Incredible natural scenery in Asia you have to see to believe

These stunning natural wonders — from a field of pink moss to a dream-like park that looks straight out of a Studio Ghibli film — are almost too surreal to be true.

Mui Ne Sand Dunes
  • Jetstar Asia
  • December 2019

Brought to you by Jetstar Travel Insurance

From a volcano with luminous blue flames to tri-coloured lakes, Asia hides so many jaw-droppingly beautiful nature getaways waiting to be discovered. And we have the photos to prove it.

1. Takeda Castle Ruins, Asago, Japan

Takeda Castle
Get to Takeda Castle from Osaka by taking the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Himeji, then take the JR Bantan Line to Takeda Station.

From 6am to 6.30am in October and November, a thick fog fills the valley surrounding Takeda Castle, creating the magical illusion of it floating above the clouds.

2. Tri-coloured Lakes at Mount Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia

Mount Kelimutu
Get to Mount Kelimutu from Bali by taking a 2.5-hour flight to Ende and then a 40-minute drive to the city. From there, it’s a three-hour drive to the village near Mount Kelimutu.

Within the summit of Mount Kelimutu, one of Indonesia’s many volcanoes, you’ll find three lakes with dramatically different colours that change unpredictably throughout the year.

3. Banaue Rice Terraces, North Luzon, The Philippines

Banaue Rice Terraces
The Banaue Rice Terraces is a 10-hour bus ride from Manila.

It can take up to 10 hours to reach the unofficial “eighth wonder of the world” by bus from Manila, but its remote location means unlike many other natural wonders, the Banaue Rice Terraces haven’t suffered from mass tourism.

Going off the beaten path can be immensely rewarding. But make sure you’re not just an intrepid traveller — take measures to be a smart one, too.

Jetstar Travel Insurance opens in new window offers coverage for the inconvenient things like flight delays and damaged luggage to stressful unforeseen situations like an accident or losing your travel documents.

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4. Kawah Ijen Volcano, East Java, Indonesia

Kawah Ijen Volcano
Get to Kawah Ijen Volcano from Bali by taking a ferry to Banyuwangi, and then an hour-long car ride.

One of only two volcanoes in the world with blue flames, you can get to this astounding natural phenomena from Bali or Surabaya.

5. Shuiyang Lake, Alishan, Taiwan

Shuiyang Lake
Get to Shuiyang Lake from Taipei by taking a three-hour drive to the Sun Link Sea campsite.

This eerily beautiful and serene lake is the result of a landslide dam caused by the great Jiji earthquake in 1999.

6. Mui Ne Sand Dunes, Vietnam

Mui Ne Sand Dunes
The Mui Ne Sand Dunes is a four-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City.

Most people are surprised to find out there are sand dunes in Vietnam. Take an easy four-hour drive out of Ho Chi Minh to visit the majestic white and red sand dunes.

7. Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, Hokkaido, Japan

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park is a five-hour drive from Sapporo.

Come mid May, moss phlox bloom, transforming hills into carpets of vibrant pink. These flowers might not grow here naturally (it was laboriously cultivated by one man over eight years) but it’s a surreal sight worth planning a trip for.

8. Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Indonesia

Kelingking Beach
Get to Kelingking Beach from Bali by taking a speedboat from Sanur Beach to Nusa Penida island.

Travellers head to this island southeast of Bali to swim and snorkel … and snap the quintessential shot of this unique formation that’s shaped like the head of a T-Rex.

9. Muzha Park, Taipei

Muzha Park is a 15-minute drive from Taipei city
Muzha Park is a 15-minute drive from Taipei city.

Early summer (mid April to early May) is firefly breeding season, and locals head to Muzha Park between 6.40pm and 8pm to view them.

Travel deeper, travel smarter

Travelling is all about opening your mind to new cultures, experiences and perspectives. Take advantage of every opportunity to see the world but make sure you’re covered for unforeseen situations. On top of accident and medical expenses overseas, and emergency medical evacuation, Jetstar Travel Insurance opens in new window covers you for:

1. Lost or stolen baggage

This is possibly the most inconvenient thing to happen on a trip. Jetstar Travel Insurance offers up to SGD $2,000 compensation for your baggage and personal effects, including your clothes.

2. Stolen travel documents

If you lose your travel documents, Jetstar Travel Insurance covers the cost of replacing your passport, visa or Jetstar flight ticket as well as any additional travel expenses and hotel accommodation costs incurred whilst overseas to replace such travel documents. The 24-hour emergency assistance team will guide you through this stressful situation.

3. Trip cancellation

If you’re unable to travel due to a natural disaster, civil unrest or serious sickness, Jetstar Travel Insurance reimburses you for the cost of the unused and non-refundable portion of your air ticket.

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Jetstar Asia Airways Pte. Ltd. is a licensed agent registered with the Agents' Registration Board and an authorised agent of AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd. Jetstar Travel Insurance is underwritten by AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd.

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