10 Nature Sites

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10) Wadi Rum, Jodan

I can tell you flat out that my love of Wadi Rum comes from my love of the movie “Lawrence of Arabia”. I’ve seen Lawrence of Arabia maybe a dozen times, and while TE Lawrence himself never went to Wadi Rum, the movie was shot on location there and the scenery is beautiful. Wadi Rum is desert area which was at one time scoured out by rushing water. You can see the evidence of it in the erosional formations in the rock. Today you can camp amongst the rock pillars and mesas in bedouin tents. Wadi Rum is only about an hour drive from Petra.

9) Ha Long Bay, Vietnnam

Ha Long Bay is several hours outside of Hanoi by car and is a fantastic collection of limestone islands and caves in the South China Sea. The best way to see Ha Long Bay is to take an overnight trip on a junk. You’ll be able to cruise around the islands as well as experience sunset in the bay. Once you are in Vietnam, visiting Ha Long Bay is rather affordable (as is most everything in Vietnam). It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a finalist for the Seven Wonders of Nature.

8) Yakushima Island, Japan

There is a good chance you have never heard of Yakushima. Few people outside of Japan have. When I visited I was one of only two non-Japanese person I saw during the entire three day stay. Yakushima is in the far south of Japan, about an hour ferry ride from the southern city of Kagoshima. The parts of Yakushima which attract visitors are the ancient cedar forests on the top of the mountain in the middle of the island. They were the inspiration for the animated film “Princess Mononoke”.

7) Yosemite National Park, California

If you aren’t familiar with Yosemite, you are probably familiar with the work of Ansel Adams who made the park famous through his photography. The most famous landmarks of the park are Half Dome and El Capitan, which are huge granite extrusions. Yosemite is one of the most popular National Parks in the United States, located just several hours from the San Francisco Bay area. I visited the park as part of a giant road trip in 2009 and unfortunately I visited when the waterfalls weren’t flowing. I’d love to return to spend more time taking photos. Yosemite is one of those places you could spend an entire career photographing.

6) Milford Sound, New Zealand

I had the pleasure of visiting Milford Sound (which is technically not a sound but a fjord) right after a period where it had rained for 24 hours straight. The results were breathtaking as the walls of the sound were covered with waterfalls. Milford Sound really isn’t close to anything. If you take a day trip from Queenstown, you will have to leave early in the morning to get to see the sunset. There is a trail you can walk around the sound, but most people see it by one of the many charter boats that cruise the area.

5) Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

The Kilauea volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983 making it the world’s most active volcano. The nearby Mauna Loa volcano also has erupted during that time. I first visited Volcanoes during a geology trip in 2006 and it was one of the first places that I returned to when I began traveling in 2007. It is a total geek out for geologists and anyone with an interest in Earth Science. What you see when visiting the park will totally depend on your luck. I’ve been there twice and never have seen lava flowing on the surface. When I was on Maui recently, a new fissure opened and there was lava spurting up 80 feet. You never know what you are going to get.

4) Kakadu National Park, Australia

If you think of a national park in Australia, most people will probably think of Uluru. It is a great place, but in the end it is just a big rock. Kakadu is Australian version of the Serengeti or Yellowstone. There is abundant wildlife all over the park, which is something you can’t see in most of Australia. There are wetlands, prairies and rock formations. You can see many different bird species, 20 foot crocodiles, kangaroos, and giant termite mounds. On top of the natural wonders of the park, it also contains one of the best preserved collection of ancient aboriginal rock art in Australia. The park is about a two hour drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory.

3) Gunung Mulu National Park, Malaysia

Gunung Mulu National Park (usually just known as Mulu) was probably the biggest surprise in all my travels. I hadn’t heard much about it before I visited Borneo. It is located on the island of Borneo in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. There are no roads leading to Mulu. You have to take a boat or fly. The flight from the city of Miri is quite short. The park is a combination of rainforest and spectacular karst limestone caves. One of the caves, Deer Cave, is one of the largest single caverns in the world. Several million bats live inside the cave and come out nightly to feed on insects in the rainforest. In addition to watching the nightly bat show, you can you do backcountry hiking, spelunking and forest canopy walks. I always recommend Mulu to anyone who visits Borneo.

2) Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone was the first place in the world to be designated as a national park. There was good reason for it. Located on a geologic hot spot and inside the caldera of an ancient volcano, Yellowstone is the most active geothermal site in the world. You can see more hot springs and geysers here than anywhere else on Earth. The name “Yellowstone” comes from the sulfur deposits left on some of the rocks. It has Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest, and Old Faithful, arguably the world’s most popular. You can easily see large animals such as elk and bison, and even some of the most unique microscopic life lives in the termal pools. Oh, and there is a canyon in the park…and a lake…and huge waterfalls. It is an amazing place.

1) Grand Canyon, Arizona

If you have been to the Grand Canyon, then you probably understand why it is listed number one. There is nothing on Earth which really even comes close to the Grand Canyon. Looking down at a gigantic scar in the Earth is a very different experience than looking up at a mountain. You can sit and stare out at the canyon for hours. I know I did and I saw other people doing the same. I’ve been to the Grand Canyon once, but I returning is high on my priority list. I want to visit the north rim as well as go rafting through it on the Colorado River. If you have a bucket list or list of places you want to see before you die, the Grand Canyon has to be on it.

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Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa





Ernest Hemingway described this mountain as, “as wide as all the world, great, high and unbelievably white,” in his book, “The Snows of Kilimanjaro.”
The roof of Africa as it is called is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and a dormant stratovolcano. The Kibo Summit at the top of the mountain is one among the few peaks of Africa that still have glaciers.

Sahara Sunset – Sahara Desert

Sahara Sunset – Sahara Desert





While the Sahara Desert is a wonderful place to see for the wide expanse of sand dunes, the sunset there is sure to take your breath away. A night spent camping on the sand dunes of this three-million year old desert, watching the sky change colors at dusk, is a dream come true for any nature lover.

Natural Springs and Limestone Cliffs of Pamukkale – Turkey

Natural Springs and Limestone Cliffs of Pamukkale – Turkey




The Turkish people call it the eighth wonder of the world and people who visit the place do not argue. Pamukkale is one of nature’s wonders, with hot pools and white cliffs. The water flowing down the cliffs has turned the place into an exotic white cotton color with stalactites and basins. This elaborate calcium formation is the largest of its kind, spreading miles and miles. The pristine surroundings are not only emotionally but physically cathartic. The water is believed to be therapeutic, curing various maladies. In spite of being filled with tourists, it still retains the old world charm and peace that we long for.

Mamanuca Islands – Fiji

Mamanuca Islands – Fiji




They are 20 islands in total. These beautiful islands of Mamanuca are varied; while some are small and can be walked around in a few minutes, others may take days to explore. For those who love nature and water bodies, these islands are a paradise with miles and miles of lilley snow white sand and beautiful turquoise blue beaches.

Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa





Ernest Hemingway described this mountain as, “as wide as all the world, great, high and unbelievably white,” in his book, “The Snows of Kilimanjaro.”
The roof of Africa as it is called is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and a dormant stratovolcano. The Kibo Summit at the top of the mountain is one among the few peaks of Africa that still have glaciers.

The Niagara Falls – Ontario, Canada and New York, United States

The Niagara Falls – Ontario, Canada and New York, United States




Massive and beautiful waterfalls on the Niagara River, they are also famous for being a source of hydroelectric power. These falls are divided into three drops; Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the American side. These falls are said to have been formed at the end of the last ice age. These waterfalls may not be the highest but are certainly wide and the most powerful in North America.

The Himalayas – Asia

The Himalayas – Asia





This spectacle of awesome dimensions …the 3000 kilometer long towering mountain range with tiers of rock, ranges upon ranges, sky scraping peaks and canyons, is the planet’s highest mountain system and includes the world’s highest peaks; Mount Everest and K2. It stretches through Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. This is where earth meets the sky!




This spectacle of awesome dimensions …the 3000 kilometer long towering mountain range with tiers of rock, ranges upon ranges, sky scraping peaks and canyons, is the planet’s highest mountain system and includes the world’s highest peaks; Mount Everest and K2. It stretches through Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. This is where earth meets the sky!

Yosemite Valley – California

Yosemite Valley – California





The incomparable beauty of nature changing colors with seasons and the sigh of breeze in the pines can only be experienced at Yosemite Valley (Pronounced Yo-seh-mit-tea). Yosemite Valley is part of Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This alpine valley offers incredible natural beauty and is just one mile in width and eight miles long with vertical granite walls rising above 2000 feet on either side. Nine ethereal waterfalls cascade into the valley. Wilderness hiking trails are as long as 800 miles.

The Tagaytay City & BATANGAS CITY

Welcome to Tagaytay City & Batangas City! Best of the Islands Philippines Batangas is the home of sages and the birthplace of the country's notable nationalist. These historical places are the legacies of the old colonial era. The province is also widely known as the home of baraco coffee (rich, robust-tasting coffee beans) and dedicate embroidery crafts on locally woven jusi and piña fibers. While tagaytay has traditionally been one of the most visited tourism destinations in the Philippines. It was the most visited Philippine tourist destination in 1998, and the trend is likely to continue. The weather in Tagaytay is one of the primary attractions for people to live outside Manila, but the spectacular view of Taal Volcano is undoubtedly the biggest tourism draw. Tagaytay is only about 45 minutes from Makati, Manila's business district. It is only 30 minutes from Alabang, an area which is currently Manila's most exclusive suburb. It is only 15 minutes from Santa Rosa, Manila's fastest growing suburb which is destined to replace Makati as "the place to live" and Santa Rosa will likely be the Philippines main financial district within 10 - 15 years. Travel Tips in Batangas City Nature has endowed Batangas with natural resources and picturesque sceneries. Coconut, orchids and mango trees lie alongside smooth sand beaches and their submarine gardens. Just a few kilometers from the shore will bring you to diverse dive sites - from the ones fit for novices (relatively shallow, constant water current), up to those which can pose a big challenge to experts. Without question, the most popular attraction is the Taal Volcano and Lake. Batangas used to lie along the route of the Spanish Galleon Trade from Mexico to Manila. The recent discovery of the San Diego Galleon in Nasugbu, Batangas yielded precious artifacts, including Ming dynasty jars which were exhibited in Paris, France during this decade. The San Diego is considered one of the foremost archeological finds of the 90's. Batangas is the characterized by elevations such as Mt. Makulot where the trainee pilots of the Philippine Air Force Flying School in Lipa City practice their maneuvers. The blue waters of Anilao Beach can prove alluring to swimmers. The well-preserved town of Taal boasts of its old churches, handicrafts, and historical landmarks. Batangas is the home of one of the country's national heroes, Apolinario Mabini who is known as the "Sublime Paralytic". The proximity of Batangas to Manila and the good quality of most of the main roads make the province very accessible thereby fueling the local tourism industry and the provincial economy. Batangas' pre-eminence in the area of eco-industrial growth cannot be disputed. It ranks as one of the country's richest provinces for being the producer of high grade coffee varieties among the other agriculture products, which won world acclaim in the past. There are more possibilities to unravel about Batangas which investments can nurture, with eco-tourism and the controlled use of natural resources as strategies for socio-economic development. To date, the intensified development of Batangas Port as an alternative port to Metro Manila augurs well for the province. Travel Tips in Tagaytay City Taal Volcano is reputed to be the world's smallest and yet most active. It stands on its own island amid a landscape of ash and cinder. Tagaytay, considered as the country's second summer capital because of its crisp and cool climate all year around, is a treasure box of pleasure points in by itself. At nightfall, one sees the lake sparkle with the pinpoint lights of fishing boats. It is a perfect picnic spot. Here, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority built Picnic Groove, a public park in the city which generates public patronage through user fees and the sale of low priced goods, thus contributing to the industrial growth of Tagaytay. Tagaytay, however, is more than a picnic haunt. The place has given rise to many congregational houses and retreat centers. It is also conductive to spiritual meditation, that is earned yet another title for being the "Center of Spiritual Retreat." Thus, the masterpiece of nature that is Tagaytay is a not to be missed item in a tourist itinerary. It should always include a visit to the Volcano Island, and its enumerable side spots. Tagaytay City, located 2,500 feet above sea level enjoys a cool and invigorating climate characterized by a relatively low temperature, low humidity, and abundant rainfall. Average temperature is 22.7 degrees Celsius. For this reason, Tagaytay with its cool weather, balmy winds and foggy mists is called the "second summer capital" of the country after Baguio City.

the nature touristspots from baguio

the Kennon Road

 

Kennon Road 16.231875°N 120.507430°E is a roadway that connects to Baguio City with the town of Rosario, La Union in the Philippines. Begun in 1903 and opened for travel January 29, 1905, it was originally called the Benguet Road and was later named in honor of its builder, Col. Lyman Walter Vere Kennon of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the help of Filipino and foreign workers. For travelers coming from Manila or the provinces in the central plains of Luzon it is the shortest route to Baguio.^[1]
Although Kennon is the shortest of the three major access roads, travel time is frequently as long as by the other two because of poor road conditions. It usually takes an experienced commuter from 50 minutes to an hour to negotiate the 41.2-kilometer steep and winding climb by car. The upward climb reveals a picturesque view of the mountains, lush vegetation, and pine trees as you get closer to Baguio. There are small settlements along the road, known as Camps 1 to 8 that were originally established by the original builders of the road, but have been occupied since by local residents. The Bued River flows along a rocky canyon from the lofty heights, and following this course the road was cut above the river bed. Kennon is a toll road with the lower tollgate located about 2.5 kilometers from the junction at Rosario, La Union near Camp 1. The upper toll gate is about 5 km south of Baguio City near Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet. The original road was a Macadam Telford-type road which was later improved into an all-weather asphalt roadway. More recently, some portions of Kennon Road have been replaced with concrete pavement.^[2]
The construction of the road commenced in 1903 by cutting across the mountains of Benguet with the combined efforts of Filipinos, Americans, Filipino-Chinese and Japanese nationals, and was considered one of the most difficult and expensive civil engineering projects of its day, with expenditures by the newly established colonial government in excess of $2.7 million.^[3] The steepest portion of the road between Camp 6 and Camp 7 in Baguio City is commonly known as "Zig-zag Road" because of the numerous switchbacks (see Hairpin turn) required. The design of the road switchbacks along that section of the road are similar in construction to the agricultural rice terraces found locally in Benguet and the other mountain provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region. More than 2,300 foreign and local workers worked on the road. Aside from Filipino engineers and construction workers and U.S. Army Engineers headed by Col. Lyman Kennon, foreigners from 36 countries were recruited to work on the road, but most of them were Japanese. About 1,500 Japanese contract workers persevered in the difficult road project. Hundreds of workers died from malaria while more plunged to their deaths while building the road. Some of the foreign road workers remained in Baguio to live permanently after the road was completed.^[1]
Kennon Road is one of the most hazardous roads in the country especially during the rainy seasons when most of the road accidents occur. The road is prone to closure due to landslides, particularly during especially heavy rains or during typhoon conditions. ^[4]

White Beach – Bolinao, Pangasinan

My brother had his long weekend vacation there. According to him, it is a 5-to-6-hour drive going there. But before you’ll get to paradise, you’ll have to encounter first a rough road that is really worth around an hour of your time.

A not-so-white sand
They stayed at Treasures of Bolinao which is the nearest resort to White Beach. Well, the sands of White Beach are not fine compared to Boracay. It’s the one actually used in aquariums. Going farther from the shoreline, there are rocks underwater which makes it not suitable for swimming. The beach is good for sun basking. Just lie down on the shoreline with your shades on. Aside from that you can also enjoy watching the beautiful school of fish as they swim from different directions just near the shoreline. And if you want to be a little serious with that, do not forget to bring your goggles and snorkling gear.

Natural Aquarium
But for those who wanted to enjoy real swimming, there’s a swimming pool at the Treasures of Bolinao that you can enjoy.