Ellora and ajanta caves

From Mumbai, I travelled north-east to the Ellora, Hindu, Buddhist and Jain caves. They were cut into the side of a mountain over a thousand years ago. Even older, dating back to the first century were the Ajanta Buddhist caves. Some were elaborate, others simple, but all had a musty smell.

Kenting National Forest Recreation Area

Kenting National Forest was originally known as Kuraluts when it was a Paiwan Village until Chinese farmers arrived in the late 1800s. In the early 20^thcentury under Japanese colonial rule, a tropical plant nursery was established, but when WW11 ended, the nursery was converted into a botanical garden. Research continued, but the location now promoted tourism and ecotourism as well.

A trail to a waterfall

I reached Tianxiang within Taroko National Park, and headed out of the tiny village towards the Baiyang Trail. In spite of being in a mountainous region, the trail was flat and only a little over two kilometres one way. The challenge was its eight unlit tunnels, one in particular that was difficult unless you had a flashlight.

Sites of Korea’s dark tourism

During the Joseon period, smoke signal stations and beacon mounds were used to transmit urgent political or military news by smoke or torchlight. These stations were built on hills where there had once been additional stations roughly six kilometres to the east and west of Sagye-ri’s station.

Bukit Timah’s Cave Trail

I was lured by the name of this Singapore trail. Anything to do with caves seems to have that affect on me.

Stairway to heaven

I entered Phat Diem’s gardens and looked up to see those five hundred steps looming towards the sky. When I came to the bottom stony step, I decided to count my way up.

Bich Dong Pagoda

Perched part of the way up a hill not far from Ninh Binh, was Bich Dong Pagoda. I climbed stone steps then passed through a cave behind the temple to reach the next site.

Ngo Dong River boat ride

A thousand boats lay in wait for the on-slaught of tourists ready to embark along this muddy river in Tam Coc, just out of Ninh Binh.

Phong Nha Cave

From Phong Nha, I took a boat ride up the Son River. The river flows from Laos and during the wet season, the deep green changes to red; thus the name translated means lipstick.

Paradise Cave

After a climb up to the cave entrance in Phong Nha ke Bang National Park, we descended into a wonderland through a small opening.