As the festive season unfolds its magic, we once again find ourselves immersed in the enchanting world of Christmas. The city transforms into a winter wonderland, with trees sparkling like a constellation of stars against the dark sky coupled with the mesmerising charm of Christmas markets.

The aroma of holiday treats wafts through the air, while the heart-tugging plots of romantic comedies keep us glued to our screens. The task of fulfilling gift lists adds to the excitement, making us a part of Santa’s army of elves.

Amidst all this festive flurry, the Christmas markets stand as a beloved tradition. These markets, scattered across the city like sprinkle of confetti, amplify the joy and warmth of the season.

To ensure you soak in the essence of this festive season, we’ve crafted a list of four must-visit Christmas bazaars in KL and Selangor. Each one offers a different slice of Christmas, promising to leave you with a heart brimming with holiday cheer and hands laden with unique festive treasures.

Visit these 4 Christmas markets in KL & Selangor to usher in the festive spirit

B-Brand Christmas Market

Are you in search of a kaleidoscope of festive stalls teeming with an assortment of perfect gifts, all wrapped up in a robust holiday atmosphere? Look no further than the B-Brand Christmas Extravaganza. Bathed in vibrant hues of pink and electrifying neon green, this market is ready to sweep you off your feet! Not just about shopping, here, you can also witness enthralling performances that will enliven your market stroll.

Date: 20 November 2023 to 7 January 2024

Time: 10 AM – 10 PM

Address: Main Concourse, Lot 10 – 50, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Entry fee: Free

Pingmin Christmas Market

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Pingmin Christmas Market. This celebration brings together over 80 local artisans showcasing a cornucopia of handcrafted gifts, mouth-watering food, refreshing beverages, and delectable snacks. Let your shopping spree take flight in this vibrant marketplace.

But the extravaganza doesn’t end there. A shared feast awaits you, where you’re invited to bring your own utensils and meal containers, fostering a community spirit. The cherry on top? It’s a pet-friendly event, meaning your furry companions can join in the holiday merriment, away from the confines of home.

Date: 23 to 25 December 2023

Time: 2 PM – 10 PM (23 December and 25 December), 5 PM – 12 AM (24 December)

Address: CP7 Rooftop Sunway Pyramid – 3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Entry fee: Free

Frosty Festive Market

Mark your calendars for a double-dose of festive merriment at the Frosty Festive Market, a captivating initiative by ILoveBazaar. This enchanting bazaar is a treasure trove of Christmas gifts, all locally crafted with love and care.

It’s a place where Christmas comes to life, brimming with delightful decorations, trendy accessories, and mouth-watering culinary delights.

Date: 16 and 17 December, 23 and 24 December

Time: 10 AM – 10 PM

Address: 1st Floor, MyTOWN Shopping Centre – No.6, Jalan Cochrane, Seksyen 90, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Entry fee: Free

Ready 4 X’mas

Gear up to ring in the Yuletide spirit with Lesgo’s awe-inspiring Ready 4 X’mas festivity in KL. Scheduled on the Christmas Eve weekend, this vibrant jamboree promises a delightful blend of scrumptious food, soulful live music, and an irresistible wave of holiday merriment.

Boasting over 60 local stalls, it offers a cornucopia of handpicked treasures waiting to be discovered. Fancy trying your luck? Dive into the exciting lucky draw. And for those who’ve been nice all year, a special guest might just make an appearance. Yes, you heard it right! Santa himself might be around, ready to spread joy and cheer.

Don’t miss out on this incredible Christmas market – a seasonal spectacle that’s sure to create memories to last a lifetime!

Date: 23 to 24 December

Time: 2 PM – 10 PM

Address: LaLaPort Rooftop Garden – 2, Jalan Hang Tuah, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Entry fee: Free

This story first appeared here.

(Hero and feature images credit: Unsplash/Katarzyna Dutkowska & Illiya Vjestica)

Related: The Best Christmas Staycations In Hong Kong To Book Right Now

Over the past few decades, Peru has been trying to weightily designate a number of its archaeological sites as “the next Machu Picchu,” after the famed Incan redoubt in the country’s Sacred Valley. These range from the relatively obscure — like Choquequirao, the “cradle of gold” celebrated as the site of the Incas’ last stand against the Spanish — to somewhat better-known places like Kuélap, a huge, walled mountaintop settlement once populated by the mysterious Chachapoya civilisation, the fabled warriors of the cloud forest.

The effort to crown new successors stems as much from the desire to attract adventurous travellers as it does from the need to siphon visitors away from Machu Picchu itself, which, prior to the pandemic, was well on its way to becoming a poster child for over-tourism. (The site has gone from fewer than 200,000 visitors a year in 1980 to more than 1.5 million in 2018; by contrast, Choquequirao gets about two days’ worth of Machu visitors over the course of an entire year.) Far more people visit Machu Picchu on an average day than ever lived there; one writer clocked a new #Machu post going up on Instagram every 48 seconds.

A guide to Peru’s Amazonas region

As someone who shies away from crowds, I revelled in the idea of visiting underappreciated archaeological masterworks in comparative solitude. So, a couple of years ago, I began cataloguing on Google Earth the myriad of Peruvian places I wanted to visit, the country’s riches unfolding at the mere drag of the finger. But when I called Marisol Mosquera, who heads the Lima-based luxury operator Aracari Travel, I got a reality check. There was nothing wrong with my fantasy itinerary, she noted — except that it would take months.

“The opening scene of the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark, in which the swashbuckling archaeologist played by Harrison Ford swaps a bag of sand for a gleaming gold fertility idol, is supposedly set in this part of Peru. The movie wasn’t actually filmed there, but there were moments when we would have been forgiven for thinking we were in the world of Indiana Jones.”

In Peru, distances on a map may look short as the quetzal flies but actually traversing them — often on narrow, vertiginous roads prone to washouts, rockslides, and a startling array of livestock — can be grindingly slow. A site I’d pegged as an easy day trip was, Mosquera told me, a 17-hour drive, one way. Accessing the sites often involves lengthy hikes, and there isn’t much in the way of anything beyond basic accommodations.

But Mosquera said she had grown increasingly keen on the northern region of Amazonas, particularly the area around Chachapoyas. The colonial mountain town was named for the fierce “lost” civilisation that had inhabited the “eyebrow of the jungle” from around 500 AD to its eventual conquest, first by the Incas in the late 15th century, then by the Spanish in the mid-16th century.

There were a number of sites in Amazonas to visit, most prominently Kuélap, with its massive walls and hundreds of buildings — many still intact. The site was rediscovered in the 1850s but not given serious attention until the late 20th century. And there were two small, stylish inns Mosquera admired — both run by women, both occupying reforested land, and both within striking distance of significant sites.

The travel plan I hatched immediately encountered headwinds: first, COVID came along; then, I realised I’d forgotten to renew my passport. Finally, I fixed on a week in late April 2022. But dark portents kept appearing. A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Amazonas in late 2021, damaging a number of roads. Then, weeks before my departure date, Peru was gripped by political protests, including a strike by transport workers (the country’s episodic bouts of political instability make it worth checking the US State Department website before planning a visit).

Just when I was days away from setting off, a section of restored wall at Kuélap collapsed, and the government closed the site. Rob Dover, an English-Peruvian dual national who runs Vilaya Tours in Chachapoyas and whom I’d been consulting on my itinerary, suggested I go anyway, for two reasons: first, to draw attention to what many view as the governmental negligence that caused the situation at Kuélap; second, because there were so many other things to see and do.

There was one final hurdle. On the eve of our trip, my brother-in-law Robert, who’d agreed to be my travel partner, revealed that he had a fear of heights. My mind flashed to roads twisting up to the 10,000-foot-high mountaintop pueblos we’d be visiting. “Think of it as exposure therapy,” I joked.

As I stepped out onto the broad deck of my cabin at the Gocta Natura Reserve, I suddenly had the sensation that I was inhabiting the white noise machine, with its settings of “waterfall,” “stream,” and “rainforest,” that for years helped me sleep amid the commotion of New York City. I stared at the massive Gocta waterfall — at 2,530 feet, one of the world’s tallest — coursing with days’ worth of rain. Its dull roar across the valley was joined by a cacophony of avian life; somewhere in the distance, the Gocta River burbled by.

Gocta Natura is located just outside the small town of Cocachimba, itself about an hour’s drive from Chachapoyas, the region’s biggest city — which almost everyone jauntily calls “Chacha.” A 90-minute flight leaves Lima three times a week for its tiny airport. An increasingly popular hub, Chachapoyas is itself worth an afternoon’s wandering. This pleasant mountain town has a university and cobblestoned streets lined with whitewashed buildings accented by Bavarian-looking dark wood details.

After a brief stop at Huancas, a tiny hilltop village with a transfixing view of the magnificent Sonche Canyon, we headed to Gocta Natura. The six-cabin eco-lodge began life as a second home for Rocío Florez, who was working for the World Bank in Lima when she and her husband visited the area in the early 2000s. They were captivated and bought a piece of farmland.

In 2002, a German engineer measured the falls, then mostly a local secret, and declared them the world’s third tallest. The claim has since been revised downward, but the falls, which descend in two stages, with the top split into two channels, are undeniably impressive — and thus a nascent tourism industry was born. A dirt road was built, and a few small guesthouses opened. Florez, envisioning a “productive retirement,” began building her cabins and planting trees. An expert in sustainable development, she worked from the beginning on statutes intended to lessen the negative effects of tourism. “Some of the younger generation has been returning to Cocachimba,” she said, lured by the burgeoning economy.

Cocachimba, thankfully, still seems quite sleepy. As Robert and I departed at 7 am for the roughly eight-mile round-trip hike to the falls (some visitors go on horseback), a pair of young Danes were the only visitors we encountered. The path, sometimes manicured with paving stones, sometimes a muddy track, wound through thick cloud forests and was dotted with mosses, ferns, and bromeliads. A few small, shuttered huts advertised cold drinks. A little white dog joined us, bounding ahead to each bend and looking back expectantly. We named him Jefe.

Arriving at the base of the falls, we were suddenly in a glistening emerald wonderland. Because the waterfall is so high, it’s mostly mist by the time it reaches the bottom, but the sheer force of the vapour radiates outward in strong, cooling waves. I’ve been at waterfalls a fraction of the size that were thronged with selfie-taking hordes; here, we were completely alone. There was no sign of the sirena — a sort of mermaid — that some locals believe inhabits it.

Returning, we began to encounter more people, mostly day-trippers from Chachapoyas. At Gocta, lunch awaited, one of three daily meals the lodge provides — part of an ambitious food program overseen by Florez’s son Matías Cillóniz, who also runs a bistro in Lima. Much of the food served, including Amazonas fruits like cherimoya and passion fruit, is grown on the property. Other menu standouts, like Andean black potatoes — one of Peru’s 4,000-plus endemic species of potato — are sourced from a group of women farmers in a nearby hilltop village.

Florez is trying to bring a new level of hospitality to Cocachimba. “I’ve just trained two ladies who’ve worked with me for years to do massages,” she told us. With excursions often requiring lengthy drives, she’s trying to make Gocta itself a more alluring destination. “The idea is, after a strenuous but beautiful activity, you come back and are pampered.”

One late afternoon, refreshed by a cooling chilcano de pisco cocktail, we walked to town to visit a hummingbird refuge recently opened by Elmer Yalta, the owner of a small hotel whose livelihood was derailed during COVID. Having inherited a chunk of land on the edge of town from his father, he stumbled upon the colibri cola de espátula, an endangered species of bird famed for its drooping, two-pronged tail. Yalta’s pandemic pivot was to convert the agricultural land into a forest stocked with hummingbird-friendly flora. Sitting in a shed, staring at a group of feeders, we watched as the bird suddenly appeared and probed its beak into the feeder, its beautiful, preposterous appendage hovering like some phantom twin. Yalta’s experience seemed emblematic of tourism itself: plant the right amenities, and people will come. But be sure to do it carefully, because ecosystems are fragile.

The opening scene of the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark, in which the swashbuckling archaeologist played by Harrison Ford swaps a bag of sand for a gleaming gold fertility idol, is supposedly set in this part of Peru. The movie wasn’t actually filmed there, but there were moments when we would have been forgiven for thinking we were in the world of Indiana Jones. One day I took a nearly two-hour taxi ride to the small village of San Jerónimo to see Cerro el Tigre, a set of cliffside Chachapoyan sarcophagi discovered by a local shepherd in 2013. Robert, as if sensing what was coming, opted to stay at Natura, enjoying a book and the waterfall view. And good thing: even the road to the village was a near-nosebleed territory.

As at many sites in Peru, access is gained via someone in the local community, in this case, the cashier at a small grocery, who asked me to sign a guest book — the last visitors had been weeks before. She then took my money: 10 soles, a little less than USD 3 (HKD 23), for the entrance fee and 50 soles, about USD 13 (HKD 101), for the guide, a 16-year-old girl named Annali. Wearing a colourful sweater and a pair of Wellingtons, Annali nonchalantly led me and my driver, Elvis Hernández — who, having never seen the site, invited himself along — down a track to Cerro el Tigre.

We walked through a pasture, passing cows and dragon-fruit orchards, while a huge, sheer rock face loomed in the distance. After crossing a small waterfall, the butterfly-populated path twisted up a series of tight switchbacks into dense cloud forests. We scrambled up muddy sections and gingerly crossed handmade wooden bridges slick with moisture, finally emerging onto a high ledge marked by the remains of houses, bits of pottery, and, startlingly, a collection of human skulls arrayed on a rock.

I was still trying to figure out where the sarcophagi were when Annali gestured toward a bridge made of hand-hewn logs. At the end was a ladder — a set of planks, really — nailed to a large tree jutting out into space. I nervously ascended what felt like a homespun tree house from my 1970s suburban youth. Reaching the top, I slowly turned around.

What I saw struck me with some weird primal power: a row of small figures with rounded, earthen bodies, arrayed under an outcropping of rock like Kewpie dolls at a country fair. Their smooth, oval faces, with simply painted eyes cast in shadow by prominent sculpted foreheads, stared silently out, for all time, across the Peruvian altiplano. Closer inspection revealed holes in the sides of the sarcophagi where the human remains had been looted. I took all this in, then made the mistake of looking down. A sheer drop, only partially obscured by dense jungle.

Cerro el Tigre isn’t for everyone: the viewing platform isn’t built to any recognisable safety code, and just getting there is an endeavour. At one point, Elvis and I had to help a truck driver who had stopped ahead of us move several huge boulders out of the road. But the thrill of real, unadulterated adventure was undeniable. I had been virtually alone among the remnants of a thousand-year-old tomb built 3,000 feet above the village. It’s increasingly a rarity to come across such an unmediated, little-visited, remarkable place. And yet, the people of this region would no doubt benefit if Cerro el Tigre became better known, which would bring more visitors to spend money in local villages.

Moments like these kept cropping up. On another afternoon, Robert and I travelled to a new archaeological site near Chachapoyas, a mountaintop settlement known as Cambolín. We were greeted at the windswept summit — unusually, it was easily reachable by car — by Jeff Contreras Soto, an archaeologist, and Amado Lopez, a community member from San Juan de Sonche, the town that oversees visits to the site as well as a nearby zipline and waterfall. Lopez offered a plastic bag of coca leaves, a common remedy against hypoxia. Feeling the altitude, we indulged (placebo or not, it seemed to do the trick).

Thus steadied, we toured the complex with Contreras Soto as he pointed out the rare, still-intact mortar between the stones of the circular houses — a hallmark of Chachapoyan architecture — or pictographs with red target-like motifs. I had been told by Brown University archaeologist Parker Van Valkenburg that rather than a single culture, the Chachapoya were more likely a “mosaic of smaller polities that may have banded together” against Incan imperialism. The presence at Cambolín of square-shaped buildings — an Incan staple — revealed the seeming failure of that strategy.

Will Cambolín be the next Machu Picchu? No. But we were alone, with an archaeologist, for a two-hour visit at a significant, active site that is still being interpreted. Afterwards, we were taken, along with some students working on the site, to the small town below for lunch in the community hall served by local women wearing traditional outfits, where we were plied with a further succession of regional elixirs.

“I’ve never seen a culture that has so many ways of burying their dead,” Adriana von Hagen told us over dinner at Kentitambo, the small inn she runs with her partner, Oscar Bravo, outside the town of Leymebamba. There were the aboveground tombs known as chullpas; the cliffside sarcophagi for VIPs; the cave burials. “The walls of Kuélap,” she noted, “are great big cemeteries,” with every nook and cranny used to stash human bones.

Von Hagen, who trained as an archaeologist and is the daughter of noted American explorer-author Victor von Hagen, is a co-founder of the Leymebamba Museum, located just across the road from the inn. It opened in 2000 on the heels of a momentous discovery of Chachapoyan mummies, near a site called Laguna de Los Cóndores — a gruelling three-day horseback ride from Kentitambo.

“At first we thought we could do on-site conservation,” she said. But the risk of additional looting was too great. With private funding, a museum was built to house the collection. It’s a fascinating place that, like seemingly everything else, we’d had to ourselves when we visited earlier that day. We peered through the glass to look at the conserved mummies, crouched in an almost fetal position, their faces looking frozen in anguish. (It was Edvard Munch’s viewing of Chachapoyan mummies at the 1899 Trocadero Exposition in Paris that inspired The Scream.) Among other artefacts, the museum has an extensive collection of quipus, the knotted strings that the Incas used as a kind of number-crunching device.

Sitting at the table at Kentitambo is like being privy to some archaeological salon, with von Hagen offering tart opinions on overtourism in the Sacred Valley or the lack of attention paid by the government to Kuélap (“it’s been in scaffolding for years”). Bravo, meanwhile, chimes in with a joke and a hearty laugh. The inn is a favourite haunt not just for archaeologists but naturalists of all stripes. (A couple from Michigan, regular guests who are keen lepidopterists, were credited with finding a new butterfly species in the area.) It’s a bit more rustic than Gocta, the food more home-cooked. The climate is a bit wetter, a bit cooler. Befitting its sobriquet as the “hummingbird inn,” its grounds are packed with flora and fauna — I saw the spatula-tailed hummingbird, so rare in Cocachimba, right from my breakfast chair.

Kentitambo is also close to a range of stunning archaeological sites. After our two-hour visit to the Leymebamba Museum, we were taken by Segundo “Viejo” Aguilar, a guide, to a site called La Petaca. We drove for an hour south and disembarked at the beginning of a cattle trail. It had been raining, and walking was a delicate balance between trying not to lose a rubber boot in the sucking mud and trying not to fall down. We wound through a verdant pastoral landscape that could have been Scotland, then climbed a hill that briefly gave Robert pause — with urging from Viejo, he soldiered on — until we reached a plateau thick with bracken.

Viejo hacked a path with his machete, and we suddenly had a view of a towering rock face. We could see, with the naked eye, mausoleums carved into the cliff. Contemporary archaeologists have explored those spaces using modern climbing equipment to rappel down the sheer cliff face, making it even more astonishing that the Chachapoya were working in this environment a thousand years ago. We unpacked a picnic lunch and pored over the tombs and pictographs with binoculars, revelling again at our sense of being alone in the company of these haunting monuments.

Amazonas is not the easiest place to travel to. It takes a while to get places, and you may have to help your driver clear a path through a washed-out road. On a hike to a site, it’s always further than you think. Bravo, at Kentitambo, used the slang word allishito — meaning, in essence, just a little bit more over there. But when you get to wherever there is, you’ll be convinced that the journey was worth the effort.

Where to stay

Gocta Natura Reserve: Onetime Lima resident Rocío Florez hosts visitors at six stylishly rustic cabins (ask for one with a view of the stunning Gocta waterfall, a half-day’s hike away) in the hamlet of Cocachimba, while her son Matías Cillóniz oversees a food program supplied by the on-site gardens.

Kentitambo: Run by archaeologist Adriana von Hagen, Kentitambo is a small inn set among verdant cloud-forest foliage and surrounded by hummingbirds, in the small town of Leymebamba. The namesake museum, just across the road, is home to a famous collection of mummies.

How to book

Aracari Travel: Peru is a large country, and the logistics can be tricky. Marisol Mosquera (travel@aracari.com) can arrange trips to any of the sites mentioned in this article (including the now partially reopened ruins of Kuélap).

Vilaya Tours: Rob Dover, an Englishman who has lived in Peru for decades, is an expert on the Chachapoyas region and offers a wide array of outings, including longer jungle treks and horseback journeys.

(Feature image credit: João Canziani)

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing 

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related: The Best Times To Visit Peru, According To Locals

With its bustling urban cities, tropical rainforests, modern architecture, diverse cultural attractions, adventure sports, and more, Malaysia offers a diverse array of attractions for a memorable vacation. If you’re planning a trip to this little slice of heaven, find out the best time to visit Malaysia for a relaxing sojourn!

Malaysia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, known for its rich cultural heritage, verdant landscapes, and delectable cuisines. As a tropical paradise, Malaysia enjoys consistently pleasant weather year-round, characterised by high humidity and temperatures. With a mean annual temperature of approximately 25.4°C, the country experiences two distinct monsoon seasons affecting the east and west coasts.

The peak season in Malaysia spans from December to February, coinciding with the hottest months, while the off-peak season extends from March to June, encompassing the cooler months. The transitional shoulder season in Malaysia prevails from July to November.

Sun-kissed adventures: Best time to visit Malaysia for great weather

Discovering the best time to visit Malaysia for optimal weather conditions depends on the region you plan to explore. East Malaysia shines brightest from April to October, marked by its driest weather. On the other hand, Peninsular Malaysia welcomes visitors with the best weather from December to March. During these months, the monsoon retreats, unveiling a lush landscape adorned with tropical foliage and unique fauna. For those travelling with kids, April is particularly rewarding, especially for a visit to Legoland Malaysia.

Island escapade: The best time to explore beaches and islands in Malaysia

For those planning to explore the pristine beaches and islands of Malaysia on the west coast, especially Langkawi and Penang, the best time to visit is from mid-February to May. This period offers an ideal opportunity to revel in the dry season, indulging in watersports and tropical adventures. Additionally, it aligns with various celebrations and festivals such as Chinese New Year and Thaipusam.

Tropical romance: Best time for a Malaysian honeymoon

Embarking on a Malaysian honeymoon is most enchanting from March to October, when the weather is mostly dry, accompanied by a slight drop in humidity. While unexpected bouts of rain may occur, the retreat of the monsoons ensures a more comfortable experience. For those planning to visit attractions on the West Coast, such as Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Johor, the months of January and February are ideal.

Smart spenders’ delight: Best time to visit Malaysia for prime deals

The best time to visit Malaysia for budget-friendly prices and affordable deals falls during the off-season, spanning from March to June. During this period, Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi offer budget-friendly accommodation and cost-effective activities. The thinner crowds ensure shorter queues, allowing you to seamlessly explore attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers. However, it’s essential to note that the onset of the monsoon season might pose a challenge to planned activities, even as the landscape bursts with vibrant and verdant scenes.

Action-packed escapes: Best time for adventure activities in Malaysia

The best time to visit Malaysia for adventure activities is during March and April when the weather is dry and pleasant. With the rain subsiding, these months offer excellent conditions for outdoor activities such as ATV off-roading, skydiving, white water rafting, parasailing, and cave exploration. Johor, Langkawi, and Kampar are ideal destinations for exploring adventure activities in Malaysia.

Into the wilderness: Best time to explore nature in Malaysia

March to April emerges as an excellent window for exploring the varied wildlife of Malaysia, from rainforests to biodiversity parks. These months experience comparatively drier and more pleasant weather. March marks the commencement of the dry season in Borneo, providing a great opportunity to explore the rainforests or go on wildlife-watching tours. April is particularly good for trekking aficionados, offering clear weather to climb Mount Kinabalu, done over two days.

Also, check – Indian’s No Longer Need A Visa To Visit Malaysia

Weather woes: Worst time to visit Malaysia

While Malaysia maintains a hot and humid climate with sporadic rain throughout the year, the official monsoon seasons can disrupt travel plans. The northeast monsoon (November to March) impacts the east coast with torrential downpours, while the southwest monsoon (late May to September) affects the west coast with milder rains.

Stormy seas, strong winds, and torrential downpours during these monsoon periods can lead to disruptions and cancellations of ferry and catamaran trips. Murky sea waters render watersports such as diving and snorkelling impractical, and mountainous areas become less accessible due to slippery roads and dense clouds affecting visibility. Flooding is common in low-lying areas like Sabah.

(Feature image credit: Meimei Ismail/Unsplash)

Related: Explore Malaysia’s Rich Heritage at UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-What is the best time to explore adventure activities in Malaysia?
Adventure activities in Malaysia, such as parasailing, off-roading, and skydiving, are best enjoyed in March and April.

-What is the best time to explore wildlife in Malaysia?
March and April are ideal for exploring wildlife in Malaysia.

-What is the best time for a solo trip in Malaysia?
A solo trip in Malaysia is best carried out during the high season, when options abound and there are plenty of tourists at most

-How can I avoid extreme temperatures while visiting Malaysia?
Malaysia is a tropical country, with an average annual temperature of 25.4°C. There are no extreme temperatures across the country, and the only thing that might need to be avoided is the monsoon season.

-What are the specific seasonal attractions in Malaysia?
Some islands in Malaysia, such as Tioman and Redang, can only be visited in the dry season.

-What are the best festivals to attend in Malaysia?
The Chinese New Year (celebrated in February), the Rainforest World Music Festival Day (held in July), and the Dragon Boat Festival (celebrated in December) are among the best festivals to attend in Malaysia.

Embark on a journey to discover the wonders of Pakistan, a land adorned with captivating landscapes and rich cultural tapestries. Among the gems awaiting your exploration are the majestic Hunza Valley, where towering peaks kiss the sky, and the enchanting Swat Valley, often hailed as the ‘Switzerland of Pakistan’ for its alpine beauty.

Experience the ethereal charm of Fairy Meadows, nestled at the base of Nanga Parbat, and let the ancient whispers of Mohenjo-Daro transport you to a bygone era. In Pakistan’s beautiful places, nature unfolds its grandeur, from pristine lakes to lush valleys, offering a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a visual feast for all. Immerse yourself in thriving cultural scenes, where traditions breathe life into every corner.

Best time to visit scenic & beautiful places in Pakistan

Visit the northern mountains and Karakoram Highway from April to October. Explore Sindh and Punjab in winter (November to March). The optimal months for both mountains and plains are October and November.

Most beautiful and scenic tourist places in Pakistan

Hunza Valley

Nestled in Gilgit Baltistan, the stunning Hunza Valley is a hidden gem surrounded by the Himalayas and Karakoram peaks. Famous for its lush farmlands and diverse wildlife, the valley offers a glorious view and warm hospitality from locals. Hunza boasts iconic sites like the Passu Cathedral, a natural marvel visible from the Karakoram Highway. The Attabad Lake, born from a tragic landslide in 2010, enchants with its unreal turquoise waters. Eagle’s Nest provides a perfect spot for breathtaking sunsets. Steeped in history, the Baltit Fort and Altit Fort showcase the region’s royal heritage. Discover the allure of Pakistan’s beautiful places in the mesmerising Hunza Valley.

How to reach:
By air: Gilgit Airport is the nearest airport, 95.5 km away

Best places to stay: Roomy Daastaan Hotel, Mulberry Hotel Hunza

Best time to explore: May to September

Skardu

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Karakoram Range, Skardu unfolds as a haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Recognised among the best and most beautiful places to see in Pakistan, this region harmonises vast deserts, glistening lakes, and towering peaks, showcasing the nation’s diverse natural allure. The pristine Deosai National Park, aptly named the ‘Land of Giants,’ offers a surreal spectacle with its expansive plains and vivid wildflowers, a haven for wildlife aficionados, particularly the endangered Himalayan brown bear. Beyond nature’s embrace, Skardu unveils historical gems like the ancient Shey Palace and the tranquil Upper Kachura Lake, promising an unparalleled experience for every traveller.

How to reach:
By air: Skardu International Airport is the busiest airport in the city

Best places to stay: Baltistan Fort, Skardu, Tibet Hotel Kachura, Skardu

Best time to explore: September to November

Fairy Meadows

Fairy Meadows, the heart of North Pakistan, unfolds its lush green plateaus beneath the majestic Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest peak. Located in Gilgit-Baltistan, this enchanting site earned its name from its captivating beauty, also known as “Heaven on Earth.” Accessible via a challenging jeepable trek, it offers accommodation in cabins or campsites, serving as a base for climbers tackling Nanga Parbat. The area boasts pristine pine forests, a launch point for hikes to Bayal Camp and Nanga Parbat’s Base Camp. Despite its perilous road, Fairy Meadows remains a source of wonder for backpackers, photographers, and nature lovers.

How to reach:
By air: Gilgit Airport is the nearest airport, 92.4 km away

Best places to stay: Di Ambre Fairy Meadows, Fairy Meadows Broad View Hotel & Resort

Best time to explore: April-May, September-October

Neelum valley

Tucked in northern Azad Kashmir, the picturesque Neelum Valley boasts pristine springs, and lakes, embraced by lofty mountains like Athmuqam, Kutton Jagran, and Karen. This Pakistani gem, adorned with forests and streams, boasts renowned spots like Ratti Galli, and Sharda Fort along with Kel, Surgon, and Taobut. With peaks soaring 13,000 feet, Neelum Valley is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering pristine rivers and mirror-like lakes in a captivating landscape, making it one of Kashmir’s most beautiful places in Pakistan.

How to reach:
By air: Bacha Khan International Airport is the nearest airport, 359 km away

Best places to stay: Walnut Creek Hotel, Neelum View Hotel

Best time to explore: March and October

Swat Valley

In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province lies Swat Valley, often dubbed the Mini Switzerland of Pakistan. A fairytale-like haven, Swat offers vibrant green fields, picturesque villages, and crystal-clear rivers. Key attractions include Mahodand Valley, Malam Jabba’s ski resort, Madyan, Der, Boyun Village’s panoramic views, the alpine Kandol and Spindhor Lakes, and the enchanting Ushu Forest. Beyond its natural beauty, Swat embraces visitors with warm hospitality, local traditions, and cultural festivities, creating an enriching experience in one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

How to reach:
By air: Bacha Khan International Airport is the nearest airport, 273.3 km away

Best places to stay: Pearl Continental Hotel, Malam Jabba, Swat Serena Hotel

Best time to explore: April to October

Multan

Multan, Pakistan, a city steeped in history since 3300 BCE, unfolds tales of Hindu occupation, Greek invasions, and a profound Muslim era influenced by Sufism. Known as the ‘City of Saints,’ it boasts shrines, tombs, and mosques drawing devotees worldwide. The Tomb of Shah Rukne Alam, a marvel of Tughlaq architecture, and the red-brick Tomb of Bahauddin Zakariya are must-visit sites. Shah Yusuf Gardezi’s shrine, credited with saving Multan in the 11th century, adds to the mystical allure. Explore the remnants of Fort Kohna, standing since 1000 BC, guarding Multan against invaders. A journey through Multan is a captivating exploration of the beautiful historical places in Pakistan.

How to reach:
By air: Multan International Airport is the busiest airport in the city

Best places to stay: Pearl Continental Hotel, Multan, Avari Xpress Hotel, Multan

Best time to explore: November to March

Mohenjo-Daro

Mohenjo-daro in Sindh, Pakistan, is a captivating site dating back to 2500 BCE, part of the ancient Indus Valley civilisation. A marvel for history lovers, its grid plan, advanced water management, and public baths reveal a civilisation ahead of its time. Abandoned around 1900 BCE, it gained UNESCO recognition in 1980. Despite weather-inflicted damage, Mohenjo-daro’s ruins stand as a testament to human ingenuity. This archaeological gem, with its well-preserved streets and Great Bath, is among the most beautiful historical places in Pakistan, offering a journey through time for scholars, researchers, and curious travellers.

How to reach:
By air: Sehwan Sharif Airport is the nearest airport, 132 km away

Best places to stay: Hotel Hyatt Sukkur, Hotel One Sukkur

Best time to explore: November to March

Also read – Explore The Indus Valley Civilisation: Must-See Sites In South Asia

Kalash Valleys

Kalash Valleys, nestled in Chitral, Pakistan, are a treasure of natural beauty and cultural richness. Inhabited by the Kalash people, this Greek-civilised tribe boasts unique traditions and a distinct language. The largest valley, Mumuret, along with Rumbur and Birir, offers stunning landscapes. Accessible by road from Ayun in Kunar Valley, these valleys showcase the Kalash with their vibrant attire. Rumbur, especially, captivates with its riverside charm and colourful Kalash homes. Just 2.5 hours from Chitral City, these valleys in the Hindu Kush mountains preserve ethnic diversity, making them a must-visit among beautiful tourist places in Pakistan.

How to reach:
By air: Bacha Khan International Airport is the nearest airport, 324 km away

Best places to stay: Gahirat Castle, Roomy Hindukush Sarai Chitral

Best time to explore: May to December

Kaghan Valley

Nestled in the Mansehra District, Kaghan Valley in Pakistan is globally renowned for its natural splendour. Stretching 160 kilometres, it’s a summer haven adorned with pine forests, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes like Saiful Mulook. At 3,224 metres, Saif Ul Malook Lake, surrounded by wildflowers, reflects the snow-capped peaks. The Kunhar River, famous for trout, meanders through towns like Naran and Kaghan. The valley hosts charming sites like Shogran and Dudipat Sar. With friendly locals and nomadic Gujar herders, Kaghan Valley stands among the most beautiful places in Pakistan, offering a serene escape.

How to reach:
By air: Islamabad International Airport is the nearest airport, 168 km away

Best places to stay: Cordillera Resort, Pine Park Hotel & Resort

Best time to explore: April to August

Hingol National Park

Spanning over 6,000 square kilometres in Balochistan Province, Hingol National Park in Pakistan is an otherworldly destination just 3.5 hours from Karachi. With unique rock formations, expansive canyons, and a mud volcano, the park offers a surreal landscape. It extends across three districts, featuring ecosystems from arid subtropical forests to coastal marine zones with dolphins and sea turtles. Home to diverse wildlife like Sindh Ibex and crocodiles, the park holds cultural significance with the Hinglaj Mata Mandar pilgrimage site. Notable rock formations include the Princess of Hope and the Balochistan Sphinx, making Hingol a must-visit among the beautiful places to visit in Pakistan.

How to reach:
By air: Jinnah International Airport is the nearest airport, 260 km away

Best places to stay: Zifan Hotel & Suites

Best time to explore: November to March

(Hero and feature image credit: Shehzad Mohammad Ali/Shutterstock)

Related: Discover South Korea’s Beauty: The Most Stunning Places to Visit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What makes Hunza Valley a must-visit destination in Pakistan?
Hunza Valley’s allure lies in scenic landscapes, friendly locals, and cultural richness.

– Why is Skardu considered one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan?
Skardu captivates with majestic mountains, and serene lakes — a Pakistani paradise.

– What is unique about Fairy Meadows in Pakistan?
Fairy Meadows offers stunning Nanga Parbat views, a truly enchanting Pakistani experience.

– What attractions can I explore in Neelum Valley, Pakistan?
Neelum Valley boasts lush greenery, lakes, and captivating hilly landscapes in Pakistan.

– Why is Swat Valley known as the ‘Switzerland of Pakistan’?
Swat Valley, Pakistan, earns the ‘Switzerland’ nickname with its alpine scenery.

– What is the Shangrila Resort in Pakistan famous for?
Shangrila Resort in Pakistan is famed for its breathtaking lake views and tranquillity.

– Are these beautiful places in Pakistan safe for tourists to visit?
Generally safe, research local conditions; travel advisories for a secure visit.

– What is the best time to visit these beautiful places in Pakistan?
Late spring to early autumn—optimal weather for exploring Pakistani beauty.

– Do I need a visa to visit Pakistan as a tourist?
Yes, Indians need a visa to travel to Pakistan.

– Are there guided tours available for exploring these beautiful places in Pakistan?
Yes, most locations offer guided tours.

There’s always something changing in California wine country,” says Michelle Murré, a T+L A-List advisor who specialises in gastronomy travel. Last year, the state welcomed five new American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), or federally recognised wine regions. Among them is the SLO Coast, named after its home county, San Luis Obispo, which is between Santa Barbara and Monterey.

“The designation helps people know our wineries are part of a larger viticultural area,” said Mike Sinor, co-owner of Sinor-LaVallee Winery and Bassi Vineyard. He and other vintners began advocating for the region to be given federal status more than six years ago; today the AVA includes 30 wineries.

A guide to eating, drinking, and staying in California wine country

Regional pride runs deep, no matter which AVA you find yourself in. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara opened its new Bacara Wine Tasting Room last October. It serves only bottles from Santa Barbara County — from the wine list to the rotating tasting flights. “Our region, which is known for its chilly temperatures and lengthy growing season, offers the best expression of California’s notable wine styles,” says restaurant director Maria Mondragon. “To truly experience the terroir, you should sample a cool-climate chardonnay, pinot noir, or cabernet sauvignon — ideally paired with local food.”

Northern California wine country is also being revitalised: One addition is Arch & Tower, an outpost of Robert Mondavi Winery in downtown Napa’s historic Borreo Building, built in 1877. The new venue will be the famous brand’s tasting headquarters for the next two years, serving coveted wine tastings and paired lunches, and hosting educational seminars while the winery undergoes renovations.

“Arch & Tower represents Robert Mondavi Winery’s first offsite tasting room since the vineyard was founded in 1966,” says general manager Lauren Larrabee. “And the winery’s impact on Napa Valley and California wine is nothing short of tremendous. When I mention working for Robert Mondavi, there is rarely a person in this industry that doesn’t mention the impact he had on them personally.”

New hotels are also coming to some of the state’s best wine regions. Last year, two high-profile openings included Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, a 712-acre working estate in Napa, and the Madrona, a cluster of private cottages, an old carriage house, and a Victorian mansion in Sonoma County. This past spring, Santa Ynez Valley welcomed the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, a 67-room countryside haven that offers activities like silk dyeing and polo lessons in addition to wine tastings and cocktail classes.

Next year will see the arrival of the 108-room Appellation Healdsburg, the brainchild of celebrity chef Charlie Palmer and 30-year hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger. The culinary-focused Sonoma property, which will also include 53 apartments for staff, is slated to offer more than 50 educational experiences led by locals and centred around craft, food, and farming, such as a coffee cupping with a roaster. Call it a fresh way to harvest the best of California.

(Feature image credit: Emily Hess, LUCA Branding/Visit Santa Barbara) 

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related: This Island Off The Coast Of Australia Is A Hidden Paradise For Sparkling Wine Lovers

From pristine beaches to breathtaking volcanoes, share the allure of the Philippines with your followers and ignite their wanderlust

EMBARK ON A VISUAL JOURNEY through the Philippines and captivate your social media followers with the enchanting allure of places from enchanting Boracay to mystical Sagada.

From pristine white sand beaches to vibrant sunsets over volcanoes, these iconic destinations offer picture-perfect scenes to enjoy.

Immerse yourself in paradise as crystal-clear turquoise waters and breathtaking natural beauty transport you to a seaside escape or iInspire your followers to dream of their own adventure on the rice terraces of Ifugao through Instagram-worthy photos that evoke a sense of wanderlust.

Boracay, Aklan

With its pristine white sand beaches and vibrant sunsets, Boracay is an iconic destination for beach lovers as well as social media fans. Travellers can’t resist capturing the picture-perfect scenes along White Beach, consistently ranked amongst the world’s best. Each Instagram-worthy photo transports you to a paradise of crystal-clear turquoise waters and breathtaking natural beauty, making your followers dream of their own seaside escape.

Palawan Island, Palawan

Embark on a journey filled with island hopping in El Nido, where hidden lagoons, secret beaches, and majestic limestone cliffs await. These enchanting landscapes, with their turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations, make Palawan a haven for awe-inspiring photos, perfect for sharing with your following. Capture the magic of exploring hidden gems and paddling through crystal-clear waters, inspiring your social media fans to seek out their own slice of paradise.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

Nestled in the mountains of Ifugao, the Banaue Rice Terraces mesmerise with their ancient stepped formations. Take your photography to new heights as you capture lush green landscapes from both above and below. These intricately crafted terraces offer a unique and picturesque backdrop that effortlessly transports viewers to another time and place, showcasing the raw beauty and intricate engineering of this UNESCO-recognized wonder.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Unveiling one of the country’s most fascinating landscapes, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol create a surreal and mesmerising scenic vista. These otherworldly conical hills, which transform into a rich chocolate colour during the dry season, serve as a natural wonder waiting to be captured in stunning pictures. Share these awe-inspiring images to showcase the sheer beauty and magic of this picturesque and extraordinary phenomenon.

Mayon Volcano, Albay

Rising majestically from the surrounding landscape, the Mayon Volcano boasts a perfectly symmetrical shape that astounds all who witness it. As you venture close and capture this natural wonder from various angles, your photographs will exude surreal beauty and captivate the imagination. The summit boasts unparalleled 360-degree vistas, offering the perfect opportunity to document the sheer magnificence and ethereal allure of this iconic volcano.

Sagada, Mountain Province

Enter a hidden world of wonder in the scenic mountain town of Sagada, located in the Cordilleran highlands. Breathtaking caves and gorgeous scenery abound, providing a captivating backdrop for striking landscape shots. As you explore this off-the-beaten-path destination, your followers will be transported to a realm of mystery and intrigue, eager to uncover the secrets of Sagada.

Siargao, Surigao del Norte

Embrace the laid-back vibe and world-class waves of Siargao, the Philippines’ surfing capital. Capture the essence of island life with surfers gracefully riding the waves, crystalline seascapes, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Instagram-worthy images will transport your followers to a place of serenity and natural beauty, enticing them to discover the allure of Siargao’s perfection for themselves.

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Step into a living time capsule as you explore Vigan, a UNESCO-recognized town that immerses visitors in the charm of Spanish colonial history. Cobblestone streets and preserved ancestral houses set the stage for a picturesque journey through the past. Capture moments of nostalgia along narrow alleys and showcase the architectural marvels that grace every corner. Be entranced by the beauty and cultural richness that Vigan effortlessly brings to life.

Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake, Luzon

Embarking on the hike to Mt. Pinatubo’s aqua-blue crater lake rewards adventurers with a surreal and visually striking experience. The contrasting tones of the lake against the barren landscape — left by the volcano’s eruption in 1991 — create a truly unique backdrop for photographs. As you ascend to the summit, each step carries you closer to the rare and breathtaking sights of this ethereal location.

Batanes, Province of Batanes

Uncover the raw and unspoiled beauty of the Batanes Islands. Rolling hills carpeted in vivid greens, traditional stone homes, and picturesque cliffside lighthouses await exploration. Each showcases the unique charm of Batanes, a remote northern oasis where nature blends with island life. Share images of this secluded paradise, tantalising followers with the captivating allure of a serene escape and offering a glimpse into a hidden gem that they will yearn to discover for themselves.

As you explore the lesser-known destinations of the Philippines, indulge yourself fully in the allure of this breathtaking archipelago. Through your lens, the Banaue Rice Terraces showcase the raw beauty of Ifugao’s mountains, while the Chocolate Hills in Bohol unveil their captivating mystery. May your adventures continue, and your photographs immortalise the beauty you discover.

For more information, please visit www.tpb.gov.ph

Article Sponsored by Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.
Lede image by Preeyaporn Kaewsaard/iStock/Getty Images Plus.

Australia is best known for its beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks, friendly people, and varied wildlife. Its sheer size, on the other hand (it’s the sixth-largest country on the planet), often takes visitors by surprise.

There’s no better example of this than the Top End region of the Northern Territory — to put this into perspective, the Northern Territory is double the size of Texas with less than one percent of its population. The contrasting landscapes here, including coral coastlines, vast floodplains, rocky escarpments, and the ochre sands of the outback, are astounding.

Here’s why Top End in the Northern Territory of Australia should be on everyone’s list

I first visited the Top End in 1999 while scouting for ideas and experiences that would fit an experiential luxury traveller. In those days, Google was in its infancy and the main way to research travel experiences was through personal connections, making phone call after phone call, and exploring destinations and connecting with locals.

Disembarking the plane in the city of Darwin, in the northern part of Australia, I was struck by the sheer scale of this remote landscape — the ruggedness of the outback juxtaposed against the lush, green backdrop of the tropics. The air was warm and muggy. There was a lingering smell of smoke from the traditional Indigenous land management practice of burning native savanna early in the dry season using small fires, lit in mosaic patterns to avoid the buildup of highly flammable undergrowth. It felt like being in another world.

I began my Top End adventure in Arnhem Land, one of the largest parcels of Aboriginal-owned land in Australia. It comprises 37,000 square miles (95830 square km) of untouched wilderness and culturally significant sites and requires a special permit to visit. Only a few select guides are granted access to this area.

It’s here that I encountered an older hunter, Ray, who had the look of a British captain with a fine moustache and slicked-back hair. Ray worked for Umorrduk Safaris, one of the few operators in the region at the time.

With Ray as my guide, we toured the ancient landscapes of the region, from the coral-laden coastline to the secluded billabongs (crescent-shaped lakes) and rocky peaks. Wildlife was plentiful — giant saltwater crocodiles, wallabies, dingoes, wild boar, and some 280 bird species live here.

The Top End region is one of the last true frontiers of Australia that, to this day, remains relatively untouched. Travellers here can expect to encounter some of the best natural history experiences in the country. The best way to visit is with a local, private guide, who can interpret the land, the First People who call it home, and ancient stories.

This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com

Feature Image Credit: Richard I’Anson/Getty Images

Related: Bookmark This: Australia’s Top Unmissable Destinations & Experiences

The Korean reality show Single’s Inferno has captivated us with its unique concept, glamorous singles, and breathtaking shooting locations. Marooned on a deserted island, contestants strive to find love to escape the “Inferno” and spend time with their chosen partner in “Paradise”, all against the backdrop of some of the most picturesque locations in Incheon. If you are planning a trip anytime soon, Single’s Inferno Season 3 shooting locations may just be the perfect travel inspiration for you.

Season 3 of Single’s Inferno introduces some changes from its predecessors, with Season 2 fan-favourite Dex, also known as Kim Jin-young, making a return, but this time taking on the role of a host.

Single’s Inferno Season 3: Explore the enchanting shooting locations in Incheon

Tucked away in the ocean surrounding South Korea, the mysterious “Inferno” and “Paradise” from the show may seem worlds away from civilisation. However, the truth is that the Single’s Inferno shooting locations are not too distant from Seoul, just an hour away from South Korea’s capital.

The island, known as Saseungbong-do, is located off the coast of Incheon, a transportation hub home to the world-famous Incheon International Airport that serves Seoul. K-Drama fans will recognise Incheon as the backdrop for several iconic K-Dramas like Squid Games, The Glory and Crash Landing On You.

The “Inferno” portrayed in the show is an uninhabited island located in Jawol-myeon, Ongjin County, Incheon. This privately owned island has also been featured in other reality shows like Running Man, 2 Days & 1 Night, and Dad! Where Are We Going? Locally known as Sado, the island features a 4-km-long and 2-km-wide beach, accessible via a fishing boat, and is an off-beat destination in Incheon. Ideal for swimming, fishing and camping, visitors are required to pay an admission fee of KRW 10,000 (approximately HKD 60).

As authentically deserted as the “Inferno” is, the “Paradise” is equally lavish and glamorous in real life. Single’s Inferno Season 3 reveals that Grand Hyatt Jeju serves as the “Paradise” for couples. This luxurious five-star hotel in Jeju is supposedly the largest and highest landmark in the city, representing the largest Grand Hyatt in the Asia Pacific.

Previous seasons featured the ultra-luxurious five-star resort Paradise City on Yeongjong Island in Incheon, adjacent to the Incheon International Airport. Spanning over 300,000 sqm, the resort is a favourite among Korean stars like Blackpink member Rosé, Min Hyorin and Big Bang’s Taeyang.

Incheon International Airport, the main airport, serves as your gateway to the city. After exploring the shooting locations of Single’s Inferno in Incheon, take some time to roam around the city and immerse yourself in the beauty of Incheon’s tourist attractions.

Best places to visit and things to do in Incheon

Yeongjong Sea Side Rail Bike

Set along the coast of Yeongjongdo Island, the Seaside Rail Bike promises a delightful adventure for families and friends. Embark on a picturesque 5.6-km round-trip journey that offers scenic vistas from Wolmido Island to the Incheondaegyo Bridge, showcasing the beauty of the West Sea of South Korea. Choose from a two-seater, three-seater, or four-seater rail bike, with tickets starting from KRW 24,000 (HKD 144).

Also read – K-Talk: Handy Travel Phrases For Travelling Across Korea

Incheon Chinatown

As the only Chinatown in South Korea, Incheon’s Chinatown stands out as a must-visit destination. Immerse yourself in Chinese flavours and culture, exploring numerous Chinese restaurants and businesses. The unique blend of Chinese and Korean traditions makes Incheon Chinatown particularly appealing to food enthusiasts, offering the chance to savour famous Chinese-Korean fusion dishes like tangsuyuk and jajangmyeon.

Wolmido Island

For a dose of childlike fun and adventure, a visit to Wolmido Island is a perfect addition to your Incheon travel itinerary. The Wolmi Amusement Park is spread across the island, featuring several exhilarating roller coasters and providing panoramic views of the ocean. Wolmido makes for an ideal weekend destination from Seoul and Incheon, offering luxury hotels, cafes, restaurants and lively avenues where with entertaining live performances.

Incheon’s beautiful parks

Explore some of the most captivating and breathtaking parks that perfectly showcase the natural beauty of Incheon.

Incheon Grand Park

Escape to Incheon Grand Park, the only large-scale natural green park in the city, surrounded by lush greenery, Gwanmosan Mountain, and Sangasan Mountain. The park has several botanical gardens and even a zoo!

Songdo Central Park

Check out Songdo Central Park on the man-made island of Songdo, where modern architecture harmonises with nature and water. It is an ideal spot for engaging in water activities.

Also read – Love K-dramas? You Can Actually Visit These Shooting Locations!

Jayu Park

Also known as Freedom Park, Jayu Park is the first “Western-style” park in South Korea, offering a chance to learn about local history amid thick forests.

Songwol-dong Fairytale Village

Experience the charming transformation of the old village of Songwol-dong into a fairytale village. This quirky and fun tourist attraction in Incheon tells stories through vibrant colours, depicting the adventures of classic Korean and Western tales on its walls. It is an Instagram-worthy place, especially for families with kids.

Jeondeungsa Temple

Immerse yourself in the cultures, history, and traditions of Korea at Jeondeungsa Temple on Ganghwa Island. A part of the Samnangseong Fortress, legend suggests that it was built by the three sons of Dangun, the leader of the first kingdom of Korea. This temple is a fine example of traditional Korean architecture from the mid-Joseon dynasty. Along the walls, you’ll find the names of soldiers who fought against the French Navy, serving as a poignant sign of prayer.

Also check – Some Of The Most Beautiful Places To Visit In South Korea

Chojijin Fortress

Explore another breathtaking historical monument in Incheon, the Choijijin Fortress. Constructed in 1655 on Ganghwa Island, the fortress served as a defence against attacks from the ocean. Chojijin Fortress witnessed several wars against invasions from Japan and America. Today, remnants of the fortress remain, eloquently narrating the history that unfolded within its mighty walls.

G-Tower

Visit the heart of commercial Incheon, G-Tower, offering some of the most amazing views of the city. Located in Songdo, this 150 m tall skyscraper houses the IFEZ Observatory on the 33rd floor. Bask in the glory of the city and spend time around G-Tower to experience the metropolitan lifestyle of Incheon.

The best time to visit Incheon

The best time to explore the city and tick off items from your Incheon bucket list is during Spring and Autumn. From March to May and September to November, you can enjoy pleasant weather, inviting you to bask in the sun and enjoy the outdoors.

(All currency conversion was done at the time of writing.)

(Feature image credit: @netflixkcontent/Instagram)

Related: 10 Stunning BTS Locations In South Korea That ARMY Must Visit!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What family-friendly activities are available in Incheon?
Incheon offers a range of family-friendly activities, including riding the Yeongjong Sea Side Rail Bike, enjoying Wolmido Island, exploring Incheon Chinatown, visiting beautiful parks, experiencing the enchanting Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, savouring views from the G-Tower, and delving into the history at Chojijin Fortress and Jeondeungsa Temple.

– What outdoor activities are popular in Incheon?
Popular outdoor activities in Incheon include spending time in Songdo Central Park and Incheon Grand Park, having fun at the amusement park on Wolmido Island, riding the Yeongjong Sea Side Rail Bike, and exploring the Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village.

– What is the best time to visit Incheon for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Incheon is from March to May and September to November. The weather is quite pleasant in Spring and Autumn, making it a great time for outdoor activities

Across the globe, Christmas is synonymous with sky-high Balsam Fir trees flaunting their festive baubles, a mountain of gifts ready to delight, freshly baked gingerbread, and greeting Father Christmas. However, for a Christmas celebration that puts a spin on traditional customs, turn to Japan. Primarily a Shinto and Buddhist country, Japan has minimal religious ties to the festival. With some customs borrowed from the West, and some brewed within the country, Christmas in Japan promises a unique spin on the candy cane festival: one that is laced with gigantic winter illuminations, snow-kissed landscapes, J-Pop Christmas music, and the traditional Japanese Christmas cake (kurisumasu keki).

Celebrations with a twist: Popular Christmas traditions in Japan

In Japan, the traditional stuffed turkey, masked potatoes, and cranberry sauce are replaced by sumptuous fried chicken. Conceived in the 1970s, the popular slogan ‘Kentucky for Christmas’ and the widely sold ‘party buckets’ have continued to captivate the masses. Every year, almost 3.6 million Japanese families head to Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) to get their meals. Owing to the high demand, some locals even place orders for the Special Christmas Menu as long as six weeks in advance!

Next, people in Japan swear by their kurisumasu keki, a Christmas cake sold on almost every street corner during the holiday season. This sponge cake filled with whipped cream and topped with strawberries is deemed a sign of prosperity, reflecting Japan’s rise from the ruins of World War II. Additionally, the country revels in hyperbolic illuminations smearing malls, restaurants, and public spaces. Lastly, Japan’s numerous theme parks, including Tokyo Disney Resort and Osaka Universal Studios Japan, transform into winter wonderlands.

Deck the halls, trim the tree: Best places to witness Christmas in Japan

Hokkaido — for a white Christmas

Snowball the festive fun at Hokkaido, a literal winter wonderland. Explore the 43rd Sapporo White Illumination (November 22, 2023, to March 14, 2024), featuring scintillating illuminations, Christmas food, and ornaments. Witness unmatched ski landscapes by checking into Sapporo Teine or Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort. Savour the Hokkaido-special Asahikawa Ramen and Donburi or try ice fishing at the frozen Barato River.

Head to the Shiroi Koibito Park to enjoy the magic of Christmas with your family. Shiroi Koibito, a popular cookie brand, pioneers this chocolate-and-sweets-themed park, which becomes merrier during the holiday season. For a romantic celebration with your beloved, head to the storybook town of Otaru, where the whimsical drizzle of snow, Sakaimachi shopping street, and heartwarming Christmas decorations throughout the township make it an amorous haven.

Tokyo — Disneyland, Christmas markets, and show-stopping illuminations

Celebrating Christmas in Tokyo? Indulge in the Christmas-themed rides and festive attractions at Tokyo Disneyland, visit the Midtown Christmas Event (November 16 to December 25, 2023), flaunting illuminations and an ice rink at Tokyo Midtown, and hit up the Roppongi Hills for seasonal illuminations and a buzzing Christmas Market (November 25 to December 25, 2023). The Tokyo Christmas Market (November 23 to December 25, 2023), supported by German Tourism and the German Embassy, brings a slice of Europe to the city and enchants with hot chocolate, beer, live performances, a choir from Germany, handmade decorations, and much more.

For the choicest of winter illuminations, head to Omotesando, Shinjuku, Yomiuriland Jewellumination, and Shibuya Ao no Dokutsu. Other Japanese cities famed for their winter illuminations include Sendai and Tochigi.

Related – These are the most beautiful places to explore in Japan!

Kobe — German-style Christmas markets, skiing, and ice skating

The Kobe Christmas itinerary is incomplete without a visit to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, a botanical garden on the slopes of Mount Rokko ornamented with Christmas decor throughout the holiday season. The garden also hosts the German-style Kobe Christmas Market in Japan (November 11 to December 25, 2023), featuring over 50 stalls with cakes, drinks, and scintillating decor.

Elevate the holiday festivities by ice skating at Port Island, skiing in the Rokko mountains, and attending the Kobe Luminarie (January 19 to January 28, 2024), an annual light festival that pays homage to the victims of the Great Hanshin earthquake.

Shirakawago — Winter Light-Up Festival 2023

Tip-toe over Shirakawago’s fleecy blanket of snow for a dreamy Christmas. The quaint village is home to Gassho-zukuri (hands in prayer) style farmhouses, which get covered in layers of snow during the white season. The locals elevate this beautiful scenery by organising illumination events on select Sunday evenings in January and February, painting an otherworldly landscape (picture snow-kissed farmhouses, revelling in the warm glow of candles). Check out the illumination calendar for 2024 here.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shirakawago region of Japan is festooned with souvenir shops, shrines, cafes, and guesthouses where visitors can stay. If you fancy a meal at a traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouse restaurant, dine at Irori. Also sample Japanese street food dishes like Hida gyu korokke (or Japanese Croquette), gohei mochi, and smokey sausage.

Osaka — Festival of the Lights 2023 and twinkling winter markets

Visit Osaka for some of the most surreal winter markets in Japan. Begin with the Osaka Christmas Market 2023 (December 1 to December 25), offering Glühwein (spiced hot wine), hot cocoa, creative workshops, and Christmas goodies, including nutcrackers and handicrafts, imported directly from Germany. Don’t miss the Hanging Garden Xmas 2023 (November 23 to December 25), a white Christmas wonderland, and the Hanshin Christmas Market 2023 (November 8 to December 25).

Other attractions include the Festival of the Lights (November 3 to December 31 at the Midosuji Illumination 2023, and December 14 to December 25 at the OSAKA Light Renaissance 2023), the Wonder Night Hill event (October 28, 2023, to January 28, 2024), and Osaka Castle Illuminage (November 22, 2023, to February 25, 2024).

Related – Must-visit winter destinations to experience the best of winter in Japan

Nagoya — holiday dining traditions, walking tours, and dazzling winter markets

Warm glimmering lights envelope Nagoya during the holiday season. Whether it is the Great Nagoya Christmas Illumination (November 8 to December 25), celebrating the theme of a champagne gold Christmas, or the Hirokoji Avenue Illumination (October 28, 2023, to mid-January, 2024), fairy-tale sights are guaranteed.

Explore the Isogai Xmas Hanabi Fireworks (December 23, 2023), and the Nagoya Christmas Market in Japan (December 3 to December 25), offering live performances, German fare, cake, mulled wine, and handcrafted Christmas gifts. Add a dash of thrill to the merry-making by heading to the Toyota Gosei Iceless Skating Rink, open from December 9, 2023 to March 17, 2024.

Also read – 25 Most beautiful places to visit in Japan [Evergreen Tourist Destinations in Japan]

Nagasaki — Kingdom of Lights

The Dutch-themed amusement park, Huis Ten Bosch (House in the Forest), is among Japan’s best-themed parks to visit during Christmas. Be it seasonal illuminations, horse-drawn carriages, Japan’s first three-story merry-go-round towing 15 metres into the sky, or the Christmas version of Kingdom of Lights featuring 13 million balls of lights, this park is sure to impress. Visitors can also opt for a cruise around Nagasaki Bay, sprinkled with islands and iconic landmarks.

Best places for Christmas shopping in Japan

Let’s face it, Christmas is synonymous with gifting. Whether you’re indulging yourself with a little hamper of TLC, or picking gifts for your loved ones, retail therapy is a given. Japan simplifies this task with its festive offerings, particularly in Tokyo. For retro marvels and literary gems, there’s no better place than Jimbocho. Here, you’ll find traditional coffee houses, and vintage-esque shops selling books, old parchments, themed stationery, posters, and other Pinterest-y treats.

If you fancy thrift shopping, vintage goods, and independent clothing shops, head to Jingumae. For the best deals and discounts on holiday season gifting, we recommend Aeon Mall, Tokyo Solamachi, Diver City Tokyo Plaza, and Caretta Shiodome. Conclude your shopping spree on a sweet note, by heading to Jiyugaoka for the choicest of patisseries and confectioneries.

(Feature Image Credit: Peera_stockfoto/Shutterstock)

Related: Discover The Magic: Must-Visit Christmas Markets Around The World In 2023

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What are the best foods to try during Japanese Christmas celebrations?
The best food items to sample during Christmas celebrations in Japan include the traditional Christmas cake (kurisumasu keki), Kentucky Fried Chicken, potato salad and cream stew.

– Can I find Christmas decorations and themed items in Japan?
For Christmas celebration decorations and themed items in Japan, head to the various Christmas Markets sprinkled across the country. We recommend the Tokyo Christmas Market (November 23 to December 25, 2023), Nagoya Christmas Market (December 3 to December 25, 2023), Hanshin Christmas Market 2023 (November 8 to December 25, 2023), and Osaka Christmas Market 2023 (December 1 to December 25, 2023), among others.

– Are there any unique Christmas events or festivals in Japan?
Japan delights with surreal winter illuminations hosted across the country, such as Midtown Christmas Event (November 16 to December 25, 2023), Sapporo White Illumination (November 22, 2023 to March 14, 2024), the Great Nagoya Christmas Illumination (November 8 to December 25, 2023), and the Hirokoji Avenue Illumination (October 28, 2023 to mid-January, 2024), among others. Additionally, Japan organises Christmas markets, skating rinks, and festive workshops to elevate the celebrations.

The Crown season 6 marks the penultimate chapter in the series. Part I of the season rolled out on November 16, 2023, and focuses on Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed. From England’s monsoon showers to the sun-soaked scenery of Southern France, the episodes closely follow the couple’s romantic encounters, ultimately leading to the ill-fated car journey and its consequences. Fans are waiting with bated breath for Part II, scheduled for release on December 14, 2023. The upcoming episodes will bring Kate Middleton and Prince William’s love story to the fore, and spotlight the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. Join us as we deep dive into The Crown Season 6 and its mesmeric filming locations.

The Crown season 6 and its major shooting locations

Lancaster House, England

Commissioned by the Duke of York in 1825, Lancaster House in England is a shooting location that doubles up as Buckingham Palace in The Crown. This neo-classical mansion features prominently in every season, portraying both the royal residence and the administration headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. While the venue opens to the public annually during London’s week-long Open House Festival, visitors can tour this luxurious landmark virtually year-round.

Nearby attractions: Places of tourist interest near Lancaster House include Clarence House (134.5 m), St. James Palace (100 m) — the most senior royal palace in London, Canada Gate (2 km), Buckingham Palace (2 km), and the Royal Artillery Memorial (1.6 km) on the Hyde Park corner.

How to reach: London Heathrow Airport is the nearest, 25.26 km away.

Wilton House, Wilton, England

Filming the Buckingham Palace and its lush interiors in The Crown series demanded more than one venue. Enter Wilton House, which provided backdrops for the interiors of Buckingham Palace in various frames. This historic country home spread across 22 acres has been under the ownership of the Earls of Pembroke for over 400 years. The Wilton House has also featured in period dramas like Bridgerton, Emma, Pride and Prejudice (2004), and Sense and Sensibility (1995). Although closed for the remainder of 2023, the house will reopen its doors on March 25, 2024, just in time for Easter.

Nearby attractions: When in Wilton, make sure to visit the Church of St. Mary and St. Nicholas (480 m), Queen Elizabeth Gardens (4.9 km), and the shopping village of the Guild Wiltshire (480 m).

How to reach: Bournemouth International Airport is the nearest, 44.9 km away.

Wellington College, Crowthorne, England

Breathtaking architecture and heritage meet at this boarding school established by Queen Victoria in 1859. The vast campus of Wellington College, featuring a massive chapel, 400 acres of parkland, iconic halls and courtyards, is a shooting location that takes on the role of Charles and Diana’s home (and later, just Diana’s post their separation) in The Crown. English novelist George Orwell, actor and singer Sir Christopher Lee, and English-South African civil engineer Sir Hugh Beaver are among the renowned alumni of this college.

Nearby attractions: Beyond the Wellington College, explore Crowthorne’s Rapley Lake (15.9 km), catch a show at the Wilde Theatre (7.08 km), and visit the 350-acre Dinton Pastures Country Park (12.39 km).

How to reach: London Heathrow Airport is the nearest, 40.7 km away.

Dartmouth House, London, England

The final scenes leading to the tragic car accident, where Diana and Dodi enjoy a meal at Hôtel Ritz in Paris, were shot at the Dartmouth House. This Georgian mansion in Mayfair is a shooting location for The Crown and serves as the headquarters of the English Speaking Union, an educational charity. Beyond its role in the series, this venue is available for private functions, including weddings and parties.

Nearby attractions: Visit the Dartmouth Castle (7.4 km), explore the Horniman Museum and Gardens (13.03 km), or hop on the Dartmouth River Cruise.

How to reach: London Heathrow Airport is the nearest, 25.1 km away.

The Yellow Castle, Mallorca, Spain

In the first episode of Season 6, the Yellow Castle stands in as Dodi Fayed’s holiday home. Back in the nineties, the property that Diana and Dodi vacationed at was in southern France. However, Yellow Castle, a Mediterranean villa, is used to film this phase in the series. Notably, Diana spent some childhood summers at the Yellow Castle in Spain, and now you can experience its indulgence through Airbnb for nearly £7,440 (HKD 72,834) per night.

Nearby attractions: Visit the CCA Andratx cultural centre (6.3 km), experience a scenic boat trip to the uninhabited island of Sa Dragonera, and if you’re feeling fancy, charter a yacht or skipper to soak up the breathtaking sights.

How to reach: Palma de Mallorca Airport is the nearest, 42.4 km away.

Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, England

The Winchester Cathedral appeared in Season 3 as the backdrop for Winston Churchill’s funeral. In Season 6, the cathedral plays the part of London’s Westminster Abbey, the solemn setting for Princess Diana’s funeral. The breathtaking cathedral is open to the public and also offers guided tours.

Nearby attractions: Check out the Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum (640 m), saunter through the Abbey Gardens (2.09 km), and admire the stunning Wolvesey Castle (11.26 km), also called the Old Bishop’s Palace.

How to reach: Southampton Airport is the nearest, 17.8 km away.

York Minster, York, England

In The Crown Season 6, the Anglican cathedral York Minster is used for filming Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles’ wedding, which originally took place at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. Tourists can visit this gothic building with predominantly stone floors, high ceilings, and a massive collection of mediaeval stained glass.

Nearby attractions: Admire the beautiful Rose Window (1.2 km), explore the Treasurer’s House — a Grade 1 listed historic house (1.28 km) owned by the National Trust, and pay respects at the Holy Trinity Church (2.25 km).

How to reach: Leeds Bradford Airport is the nearest, 48.1 km away.

Ardverikie Estate, Kinloch Laggan, Scotland

A 19th-century Scottish baronial house, Ardverikie Estate portrays the Balmoral Castle — the royal family’s Scottish home. Spanning roughly 38,000 acres, this dog-friendly estate delights with its six holiday cottages for tourists and nature-inspired activities like climbing, feeding stags, bird watching, and fishing, among others. Alternatively, tourists can also visit the actual Balmoral Castle, and the corresponding Mews Gift Shop and Cafe.

Nearby attractions: After exploring the Ardverikie Estate, consider heading to the Highland Folk Museum (28.32 km), visit the surreal Invermoriston Falls (86.42), or indulge in some adventure at the Aonach Mòr Mountain nestled in the Scottish Highlands.

How to reach: Inverness Airport is the nearest, 109.2 km away.

Somerleyton Hall, Somerleyton, England

In The Crown Season 6, Somerleyton Hall was used for filming the Highgrove House for the now King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Although this country house spanning 5,000 acres is privately owned and inhabited by Hugh Crossley, it can be visited for garden tours and celebratory events.

Nearby attractions: Around Somerleyton House, explore the wonder-filled PleasureWood Hills Family Theme Park (7.4 km), the Lowestoft Museum (9.3 km) dedicated to regional and national maritime history, and the beautiful Gorleston-on-Sea Beach (10.7 km).

How to reach: Norwich Airport is the nearest, 50.3 km away.

Burghley House, Peterborough, England

The onscreen representation of Windsor Castle, Burghley House was built nearly 500 years ago by Sir William Cecil. This Tudor-era mansion boasting Italian influences also featured in films like Pride and Prejudice (2005), The Da Vinci Code (2006), and How We Built Britain (2007). The Burghley House is open to the public and enchants with its sprawling gardens, arts, exhibitions, a deer park, a courtyard shop, the Orangery restaurant, and much more.

Note: The Burghley House is closed for the season and will reopen for the public in March 2024.

Nearby attractions: Visit the All Saints Church (3.37 km), enjoy a jazz evening or open mic night at Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre (3.54 km), or experience Shakespeare’s inspiring plays at the Tolethorpe Open Air Theatre (8.2 km).

How to reach: East Midlands Airport is the nearest, 76.4 km away.

Canary Wharf, Docklands, London

The Crown Season 6 witnesses the arrival of President Bill Clinton and a lot of corresponding scenes from Chicago — we mean, the makeshift Chicago. The actual shooting location for The Crown scenes with Bill Clinton was closer to home, at London’s Canary Wharf.

Nearby attractions: When in Docklands, explore the ethereal Crossrail Place Roof Garden (640 m), soak up some sun at the Jubilee Park (960 m), and visit the Museum of London Docklands (1.5 km).

How to reach: London City Airport is the nearest, 6.27 km away.

The Crown Season 6: Best time to visit these filming locations

The ideal months to visit England’s cathedrals, estates and historic houses that were instrumental in filming The Crown series fall between late March to early June, and from September to November.

The Ardverikie Estate in the Scottish Highlands is best enjoyed in May, June, September, and October.

If you’re heading to The Yellow Castle among other bucket-list Spanish locales, the best time to visit is from April to May, and September to October.

The Crown Season 6: Cast, trailer and ratings

In Season 6 of The Crown, Queen Elizabeth II is played by Imelda Staunton, Prince Philip by Jonathan Pryce, Princess Margaret by Lesley Manville, Prince Charles by Dominic West, Princess Diana by Elizabeth Debicki, Prince William by Rufus Campa, Prince Harry by Flyn Edwards, and Camilla Parker Bowles is played by Olivia Williams.

Additionally, Prince Claudia is portrayed by Claudia Harrison, Dodi Fayed is played by Khalid Abdalla, Mohamed Al-Fayed is played by Salim Daw, and Tony Blair is played by Bertie Carvel. The Crown has been rated 8.6/10 by IMDb.

Part II will drop on December 14, 2023, on Netflix.

(Feature Image Credit: @thecrownnetflix/Instagram)

Currency conversion was done at the time of writing. 

Related: The 13 Most Beautiful Castles In England

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is The Crown based on a true story?
Yes, The Crown is based on a real story. The characters, locations, events, and drama are inspired by the British Royal Family.

– Will there be a next season for The Crown?
The last season of The Crown i.e. Season 6, has two installments. Its first part released on November 16, 2023, and the second part will be released on December 14, 2023.

– How many seasons are there in The Crown?
The Crown has a total of six seasons.

– What are the IMDb ratings for The Crown?
The Crown is rated 8.6/10 on IMDb.