FROM ABOVE: AIVAR MIKKO/ALAMY; NIK WHEELER/ALAMY; ISTOCK/GETTYIMAGES
ground on a network of canopy walkways.
Sabah’s strict conservation rules let wildlife
reign supreme. Keep your eyes peeled as the
forest’s extensive biodiversity means enormous
opportunities to spot rare animals such as
the clouded leopard, orangutan, and Asian
elephant. Keen naturalists will be excited by its
complex ecosystem, encountering cascading
waterfalls, a variety of verdant foliage and—if
you choose to do a private night walk—wild
nocturnal creatures.FEEL THE ENERGY AT ONE OF
Asia’s oldest pagodas in Myanmar
Since easing border restrictions and
opening its doors to the world in 2012,
Myanmar’s phenomenal hidden gems are
slowly getting some attention. One of these
is Mrauk U, now more easily accessible
thanks to the new and comparatively
appealing two-hour boat ride from Sittwe
up the Kaladan River—the alternative to
the seven-hour slow ferry. Mrauk U is one
of the most important archaeological sites
in Rakhine state, where you can witness
some of the oldest pagodas in the country.
Many of these have not been touched by
restoration, allowing nature to adorn the
structures with moss and foliage, giving it
an air of long-gone days. Experience the
true delights of the landscape after climbing
up Mrauk U’s steep hills at sunrise; prepare
to be blown away by the stunning view, as
fog dances between the pagodas and the
sprawling hills and marshes between.ENJOY THE GREAT
Outdoors in Taipei
Taipei has all the energy one would expect
from an Asian capital city—its skyline defined
by skyscrapers. This sprawling metropolis
is the merging of the best of many worlds;
a food connoisseur’s paradise, city slickers’
delight, history buff ’s dream, and nature
fanatic’s adventure. In essence, whatever you
decide to look for, Taipei’s got you covered.
In one day you can get your cultural fixes
at the National Palace Museum or National
Revolutionary Martyr’s Shrine, and embrace
the outdoors through natural excursions found
at the Yangmingshan National Park or Beitou
Hot Spring. Marvel at Tai 101, once the tallest
building in the world, as well as the panoramic
views of the rest of the city from its 89th
floor, and end the day sampling local treats
as you explore the hive of activity that is the
Shilin and Raohe Street Night Markets. Taipei
also boasts some of the world’s finest hotels
including the Mandarin Oriental and the W. ▪