Summer is about to end, but that doesn’t mean you should let it finish without a bang. This year’s summer was a glorious affair, so it’s fitting to close it on a high note, like an adrenaline rush.
Asia is home to some of the most action-packed adventures, so if you’re in the mood for something thrilling, we have it for you!
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known for its bustling metropolis and its gleaming skyline, but there’s more to Hong Kong than its concrete jungle.
Dragon’s Back
Reach new heights by hiking up Dragon’s Back, known as the best urban hiking trail in Hong Kong. The trail credits its interesting name to its undulating hill tops, creating the illusion of a dragon’s back. It’s a vigorous hike, but it offers a stunning view of Shek O, Tai Long Wan, and Tung Lung Island. The hike ends with a rewarding dip at Big Wave Bay, a surfer’s paradise with plenty of cafes for that much-deserved coffee or fruit shake.
Dragon’s Back is a short ride from Hong Kong East. Simply take the MTR Island Line to Shau Kei Wan Station and get off at Exit A. Take bus 9 or the minibus with the sign Shek O next to Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus. Alight at To Tei Wan, Shek O Road.
Shek O Beach
The summer is the perfect time to go to the beach, so if you want to balance retail therapy with water therapy, make sure to add Shek O Beach to your itinerary! Shek O Beach is a scenic and popular strip of beach used in Cantopop music videos and in Stephen Chow’s film King of Comedy. It’s the perfect place to hang out in the sweltering heat after you do some sports climbing, windsurfing, or golf. Despite it being a popular attraction, the isolated spot makes it quiet and peaceful.
To get there, take the MTR Island Line to Shau Kei Wan Station and get off at Exit A. Take bus 9 or the minibus with the sign Shek O at Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus. Get off at the junction of Shek O Road with Big Wave Bay Road.
Guangzhou
When someone says China, the first two places that pop to mind are the capital Beijing and the architectural wonders of Shanghai. But the breadth of China’s size makes it the perfect place for every hobby, including those for adventure junkies. Make sure to check out Guangzhou on your next China trip!
Chimelong Paradise
They don’t call it paradise for nothing. Chimelong Paradise is China’s largest amusement park, spanning 60 hectares (roughly three times the size of the University of Santo Tomas). It is home to the legendary 10 Inversion Roller Coaster, along with 70 other rides. One of the things to check out is Crisis Zone, a 25 minute show featuring 108 stunts (or one stunt every 15 seconds) from world-class performers. Chimelong Paradise is definitely not for the faint of heart!
Chimelong Paradise can be accessed by the Metro Line. Take the train to Metro Line No. 3 and get off at the Hanxi Chimelong Station. Alight at Exit A and cross the overpass to find the free shuttle bus to the amusement park.
Kaiping Dialou and Villages
Culture buffs will love Kaiping Dialou and Villages, a multi-storeyed defensive village built in the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century, reaching its peak in the ‘20s and ‘30s when there were as many as 3,000 structures. Dialous are tall structures that are either communal structures, residential towers for the privileged, and watch towers. They are known for their tasteful blend of eastern and western architecture. They are now considered a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
To get there, take the Tangkou-Magang Special Line from Kaiping downtown area and get off at Zilicun.
Taipei
Taipei is swiftly becoming a tourist destination because of its lighting-fast growth and the upcoming visa-free travel for Filipinos. Make sure to check these two out when you book a flight there!
Qingshui Cliff
How adventurous are you? If you’re looking for something heart-racing, don’t miss out on Qingshui Cliff. It is described as one of the Eight Wonders of Taiwan, and is praised because of the mosaic of colors that make the place supremely Instagrammable. You can stay at the observation deck, but you can head down to Chongde Beach through Chongde Trail. And if you’re up for an adrenaline rush, you can go kayaking!
To visit, take a train to Hualien Railway Station, then ride a Hualien Bus heading for Chongde. Get off at Chongde stop.
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Taroko Gorge
3rd honeymoon Monday’s aren’t so bad after all… Shot and edited all on an iPhone 6S #taiwan #taroko
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Taroko National Park is technically outside Taipei, but this beautiful park is only two hours from the city by train. The park is home to marble and rock that were formed 2,000 years ago as sediment from the ocean. And it looks absolutely beautiful.
To get there, take the tourist shuttle bus from Hualien Station.
Kota Kinabalu
There’s more to Malaysia than the famed Bukit Bintang and the Petronas Towers. Hidden beneath modernity is Kota Kinabalu, an area of culture and tradition. It’s also a haven for adventure junkies.
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Start your trip right with a fun island hopping trip at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. The park is home to five gorgeous islands, each offering something different. There’s Gaya Island with its hiking trails and resorts in a lush and tropical forest, Manukan Island’s beaches and coral reefs, Mamutik Island’s peaceful beaches, Sapi Island’s snorkeling and scuba diving spots, and Sulug Island’s tranquil atmosphere.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is accessible via speedboat from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in Kota Kinabalu.
Mt. Kinabalu
If you’re in the mood to defy gravity, make Mt. Kinabalu part of your list of things to experience. Malaysia’s highest mountain is 13,435 feet above sea level, and is home to up to 6,000 species of plants, 326 species of birds, and more than 100 species of mammals. Some of the famous species are the rafflesia and orangutan! Because of the rich biodiversity and the stunning view, it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To get to Mt. Kinabalu, catch a minivan at the Long Distance Bus station near the night market in the Kota Kinabalu city center.
If you’re thinking of ending your summer with a bang, make sure to check out these eight destinations! They are the top places in Asia for those seeking adventure in large doses.
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