Asia is home to some of the most unique and awe-inspiring natural and man-made landmarks. With more than 45 countries and a population greater than any other continent in the world, Asia is a melting pot of different cultures.
Whether you are looking for the world’s highest peaks, towering skyscrapers, or blissful beaches, you can find all of it in this part of the world.
When planning your next bucket list adventure, add these unique Asian landmarks to your list.
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Tirta Gangga, Bali, Indonesia
Tirta Gangga is one of those places that blew up because of social media. It has always been a popular attraction in Bali however, social media has taken its popularity to the next level. Tourists from all over the world pour in to witness the mind-boggling maze of pools and fountains. Next time you’re in eastern Bali, make sure you pay this beautiful Asia landmark a visit.
Tirta Gangga is a former Royal Palace. Known for housing some of the most beautiful water fountains, bathing pools, and the famous Patirthan temple, the entire complex spans over an area of 10,000 sq meters.
Fun fact, Tirta Gangga is named after the sacred Ganges.
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Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah, Borneo
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a cluster of five islands; Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug, situated off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. The local government recognized the need to protect the delicate marine life and preserve the pristine beaches. Finally, the marine park was created in 1974 and named after the prime minister of Malaysia.
The marine park offers tons of different activities including boating, scuba diving, snorkelling, and different water sports. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous you can experience the longest island to island zipline. Zipping you from Gaya to Sapi Island and back, it’s a true rush.
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Batu Caves, Malaysia
Eleven kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malaysia. This limestone hill has several caves and temples that attract millions of Hindus throughout the year. Particularly during the Tamil festival Thaipusam.
Some of the caves here are millions of years old. However, they only became famous after an Indian trader named K. Thamboosamy Pillai became inspired by the spear-shaped entrance. He decided to promote the caves as a place of worship.
With over 250 concrete and very colourful stairs, a hike to the top is no child’s play. Once at the top, start by visiting the largest and most popular cavern, the Cathedral cave. It has a hundred-meter high arched ceiling and houses several Hindu shrines and statues.
There are also several undeveloped caves that house a wealth of different plants, with over 250 species. These caves are also home to families of monkeys that have lived there for centuries. Therefore, make sure you don’t get too close to them, because they are very territorial.
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Booking.comKyaiktiyo Pagoda, Myanmar
Perched dangerously on the edge of a cliff, the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, is famous for being a major Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon State, Burma. Also known as the golden rock, and for good reason. It is covered entirely in gold leaf. Making this a truly unique Asia Landmark.
At first sight, you would think that the rock would fall off the cliff at any minute. But against all laws of physics, this rock hasn’t moved an inch for centuries. The Pagoda itself is small, around 24 ft high.
There are many stories as to how the massive boulder got to the top of the cliff. One is, the king of the time pulled it from the ocean with his magical powers. The small pagoda on top of the boulder enshrines a strand of buddha’s hair.
Regardless of how the boulder ended up on the clifftop, it’s a sight you have to see to believe. So, if you ever get the chance to travel to Myanmar, make sure you pay it a visit.
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Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River National Park, Philippines
Around 80 km north of Puerto Princesa, in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island of Palawan, is the famous Puerto Princesa’s River National Park. It is known for having the world’s most impressive cave systems. Featuring mesmerizing limestone karst landscapes and pristine natural beauty. It is a wonderful natural landscape.
It spreads over an area of over 22,000ha and features an underground river that extends over 8 kilometres in length and flows directly into the sea. Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River National Park has something to offer for everyone, from the mind-boggling rock formations and virgin forests to the distinctive wildlife, beaches, and beach forests. Suffice it to say, that Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River National Park is one of the most incredible natural landmarks you will find in all of Asia.
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Magnetic Hill, Ladakh, India
When you think about India, you think about the Taj Mahal or the Qutub Minar. But something that you don’t hear about every day is the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh, India. Situated 7.5 km southeast of Nimmoo and around 26 km west of Leh on Srinagar-Ladakh road, the magnetic hill road is one of those places that you have to see yourself to believe.
What makes this hill so special is that it seems to defy all laws of physics! Because objects and cars seem to roll uphill here. If you put your car in neutral it starts moving uphill in defiance of gravity. Hence the name, Magnetic Hill.
It is marked by a yellow sign that reads “The Phenomenon That Defies Gravity”. Once a car is parked in the marked area on the road, it will begin moving uphill. And slowly start gaining speed!
However, this might be just an optical illusion. According to some scientists, your car is actually going downhill. But the layout of the area and surrounding slopes make it look like it’s moving uphill. In any case, a magnetic hill is certainly a place you need to have on your bucket list.
This really is one of the more unusual landmarks in Asia.
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Wat Rong Khun, Thailand
Situated in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, Wat Rong Khun is more commonly known as the white temple. It is a privately-owned art exhibit, designed to look like a Buddhist temple. Designed by a famous Thai visual artist by the name of Chalermchai Kositpipat. The exterior of the temple is white which signifies the purity of Buddha. Whereas the pieces of glass mixed in the plaster, signify his wisdom and teachings.
The construction of the temple is still not completed. But once it is done, it will have nine buildings, including an Ubosot (orientation hall). As well as a hall for Buddhist relics, a meditation space, living quarters for the monks, and an art gallery.
Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world come to visit Wat Rong Khun. Therefore, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. And a must-visit landmark in Asia.
So, tell me in the comments, which Unique Asia Landmark are you going to visit first?
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So many beautiful places to see! The architecture at Wat Rong Khun is truly astounding. Thanks for sharing!