is estimated that 200,000 people climb Mount Fuji every year with 30% of it is foreigners.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Nara

Another ancient former capital of Japan in the Kansai region, Nara boasts many remnants of the past glamor as well, with eight temples, shrines and ruins around the city. Sometimes it is overshadowed by its famous neighbor Kyoto therefore leaving this places less touristic but still provides many secrets and wonders to be admired. Famous tourist attractions are the Todai-ji Temples, Kofuku-ji pagoda in the center of Nara, Kasuga Shrine, Heikokyu Palace, Nara Park for its mercenary deers, Isui-en garden and many others.

Sakura trees over a bridge, Nara, Japan

Naoshima

Naoshima is an island town at Kagawa district, located in the Seto Inland Sea. Many travelers come here to experience the beauty and tranquility of an island. Unlike the usual beach that comes to mind, this island actually excels in contemporary art museums, public sculptures and installations. One famous art museum is the Chichu Art museum that houses installations from famous artists such as James Turrell and Claude Monet. This museum, designed by Tadao Ando, is located at the highest point of the island over a dramatic panoramic view. Another famous art museum is the Benesse Museum. Besides that of course the island allows many island activities like lying in the sun on the beach, swimming in the sea and also trekking and biking around the island.

Art Museum perch at the sea and beach, Naoshima, Japan

Hokkaido

Hokkaido, located at the north of Japan, is Japan’s answer to untamed wilderness with its great national parks. Travelers says that the place resembles the landscape of northern Europe with vast rice paddy fields, green forests surrounding clear blue lakes with snow capped mountains at the background in the winter and rolling rainbow colored fields of flower and tall rushing waterfalls in summer. Hokkaido is the place to go for nature lovers and for those who seek adventures like trekking and hiking and exploring the wilderness. There are also many hot-springs resorts dotted across the place for you to soak your weary muscles after a long hike.

Car at fields and sea, Hokkaido, Japan

Hiroshima

Miyajima floating Torii, located in Hiroshima, is one of Japan’s most iconic man-made landmark as an epitome of shrines in Japan which is a symbol of their spiritual side. The torii, a shrine gate, in Miyajima standing out in the water for seven centuries as if floating in the middle of nowhere (but at low tide you will see it standing on mud) had fascinated many travelers. This torii dates back to 6th century and had been a holy Shinto site and also as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the same time, visit Hiroshima’s bomb dome to pay respect to the victim’s at Peace memorial Park that was reborn from the ashes of World War 2.

Miyajima floating torii, Hiroshima, Japan

 

Kamakura

Just an hour train ride from Tokyo, this quiet little town is another popular tourist destination. It is famous for its sight of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in, the second largest bronze Buddha in Japan. There are also many temples and Shinto shrine around this town to be visited one by one and therefore a whole day trip would be required. In comparison to the cities mentioned above, Kamakura is quiet and peaceful and would be a welcome respite after a few days hustling in the cities.

Great Buddha Daibutsu, Kamakura, Japan

Yakushima

Yakushima is one of the Osumi Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan and have a population of around 13,000 people. Most travelers come here to wander the forests of thousand-year old cedar trees in Kirishima-Yaku National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is probably the only place that made it to this list which is not that well-known out of Japan but in Japan, it is one of their top tourist destination. This place is a uniquely different site from the rest of the must visit places and would be worth to go to commune with the ancient trees and humble yourself with the immensity of age.

Ancient cedar trees, Yakushima, Japan

There you have it, the top 10 must visit places in Japan, but by no means a complete list of the tourist attractions or wonders of Japan. A thorough visit of Japan would take an extensive amount of time but well worth it if your budget allows as we know it can be quite costly to travel here. If these top 10 destinations have not convince you to come to Japan.......

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Diving Raja Ampat, Papua

Princes.in - Voted as one of the best trips in 2013 by National Geographic, 

 Pulau Raja Ampat / Raja Ampat islands are definitely the next travel destination for not only divers but also nature lovers and travelers alike. The name itself meant four kings and it is well known for its riches in wild marine life, pristine reefs and corals. It consists of 1500 unique small islands.

Where is it

Raja Ampat islands are located in the northwest tip of Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya) in Indonesia.

                                         Map of Pulau Raja Ampat Islands, Papua Indonesia

Why go

Diving Pulau Raja Ampat Islands, Papua Indonesia

Diver’s paradise as Raja Ampat has a vast marine life diversity that would wow even the most seasoned diver. It is part of the world’s Coral Triangle which is known for housing more than 3000 species of fish and other extraordinary habitats that breeds the biodiversity of its marine life. Many scientists still travel there today to discover new species in the ocean. You may well put this place into your list of diving trips!
Also Raja Ampat is a remote place almost left untouched by development and only touched by explorers that are nature lovers and independent travelers that care and travel responsibly. Here you can also meet with the local Papuan people and directly contribute to their living and get to immerse in their culture.

When is the best time to go

Indonesia being a tropical climate of only two seasons, dry and wet, it is best to visit during the dry season to maximize your marine visibility. You may go around late September till early June, in between June to September will be the monsoon season where there will be a lot of rain especially in the afternoon.l

What to do

Fish and Corals, Dive Raja Ampat, Papua, Indonesia

Dive, dive and dive!

You trip to Raja Ampat will never be complete without diving here as you have more than 30 dive sites to choose from where you can enjoy thr diverse and amazing marine lives. You may get dive in places filled with coral gardens or walls to mangroves and wreck diving. Some of the famous dive sites in Raja Ampat are Cape Kri, Sardines, Manta Sandy and Mios Kon Snorkel at many of the sites above if diving is not your thing, you’ll be pleasantly delighted that there are many marine lives as well in shallow area.
Explore the islands by boats or visit the Red Bird of Paradise or the bat caves in Tomolol.
Trek around the island to discover waterfalls.

What to see

Tour around Papua villages to see Asmat artisan’s wood sculptures or their fishing techniques or traditional performance of bamboo flute.

Watch the famous Sea Ghost phenomenon at East Waigeo where at the end of the year where a light would appear from the ocean and wander around the surface for about 15 minutes and then disappears.

Karst rocks at Raja Ampat, Papua

What and where to eat

If you did not get a diving package or other packages there that are most likely to cover your food, you may go around and eat traditional local food. Try the special fish soup call Sup Ikan Kuning (yellow fish soup) that are made with local spices.

Where to stay

There are many dive resorts or even eco resorts dotted around for you to choose from or you may go different and choose the few homestays available in villages.

Corals at Dive Raja Ampat, Papua, Indonesia

How to get there

Fly into international airports in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya or Bali (Denpasar) and then connect by domestic flight to Sorong, Raja Ampat. Some of the Indonesian airlines that fly to Sorong, Papua are Garuda Indonesia, Merpati, Sriwijaya Air, Lion Air and Batavia air while international Airlines is Silk Air.
From Sorong to Raja Ampat, you may take either the Speed Boat which takes about 1 hour at cost 2 million Rp or a Long Boat which takes 2-3 hours at cost 1.2mil RP.

How to get around

You can mostly travel around by boat here, like from Sorong to Wasai, on longboats, speedboats, liveaboard or dive boats. For land travel on the islands, you may normally cover by walking or hop one of the ubiquitous ojek (motorcycle taxi).

Into the Lagoons at Raja Ampat, Papua, Indonesia

Where to go nearby

Get back to Sorong and then proceed to discover the rest of Papua. You may fly to Jayapura and then discover Baliem Valley and Lorentz National Park.
Since Raja Ampat is in the tip of Papua, it is near to Maluku Islands, you may arrange to head there for further dive trips and exploration.

Travel Tips

Before able to go to dive spots, you would need to get a permit from the local Papua police station. Bring 3 copies of your passport page with Indonesian Visa.

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Beautiful Top 10 Must Visit Places in Bali

Many people say that Bali is overrated, too touristy and not worth to visit. I guess it really all depends how you would enjoy Bali. Not only that it has been popular in it’s own right, with post eat, pray, love, is there still the Bali that started it all?

Regardless, as time has passed, and places may have grown, yes Bali is still what it is somewhat but not quite. If you can look past the many tourists especially during peak season and instead of scorning, enjoy instead the many little business dotted around specifically to cater to tourists, you might just fall in love with Bali.

Bali deserves still the attention it is getting, just to list the Top 10 must visit places is enough to see why you should still travel to Bali.

                                               Uluwatu Temple, Pura Luhur @ Bali

 

Uluwatu Temple – Pura Luhur

Imagine a large rugged limestone cliff with a temple perched on it, almost like a scene from cliffhanger, to add to it’s dramatic grandeur. It is situated in the island commonly known as Bukit Peninsula, where it also include Bali’s few best beaches like Balangan and also has many good surfing spots. The temple is itself a majestic structure, constructed and expanded by many famous safes since in the 11th Century, it perched at the steep cliff of 70 meters above the Indian ocean. If you go even higher grounds nearby, you will be rewarded with breathtaking view of either side and sunsets over Uluwatu temple it self.

Pura Tanah Lot @ Bali

 

Pura Tanah Lot

Another majestic rock formation that lays as a foundation of a popular pilgrimage temple. It is most popular for its serenity and cultural significance as it is associated with the Balinese mythology as one of the seven temples that form a ring in the southwest of Bali. Try to go there during low tide so that you can experience walking across the water to the temple for the full experience.

 

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Bali’s temple by the lake)

This is the famous temple by the lake in Bali, where instead of like the rest perching on the cliff rock, this one is serenely resting at the edge of Lake Bratan. Imagine beautifully structured temple with double the beauty due to reflections of the clear lake.

Paddy rice fields @ Ubud, Bali

 

Dolphin sightings at Lovina

One of the best place in the world to do dolphin sighting boat trip. You will leave the beach at dawn to seek for the dolphins, though yes it may be quite crowded with other tourists trying to do the same especially during peak season, it is still well worth it when you find a school of dolphins happily jumping by. Lovina itself have a number of other attractions and activities itself, and boasts itself some backpacker scene where you can chill out in cafes and with live musics.

Lady selling flowers at the Market @ Ubud, Bali

 

Ubud

Yes despite that one might be trying to escape the eat, pray, love trail, Ubud is one place you cannot miss. It is still the heart of Bali, where all the action is and all the people and energy are focused on. Ubud is packed and condensed with the best of Bali, ranging from nature, culture and people, temples, museums, rolling rice/paddy fields and man-made gardens and parks. You may take a interesting bike tour around here or take up cooking, adventure activities like whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities, relax yourself with yoga and meditation or have some pampering of spas and massages and also enjoy arts and theatres and not to forget shopping. Just so you see Ubud have a little bit of everything for almost everyone.

Party @ Kuta Beach, Bali

 

Party at Kuta Beach

Kuta is the most popular beach in Bali, which means you can be sure to find the life and party scene here in Kuta Beach. Head here if you are looking out to socialize, party and have a good time. You be sure to find a range of places for different atmosphere and budget, ranging from Hard Rock cafe to your neighborhood cafe and pub.

Private Beach @ Nusa Dua, Bali

 

Private beach at Nusa Dua Beach

If you have a bit more of a budget to spare, splurge at Nusa Dua beach, where it is dotted with higher end hotels. You will be rewarded with private pristine beaches for you to slowly soak in the sun and the sea. Also ideal for honeymooners or people looking out for a private and relaxing getaway.

Hike Mount Batur @ Kintamani, Bali

 

Hike/Climb Mount Batur at Kintamani

Up in a highland in East of Bali, there lies Mount Batur caldera in Kintamani. A climb to the summit (1700 meters) of this active volcano is a great experience for any active travelers. Many would do the sunrise hike for an ultimate experience, starting from as early as 4am to reach in time for 6am sunrise. This hike is relatively easy and the treks are quite well marked. From the peak of the mountain, there are views in all direction to sweep you off your feet, not literally of course.

Bar on rocks @ Ayana, Bali

Ayana bar on rocks

We have two temples on the cliff, now we get to drink off the bar perched on yet another cliff at Ayana in Bali. This is known as the best bar in Bali, having a long line of people daily trying to get in and have a drink or two with some bites (which is surprisingly good) while overlooking the sea crashing into the rocks below. Think about drinking, chilling and also dancing atop a cliff with the roaring sea stretching behind you to infinity while you watch white water crashed onto the side of the wall creating a spectacular of natural show. If you decide where is one bar you must go to, Ayana bar on the rocks is the place.

Coffee plantation at Bali Pulina Agro Tourism

 

Coffee roasting @ Agro Plantation, Bali

An almost zen place for you to sit back and really appreciate your cup of coffee while overlooking the coffee plantation as far as the eye can see. Here you are served with various coffee and tea for tasting. You can also see the process of how the famous and expensive Kopi Luwak are made and even the civet cats themselves. If you are a coffee lover, do come check this place out for the ultimate coffee experience.

So you have it, ten reasons to visit Bali and these are just the highlights. Now you know the reason behind Bali’s popularity, so maybe people can just be right sometimes. Come over with an open heart and open arms, huge ounce of patience and tolerance for crowd, close an eye to all the touristy things glaring at you and just enjoy yourself here. If all else fail, you can always jump on the next available fast boat and escape to Gili Islands or Lombok!

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China Yellow Mountain

The Yellow Mountains is one of the most famous and beautiful mountains in China. It was enlisted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990.


 

Location

The Yellow Mountain area lies in Anhui Province, Eastern China, about 300 km (200 miles) west of Hangzhou and 500 km (300 miles) southwest of Shanghai. The scenic area is about 50 km (30 miles) north of Huangshan City. All of our Huangshan Tour Packages include a tour to the Yellow Mountains.

Features

The Yellow Mountains is called Huangshan (Huang means 'yellow' and shan means 'mountain(s)') by Chinese. Outstanding natural beauty is Huangshan's number one feature. Yellow Mountain’s classic attractions could be counted as five natural wonders in the winter: the imaginatively named pines, oddly-shaped rocks, the sea of clouds, hot springs and winter snowscapes.


 The glow of the sunrise and sunset draws the crowds to popular viewing spots. Buddha's Light (an optical phenomenon like a halo surrounding the observer's shadow, once thought to show the observer’s enlightenment) may be witnessed.

Compactness means more mountain scenery for less walking. Huangshan Scenic Area is a mountainous area of 154 square kilometers (59 square miles).The main attractions are in a corridor 6km from west to east and 12km from south to north. It’s about 500m above sea level at the south gate and the highest peak, Lotus Peak, is 1873m (6145ft) high. The 1400m+ peaks are all within 6km. The 1200m+ zone is about 10km in diameter, beyond which the mountains tail off rapidly in height. Although Huangshan is not very impressive in its dimensions, its features are extremely rugged and sheer.

There are hundreds of peaks and thousands of ravines in the Yellow Mountains, 72 of which have been named. Heavenly Capital Peak (1800m), Lotus Flower Peak and Bright Summit (1841m/6040ft) are the three major peaks, all rising more than 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) above sea level. They often have their heads above the clouds, giving them a majestic appearance. Yellow Mountain Scenic Area has two lakes, three waterfalls, 16 springs and 24 brooks all noted for their outstanding beauty.

There are only two sizeable mountain chains in Anhui, which line up from tail to head, from west to east. Huangshan represents the head of the taller eastern chain, facing east towards the Pacific. Huangshan owes its magnificent and regionally best propensity for collecting clouds to its favorable location and suitable size, making it the first to really catch moist Pacific air drifting in from 300+ km (200+ miles) away, past Hangzhou. If Huangshan was less elevated or further from the open ocean it would not act like the cloud-catching hand, peaks raised like fingers for mortals to stand on and view from, that it does.

History

The Yellow Mountains are not so called because the mountains are yellow, but because it was named after the legendary Yellow Emperor (Huang Di) in 747 AD. After that Huangshan began its ascent to fame. Many Buddhist temples have been built there and, more recently, it has become a major tourist attraction, because of its scenic qualities.
It is said that Huangshan is the place where the Yellow Emperor, the mythical ancestor of the Chinese, lived, refined precious medicines and became a supernatural being. Xu Xiake, a noted Chinese geologist in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), who visited the Yellow Mountains twice, left his praise in this quote: "You don’t need to see any more mountains after seeing 'the Five Mountains', and you don't need to see the other four mountains after seeing Huangshan".
On November 8, 1982, Huangshan was ratified into the list of Key National-Level Scenic Spots by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. In 1990, the Yellow Mountains were added to the list of World Natural Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It is now protected as a treasure for all mankind to enjoy for all time.

Activities

The most popular activity on Huangshan is hiking around to see the scenery, but there are also sunsets, sunrises and the hot springs to enjoy. There are cable cars (telphers) to take the effort out of the ascent and descent. Below is a summary of the hiking options. There are two routes up to the mountaintop hotels from the main south gate: the Yuping (Jade Screen) Telpher route and the Yungu (Cloud Valley) Telpher route. Huangshan Scenic Area can also be entered from the north. See Huangshan Maps for a map showing walking times.

The Foot of the Mountain - Hot Springs and Waterfalls

The hot springs, some waterfalls and low level scenic walks can be found 40 minutes walk (or a short taxi ride) in from the main gate at the south of Huangshan. There are several hotels in this area, in whose grounds are the hot springs. The hot springs are a great place to go to relax the muscles after a day or two’s hiking on the mountain.

South Route 1: The Yuping Telpher to Bright Summit Ascent

The Yuping (Jade Screen) Telpher route to Bright Summit is the less recommended route up, because there’s more walking and tourists, but it gives the chance to take in the tallest peaks. Yuping Telpher’s south station is known as Kind Light Pagoda (Ci Guang Ge) Station. The telpher takes 10 minutes to take visitors up to Yuping Telpher’s north station, near Jade Screen Pavilion. This saves 1 hour 15 minutes of walking. Jade Screen Pavilion is an excellent viewing spot.

A short distance from Jade Screen Pavilion, past Welcoming Guest Pine, is Heaven’s Capital. This peak is a steep climb (an estimated 1 hour 30 minutes to-the-top-and-back diversion, not counting breaks), but the views and rock formations near the summit, not to mention fewer tourists (deterred by its steepness), make it worthwhile. The busiest place on the mountain must be around the famous Welcoming Guest Pine (between Yuping Telpher Station and Heaven’s Capital), where tourists from all over China take it in turns to have their photo taken with this well-known tree.
The route from Jade Screen Pavilion to Bright Summit is very busy in peak times, which makes the narrow paths slow going. Tour guides with megaphones interrupt the eerie stillness of the mountainside. The path offers another diversion (1 hour 30 minutes) off to the highest summit, Lotus Peak, before reaching Bright Summit. Lotus Peak was closed recently (August ‘09), due to footpath repairs and because tourist numbers were too high.

South Route 2: The Yungu Telpher Ascent

The Yungu (Cloud Valley) Telpher route begins at the south station, near Cloud Valley Temple. Yungu Telpher takes 8 minutes to reach White Goose Ridge (Bai E Feng), the north station, compared to an estimated 1 hour 45 minutes of walking. The walking option doesn’t offer much, just a pavilion and a rock called Immortal Pointing The Way, and the company of local workers manually transporting bedding and other goods up and down the thousands of steps. From White Goose Ridge the path forks right to North Sea (Beihai) Hotel, or left to Bright Summit.

The Mountaintop Loop

Bright Summit, Dispersing Cloud Pavilion, North Sea Hotel and White Goose Ridge form a loop at the top of the mountain. Bright Summit to Dispersing Cloud Pavilion (20 minutes down or 45 minutes climbing up), takes in the Flying Over Stone, a large tilting monolith. The loop goes past West Sea (Xihai) Hotel on to North Sea (Beihai) Hotel (10 minutes). The path from North Sea Hotel to White Goose Ridge (15 minutes down, 30 up) takes in a rock called Flower Growing Out Of A Writing Brush. Climb from White Goose Ridge to Bright Summit (35 minutes) to complete the loop.

West Sea Grand Canyon

From Dispersing Cloud Pavilion, there is a path out west to West Sea Grand Canyon and Nine Dragons Peak. For a more peaceful way to enjoy the scenery of the Yellow Mountains, China Highlights recommend the circuit through the West Sea Canyon, with its less frequented trails and spectacular views. Note that every year from December till April of the next year, West Sea Grand Canyon is closed to tourists because of snow and maintenance.

Eastern Routes

The peripheral routes from Flower Growing Out Of A Writing Brush go out east to Seeing Is Believing Peak (left fork, 20 minutes) past Pen Rack Peak, or (right fork) to Fairy Maiden Peak (30 minutes).

The Northern Route

From North Sea Hotel there is a path north to the north gate of Huangshan Scenic Area, the less visited side. Along this path one can see Dawn Pavilion (it is popular to go up here or to Bright Summit to see the Sea Of Clouds and the Dawn), Refreshing Terrace and Monkey Watching the Sea (a curious boulder perched on a ridge), on the way down to Pine Valley Nunnery, where one could catch Taiping Telpher back up.
Taiping Telpher is Asia’s longest telpher (3709m long), taking up to 100 passengers at a time from Dispersing Cloud Pavilion down to Pine Valley Nunnery (Songgu An), or probably more popularly up the approximately 1000m ascent. It can be incorporated in a loop via Beihai Hotel and Dawn Pavilion. A good early morning excursion would be to set off from one of the mountain top hotels to see the dawn at Dawn Pavilion, walk down to the nunnery (an hour’s walk from North Sea Hotel) and come up by telpher (much quicker than the walk which would be more like 2 hours because of the ascent).

Yellow Mountain Tourist Map

Yellow Mountain Sunrises

Watching the sunrise over Huangshan is a very popular and highly recommended activity. Many people make the early morning trek up to Bright Summit, but Refreshing Pavilion (Qingliang Ting), a short walk from North Sea Hotel is also a good place. The following is the general time-table for the sunrise time on the Yellow Mountains. Each month is divided into three periods (period one from 1 to 10, period two from 11 to 20 and period three from 21 to 30 or 31), and these three periods have little different sunrise time.

Sunrise Time on the Yellow Mountains

Month	Date	Time	Month	Date	Time	Month	Date	Time
Jan.	1	07: 30	May	1	05: 24	Sep.	1	05: 44
	11	07: 40		11	05: 16		11	05: 49
	21	07: 30		21	05: 11		21	05: 55
Feb.	1	06: 58	Jun.	1	05: 07	Oct.	1	06: 00
	11	06: 50		11	05: 05		11	06: 06
	21	06: 42		21	05: 06		21	06: 12
Mar.	1	06: 33	Jul.	1	05: 10	Nov.	1	06: 21
	11	06: 23		11	05: 14		11	06: 29
	21	06: 10		21	05: 19		21	06: 37
Apr.	1	05: 57	Aug.	1	05: 26	Dec.	1	06: 46
	11	05: 45		11	05: 32		11	06: 53
	21	05: 35		21	05: 38		21	06: 59

Travel Essentials

Getting to the Yellow Mountains

The usual way to get to the mountains is to first go to Huangshan City by bus, train or plane. There is a daily bus service from Hangzhou, making the 2.5 hour journey to the city or a 3.5 hour journey to the mountains. A train from Shanghai (K8418/K8419, 17:49-09:05) takes 15 hours, and a train to Shanghai (K8417/K8420 19:15-09:39) takes 14 hours. There is a small airport 10 minutes drive from Huangshan City and daily flights to and from Shanghai. A bus from the city to Huangshan Scenic Area takes about 1.5 hours. 

Getting Up the Yellow Mountains

Getting up the mountains is not too difficult, despite the precipitous valleys. There are an estimated 60 000 steps and paved paths leading to all the main points of interest (a common feature on China’s popular mountains). It’s worth noting that the average July temperature is 18oC (64oF) and the average January Temperature is -3oC (27oF) on the mountain. See Huangshan Weather.

There are 3 telphers (cableways with enclosed cars) to take the time and effort out of the middle part of the climb to the summits, and minibuses that will take you as far as the telpher stations. The prices for the 3 telphers (Yungu, Yuping, and Taiping) are the same. The one way price is 105 yuan per person. Every year during the low season from November till January of the next year, the three telphers will take turn to stop operation for annual maintenance.

Note: from October 8th, 2014 to April 30th, 2015, Yuping telpher will stop operation for its rebuilding work. The specific date to recover the opening time has not been released.

The Annual Temperature on the Top of the Yellow Mountains

Temperature	Jan.	Feb.	Mar.	Apr.	May.	Jun.	Jul.	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Average (°C or °F)	-3 or 27	-2 or 29	3 or 37	8 or 46	12 or 53	15 or 59	18 or 64	17 or 63	14 or 57	9 or 48	4 or 39	-1 or 31
Highest (°C or °F)	1 or 33	2 or 36	6 or 43	11 or 52	15 or 59	18 or 64	21 or 69	21 or 69	17 or 62	12 or 54	7 or 45	3 or 37
Lowest (°C or °F)	-6 or 21	-5 or 23	-1 or 31	5 or 41	9 or 48	13 or 55	15 or 60	15 or 60	12 or 53	6 or 43	1 or 34	-4 or 25

Footwear

Decent comfortable trainers with a cushioned sole (with a change of footwear in case they get soaked) should be sufficient in summer. Waterproof walking boots/ snow boots are recommended in the winter when there is likely to be snow. The steps may be treacherously slippery in the winter and some areas are restricted access for safety reasons.

What to Pack

Pack for mountain walking and a day or two’s stay at mountain hotels. A day or two is all that should be needed to explore the mountain thoroughly. The rest (cases, etc.) should be left at a hotel in Huangshan City or at the bottom of the mountain. We recommend waterproofs, layers of warm clothes, a windproof lightweight layer, a change of clothes, high calorie snacks, plenty of drinks, a map for reference and a camera. In summer use sun protection as it is easy to get burnt on the mountain. Pack waterproof bags for anything that shouldn’t get wet and put it all in a backpack. In winter dress for -10oC, plus wind-chill and snow.

Nearby Attractions

Tunxi Ancient Village

If you arrive in Huangshan City too late in the day to go to the mountains, there are decent hotels in the city and Tunxi. Tunxi is a town/district and a county adjacent to and effectively forming the south of the city of Huangshan. Tunxi, the old town in the centre of Huangshan City, is famous for ink production. Visitors can see a historic factory where ink tablets and seals are produced. A stroll down the main streets of Tunxi gives visitors the chance to take in the ancient architecture and maybe buy some tea or other local products from the shops that line the streets.

Hong Cun

Other attractions in Huangshan Prefecture include Hong Village (1.5 hours by bus from the city). Hong Cun, literally Spacious Village, is famous for being the set for Jiang Yimou’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. It is a beautiful ancient village frequented by painters capturing the blend of water, willows and ancient architecture on canvass. Walking through the narrow streets one can visit many historic residences with antique furniture and beautifully carved wooden doors and archways.

The Tangyue Memorial Arches

There are also the Tangyue Memorial Arches (40 minutes from the city), the largest collection of these tall Chinese-style stone gateway and roof structures in the world.

Tachuan Village

Tachuan Village is considered to have one of the best autumn scenes in China. It boasts numerous ancient giant trees, such as Chinese tallow trees, maples and camphor tree. In Autumn, when the tree leaves turn multi-colored, creating a gorgeous sight, attracting many visitors and photographers.

Immediately visit if you want

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