10 Underrated Wonders of the World
Venture off the Beaten Path for These Bucket List Worthy Alternatives
We know about the spots and activities that hold a place at the top of your bucket lists — snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, take a photo of the Taj Mahal, road trip down California Route 1, see the Northern Lights, hike Machu Picchu . . . and we’re not trying to discredit your travel dreams, but let us guide you in another direction. Because, in the nooks and crannies of our beautiful planet, made by both man and Mother Earth, are some of the more underrated wonders of the world; sights that will make your jaw drop just as low and your heart beat just as fast as the wonders you’ve dreamt about since childhood. These are Tiplr’s Top 10 Underrated Wonders of the World.
1. Swing in the Sea - Gili Islands, Indonesia (northwest Lombok)
Still considered a tourist attraction, the swings in the sea of the Gili Islands are lined up down the beach near the Ombak and Pandawa resorts. There are about eight of them, a foot or two deep in the water, waiting for you to swing and get that perfect photo-op. Be aware that it’s likely that there will be a short queue, but let the swing be only a small part of your Balinese experience. This side of the island tends to be much quieter than the crowded harbor-side of Gili Trawangan. Take advantage of the amazing snorkeling, as well as the opportunity to meet friendly locals by walking through neighborhoods in the middle of the island.
2. Swim in the Heart of the Coral Triangle - Raja Ampat, Indonesia
The Raja Ampat Islands are made up of around 1000 islands just off the city of Sorong in eastern Indonesia. Lonely Planet called Raja Ampat “one of the most beautiful island chains in Southeast Asia.” In addition to the beautiful white-sand beaches and vast expanse of jungle, the surrounding seas are luminous and full of marine life that’s waiting to be explored. These islands have a reputation for being one of the best places in the world for professional diving and underwater photography, but are less known to those looking for a killer snorkel adventure. The waters are home to an extensive range of habitats and creatures that you won’t want to miss.
3. Road trip North Coast 500 - Scotland
There’s no better way to experience a region than by driving through it. North Coast 500 is not only a jaw-dropping, beautiful route but is your path to a number of incredible and authentic Scottish experiences; from fresh seafood and artisan distilleries to historic golf courses, castles, and deserted beaches. The lush greenery offers a number of opportunities for outdoor activities and to view native wildlife.
Factors that are important to be aware of:
- Drivers inexperienced with driving on the left should approach the route with caution and understand the importance of road etiquette.
- There are a number of gas stations along the route, but never underestimate the number of miles you may have to drive before you can fill up.
- The route is recently gaining more tourist and traveler attention so be mindful of setting up accommodations well in advance.
4. Visit the Venice of the Pacific - Nan Madol, Micronesia (Pohnpei)
The Smithsonian calls Nan Madol “the city built on coral reefs” and others may call it “the Venice of the Pacific.” Nan Madol is not yet on the world heritage list, though this ancient city of ruins was abandoned centuries ago and is an architectural mystery. Find a guide who can lead you through the jungle streets and recount the tales of Nan Madol.
5. Soak in the Pamukkale Pools - Pamukkale, Denizli, Turkey
You’ve probably heard of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon or Budapest’s bath houses, but what about these valleyside pools in southwest Turkey? The travertine formations were built up over a thousand years from limestone deposited by the mixture of hot springs and the infrastructure ruins that made up the city of Hierapolis. Visitors can bathe in the mineral-rich waters that remain around 96 degrees Fahrenheit. You can reach the village of Pamukkale by car or bus, and we’d recommend spending the night to avoid the crowds. Daytrippers often arrive in the late afternoon, so experiencing the pools in the morning is most ideal.
6. Hike the Cathedral Gorge - Kimberley, Australia
Forget the Grand Canyon, the Cathedral Gorge in Kimberley, Australia is an incredible natural wonder. The Gorge is a huge amphitheatre with gorgeous red rocks and fascinating acoustics made by Mother Earth herself. If you get there early in the season, there is a pool of water in the center and beautiful shrubbery dangling from the walls. The hike to Cathedral Gorge is a mellow one compared to others surrounding it, as it is part of the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park with other paths to hike and sights to see.
7. The Church of Transfiguration - Kizhi, Russia
This architectural wonder was built without nails . . . not even one! Kizhi Pogost is a 300-year-old Russian church famous for its extraordinary structure. Well known as the Church of Transfiguration, these buildings were built with what you could call the real-life version of Lincoln Logs. The structures are covered in glorious domes that have helped preserve it over the past couple of centuries. The church along with other buildings are part of the Museum on Kizhi Island in the Republic of Kareila. It is open to the public.
8. Palitana Temples - Bhavnagar, India
Sure, the Taj Mahal is a gem of a palace, but the Palitana Temples practically make up an entire city in Bhavnagar. These architectural masterpieces are known for being the largest cluster of Jain temples. There are 863 Jain temples in total from the base to the peak of the Shatrunjaya Hill where the Palitana temples sit. There are 3950 steps over 2.5 kilometers up the Shatrunjaya Hills. You can access the temples by road, rail, or air from big cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
9. Explore the Black Forest - Germany
Germany’s Black Forest, also known as the Schwarzwald, is the dark canopy of evergreens expanding along the Swiss-German border. The spooky forest inspired the settings for stories like Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood. You’re likely to find yourself in the woods no more than a twenty-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride from one of many charming countryside towns. The northern section near the university city, Freiburg, is said to have some impressive sights, and not too far is Triburg, the cuckoo clock capital!
10. Walk through the Wisteria Tunnel - Kitakyushu City, Japan
Okay so this one you may have stumbled upon on Pinterest, but why hasn’t it made it onto your bucket list yet? This place is real. It’s called Wisteria Tunnel and it’s in Kitakyushu City, Japan. You can find two wisteria tunnels in Kawachi Fujien, a private garden open only during wisteria season and when the leaves change colors in autumn. The best time to visit is late April. The garden is a 15 minute walk from the Kawachi Shogakko-Mae bus station.
