By
John Moore
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Want to discover Asia, why not visit these hidden gems Xishuangbanna, Ishigak and Yogyakarta.
Xishuangbanna
Located in south west China, Xishuangbanna is a beautiful region that is nestled between its neighbours, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar, which are only a short distance away. It is an autonomous region in the southern Yunnan province. Xishuangbanna’s culture is influenced by its neighbours, giving this region a more relaxed and laid-back feeling than the highly developed northern and coastal areas of China. There are many cultural and natural attractions, such as Xishuangbanna’s lush rainforest, and the Xishuangbanna Tropical Nature Reserve. Other major attractions in this region include Jingzhen Pavilion, Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden, and Wild Elephant Gully. A trip to this region would not be complete without seeing one of the Dai Villages in Xishuangbanna, which are an excellent way to experience the unique and authentic cultures that coexist in this part of the country.
The Anantara is perhaps Xishuangbanna’s top hotel, with an incredibly breathtaking setting and gorgeous accommodations(Anantara). The Anantara is located in the secluded Menglun Town. Another excellent option is the Crowne Plaza Resort Xishuangbanna (Crowne Plaza Resort), which is located on the edge of Jinghong City. The Ramada Plaza is a modern property with more charm than your average Ramada, and it is also located in Jinghong City (Ramada Plaza). The Xiangyue Banna Resort Hotel is one of the top hotels in Jinghong City, and all can be booked on Cut Priced Hotels .
Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport is also in Jinghong City, and it offers domestic service, including flights to Beijing and Shanghai. With pleasant weather, magnificent food, and a fascinating culture, Xishuangbanna is becoming one of China’s most attractive destinations.
Ishigaki
Ishigaki is the most populated of the Yaeyama Islands, located in Okinawa, Japan. The New Ishigaki Airport is located on the island and offers flights to Taiwan and Japan, including Osaka and Tokyo. Ishigaki enjoys mild winters and warm summers, and the island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, so its no surprise that scuba diving is one of the top attractions. The northern coast is an especially active area for spotting manta rays, which are most active in the fall. The other main draw on Ishigaki are the beaches, which are considered among the best in Japan. Kabira Bay and Sukiji Beach are two of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the island (swimming is not permitted in Kabira Bay, however).
The Kariyushi Club Hotel Ishigakijima is one of the island’s top-rated hotels, and it is located near the airport and Shiraho Beach. The Kariyushi Club Hotel Ishigakijima offers a large swimming pool and also a sauna (Kariyushi Club Hotel). The Hotel Nikko Yaeyama is centrally located, and offers modern and spacious accommodations. It is one of the island’s largest hotels (Nikko Yaeyama). The Ishigaki Resort Grandvrio Hotel has only been open a few years, but is already one of the most popular resorts on the island. It features large, tastefully decorated rooms, many with patios and spectacular views of the ocean (Ishigaki Resort Grandvrio). Another great option for more moderate accommodations is the cosy Hotel Patina Ishigakijima, which is a short distance from the Port Ricoh ferry terminal (Patina Ishigakijima). No matter where you stay, a trip to Ishigaki is sure to impress.
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is located on the island of Java, Indonesia, and it is the most popular tourist destination on the island. It is a centre for Indonesian art, culture, and history, and the city boasts some of the most fascinating attractions in the country. The Adisucipto International Airport offers domestic flights as well as those to Singapore and Malaysia. The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta (Phoenix Hotel) is located in the heart of Yogyakarta, and it offers sumptuous accommodations in a palatial setting. The Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort and Spa (Sheraton Mustika) is a popular new property featuring spacious modern rooms, many with panoramic views of the surrounding area. Another excellent option in Yogyakarta is the swanky Grand Aston (Grand Aston), and the Hyatt Regency offers top-notch accommodations as well (Hyatt Regency).
Yogyakarta offers visitors a wealth of local culture, and there are a large number of fascinating museums, temples, and galleries. Visit the Kraton complex, or sultan’s palace, as this is the heart of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. Borobudur, a 9th century Mahayana Buddhist Temple, and Prambanan, a 9th century Hindu Temple, are two of Indonesia’s most fascinating and popular attractions, and they are only a short distance from Yogyakarta.
There are other ancient temples in and around Yogyakarta, such as Candi Sambisari, which is built below ground level. The ancient neighbourhood of Kotagede is a great place to experience Yogyakarta’s historic architecture and traditional village atmosphere. With a wealth of mesmerizing attractions, Yogyakarta has earned its place as one of Indonesia’s top destinations.
