94 TRAVEL + L E I S U R E / M AY 2 0 1 7
IPPEI NAOI/GETTYIMAGESRIDE A HORSE ON THE ANCIENT
Silk Road in Tajikistan
Take a journey along the ancient Silk Road as
it twists and turns its way through the rich
history and culture of this landlocked country.
Dushanbe, its hazy capital city—encircled
by an army of magnifi cent mountains—is
a fast-growing metropolis. Visitors can be
swept up by the hustle and bustle of the
city’s shopping or nightlife or choose the life
of blissful meandering through their wide,
tree-lined avenues and botanical gardens. For
those looking for more extreme nature-based
adventures, Tajikistan does not disappoint. The
strikingly serene Iskanderkul, a mineral-rich
mountain lake of glacial origin, is a stunning
example of the world’s bodies of water, as
refl ective and still as a mirror. Avid climbers
and hikers should venture to what is referred
to as The Roof of the World, as you trek
through the exquisitely breathtaking slopes
of the Pamir Mountains.TAKE A CANOPY WALK IN
Danum Valley, Malaysian Borneo
This ancient tropical forest in this extremely
remote corner of Malaysian Borneo is almost
completely cut off from the rest of the world
and very few travellers ever make it to this
valley. Those who wish to walk among the
treetops are elevated up to 26m above theSUNAYAMA BEACH
Known for its iconic arch-shaped rock formation,
created by centuries of crashing waves cutting
a natural gate into the coral wall, this is a typical
Okinawa beach with white sand and blue water.
YURIGAHAMA BEACH
Japan has its very own sandbar that appears
and disappears depending on the water tides.
When it does appear, you’ll fi nd Yurigahama
Beach and your own piece of paradise.
AHAREN BEACH
This white curved beach with an impressive reef
lies on Japan’s west coast and has become
a mecca for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
HATENOHAMA CAY BEACH
This coral sand cay is popular with kite surfers and
is a 30-minute fl ight from the Okinawa Main Island.
MINAMI-JIMA BEACH
This uninhabited island sits 1,000km south
of Tokyo in the middle of the Pacifi c Ocean.
Popular for diving and snorkelling, it’s also widely
photographed for its incredible rock formation.
YONAHA MAEHAMA BEACH
This seven-kilometre white sand beach offers
many marine sports including snorkelling, jet
boating and parasailing.
KABIRA BAY
One of the most photographed spots in Japan
thanks to its beautiful scenery. Swimming is not
allowed due to strong currents and jelly fi sh;
however, glass bottomed boats over the coral
reefs below are popular.
KONDOI BEACH
With a crescent shaped bay and shallow turquoise
water, this tiny island also has preserved
Japanese villages and traditional homes.
NISHIHAMA BEACH
Found on Japan’s southernmost inhabited island,
it’s all about blue ocean and white sand.JAPAN’S DREAMY BEACHES
YOU DIDN’T KNOWSunayama Beach on
Miyako island in
Japan is known for its
crystal clear blue
water and coral
lagoons with natural
arch ways.
Opposite, from top:
Unusual rocky
outcrops in Khao Sok
National Park,
Thailand; nuns walk
for Alms in Bagan,
Myanmar; the
emerald green
waters at Kuang
Si Falls in Laos.96 TRAVEL + LEISURE / MAY 2017