TRAVEL SPECIAL ...Destinations 2019

TRAVEL  Destinations 2019

 Here is a look at some of the destinations worth visiting in 2019

BINTAN ISLAND, INDONESIA

A ferry ride away from Singapore or Johor Bahru in Malaysia, Bintan clubs high-end resorts and world-class golf courses with a colourful coastal atmosphere. Penyengat Island, once the seat of the royal Johor-Riau kingdom, is also the cultural capital of the Malay world. The restored Sultan’s Palace is an interesting blend of Javanese and Dutch architecture. Bintan is lately also attracting sports aficionados to compete in its marathons, triathlons, extreme sports and golf challenges. Bintan Resorts, a sprawling man-made lagoon, has pristine mangrove forests along the meandering Sungei Sebung river. Apart from monkeys, kingfishers, otters, tree snakes, millions of fireflies sparkle the bushes like a Christmas tree. To the south, Nikoi Islands offer an escape into a secluded, Robinson Crusoe-like place, but with a dash of decadence.

PERU

The ancient land of Peru is a wonderland — from capital Lima to the Inca Trail that stretches across mighty mountains and cloud forests. Eschew the beaten track and head to the country’s north. The region teems with historical places dating back centuries to the colonial past of the Spaniards and further back to the Moche civilization or the Pre-Incans. The Moche Trail is highly recommended. It was here that the incredible Moche culture evolved between 100 and 800 AD. It is also home to the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán, one of the paramount lords of the Moche culture. A fascinating array of other museums showcases the history of civilisations that developed and flourished in this exotic land.

ICELAND

The country of contrasts is home to some of the planet’s biggest glaciers and volcanoes (remember the unpronounceable Eyjallajokull that grounded air traffic over Europe in 2010?). Iceland also has moss-covered lava fields, soaring fjords and a diverse topography. Add to it a vibrant culture, a literary tradition dating back to the ancient Icelandic Sagas, a thriving music scene, a burgeoning film industry, a cool and happening design scene, and you have a mesmerising destination. Culture buffs will delight in Icelandic customs and traditions, inspired by pagan influences. A love for literature among Icelanders has resulted in their authors publishing more books per capita than any other country.

TURKEY

Straddling Europe and Asia, with cultural connections going back to Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Turkey is a kaleidoscope of cultures. Istanbul, on the Bosphorus Strait, is peppered with iconic monuments. Other places of enchantment include the ancient port city of Ephesus, the Lycian ruins on the Mediterranean coast as well as Anatolia that abuts the glittering Mediterranean coastline. Cappadocia’s “fairy chimney” rock formations are a must-see. Hop on to a hot air balloon for breathtaking views of alpine pastures of the Kaçkar Mountains or the mountain-ringed Lake Egirdir.

TASMANIA

Home to just 500,000 people, the island offers an intimate experience. The art galleries in capital Hobart are intriguing. Launceston is one of the few cities in the planet wrapped around a gorge. From beach-lined coasts to World Heritagelisted mountains, Tasmania ticks all the boxes for an immersive travel. When the sun sets, Port Arthur’s ghost tours come alive. Get spooked with stories of the former penal settlement. Take a boat from Hobart’s docks for a banquet pulled straight from the ocean on a day-long Tasmanian Seafood Seduction trip near Bruny Islands. Enjoy your catch with local delicacies and Tasmanian wines, boutique beers, ciders and juices.

NORTHERN TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA

From crocodiles to Aboriginal rock art, the NT — as the Aussies call it — is an ideal place to get back to nature. Discovering the distinctive history, landscape and culture makes it a remarkable experience. The gigantic sandstone Ayers Rock in Uluru, a spiritual site for Aboriginals, is captivating during sunset as the rock’s surface changes colours. Take a helicopter ride to soak in a heart-stopping view of the region. The many natural waterfalls at Litchfield National Park offer an opportunity to soak in the flora and fauna. The spunky can swim with deadly crocodiles in Darwin, an experience of a lifetime. Not to be missed is the glittery installation by Bruce Munro, known as the Field of Light. This epic piece of art lights up at sunset, making it a visual treat.

ISRAEL

The country mixes rich, illustrious history with vibrant party scenes. There aren’t a lot of places where you can get velveteen beaches, bustling cities, a thriving nightlife, nature reserves, health spas and religious shrines within a few hours’ drive. Beach concerts and street parties make the cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, located on the eastern Mediterranean coastline, vibrant. Jaffa, an ancient port city, bustles with open air markets and street fairs. Jerusalem, Israel’s spiritual capital, offers you 4,000 years of history. Floating in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, is a serene experience. This is where crystal-shaped salt formations and cobalt blue waters coalesce to rejuvenate the mind and body. At the resort city of Eilat, located on the Red Sea, one can dive and snorkel. Perhaps you’d like to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Reef or go tandem skydiving.

CYPRUS

The mythological birthplace of Aphrodite, Cyprus hosts ancient ruins, scenic medieval fortresses and one of the world’s most enchanting coastlines. A combination of history and landscape makes the sunsoaked island nation worth a visit, which also had a rich cuisine and juicy wines. Cyprus’ biggest attractions are its archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, monasteries and museums. In the capital city, Nicosia, skyscrapers and squares by celebrity architects jostle for your attention as do world-class museums, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife. Neighbouring Limassol has luxurious resorts, Orthodox churches, ivy-draped stone houses, folkloric restaurants and alfresco cafes. Adventure buffs can opt for hiking trails studded with rich and unique flora and fauna. Best of all, Cyprus is so compact that while anchoring yourself in one town, you can head out for exciting excursions daily without bothering to change hotels.

HOLLAND

A holiday in Holland is like a feast with many splendours. Big cities like Rotterdam and The Hague delight with their urban chic, while coastal towns like Scheveningen and Noordwijk, the Keukenhof tulips and Kinderdijk windmills offer raw, organic beauty. Or perhaps you’d like to tingle your taste buds at the cheese capital of Alkmaar. Visit one of the world’s largest flower gardens, Keukenhof Park, where over seven million flower bulbs are planted every year. Gardens and four pavilions showcase a riotous and fragrant collection of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, roses, carnations, irises, lilies and more. Did you know that Holland has the largest museum density in the world? The Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum in The Hague are must-visit destinations. Holland is also home to over 100 restaurants, many anointed with one or more Michelin stars.

SOUTH AFRICA

One of the largest countries on the Dark Continent, South Africa stuns with topographical and natural diversity. Head to Boulders Beach to say hello to waddling penguins. The nearby Seal Island is a good place to observe seals. From the Kalahari Desert in the north, where lions roam the sienna dunes, to the Overberg coastline that teems with Southern Right whales; the soaring Drakensberg peaks to the iconic flat-topped Table Mountain that hug the port city of Cape Town, this is one wild country. South Africa’s biggest allure, though, are the game reserves, where countless species coexist as they have for millennia in a primal wilderness. In the Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg, you can see the oldest hominid remains – some four million years old. Rail buffs can board the luxurious Blue Train whose route covers the 994 miles between Cape Town and Pretoria in 27 hours, with one stop in each direction – the chic old town of Matjiesfontein on the northbound journey, and the historic diamond-mining town of Kimberley on the journey back.

THE PHILIPPINES

A number of beaches, friendly locals and natural beauty amalgamate make the archipelago of the Philippines alluring. One of the largest cluster of islands in the world with 7,107 islands, its biggest attraction — the White Beach in Boracay, rimmed by turquoise crystal-clear waters — has constantly been crowned as one of the world’s top 10 beaches. Or perhaps you’d like to summit one of the country’s 37 volcanoes, including Mount Pinatubo, or the world’s smallest volcano of Taal. The Philippines is also home to fascinating caves, lakes and birds, plants, animals and sea creatures. There are nearly 200 mammal species here, including the Philippine Tarsier, one of the smallest (and cutest) species of monkeys in the world. Over 600 species of birds, and 300 species of reptiles and amphibians — from the giant whale shark to the world’s smallest fish — and at least 400 coral species can be found here.

SOUTH KOREA

If you’re seeking antiquity with modernity in one fell swoop, look no further than South Korea. Volcanoes, glitzy cityscapes, world heritage sites, white sandy beaches — you’ll find them all here. The hilly countryside is dotted with cherry trees and centuries-old Buddhist temples, while its coastal fishing villages and sub-tropical islands offer bucolic beauty. The Seongsan Sunrise Peak on Jeju island is a UNESCO world heritage site, famous for numerous rare plant species as well as a jaw-dropping sunrise. The cream-coloured Ggotji Beach is an ideal place to soak sunsets between two large rock formations known as the Granny Rock and the Grandpa Rock. Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty, nicknamed “a museum with no walls”, boasts of many iconic sites, including the Bomun Pavilion, a small wooden gazebo standing over a glutinous duck pond from where you can experience Korea’s cherry blossoms in full bloom during spring.

Neeta Lal

ETM 30DEC18