Sipadan Island - Malaysia

A heaven for divers and a paradise for vacationers, this island in Malaysia called Sipadan Island is one of the best dive sites in the world. Living corals on top of the volcano cone formed this paradise island located in the Celebes Sea in the Malaysian east coast close to Borneo, and at the heart of one of the richest marine habitats in the world.

Divers around the world visit this place to explore and never get tired of it even done couple of times. Why? Because you see paradise right before your eyes! A 3,000 species of fish or more have been named and classified in its ecosystem, and with hundreds of corals species too.

Not only diving and underwater species this famous island is known for because different species of birds such as kingfisher, sunbirds, pigeons and exotic animals like monitor lizard and bats live in the lush jungle of the island. And because people want to protect this Malaysian treasure, it's no wonder why the accommodation facilities in the island was closed in 2004. 

(I do admire the effort exerted in protecting this diving "Mecca" since we don't have much of this left in the world...)

Bagan Temples and Pagodas - Myanmar

Built around the 11th and 13th centuries AD more than 13,000 temples were once standing along the Irrawaddy River. As one third of the city's area has been washed away by the river, others were intentionally destroyed in search of treasures. Natural calamities such as earthquakes also destroyed some of them, turning them into piles of crumbled stones. Today, there are 2,200 temples remain standing.

However, unlike other ancient temples hidden in the vastness of South East Asian jungles, the temples and pagodas in Bagan are unhidden. Spreading across the dusty plains of this ancient city, these temples are notable for their sizes and shapes of oblong and square with terraces on the outside, a representation of the gods home. The interior corridors are also lined with sacred images that people worship.

Bagan temples and pagodas are amazing treasures of Myanmar. It was submitted to UNESCO but they refused it, claiming that Myanmar's military junta restored the damage temples, used new materials and changed the designs that bear no resemblance to the original one. Anyhow, these temples and pagodas shaped Myanmar's rich history and made South East Asian architecture one of the finest in the world.

Muara Beach, Brunei

An ideal place for families seeking holiday at its best, Muara Beach in Brunei Darussalam boast its golden sand beach long enough for strolling, sunbathing and even  for picnic. It was developed to its very purpose of giving the best holiday for family outing or get together. The beach has a playground making it very popular for children. Other than that, several restaurants and food kiosk are lined up for visitors wishing to have a sumptuous meal. 

At 27 kilometers from the capital city Bandar Seri Begawan, the beach can be reached in no time at all. A great escape from the city and  perfect place for relaxation. If one wants to spend sometime in solitude, one can lie down on the sand while looking at the clear blue sky, or stroll down the vastness of the place. A captivating experience beyond words can also be experienced by watching the sun sets in the South China Sea horizon.

The Beach is a place one must see while in Brunei. It is one of South East Asian beaches that we must be proud of. Look at them! Aren't they enjoying?, Your trip to Brunei is indeed not complete without the visit to Muara Beach.  : )

Underground River - Palawan, Philippines

Photo by K Edong Magpayo

Situated 50 kilometers north of the capital of Palawan, the Puerto Princesa City Subterranean National Park or better known as the Underground River is a finalist to the New Seven Wonders of the World contest. It is one of the longest navigable underground river stretching at 8.2 kilometers before it wind its way through that flows directly to the South China Sea. The amazing natural landscape of the cave due to the major formations of stalagmites and stalactites and the inside and outside scenery is second to none.

The site is also being monitored and was listed by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Site on December 4, 1999 because it holds one of the most significant ecosystem in Asia and a habitat for biodiversity conservation.

Before entering the cave one must wear a life vest and a helmet (protection for anything that might fall). The boat with a tour guide/paddler will then take you inside the cave, explaining everything in detail as you come close to the majestic rock formations that will take your breath away.

 click pic to enlarge

Of course, one must first secure a permit in their downtown office for 200 pesos per pax. The land trip going to the town of Sabang  from downtown city of Puerto Princesa is about 2 1/2 to 3 hours (just so you know, the road going there is not yet entirely paved) , so expect a bumpy ride hehe. But surely, this paradise island will leave its beauty for you to remember...... Forever.