Things to Do in Asia

Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia

Alive Museum

Sprawled over a huge area on the third floor of Suntec City's Towers 3 and 4, the Alive Museum is billed as Singapore's largest 3D visual attraction. Less of a museum and more of a series of interactive optical illusions, the Alive Museum is filled with over 80 trick art, digital art, experimental art, and object art installations.

With a focus on creating a fun and interactive 3D experience, the concept of the Alive Museum originated in Korea, with each piece of art being conceptualised and hand-painted in Korea or Singapore. Visitors are invited to get involved and become a part of each installation across the different areas of the museum, where 3D painting techniques combine with mechanical and digital technologies to create illusionary images.

The Alive Museum is a huge attraction for visitors to Singapore, who go not only for the visual experience in itself, but for the opportunity to get their cameras and smartphones out to take the ultimate selfies.

Practical Info

The Alive Museum is open daily from 10am until 10pm, with last admissions being at 9pm. Adult tickets cost $25 SGD and child tickets (aged 3-12 years) are $20 SGD. A deal for two adults and one child is available for $60 SGD. The museum is located at the Suntec City Mall, which can be easily reached by alighting at both Esplanade and Promenade MRT stations.

3 Temasek Blvd (Suntec City Mall), Singapore

Daily 10am until 10pm

Adults: $25 SGD; Child (3-12 years) $20 SGD.

From $ 30

Akihabara

Akihabara, also called Akihabara Electric Town, is the go-to district in Tokyo for electronics, anime and manga products. Hundreds of electronics stores line the neighborhood streets, selling everything from computer parts to home goods and ranging in size from small stalls to mainstream chains. North of Akihabara Station sit stores selling video games, popular manga comic books, card games, costumes and souvenirs.

In recent years, Akihabara has become famous for its "otaku" culture, or diehard anime and manga fans. It is a great place to people-watch and see "cosplay," short for costume play, in which fans dress up as their favorite characters in anime and manga. Numerous maid cafes are found in this area as well, where you’ll find a dining experience in which the servers dress as maids and other characters. The streets of Akihabara are decorated with manga and anime images, and the neighborhood is designed to make visitors feel as if they are wandering through an actual comic or animated production.

Practical Info

Chuo Dori serves as the main street through the commercial Akihabara district. This street is closed to vehicles from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. from October through March and until 6 p.m. from April through September. Many of the electronics sold in Akihabara are intended for use in Japan only due to the voltage requirements and other technical differentiators. Foreigners who make purchases over 10,000 yen ($100 USD) may be required to show a passport. Akihabara Station can be reached on the JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku and Sobu lines, while it can also be accessed from the Tsukuba Express and the Hibiya subway line.

Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan

From $ 54

Aling-Aling Waterfall

One of north Bali’s most striking waterfalls, Aling-Aling tumbles around 98 feet (30 meters) down a cliff in a twin stream. Aling-Aling is sacred, so it’s forbidden to swimming in the pool, but around it several smaller waterfalls offer adventurers cliff jumps and natural slides. These include Kembar, Kroya, and Pucuk.

The Basics

There is a token charge to see Aling-Aling waterfall and a fee to hire a (compulsory) guide to trek to the other waterfalls around Sambangan and brave the cliff jumps and slides. Most Aling-Aling waterfall tours are cliff-jumping tours and include a guide to help you navigate the leaps and slides safely. At heights of up to 49 feet (15 meters), these are not for the faint-hearted.

A few north Bali tours stop at the main Aling-Aling falls only, without the cliff-jumping element. These include waterfall tours sometimes also feature cascades such as Git-Git and Sekumpul.

Things to Know Before You Go

Adrenaline junkies appreciate the back-to-nature thrills of cliff-jumping around Aling-Aling.
Don’t forget waterproof sunscreen; even on an overcast day, the Balinese sun is hot.
As the falls can push you below the water, lifejackets are recommended even for strong swimmers.
Cliff-jumping is not recommended for children or those with health problems as you have to leap quite some distance to clear the higher falls.
You can trek through the network of falls without cliff-jumping, but a guide is still recommended.

How to Get There

The Aling-Aling network of waterfalls sits near the village of Sambangan around five miles (eight kilometers) south of north Bali’s biggest town, Singaraja. Public transport is limited, and the main road is not a beginner’s drive, so most travelers opt to either charter a private car and driver or join an organized cliff-jumping tour or private tour.

When to Get There

The main Aling-Aling waterfall, like all Balinese waterfalls, is at its most picturesque during the wet season (roughly October to April), when it’s full of water. However, cliff-jumping is safer during the dry season (roughly May to September), when the flow is less intense. Heavy rains may mean cutting short a tour.

North Bali’s Waterfalls

Waterfalls are one of north Bali’s signature attractions, from the falls around Munduk in the highlands to tumbling cascades such as Git-Git, Sekumpul, and Aling-Aling towards the coast. Many north Bali waterfall tours involve a degree of physical activity, be that trekking, swimming, sliding, cliff-jumping, or canyoning, but many falls are sacred and should be treated with respect.

Desa Sambangan, Buleleng, Singaraja, Bali, Indonesia, Indonesia

Varies

From $ 29

Abeno Harukas

At 984 feet tall (300 m), Abeno Harukas takes the coveted superlative of Japan's highest skyscraper, narrowly rising above the former title holder, the Yokohama Landmark Tower. It serves as a railway terminal for Osaka's Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line.

The name Abeno Harukas translates to a phrase meaning "to brighten, to clear up," symbolizing the unobstructed view visitors will see from the top. The behemoth skyscraper boasts over 300,000 square feet of floor space which house offices, commercial shops, restaurants, a hotel, a museum, a garden, and a three-story observatory on the top floors. Osaka visitors will be delighted by the view from the observation deck at night, especially, when the city is lit up below.

Practical Info

The Abeno Harukas Skyscraper is located in Osaka's southern commercial district. Visitors will need to purchase a ticket to access the 60th floor observation deck, but the 16th floor air garden is free.

1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka, Japan

10am–8:30pm daily

From $ 13

Abatan River

The Abatan River in Bohol winds its way through the town of Antequera to the town of Balilihan for an estimated length of 12 miles (20 kilometers). In the past, before the roads were developed in this area, the river served as a waterway for local people to reach the towns.

These days, the government has opened up Abatan River to the eco-tourism trade, with kayak and boat trips allowing visitors to explore the lush green scenery that the river has to offer. However, one of the most fascinating highlights of the Abatan River occurs at night, when a dazzling light show courtesy of thousands of fireflies illuminates the night sky. This spectacle has long been known to the locals, and it is only in recent years that visitors from other parts of the country and the world have come to witness it.

An evening firefly watching tour will navigate you through the mangroves to witness one of nature’s most incredible shows. Ideal for couples, private river cruises are available and often include a romantic dinner.

Practical Info

There is an Abatan River visitors center located in Cortes for more information about the history and wildlife of the river.

Did You Know? The Abatan River is one of Bohol’s three main rivers and serves as the main drainage system in the area.

Abatan River, Bohol, Philippines

From $ 40

63 City

63 City, sometimes also called “the golden tower” or 63 Building, is one of the tallest buildings in Korea and sits on Yeouido Island. One part of the name is true - due to the gold tinted glass, the whole structure tends to glitter in a beautiful rose gold hue during the day. However, the skyscraper only has 60 floors above ground, the remaining three are an underground restricted area. 63 City is anything but an ordinary skyscraper though. Apart from the dazzling views that can be had from the observation deck on the 60th floor, locals and tourists alike will find the inside of the building filled to the brim by a big selection of fun activities and attractions.

There are several main attractions inside the buildings, including Sea World, a wax museum, an IMAX theatre, Sky Art and the Fanta-Stick performance. The latter is a Korean music show that takes elements of traditional Korean performance arts and gives them a modern twist. The result is a fantasy-like percussion performance mixing martial arts, break dancing and Samullori with heavy drums. At Sea World, visitors can discover over 400 marine species, including adorable African penguins and electric eels able to power lights. Sky Art is an art gallery that was named highest art gallery in the world and a place where visitors can enjoy various exhibitions with a great view. The wax museum isn’t your ordinary wax museum either and instead, the venue hands out costumes so you can pose with your favorite celebrities adequately dressed. It also hosts a terrifying chamber of horror. The final attraction promises “walking on a cloud” and a top class dining experience in Korea’s highest restaurant.

Practical Info

63 City is located in Yeouido right by the Hangang River. To get there, take subway line 5 to Yeouinaru station and take exit number 4. From there you can either walk the remaining 15 minutes or take one of the free shuttle busses.

50 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

From $ 9

Akasaka Palace (State Guest House)

Akasaka Palace—the only neobaroque building in Japan—was built in 1909 as the residence of the Crown Prince of Japan, but in 1975 was turned into the State Guest House. As a result, many very important international guests have stayed here and continue to do so. The central Tokyo palace is open to visitors when dignitaries aren’t in town.

The Basics

Akasaka Palace, a National Treasure of Japan, was built on the site of a large Edo-era (1603-1868) estate belonging to the Tokugawa clan. It is one of Japan’s largest and best remaining examples of a Meiji-era (1868-1912) building. A surprising bit of European aesthetic in Japan, the building and grounds are popular with locals and visitors alike.

The palace is often visited on sightseeing tours of the surrounding Akasaka area as well as some themed tours that focus on Japanese history and architecture. Independent visitors wanting to see the building can book tickets online for a specific time slot; you pay upon arrival. The grounds are free to explore and require no advance booking.

Things to Know Before You Go

Akasaka Palace is ideal for architecture and design enthusiasts.
While you may be able to get a ticket at the door, people with online reservations get priority during busy times.
There are different entrance fees to view the exterior only or the interior. Audio guides cost extra.
Photography inside the palace is not permitted.
Security lines at the building entrance can be long, so don’t bring large bags.
There are elevators and accessible restrooms, but the front and back garden areas are covered in stone and gravel, so are not so easy to navigate in a wheelchair.

How to Get There

The palace is located in the Akasaka area of central Tokyo, not far from Meiji Jingu, Shinjuku Park, and Roppongi. The closest train station is Yotsuya, on the JR Chuo Line. As with elsewhere in Tokyo, it’s advisable to take the train rather than a car or taxi.

When to Get There

The palace is open from 10am to 5pm Thursday through Tuesday except when foreign dignitaries are staying there. Visits—even prebooked ones—may be canceled at short notice if a dignitary is visiting.

Visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace

Royal watchers may want to combine a visit to the Akasaka Palace with the Tokyo Imperial Palace, whose inner grounds are open to the public only twice a year: on December 23 (Emperor’s Birthday) and January 2, when the Imperial Family makes appearances on their balcony. On the other 363 days of the year, you can get a guided tour of the palace grounds with prior booking, or free access to the East Gardens.

2-1-1 Motoakasaka, Minato, Tokyo 107-0051, Japan

Varies

From $ 60

Adlabs Imagica

Adlabs Imagica, located outside of Mumbai, is an international standard theme park with 21 rides and attractions spread across various themed zones. Adrenaline junkies have three coasters to choose from, including India’s biggest roller coaster as well as a space-themed dark coaster. The park also has a vertical drop ride and a giant rotating pendulum to satisfy thrill seekers.

Bumper boats, spinning tea cups, dark rides, a flume and a 4D motion simulator cater to visitors of all ages, while little ones will find their own selection of pint-sized attractions. In-park dining options include everything from an Indian buffet to an American diner. Adlabs Imagica is also home to a waterpark and India’s largest snow park.

Practical Info

For an additional fee, you can take an air-conditioned bus directly to the park and back from Mumbai, Pune or Thane.

Khopoli-Pali Road, SH 92, Mumbai 410206, India

9:30am to 8pm

1,999 rupee

From $ 17

Adalaj Stepwell

This striking Hindu water building located in the quiet village of Adjalaj was constructed in 1499 and stretches five stories deep. Built by a Muslim king for Queen Rani Roopba, this top religious attraction was once the site of holy rituals and brightly colored festivals, and served as not only relief from droughts, but a destination for saints and holy pilgrims.

Travelers who visit the stepwell will get not only an up-close look at Gujarat culture and tradition, but also a taste of iconic Indo-Islamic architecture, complete with ornate carvings, detailed decorations and nods to religious gods and deities.

Practical Info

The stepwell is located about 18 kilometers north of the city of Ahmedabad, approximately 5 kilometers from the capital of Gujarat. The city is accessible by rail and roadway, making it an easy visit for travelers. Locals say early morning crowds are sparse, making it an ideal time to visit.

Adalaj, Gujarat 382421, India

From $ 32

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, also known as the Pearl Bridge, spans the Akashi Strait from Kobe to Iwaya on Awaji Island. Since its completion in 1998, it has held the record of having the world’s longest central span in any suspension bridge, measuring 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers). In total, the bridge extends 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers).

Located at the foot of the Kobe side, the Bridge Exhibition Center displays information on the planning and construction of the bridge, as well as on other suspension bridges around the globe. An elevator at the base of the Kobe side takes visitors to the Maiko Marine Promenade, a pedestrian hallway beneath the main platform that offers views of the bridge’s interior.

Bridge World tours take visitors to the very top of one of the 984-foot (300-meter) towers, and when the weather is right, the views extend all the way to Osaka.

Practical Info

Access the Maiko Marine Promenade and Bridge Exhibition Center by taking the JR Sanyo Line to Maiko Station or the Sanyo Railway main line to Maiko-Koen Station.

Japan

Daily

From $ 154

Agra Fort

Within a stone’s throw of the Taj Mahal, the 16th-century Agra Fort serves as another testament to the immense wealth and power of the Mughal Empire. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, the Agra Fort was initially built by Akbar in 1565 on the same site as a previous fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. A succession of a half-dozen other emperors, including Humayun and Shah Jahan, has lived within the red sandstone walls.

While called a fort, the structures enclosed within 1.6 miles (2.5 km) of thick sandstone walls are more akin to a complex of exquisite palaces. Evidence of Shah Jahan’s time spent in the fort can be seen in the white marble structures he erected during his reign, and according to legend, he drew his last breaths on a marble balcony overlooking the Taj Mahal, the monument he built for his late wife.

As you pass through Amar Singh Gate into Agra Fort, you’ll see that the interior houses several smaller palaces, including the Jahangiri Mahal where the royal women lived, and Khas Mahal, where Shah Jahan made his residence. The beautifully worked Mussaman Burj tower was where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son for the last seven years of his life.

Practical Info

Agra Fort is located in Agra, about 1.5 miles north of the Taj Mahal. The site is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and entrance costs between 10 and 500 Rs. Children under the age of 15 enter for free.

Agra Fort, Agra, India

Daily from sunrise to sunset.

Between 10 and 500 Rs. Children under the age of 15 enter for free.

From $ 8

Ahsan Manzil

Once the official residence of the Nawab family, this stately red structure was built in the mid-to-late 1800s. This stunning palace was damaged and abandoned after a tornado hit in 1888. Khwaja Abdul Gani and his son worked tirelessly to resurrect and reconstruct the structures that were deemed too dangerous to inhabit, which resulted in the birth of what is today, designated as a national museum.

Widely recognized as one of the most significant architectural icons in the nation, the palace is divided into two parts known as the eastern and western sides. Its unique octagonal dome serves as the apex of the palace and is considered to be the structure’s most significant feature. Locals say it was designed to look like the bud of a lotus flower. Travelers will find an incredible collection of photos of the palace’s 23 rooms taken in its hay day on display, as well as family portraits and other Nawab artifacts.

Practical Info

The former residence is located at Kumartoli on the banks of the Buriganga River. Admission is TK 75 per person. The palace is open from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Fridays between October and March. From April to September the palace is open 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Fridays.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Varies

TK 75

From $ 75

55 Window Palace

Built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1754, the stunning 55 Window Palace in one of the Kathmandu Valley’s most iconic landmarks and a destination for travelers venturing to the famed Bhaktapur Dubar Square. Although locals are quick to talk about an earthquake that devastated and destroyed much of the original structure—and in fact kept the palace closed to the public for some 22 years—visitors will today find the impressive structure mostly-open thanks to a Rs. 2.18 billion renovation and truly worthy of a visit.

Visitors can explore the incredible collection of ancient statues tucked among the remarkable architecture of the 55 Window Palace, which includes a 10-armed representation of the goddess Taleju Bhawani. Travelers should wander along the Golden Gate and journey into one of the former courtyards as well during a visit to this beautiful place.

Practical Info

The palace is located at the center of Bhaktapur Dubar Square. Entrance to the palace is included in the cost of a ticket to Bhaktapur, but travelers will need to pay 100 rupees to enter the museum.

Bhaktapur Dubar Square, Bhaktapur, Nepal

Museum: 100 rupees

From $ 91

Aberdeen Harbour

The quaint Aberdeen fishing village is famous for its picturesque harbor, where local Tanka boat people live on houseboats, junks, and sampans lashed together in messy rows and bobbing in the water in the shadow of modern skyscrapers. Situated between Hong Kong Island and smaller Ap Lei Chau, Aberdeen Harbour is home to one of Hong Kong’s most famous seafood restaurants (and one of the largest floating restaurants in the world), Jumbo Kingdom.

The Basics

Many half- and full-day sightseeing tours of Hong Kong stop in Aberdeen. A popular way to experience the harbor is on a sampan ride through the trawlers and junks of the floating village. By night, travelers can dine at Jumbo Kingdom, which looks more like a Chinese palace than a restaurant, after a sunset cruise on Victoria Harbour.

Things to Know Before You Go

The fishing village is a must-see for first-time visitors to Hong Kong.
Sampan tours of the harbor last 25 to 30 minutes. If you haven’t booked a tour in advance, be prepared to negotiate a rate.
Hong Kong city tours that stop in Aberdeen typically last four to eight hours, depending on the option chosen.
Aberdeen is a regular stop on hop on, hop off bus tours.

How to Get to Aberdeen Harbour

To get to Aberdeen, take the MTR to Wong Chuk Hang station and leave through Exit B; it’s a short walk from there to Shum Wan Pier. Alternately, catch Bus 7 from the Central Ferry Piers, Bus 70 from Exchange Square, Bus 72 or 77 from Causeway Bay, or Bus 973 from Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon.

When to Get There

For the best weather—sunny but not too hot—plan to visit between October and March. During the fifth lunar month (usually May or June), Aberdeen Harbour hosts the annual Dragon Boat Festival, when colorful racing boats fill the water and spectators munch on sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves.

Things to Do Near Aberdeen Harbour

Aberdeen is located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, where travelers will find plenty of other worthy attractions. Families traveling with kids will find amusements for all ages, including roller coasters, water rides, and animal exhibits at Ocean Park. The beaches of nearby Repulse Bay make for a serene escape from the bustle of Hong Kong, and shoppers won’t want to miss the bargains in Stanley Market.

Aberdeen Promenade, Hong Kong, China

Open daily

Free

From $ 40

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, are among the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world. At Ajanta, there are 29 Buddhist cave temples dating from 2nd century BC. Meanwhile, the 34 Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist caves at Ellora date from the 6th century AD.

The Basics

Most visitors opt to take an Ajanta and Ellora caves tour from Aurangabad, and it’s possible to explore both sites on a full-day tour. Those in Mumbai can also opt for a multi-day tour that includes transfers to and from Aurangabad Airport, an overnight stay in Aurangabad, and a visit to nearby attractions such as Aurangabad Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and the Taj Mahal–inspired Bibi Ka Maqbara shrine.

Things to Know Before You Go

The best views of the Ellora Caves are from the hills above the Kailasa Temple—wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots if you plan to climb the hillside.
Both sites have visitor centers that are equipped with restaurants, shops, restrooms, and parking.
Bring a flashlight to the Ajanta caves—many are dark and poorly lit.

How to Get There

The caves are located in northern Maharashtra, around 250 miles (400 kilometers) northeast of Mumbai. The closest railway stations are Aurangabad for the Ellora caves (around 45 minutes from the station) and Jalgaon for the Ajanta caves (around 1.5 hours from the station); you’ll need to take a taxi to reach the caves. You can rent a car and drive between the two sites, which are about two hours away from each other, but most visitors opt for a guided tour.

When to Get There

The caves are open to visitors year round, but the best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is cooler and dryer. The caves can get busy, especially on weekends and national holidays, so plan a weekday visit and arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. If you’re hoping to visit both in one trip, be aware that the Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays, while the Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays.

Exploring the Ajanta and Ellora Caves

At Ajanta, rock-cut caves are set around a horseshoe-shaped valley in the Sahayadri hills—an astonishing feat considering that they were created by hand with only a hammer and chisel. The Buddhist caves are adorned with ancient Indian art, including paintings and sculptures that chronicle the life of the Buddha. At Ellora, you’ll find the massive Kailasa Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and flanked by life-size elephant statues.

Aurangabad, India

Varies

From $ 44

Ajmer

The city of Ajmer is a whirlwind of activity and excitement tucked between the quiet Ana Sagar Lake and the picturesque Aravalli Hills. The fifth largest city in Rajasthan, Ajmer is known as an important hub for Islamic history, culture and early Muslim architecture, as well as a destination for followers of the Jain religion. For this reason, travelers will find a number of noteworthy religious structures, like the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, which is visited by some 125,000 people each year.

History lovers can check out Taragarh Fort, which once guarded the city and is believed to be among the oldest forts in the world. Ajmer’s main museum, known as Magazine, is a shining example of Mughal architecture that dates all the way back to 150. Visitors can also explore the Digambara Jain Temple and Lake Foy Sagara, a man-made lake that’s ideal for evening bird watching.

Practical Info

Ajmer is located 13 kilometers from Pushkar. Travelers who want to avoid the electricity, energy and overwhelming crowds of Ajmer may prefer to stay in Pushkar and only visit on a day trip. Buses and taxis allow easy access for travelers, and private cars can enter the city via the Golden Quadrilateral National Highway 8.

Ajmer, Rajasthan, India, India

From $ 21

798 Art Zone

Located in northwest Beijing, 798 Art Zone occupies a decommissioned military factory from the 1950s that now houses an edgy artistic community. The Communist-era factories and warehouses of the complex have all been converted into galleries, studios, boutique shops and cafes whose modern and sometimes whimsical contents sit in stark contrast to the austere Bauhaus architecture.

Give yourself at least half a day to explore the 798 Art Zone. Start with the eclectic collection of sculptures, photographs and paintings at the Long March Space, one of the best collections in the area. Other notable galleries include the Chinese Contemporary with its politically minded collection, the 798 Photo Gallery and 798 Space, one of the largest galleries in the area.

Read up on art history at the well-stocked Time Zone 8 bookstore before stopping in at one of the cafes and restaurants in the district for lunch or a cup of coffee. If possible, time your visit to the 798 Art Festival in spring or the 798 Creative Art Festival in fall.

798 Art Zone, No.4 Jiuxianqiao Rd., Chaoyang, Beijing, China

Open Daily: 10am - 5pm.

From $ 27

21_21 Design Sight

Located in Tokyo Midtown within the city’s Art Triangle Roppongi, 21_21 Design Sight opened to the public in 2007 as a museum and exhibit space dedicated to all forms of visual design. The major art venue, housed within a concrete and glass structure, was the work of Pritzker Prize winner Ando Tadao in partnership with fashion designer Issey Miyake.

The name, inspired by the English term “20/20 vision,” was chosen to express the aim of the museum to generate and inspire forward-looking design. The museum houses rotating exhibitions and regularly hosts talks and workshops.

Practical Info

21_21 Design Sight is closed on Tuesdays and can be reached by taking the Oedo Line to Roppongi Station.

Tokyo, Kanto 〒107-6290, Japan

From $ 89

Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

Part museum, part gallery, part cultural space, Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) is the liveliest and most diverse of Ubud’s big three art galleries. Set in a vibrant garden, rooms of note include owner Agung Rai’s modern Balinese art collection and works by German artist Walter Spies and Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet.

The Basics

Near the heart of downtown Ubud, ARMA is easy enough to visit independently, whether on foot, by driving, or with a professional driver or tour guide. Tours typically bundle it with other Ubud cultural attractions—the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary or alternative Indonesian galleries, such as Neka Art Museum and Puri Lukisan Museum. The traditional Balinese dance performances held here on many evenings are some of Ubud’s best and worth arranging tickets for in advance.

Things to Know Before You Go

Founder Agung Rai and members of his family still sometimes roam the museum.
Out of Ubud's big three museums—the others are Neka and Puri Lukisan—ARMA is the No. 1 pick for the thoughtful traveler.
The ARMA museum complex includes a cafe, a store, and resort.
The “kecak” dance held here on full and new moons is one of Bali’s best.

How to Get There

Set on sprawling grounds in Pengosekan, not far from the bottom of Monkey Forest Road, the Agung Rai Museum of Art is walking distance from central Ubud and other Ubud attractions. From south Bali, the Kura-Kura tourist bus provides the most cost-effective route to Ubud, although many travelers choose to self-drive or hire a driver.

When to Get There

The ARMA museum and cultural center is open year-round, with the exception of the Nyepi "Day of Silence" closure and national holidays. The pavilions are large, as are the grounds, so it’s rarely crowded. Visit during the day to experience the spectacular Balinese painting collection; come by during the evenings for traditional Balinese dance performances in one of Ubud’s most striking settings.

The Art of Walter Spies

ARMA is the best place in Indonesia to see the work of Walter Spies. Prewar Russian-born German painter Walter Spies arrived in Ubud in 1927. His primitivist style and topics, such as rice terraces, had a huge influence on Balinese painting. He also helped Balinese artists form associations and guilds to promote their work to Indonesia and the world.

Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Varies

From $ 10

Alishan National Scenic Area

Watching the sunrise over the Alishan National Scenic Area feels like being in a dream—thick white clouds cover the valley below and towering mountaintops look like tiny islands in an endless ocean. It’s worth visiting during the day too, with treetop boardwalks, forests, and temples making for incredible photos.

The Basics

A visit to the Alishan National Scenic Area is one of the main attractions of central Taiwan and a popular day trip destination from Chiayi or Taichung. Multi-day tours from Taipei often combine a tour of Alishan with regional sights, such as Sun Moon Lake and Puli.

To make the most of your visit, start early and ride the historic Alishan Forest Railway to Chushan to watch the sunrise. Additional highlights include a hike through the forests to the Sister Ponds and the Sacred Tree, the Giant Tree Plank Trail boardwalk, and the Shoujhen Temple, the area’s largest temple.

Things to Know Before You Go

There is an admission fee to enter the Alishan National Scenic Area.
Pack comfortable shoes, warm clothing (it can be chilly up in the mountains even in summer), mosquito repellent, and a raincoat.
Tickets for the Alishan Forest Train must be booked in advance and can sell out weeks in advance during peak season (July–August).
Many viewing areas are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Alishan National Scenic Area is in Chiayi County in central Taiwan. Take a high-speed rail train from Taipei to Chiayi. Then, take a bus, taxi, or the famous Alishan Forest Railway (one departure daily) to Fenqihu, where direct buses run to Alishan. From Alishan Train Station, various routes of the Alishan Forest Railway run into the park, including the sunrise train to Chushan (book your tickets the day before (times are announced daily).

When to Get There

It’s possible to visit the Alishan National Scenic Area year-round. Summer (July–August) is the busiest season, when it’s worth booking train tickets, tours, and accommodation well in advance. Autumn (September–November) is a particularly enchanting time to visit, when the multihued trees fill the landscapes with color.

Alishan Tea

Alishan’s misty high-altitude mountains provide the perfect terrain for growing Oolong tea, and the region is home to numerous tea plantations. The tea, which is irrigated using pure mountain spring water and harvested by hand, is renowned for its sweet, floral flavor and being rich in antioxidants. Alishan Tea is sold worldwide, and many teahouses and restaurants in the Alishan area can offer you a freshly brewed cup to sample.

Taiwan

From $ 423