Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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Dragon Bridge
One of Da Nang’s more unusual and unexpected attractions is a bridge in the likeness of a dragon spanning the River Han. If the golden dragon slithering across the water isn’t impressive enough, on weekend evenings its body is illuminated by 2,500 LED lights and its head spouts fire and water over the river’s eastern bank.
Opened in 2013, the Dragon Bridge carries a six-lane roadway and two sidewalks over the river. The bridge measures 2,000 feet (610 meters) long and 123 feet (37.5 meters) wide. As the shortest road link between the Da Nang International Airport and the bulk of Da Nang city, visitors arriving or departing by air often pass over this bridge.
Practical Info
For the best views of the nightly show, stake out a spot on the eastern bank of the Han River north of the bridge or take an evening boat trip the western bank of the river.
Address: Da Nang, Vietnam
From $ 35
Barkhor Street
Like a treasure trove or something out of Aladdin’s cave, Barkhor Street is an ancient road that circles the square that houses Jokhang Temple. Most significant as a thoroughfare for pilgrims on their way to the temple, Barkhor Street is also home to the Tromzikhang market, host to a wide variety of vendors selling everything from prayer wheels to yak butter to tea kettles.
According to local history, when Songtsen Gampo built Jokhang Temple, its grand scale immediately began to attract millions of pilgrims from the area. So many walked around the temple that they wore a path, which came to be the original Barkhor Street. Today, visitors can see pilgrims walking clockwise around the temple, holding prayer wheels. Many of these pilgrims have come from the outer regions of Tibet, walking for days, weeks or months to reach the temple. Some move only by bowing, crossing just a few feet during each prostration. A visit to Barkhor Street is an immersion in Tibetan culture, a multi-colored and fascinating glimpse into the wide diversity of people who inhabit this land.
Practical Info
Barkhor Street is open to everyone, but it’s a fairly narrow area. Walk in a clockwise direction to go with the flow of pilgrims. The streets and alley around the street can be confusing, so try to leave before dark. Bargaining is acceptable; don’t be afraid to haggle with the vendors.
Address: Barkhor Street, Lhasa, China
From $ 220
Banke Bihari Temple
The 19th-century Banke Bihari—one of India’s most famous temples—in Vrindavan houses an idol of Lord Krishna that devotees believe will cause them to faint if they look into its eyes. As such, the idol is kept behind a curtain that’s swiftly opened and closed, allowing worshipers to catch quick glimpses of the god safely.
The Basics
Worship at this temple, founded by Shri Swami Haridas in 1846, is divided into three different acts of service (sewas) to the deity: Shringar (in which the idol is bathed and dressed); Rajbhog (the feeding of the idol); and Shayan (preparing the idol for sleep). Thousands of devotees visit Banke Bihari—one of many names for Lord Krishna—every day for worship. Most international visitors who come here do so as a stopover between Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) and Delhi, or during day tours from Delhi with stops in Vrindavan.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The temple is in a pedestrianized area with lots of little shops and narrow lanes, so be prepared to do some walking.
- Watch out for monkeys in the area; they’re known to steal glasses right off of the heads of unsuspecting visitors.
- Remember to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- You must remove your footwear before entering the temple.
- If you come during Holi, the annual festival of colors held throughout Northern India, be prepared to be covered with powdered colors by passing revelers—and wear clothes you don’t mind ruining.
How to Get There
The Banke Bihari Temple is located in the heart of the holy city of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, just off the road that runs between Delhi and Agra. It's about a 10-minute drive from Vrindavan’s other major temple attraction, the ISKCON (Hare Krishna) temple, and about a 25-minute drive from the town of Mathura, Vrindavan’s twin city. Many visitors come as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
The Banke Bihari Temple is open throughout the year, though it's at its busiest around sunset. One of the most auspicious times to visit is for the special aarti (prayer ceremony) on Krishna Janmashtami, usually in September, which marks the birthday of Lord Krishna.
Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna is one of the most recognizable—and most loved—Hindu deities, and many believe that he once lived in the Vrindavan-Mathura area. An avatar of the preserver god Vishnu, Krishna is depicted in various forms. His skin is usually a light blue and he’s often depicted with playing a flute. He’s also sometimes shown as a plump baby with his hand in a butter jar (owing to a legend about him stealing butter).
Address: Mathura District, Vrindavan, India
From $ 47
Dotonbori
Dotonbori (also called Dotombori) is a bustling nightlife district in Osaka’s Minami area. It stretches along the Dtomborigawa River, with a multitude of small restaurants, bars, and neon lights that come alive after nightfall. An entertainment neighborhood, Dotonbori is famous for its varied cuisine and huge animated signs.
The Basics
Dotonbori provides a whole night’s worth of entertainment. Visit lively bars, peruse shops, and test your gaming skills at an arcade room. Numerous food options are available, ranging from street food stalls to sit-down restaurants offering both local delicacies and international cuisine.
Many Osaka walking tours include a visit to Dotonbori along with samplings of local street food. You can also experience the city’s quirky side on an Osaka GoKart tour featuring funny costume rentals, and cruise around the city dressed up as your favorite Mario Kart character. For a personalized experience, visit on a private city tour or see Dotonbori at your own pace on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dotonbori is a must-see for foodies and nightlife seekers.
- This is a good spot to try Japanese street food: look out for hot-off-the-grill yakitori kebabs, savory okonomiyaki pancakes, and deep-fried octopus balls.
- Don’t miss the iconic Glico running man, a huge illuminated sign featuring the Glico candy company’s mascot.
How to Get There
Dotonbori is located in the Minami area, a 5-minute walk from Namba Station in downtown Osaka, Japan. Parking is hard to find, so public transportation is your best bet.
When to Get There
You can visit Dotonbori anytime, but the district comes alive at night, especially on Friday and Saturday. Spring and autumn are good times to visit Osaka, when the weather is typically clear and mild.
Dotonbori for Brunch
Dotonbori isn’t just a wild nightlife spot—it’s also one of the best places in Osaka to grab brunch. With restaurants offering spicy curries and sushi, Italian rooftop eateries, and cat cafés, this district has you covered.
Address: Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0071, Japan
From $ 23
Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the Maharaja of Baroda in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, founded the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery in 1887 as a place to house the sizable collection of art and artifacts he’d gathered or commissioned during his travels. The museum building was completed in 1894 and the picture gallery in 1914 — both Indo-Saracenic structures were designed by English architects R.F. Chisholm and Major R.N. Ment.
The eclectic collection on display within features Mughal miniatures, Indian musical instruments, a blue whale skeleton, glazed ceramics, an Egyptian mummy and many paintings by classic and modern European masters.
Practical Info
Set aside at least half a day to take in the collections at the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery.
Address: Fatehgunj Main Road, Sayajibaug, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Hours: Open daily 10:30am-5:30pm
Admission: 200 rupees
From $ 83
Bangrak
Hugging the Chao Phraya River and home to some of the city’s best hotels, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, Bangkok’s Bangrak is a blend of international and local culture. Particularly famous for the commercial shopping district around Silom Road, Bangrak covers a huge area, although most locals usually consider it to be the area surrounding the river.
Aside from its shopping centers and high-rise hotels, Bangrak is home to a number of attractions, including the Bangkok Folk Museum, plus the religious sites of Wat Hua Lamphong and the famous Hindu temple, Sri Mahamariamman.
The area between the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station and the junction of Charoen Krung and Silom Road is well worth a stroll along. It’s a teeming melting pot of local life and home to a number of hawker food stalls serving delicious and traditional local cuisine.
Practical Info
Bangrak is served well by both Bangkok’s Skytrain and Metro lines. Skytrain stations include Sala Daeng, Chong Nonsi, Surasak, and Saphan Taksin. Metro stations include Lumphini, Silom, and Sam Yan. Bangrak can also be reached by river via the Chao Phraya Express Boat.
Address: Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 50
Banteay Srei
Located 24 miles (38 km) northeast of Siem Reap, the Hindu temple of Banteay Srei lies off the beaten tourist path in Angkor but is a must-see for temple buffs. While small by Angkor standards, the 10-century red sandstone structure is famous for its intricate and well-preserved decorative carvings. French archaeologists who uncovered it during the early 20th century called it “a jewel in Khmer art.”
At the center of the complex are three temples, a central one honoring the Hindu god Shiva and two smaller ones for Vishnu and Brahma. It’s the only complex built from red sandstone and the only one not commissioned by a king, but instead by a royal adviser.
Practical Info
Banteay Srei is at its most beautiful in the late afternoon light, so if possible, plan you visit for the end of the day. The trip from Siem Reap takes about an hour.
Address: Banteay Srei, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 59
Banpo Bridge
Banpo Bridge passes over the Han River in downtown Seoul, connecting the Yongsan and Seocho neighborhoods. This girder bridge, completed in 1982, entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009 for installing the longest bridge fountain in the world, the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, which puts on a nightly water-and-light show.
The Basics
Some 380 water jets on both sides of Banpo Bridge pump water from the Han River to a fountain display meant to resemble willow branches in the wind. When the sun goes down, the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain lights up, and 20-minute shows add music to the spectacle. Many guided nighttime tours via bus or bike, or on foot, include a stop at the bridge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Banpo Bridge at night is a must-see for couples and families traveling with children.
- Dress in layers; the temperature can drop once the sun goes down.
- The best views of the fountain are from Banpo Hangang Park.
How to Get There
To get to Banpo Bridge, take Seoul Subway Line 3, 7, or 9 to the Express Bus Terminal Station and leave through Exit 8-1. It’s a short walk to the bridge from there.
When to Get There
The Banpo Bridge fountain only operates from April to October, and showtimes change from month to month. When the weather is nice, the park at the base of the bridge makes a pleasant spot for an evening picnic dinner while you wait for the fountains to come to life. Fountain shows are canceled in the event of rain.
Banpo Hangang Park
Situated on the southern side of the Han River at the end of Banpo Bridge, Banpo Hangang Park is not only a popular spot for watching the fountain show, but also it attracts visitors and locals to its playgrounds, sports facilities, and riverside café. Nearby Seoraeseom Island is a popular spot for picnics during the spring and summer months.
Address: Seobinggo-dong Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
From $ 40
Bannerghatta National Park
One of India's largest wildlife areas, the enormous Bannerghatta National Park spans more than 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares) and features tons of hiking trails, villages, and temples. The highlight of the reserve is the Bannerghatta Biological Park, which features an animal rescue center, a zoo, safaris, and a butterfly park.
The Basics
Forests and scrubs cover the hilly park, which plays home to all sorts of wild creatures, including elephants, deer, leopards, and even bears. It also offers an interesting variety of plant life, including tamarind, eucalyptus, and sandalwood. This off-the-beaten-track attraction makes for an excellent day trip from Bangalore, and private tours from the city are available for those who don't want to figure out bus schedules or book taxis and tickets independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bannerghatta National Park is great for families with young kids.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes.
- Book ahead or go with a tour to guarantee a seat in a safari vehicle.
How to Get There
Bannerghatta National Park is located south of Bangalore, about an hour's drive from the city center or an hour and a half by bus. Mysore is a 3-hour drive away, and the park can be visited as a stop off between the two cities, if traveling by car or taxi.
When to Get There
The park is open throughout the year, except Tuesdays. Weekdays can be busy with school groups, while weekends get lots of families. However, the biggest consideration for many travelers is weather. While the climate is generally mild in the region, with warm winters and not-too-hot summers, monsoon rains fall from June through September and can put a literal damper on outdoor activities.
Safaris
Many travelers come here for safaris, and the park offers three different experiences: lion and tiger safaris, bear safaris, or even herbivore safaris, which focus on all sorts of native deer (though you may even spot an elephant). Visitors travel in special secure vehicles and are joined by local guides who are experts in animal spotting.
Address: Karnataka, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 62
Drum and Bell Tower
Back when Beijing consisted of single-story courtyard houses organized into hutongs, the Drum and Bell Towers in central Beijing dominated the landscape. While both structures have been rebuilt, they both date back hundreds of years.
The Drum Tower, built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty, originally housed 25 drums; today, only one remains. The Bell Tower was added in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, and together, the two structures were used as a method of official timekeeping until 1924, when the last Emperor was forced out of the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City).
While you’re touring Beijing’s Imperial sites, keep you ears open and you might hear the drum performances staged daily, even if you’re not at the towers. It’s also possible to climb into both towers. After ascending the steep staircases, you’ll be rewarded with excellent views over the surrounding hutongs.
The Drum Tower, built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty, originally housed 25 drums; today, only one remains. The Bell Tower was added in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, and together, the two structures were used as a method of official timekeeping until 1924, when the last Emperor was forced out of the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City).
While you’re touring Beijing’s Imperial sites, keep you ears open and you might hear the drum performances staged daily, even if you’re not at the towers. It’s also possible to climb into both towers. After ascending the steep staircases, you’ll be rewarded with excellent views over the surrounding hutongs.
Address: Di'anmen Outer Street, Xicheng, Beijing, China
From $ 15
Bao Quoc Pagoda
On Hàm Long hill by the Perfume River in Hue, Bao Quoc Pagoda is a Buddhist temple that dates back to the Nguyen Dynasty, when it was commissioned in 1670 by Chinese Zen Master Thích Giác Phong.
Though Bao Quoc was renovated in the mid-20th century, it still retains its traditional charm. A spring flows from the top of the hill down into the grounds of the temple, where the peaceful courtyard is surrounded by balconied buildings and stupas built in honor of Buddhist patriarchs, the oldest of which was built in 1714 and dedicated to Thich Giác Phong. At the temple, look closer at its four pillars carved with dragon figures.
Bao Quoc Pagoda is also famous for its monk training center, which has been running since 1940 when Vietnam initiated a revival in Buddhist education.
Practical Info
Open from sunrise to sunset on Ham Long Hill, Bao Quoc is free to enter. About a kilometer west of Hue city center on the south side of the Perfume River, the pagoda is on Báo Quoc Street in the Phuong Ðúc ward.
Address: Lịch Đợi, tp. Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam
Hours: Daily sunrise to sunset
From $ 88
Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Ipoh claims to be Malaysia’s first luxury natural hot springs center. Offering a wide range of wellness facilities and relaxation treatments, the Banjaran’s real star quality is the beautiful natural landscape in which it’s situated. The retreat is characterized by dramatic limestone rocks, gushing waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and natural caves, plus it’s surrounded by lush rainforest-carpeted hills.
Ideal for both a romantic retreat for couples (they even do weddings) as well as solo travelers, the Banjaran offer Garden Villas and Water Villas to choose from for sleeping, plus a wide range of treatments and relaxing features to help you unwind. At its center is a huge geothermic lake, flanked by a cascading waterfall on one side and natural caves on the other. The shimmering mist of vapor above the lake and the dramatic limestone hill in the background combine to create a natural setting that - like the rest of the resort - is as beautiful as it is enchanting.
Practical Info
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is located at 1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, in the heart of Tambun in Ipoh. It’s around a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.
Address: 1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, PK 31150 Ipoh, Malaysia
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 1,001
Banteay Kdei
The unrestored ruins of Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery complex, date back to 1181. This was one of the first structures built by the prolific King Jayavarman VII, and it features four gates, each adorned with a carved face of the king, much like at Bayon.
One of the first things you’ll notice upon visiting Banteay Kdei is the way its walls and structures lean precariously, some held up by ropes and cables. Unlike Banteay Srei, which was constructed from durable red sandstone, Banteay Kdei was made from softer gray sandstone that has eroded over time.
Just opposite the temple is the Sra Serang reservoir, a pleasant place to sit and enjoy a sunset.
Practical Info
While similar in style to Ta Prohm and Bayon, Banteay Kdei is much quieter, making it worthwhile even if you’re pressed for time.
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 440
Bapu Bazaar
Jaipur is one of the best places in India to shop for handicrafts items, and some of the optimal places to pick up great bargains are located right in the heart of the Pink City. Bapu Bazaar offers a particularly good selection, with everything from jewelry to traditional Rajasthani textiles displayed colorfully in this lively market street.
The Basics
Vendors at Bapu Bazaar specialize in textiles, and it’s the place to go if you’re in the market for bed sheets, scarves, or traditional Indian saris. Other popular finds include leather products, such as traditional shoes known as jootis, along with brass works, marble, precious stones, and a smattering of Rajasthani products, all at affordable prices. Even if you aren't into shopping, it's a great place to explore, with plenty of compelling photo opportunities.
Visit the bazaar independently or as part of a half-day group shopping tour or a private heritage walking tour that also explores the Albert Hall Museum, the New Gate, Anant Dev Temple, and other sights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be prepared to bargain, as most prices here are flexible.
- Most vendors in the area know some English, but learning a few Hindi words can go a long way.
- Wear comfortable footwear and be prepared to jostle with crowds.
How to Get There
Bapu Bazaar is located in the heart of the Pink City, just south of the City Palace and Hawa Mahal and north of M.I. Road. Many Jaipur shopping tours stop here. If you come on your own, you’re best off asking your driver to drop you off at Sanganeri Gate and continuing your explorations on foot.
When to Get There
Most shops at Bapu Bazaar are open Monday through Saturday, usually from around 11am to 7pm. Arrive early to avoid crowds and to score “first customer of the day” deals (it’s considered lucky to sell something to the first person who visits your shop or stall in the morning).
Woodblock Printing
Jaipur is celebrated for preserving the millennia-old craft of woodblock printing. This method of decorating textiles involves using carved wooden stamps to print directly onto fabrics, and vendors throughout town sell everything from men's shirts to cloth napkins created using the technique. Some Jaipur tours also stop at nearby Sanganer, where visitors can watch woodblock printing in action.
Address: Jaipur, India
From $ 21
Banpo Village
Banpo Village, Banpo Bowuguan in Mandarin, is a well preserved archaeological site just east of Xian in the Yellow River Valley, which carbon dating suggests, dates back to over 6,000 years ago. It is thought to be one of the oldest human settlements in China. This Neolithic village once consisted of a ditch, a defensive moat against animals and intruders as well as about 45 circular mud and wood houses with thatched roofs, that can be seen as the predecessors of later Chinese architecture. This prehistoric archaeological site is highly contrasted by the modern apartment and office buildings, busy roads and factories surrounding it and shows a gap spanning millennia. When entering the museum, it feels a bit like time travelling to when Chinese civilization began, with artfully crafted and painted pottery instead of the tacky souvenirs sold outside.
Daily utensils bring the simple lives of the Yangshao culture, the people that inhabited the fertile lands around Xian thousands of years ago, to life. Bone needles for sewing hemp clothes show what simple tools were used for everyday tasks, painted ceramics with markings display the importance of pottery and the early development of the Chinese language and stone axes and fish hooks give insight into different hunting methods. Although hunting and gathering was a big part of daily survival, the inhabitants of Banpo Village also engaged in farming, raising livestock and of course the aforementioned, beautifully decorated pottery. A large room at the center of the settlement hints at the importance of community and probably served as a shared meeting hall. Due to the women being buried with more artifacts, some archaeologists suggest that the society might have been matriarchal.
Practical Info
The Banpo Village museum opens daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the winter months and until 6 p.m. from March to the end of November. You can get there by taking the bus numbers 115, 241, 406 and 913 to the Banpo Bowuguan stop.
Address: Xian, China
Admission: Mar-Nov CNY 65; Dec-Feb CNY 45
From $ 16
Bangla Road
This eclectic strip of bars, discos, shops and attractions is the epicenter of entertainment in Patong. It offers a taste of some local traditions, as well as near unlimited access to plenty of western amenities. Travelers can shop for high-end fashions, flashy new swimsuits or local souvenirs at the massive Bangla Mall.
Bangla Road is also a popular drinking destination. Beer bars serving ice-cold Thai brews ice cold entice passersby with aircon and open tables filled with favorite board games. But perhaps Bangla Road is best known for its evening entertainment. Stop by Rock Hard—one of the street’s oldest institutions—for live go-go dancers, center-stage pole dancing and strong drinks, or grab a ticket to the popular Simon Cabaret in Patong’s Paradise Complex. The famous ladyboys put on one of the largest transvestite shows in all of Asia.
Bangla Road is also a popular drinking destination. Beer bars serving ice-cold Thai brews ice cold entice passersby with aircon and open tables filled with favorite board games. But perhaps Bangla Road is best known for its evening entertainment. Stop by Rock Hard—one of the street’s oldest institutions—for live go-go dancers, center-stage pole dancing and strong drinks, or grab a ticket to the popular Simon Cabaret in Patong’s Paradise Complex. The famous ladyboys put on one of the largest transvestite shows in all of Asia.
Practical Info
Bangala Road is the liveliest stretch of nightlife in Patong, but the 10 or so side streets between Beach Road and Rat U Thit Road offer even more options for dance, music, drinks and ladies.
Address: Patong, Phuket, Thailand
From $ 6
Dream World
There’s a reason Bangkok’s Dream World is known by locals as “the world of happiness.” Travelers will find a variety of entertaining live performances, traditional cuisine and dozens of thrill-seeking amusement park rides just beyond the amusement park’s gates.
Nowhere else can visitors to Thailand slide down frozen hillsides aboard speeding sleds, raft across the Grand Canyon or fly 20 meters into the air on the thundering waves of a Hurricane. And these adrenaline pumping attractions are just part of what makes Dream World worth the visit. Families can wander through the chilly streets of the enchanting Snow Town or splash around in the little kids Water Fun area. Whether it’s an adventurous afternoon or an all-day family affair Dream World has travelers covered.
Practical Info
Dream World is accessible via the Rangsit highway and Changwattana Expressway. Travelers can also catch public bus number 538 to Dream World from Victory Monument.
Address: 62 Moo1, Rangsit-Ongkarak road, Pathumthani, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Casa Manila
Step back in time and see how upper-class Filipinos lived during the colonial era at Casa Manila, a beautifully reconstructed traditional Spanish colonial home within the walls of Intramuros, in the heart of Manila. Casa Manila is filled with period furniture, furnishings, decorative objects, and artwork from the colonial era.
The Basics
Although the house itself is a reproduction built in the 1980s, all the furnishings inside are authentic and sourced from different homes. Guided tours are available, but you can also wander around the three-story house on your own. See the living room, dining room, and kitchen on the top floor, then move down to the bedrooms and office-library on the floor below. Don’t miss the double-seated toilet in the latrine. Finally, end your visit at the lovely fountain in the outdoor courtyard.
Many sightseeing tours, whether half-day or full-day, stop at Casa Manila, in addition to other top attractions such as Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, and the National Museum of the Philippines. Or experience Manila like a local and visit as part of a jeepney tour. Book a private tour to combine Casa Manila with other must-see attractions on your list.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Casa Manila is a must-see for those interested in history, architecture, and Philippine heritage.
- Photography is prohibited inside Casa Manila.
- Visitors are not allowed to touch the displays and must walk along the carpeted path.
- There is a souvenir shop and café on-site.
How to Get There
Casa Manila is located in the Plaza San Luis Complex in Intramuros. It’s easiest to take a taxi or jeepney directly to Intramuros. You can also take the LRT to Central Terminal Station, then catch a jeepney to Intramuros. Once at Intramuros, you can walk or take a pedicab.
When to Get There
Casa Manila is open daily except on Mondays. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
San Agustin Church and Museum
Near Casa Manila, San Agustin Church and Museum is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Next to the church is the museum, built on the site of a monastery destroyed during World War II. Today the museum houses a collection of rare books, manuscripts, and religious artifacts.
Address: Plaza Luis Complex, General Luna Street, Manila, Philippines
Admission: Varies
From $ 64
Casa Gorordo Museum
The Casa Gorordo Museum, located in downtown Cebu, was originally a private home built in the 1850s Alejandro Reynes Y Rosales and later owned by Juan Isidro de Gorordo, a wealthy Spanish Merchant. The residence was passed down through the Gorordo family, with a total of four generations living there, including the first Filipino bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo.
Today, the recently renovated house serves as a public museum and national historic landmark filled with antique furnishings, historic books and documents, decorative arts, household items, period costumes and memorabilia from the Spanish colonial period. As one of only three remaining houses from the colonial period, Casa Gorordo offers an insight into what life was like during Cebu’s early days.
The structure of the house itself is a fascinating study in architecture, as it draws from Spanish, native and Chinese influences. The bottom floor, made from coral, was designed to keep the house cool during the midday heat. The upper floor was made from hardwood held together by wooden pegs instead of nails.
Today, the recently renovated house serves as a public museum and national historic landmark filled with antique furnishings, historic books and documents, decorative arts, household items, period costumes and memorabilia from the Spanish colonial period. As one of only three remaining houses from the colonial period, Casa Gorordo offers an insight into what life was like during Cebu’s early days.
The structure of the house itself is a fascinating study in architecture, as it draws from Spanish, native and Chinese influences. The bottom floor, made from coral, was designed to keep the house cool during the midday heat. The upper floor was made from hardwood held together by wooden pegs instead of nails.
Address: 35 Lopez Jaena St, Cebu 6000, Philippines
Admission: Adult P80, Child & Student P60
From $ 40
Banjar Hot Springs
Set in the hills west of Lovina, Banjar Hot Springs (Air Panas Banjar) are among Bali’s most beautiful. Dragon-head fountains feed three tiered pools that are surrounded by tropical forest and palms. Guests also have the use of lockers, changing rooms, a restaurant, and a simple spa.
The Basics
There is a small charge to enter Banjar Hot Springs and another for a locker. You don’t need to join a tour to visit; it’s easy to hire a private driver for the day, or you can self-drive from nearby Lovina. However, if you’re based in south Bali, a tour that combines Banjar Hot Springs with other north and central Bali destinations, such as Lovina, Munduk, and Bedugul, makes sense.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Banjar Hot Springs will appeal to adults and families with older kids; time in the hot water should be carefully limited for children under the age of 5.
- The temperature of the waters is about 100°F (38°C).
- You can bring your own swimming things, or purchase towels and swimwear at the springs.
- Visiting Banjar Hot Springs involves climbing steps with no wheelchair access.
How to Get There
Banjar Hot Springs are in north Bali, a few miles southwest of Lovina, in the hills near the village of Banjar. If you’re staying in Lovina, you can drive yourself or arrange for a private driver. It can take as long as four hours to reach Banjar Hot Springs from Ngurah Rai International Airport, so if you’re touring from south Bali, it pays to hire a driver.
When to Get There
Banjar Hot Springs are open daily, from morning until early evening. To avoid crowds, don’t go on weekends or Indonesian public holidays. Instead, visit on a weekday morning, before the Indonesian school day ends.
Bali Hot Springs
Indonesia is home to more active volcanoes than any nation on earth. One benefit of all that underground activity is a wealth of hot springs, including some so scalding that bathing would be lethal. Banjar Hot Springs and the hot springs on Lake Batur, Kintamani, are Bali’s best hot springs.
Address: Bali, Indonesia
From $ 46