Beyond Temple Run: Five things to do at Siem Reap if you are ‘templed out’

Siem Reap is a land straight out of the history books, strewn with temples and ancient architecture that transports you to a lost – yet undoubtedly majestic – time, whose past glory still draws tourists from all corners of the world. But after visiting the must-see attractions, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Phrom, Banteay Srei and other such temples (read our full coverage here), if you feel a bit ‘templed out’, don’t be discouraged. There are hordes of things to do in Siem Reap above and beyond the customary temple run.

Trip to Kulen Mountain

Located about 40 kilometres northwest of Angkor Wat, Kulen Mountain – the most sacred of mountains in Cambodia – derives its name from the lychee trees that grow in abundance on its forested slopes. Spend the day taking a dip in the icy cool waterfall – it’s safe for kids as well – and exploring the meandering path of the pristine streams, where the riverbed is dotted with a 1000 lingas, which are a phallic representation of Hindu Lord Shiva.

Boat Ride on Tonle Sap Lake

Stretching for about 120kms on the outskirts of Siem Reap, Tonle Sap is not only one of the biggest lakes in South East Asia, it is also the backbone of the economy for the rural population that has grown up thronging its banks and that is heavily indebted to it for its sustenance. It is here that floating villages have mushroomed, complete with rudimentary fishermen’s cottages, quaint municipality buildings and bamboo bridges. Hire one of the many fishing boats that double up as tourist boats and float on this majestic lake to witness life at its grittiest.

Dinner at Cuisine Wat Damnak

Moving on from gritty to gourmet, no trip to Siem Reap is complete without a gastronomic experience at Cuisine Wat Damnak, which made it to the coveted Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list back in 2015. Commonly hailed as Cambodia’s Best Restaurant, this quaint establishment is run by French chef Joannès Rivière, who brings together the very best of French and Khmer cuisine in a rather heartwarming artisanal style! To keep things interesting, Chef Rivière keeps changing the five- and six-course degustation menu every two weeks, so each visit is bound to be a surprise. Just one tip, remember to make reservations well in advance.

Quad Biking Across the Countryside

As the first glimpse from an airplane will testify, large stretches of Cambodia are covered in agricultural lands. Take the road less travelled and opt for a quad biking tour across the countryside dotted with paddy fields to experience rural living firsthand. There are plenty of biking options to choose from, depending on skill set and duration. Complete with safety briefings, helmets and facemasks, these tours are a less conventional way of exploring Siem Reap.

Pub Crawl at Pub Street

For a town steeped in history, Siem Reap is surprisingly modern when it comes to night life. Packed with lively bars, cocktail lounges, international restaurants and vibrant nightclubs that stay open (and busy) until 04:00 every day, Siem Reap’s Pub Street is quite the Mecca for late-night binge drinking. Grab some grub at Banana Leaf (try their crocodile burger if you are up for adventure), shift base to Angkor What? and finish off the night with injection drinks at Temple Club.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Siem Reap: Cambodia’s most enigmatic attraction

Siem Reap, the ancient Cambodia township that is the gateway to the historic Angkor region, has been transformed over the last 20 years. Back in times pre-Millennium, its market would teem with archeological enthusiasts, with a particularly bold – or lost – backpacker the only hint of tourism torrent to come. Today, such visitors arrive by the busload, their presence deterring the bolder jungle dwellers that used to linger on the town’s periphery, while drawing in a far less compelling species – a legion of multi-lingual(ish) tour guides, equally adept at highlighting a temple curiosity as spotting a gullible sightseer with too heavy a money belt.

Before you right the region off as irrecoverably spoilt, however, think again. Siem Reap and its locals have not lost their charm, it has just become a little less conspicuous. If you look, you will find it.

Siem Reap: Cambodia's most enigmatic attraction — Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

A must see here is the site’s primary temple, Angkor Wat – spanning some 203 acres and neatly ringed by a wide mat. In total, it stretches across almost half of the overall site as it currently stands, although current archeological thinking is that vast tranches of this temple complex and its surrounding 12^th century city remain submerged beneath the surrounding jungle.

Impressively, legend has it, the entire site was constructed without recourse to a single wheel, a technology that had apparently eluded its founders and architects. Fortunately, they had mastered the art of precision pachyderm-led engineering, with hundreds of elephants employed to shift the giant stones used in the construction of the site. As a testament to the contribution of these long-lost, long-tusked labourers, life-size sculptures depict their daily travails as they struggled to shift mammoth hunks of masonry into place.

Another must is Angkor Thom – “Great City” in the local language. Once past the ever-vigilant 54 demons that guard its southern gate, you can explore the wonders that lie within – the Naga (“great snake”) bridge that leads into the walled city proper.

The final unmissable of the site’s Golden Three is Ta Prohm. A photographer’s paradise, it’s sought as much for its famous ruin-wrapped giant trees, as for its lingering hints of architectural innovation.

While most travellers are happy enough to explore Angkor on foot, accompanied by one of the more reputable guides, this is far from the only option. As an alternative, you can take a guided bike tour through the original temples and out into the fields and small villages beyond the site’s bounds.

Taking in all the glories of Angkor Wat, however, is inevitably an exhausting process – with so much to see, the urge is to press ever onwards. As the sun sets over this most mesmerising of lost metropolises, however, you really do need a relaxing base to return to.

One of the best is the Anantara Angkor. Unlike the larger hotels, crowding the strip from airport to temple, the Anantara is a boutique establishment, with its management keen to retain its local flavours, traditions and sense of place. Each of its 39 suites are resplendent in the grand Khmer style – all handcrafted teak furniture, rich local textiles and carved sandstone.

Almost all the rooms come with private balconies and ponds, while also offering a splendid view of the hotel’s sparkling pool and bustling courtyard. Just adjacent is the Chi Restaurant, Anantara’s in-house eatery. Here, Chef Kien Wagner prepares progressive Khmer cuisine to a standard that would satisfy even the most discerning of palates.

While it’s a sad inevitability that 20 years of tourism has taken its toll on Siem Reap, it’s heartening that so many of the changes – whether Wagner’s take on traditional fare or the chance to paraglide among the ruins – have been so ably incorporated into the local mix, heightening, rather than dulling, the overall experience. It’s clear that you don’t get to be 800-years old without learning a thing or two about surviving and transforming.

Before you start planning your next trip, please rest assured that while Siem Reap is most definitely on our list of travel destinations to explore, you might also want to check our guide to the top five places to avoid in 2018.

The full version of this feature appears on Gafencu Magazine’s May 2018 print issue as “Carpe Siem” by Julienne C. Raboca. You can download the free app for digital editions of the magazine.

Photos courtesy of Anantara Angkor

Picture Perfect: Most Instagrammable sunsets in the world

Having recently covered the ethereal sunsets of Japan’s Ishigaki Island (read our review here), we were inspired to find the most beautiful, most Instagrammable sunsets from around the world. Here’s what made our shortlist.

Magic Island, Oahu, Hawaii

Why it made the shortlist: Beloved by honeymooners the world over, Hawaii’s Magic Island doesn’t just have the best beaches, it also boasts some stunning sunsets that transform the vistas into fiery, almost otherworldly environs.

Rice paddies in Vietnam

Why it made the shortlist: Unlike the beaches or cityscapes of most Instagrammable sunsets, central Vietnam’s rice paddies remind us of the tranquility and purity of Mother Nature’s innate beauty.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Why it made the shortlist: Perched amid the Andes mountains, this is the largest salt flat in the world, and it’s the literal depiction of ‘heaven meets earth’.

Santorini, Greece

Why it made the shortlist: Between its white, domed architecture, pristine blue seas and kaleidoscopic sunsets, Santorini’s spot on our most Instagrammable sunsets shortlist is a no-brainer.

Darjeeling, India

Why it made the shortlist: Perched atop the Himalayan range (home of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, two of the world’s tallest peaks), sunsets in Darjeeling encompass expansive tea gardens surrounded by snow-capped peaks that are awash with red, orange and purple hues.

Top 5 hidden islands you’ve probably never heard of

For untouched beaches, stunning vistas and most importantly, no crowds, check out our pick of the world’s best hidden islands.

Little Corn Islands, Nicaragua

50 miles off the coast of Nicaragua lies the countries best kept secret – Little Corn Islands. So much so, that most of the Nicaraguans don’t know anything about it, according to its official travel site! If you are looking for a tropical paradise, largely untouched by tourism, the Little Corn and Big Corn islands will blow you away. With picture-perfect white beaches, gently swaying palms and blue waters, these two tiny dotted islands are the ideal spots for those looking for an off-the-beaten track beach vacation. A wide range of island activities include everything from kite surfing and snorkeling to horseback riding and fishing!

That being said, the islands may not be for everyone. Though largely untouched by mass tourism, the island only has electricity from 2pm to 5am everyday!

Cíes Islands, Spain

Known by the Romans as ‘the Islands of the Gods’, the Cíes Islands in Galicia are the some of the most idyllic spots in northern Spain. Travellers can enjoy nature and the sea as well as the “best beach in the world”, according to The Guardian newspaper. Stretching for some 1,300 yards, between Monteagudo and Faro islands, Rodas is the longest beach on the Cíes archiepelgo and by far the nicest.

With crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine white sand, it would be very difficult to do much else then lay back and admire the beautiful surroundings. For those who seek adventure, hiking is an excellent way of exploring the hidden islands. Scuba diving and sailing are also permitted off the Cíes Islands, with authorisation.

Stocking Island, Bahamas

If you are looking for a remote getaway, Stocking Island is the perfect pick! With no cars or roads on the island and with a population of only 10, this tranquil oasis is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. Wave goodbye to mobile phones and laptops and get ready to wind down on the finest of white sand beaches. Located 1 mile from Government Dock in Georgetown, the long, narrow island is easily reachable by boat from Elizabeth Harbour.

Stocking Island offers snorkelers and divers the chance to explore blue holes, coral gardens and undersea caves. For adventure lovers, you can find sand dunes on the Atlantic Ocean side, where there are plenty of walking trails to enjoy the beautiful ocean vistas.

Satellite Island, Tasmania

Lying close to the south-eastern coast of Tasmania in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel is a breathtaking private island, namely Satellite Island.

What was once family home to a reclusive writer, painter and poet is now an artful hideaway for people to come and claim for themselves. For travellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Satellite Island offers the perfect combination of a relaxing hideaway within the untamed Tasmanian wilderness. On your very own paradise island, you can enjoy the simpler things in life; a bonfire on the top of the island at sunset, a long lunch at the Boathouse on the water’s edge or swimming in the pristine waters.

Whether you are looking to relax or explore the wilderness, Satellite Island is truly one of the most luxurious hidden islands in the world.

Vis, Croatia

Vis, is the furthest island in the Adriatic from the Croatian coast hidden behind the islands of Hvar, Brac and Solta. Thanks to its isolated location, the island has managed to say under the radar and is well worth a visit! Travellers can explore the stunning sea caves, craggy cliffs as well as the main town complete with fascinating historical sites such as the ancient city walls and fortress turned Archaeological Museum. Booming with vineyards, picturesque fishing towns and cosy restaurants, Vis promises all the favourites of a Mediterranean island.

For those looking a little closer to Asia, check out our review of Hurawalhi Island in the Maldives for the ultimate couple’s getaway.

Image Credits: Satellite Island, Facebook, Stocking Island, Facebook

Ishigaki: Exploring a land of surf breaks, dense foliage and sensual sunrise

Ishigaki – a remote Japanese island with a population of less than 50,000 and little prospect of passing trade – owes much of its annual tourist influx to the whimsical shenanigans of those who try their hand at C-trip roulette.

The largest of the Ryukyu Islands, Japan’s remotest territories, Ishigaki is largely unknown by even the Japanese themselves, bestowing upon it an almost mythical reputation.

While Ishigaki is remote, Taketomi Island – our ultimate destination – takes off-the-beaten-trackness to another level. A 10-minute ferry ride from Ishigaki, the primary transport hub for this island group, Taketomijima (as the locals refer to it) is a tiny outcropping with a non-tourist population of less than 300. If outsiders know it for anything, it’s its carefully-preserved Ryukyu village, the legacy of the lost maritime-trading kingdom that ruled the region from the 15th to 19th century.

Checking into the HOSHINOYA Taketomi, a village resort heavy with white sand paths and coral stone walls, it’s all but impossible not to fall in love with the place.

Rather than the expected villa, guest accommodation consists of a pavilion – with only 48 available – constructed in the style of the island’s traditional residences. Under their red-tiled roofs, all the very finest modern comforts await – wood-panelled flooring, sliding doors, a meditative lounge area and a centrepiece bathtub.

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, meanwhile, open on to a pebbled zen-style garden, the perfect location for a little DIY barbecuing, with the resort’s staff happy to supply freshly-caught lobsters or the spectacularly-marbled Ishigaki beef. Truly, self-service has never been so satisfying.

The next morning, a gentle trek to the stony Aiyaruhama Beach is recommended. Following a forest track, you are rewarded with the stunning vista of this magnificent beach by dawn’s early light. If you’d ever wondered just why Japan is known as the Land of the Rising Sun, you will wonder no more.

A leisurely cycling tour of the island can be a rewarding experience as well, with a visit to the Folk and Craft Museum particularly recommended. Try your hand at working the most antique of wooden looms; the staff is more than happy to proffer a crash course on how to master the gumbo mixed weave.

After exploring the immediate environs make sure you allow enough time to take in the Kondoi Beach. Famous the world over for dazzling white sands, clear waters and sensational sunsets, it nestles on a wide, shallow cove on the west of the island. Just further along is the Kaiji Beach, smaller, rockier and like to bring visitors good fortune – at least according to the locals.

Suitably saturated with the island’s stunning sightscapes, head for the West Pier – the perfect locale for experiencing the Ishigaki sunset. En route, you are as like as not to fall in behind a row of water-buffalo carts, all heading for the same destination. In this exotic oasis, even the traffic jams are Instagrammable.

Lulled by the island’s bucolic lifestyle, you could be forgiven for expecting dinner to have a somewhat rustic feel. Once again, however, HOSHINOYA transcends any such pre-judgments, with its evening fare of Okinawan Nouvelle Cuisine a true revelation.

With a total of eight courses on offer, the selection included Kuruma shrimp, island carrot mousse and foie gras and island banana roast. The undoubted standouts, though, were the Okinawa Akamachi poele fish with herbal fragrance and the grilled wagyu rump steak with Makomo bamboo, steeped in shikuwasa citrus diable sauce.

The next day can be a perfect time to don snorkels and flippers as you set out to encounter the marine life that lives below the surrounding waters.

For the scubaphopic, Kabira Bay’s glass-bottom boats offer a less immersive but equally rewarding alternative, with the local operators priding themselves on their sustainable sensibilities.

In a world where many of its wonders have been over-shared, Ishigaki is a revelation. Still just obscure enough to be spared visitor-overload, it should be on the itinerary of any wanderer yearning to discover something authentically unexplored.

Text: Julienne C. Raboca

Photos: HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island

The journey of self-discovery with self-guided Basho Wayfarer

With the rising demand and interest in self-guided tours, leading walking tour operator, Walk Japan launches a brand new Self-Guided Basho Wayfarer. Based on the classic poetic travelogue, Oku-no-hosomichi by famed haiku poet Matsuo Basho, this 6-day, 5-night tour takes you on the Narrow Road to the Deep North of Japan’s Tohuku region.

Providing an authentic experience of Japan and plentiful opportunities for self-discovery, the self-guided tour is a great option for those looking to embark on a journey resembling that of Julia Roberts’ in Eat, Pray, Love. It is also an entertaining way to discover Japan’s northern Tohoku region, offering distinctive culture and the chance to meet its friendly natives.

Starting in Sendai, which was once the stronghold of the Date Clan, a powerful samurai family, you will begin your journey moving across to a ruined fortress at Tagajo to Matsushima Bay. Discover beautiful temples including Entsuin and Zuiganji, which will simply take your breath away. Passing through beautiful forests with foliage in a myriad of shades, arrive at Hojin-no-le, a distinctive thatched building, known as the only remaining structure where Basho is known to have stayed. Enjoy a refreshing cup of green tea as you relive Basho’s footsteps before retiring to your comfortable accommodation, complete with riverside onsen baths and delicious meals cooked by your host.

The Self-Guided Basho Wayfarer includes easy-to-follow, detailed instructions. Daily walking distances are between 5-14km and elevation gain averages between 100-400m. Options are provided to lengthen or shorten each day’s itinerary according to your energy levels. While walking is generally comfortable, it does include some steeper sections, including the remote Natagiri-toge pass. Your efforts to reach the top will be rewarded when you are repaid with sprawling views of the countryside below.

From the coast to forests and remote countryside, this self-guided tour available from mid-May to early November, provides travellers the joy of independent travelling and the comfort in having support available 24 hours a day.

As Basho once wisely said, “Seek not to follow in the footsteps of wise men of old, but seek what they sought”

To read more about this off-the-beaten track experience, please visit: www.walkjapan.com/tour/self-guided-basho-wayfarer

Romantic Maldives Resorts: Our top 4 picks for loved-up couples

White-sand beaches, luxurious villas, exotic marine wildlife and that-must-be-Photoshopped sunsets… It’s no wonder that Maldives ranks among the top destinations for loved-up couples, be they newly weds or long-time partners. In fact, almost 100 of the nation’s islands have been developed exclusively as tourist resorts – but which ones are the best? Here’s our selection of Top 4 Romantic Maldives Resorts.

4. Hurawalhi Island Resort

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Jaw-dropping views, intimate villas and marine animal experiences; Hurawalhi has it all. But beyond that, it also boasts 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant! For utmost privacy, check out the resort’s rentable private sandbank – Dream Island. (See our full review of the resort here).

3. Cheval Blanc Randheli

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Owned by high-end LVMH group, Cheval Blanc Randheli Island makes our list of top romantic Maldives Resorts with good reason. In addition to spacious villas and top-notch nibbles, the resort boasts an extensive range of boating options. Explore the lagoon in a traditional Maldivian dhoni, or venture farther afield in a private Azimut yacht. Check out their brochure for more options.

2. St. Regis Maldives

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Every inch of the seashell-inspired St. Regis Maldives Vommuli emanates an aura of elegance. The true attraction here is Iridium Spa, a stunning 1,850-square-metre overwater compound. Check out their spa menu or pamper yourself with tailor-made spa treatments that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.

1. Soneva Fushi

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Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi nabs the top spot in our list of romantic Maldives resorts. It exudes an air of exclusivity and intimacy but also offers a variety of unique activities for the more intrepid couple. Chart the stars in The Observatory (the world’s first resort 3D astronomy experience), overnight on a private island, or explore native traditions on guided tours to neighbouring islands. For marine animal lovers, we highly recommend the sunset dolphin cruise.

Escape to Hurawalhi Island in the Maldives for the ultimate couple’s getaway

Want to fall off the map with your better half? Hurawalhi Island in the Maldives is the ultimate couple’s getaway.

On the Maldivian island of Hurawalhi, one gets the sneaking suspicion that every sea critter is in cahoots with resort staff, working to put on a show so spectacular that guests will consider extending their stay in this little slice of paradise.

Below the jetty that connects a string of overwater villas to the beach, a school of skinny needlenose fish greets guests each morning. And if you look out onto the Indian Ocean at about 8am, you’re likely to see dolphins leaping and back-flipping some 50 metres away.

Located in the Lhaviyani Atoll about 40 minutes by seaplane from capital city Male, Hurawalhi is one of 1,190 islands southwest of India and Sri Lanka that make up the Maldives. Only about 200 of those islands are populated, and even fewer are home to luxury resorts.

That still leaves plenty of options to choose from, but Hurawalhi’s laidback, small-island vibe and “adults-only” designation make it a favourite among honeymooners and besotted couples both young and old.

Guests can choose between a standalone villa that sits on stilts atop the ocean, or one planted firmly on the beach. The only remaining decision is whether to splash out on a villa with a personal pool, some of which boast a sunset view.

The resort comprises 90 rooms in total, and the island – 400 metres long by 165 metres wide – can be circumnavigated in mere minutes. Yet despite Hurawalhi’s small size, it’s hard to see and do it all in one trip, especially for those with hopes of ticking off all the aquatic attractions: snorkelling, diving, kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing and deep sea fishing, to name but a few.

Kirsty Ballard, resident marine biologist at Hurawalhi, says the waters surrounding the resort are rich in biodiversity.

“The southern atolls get the whale sharks, but here in Lhaviyani you’ve got a lot of great dive sites for big stuff like grey reef sharks, where you can do channel crossings on motorised scooters and see 50 to 100 of them in one dive,” says Ballard, who grew up on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

For those who’d rather keep a safe distance from sharks and oddly-named filter feeders, 5.8 Undersea Restaurant – so called for its depth (in metres) below sea level – is Hurawalhi’s star attraction. Not only is it the largest all-glass undersea restaurant in the world, but the food is just as impressive, with Michelin-starred chefs helming the kitchen and serving up surf and turf delights, plus a vegetarian menu that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Also popular among happily coupled holidaymakers is the nearby Dream Island, which can be booked by Hurawalhi guests for two to four hours at a time.

There are plenty of other activities to keep you busy, including a dolphin-watching cruise, sunrise yoga sessions, football, tennis and badminton courts, wine tastings and nightly entertainment ranging from a popular DJ to traditional Maldivian music performed by resort staff.

But what truly sets Hurawalhi apart as a top honeymoon destination is the rare luxury of relaxation. Staff are genuinely friendly and attentive, and while the amenities provided are no doubt five star-worthy, it comes with none of the pretentiousness that can be felt at similarly-rated establishments.

“Carefree is the way to be,” says Mohamed Solah, the resort’s director of operations. “We encourage guests to go without shoes and they don’t need to dress up, which is a luxury in itself. Normally, in your day-to-day life you have to make sure everything is well thought of beforehand, but here you can enjoy an easy life.”

If the Maldives is on your bucket list, you might want to consider going sooner rather than later. As a result of climate change, rising sea levels threaten to sink these pristine islands – although there’s no consensus on the likelihood of this occurring.

One thing is for certain, though: Hurawalhi, where the serene verges on surreal, is a once-in-a-lifetime trip – unless, that is, you’re anything like the repeat visitors who have come back two or three times since the resort opened.

“I have seen so many people who come here and say, ‘OK, Maldives can be crossed off the bucket list,’” Solah says, “but then they get addicted and keep coming back.”

The full version of this feature appears on Gafencu Magazine’s March 2018 print issue as ” Honeymoon Avenue” by Emily Petsko. You can download the free app for digital editions of the magazine.

Easter Getaways from Hong Kong: Our roundup of the top four travel destinations for Easter

With the Chinese New Year holidays already over, if you’ve started daydreaming about Easter getaways from Hong Kong, then we’re on the same page as you! To optimise the next extended weekend on the calendar, we have a roundup of some of the most beautiful travel destinations around the world!

Kyoto, Japan

One reason to go: Kyoto blushes a pretty shade of pink every spring, thanks to the cherry blossom season that starts around late March and continues well into April. According to Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC), Kyoto will see full blooms this year from 27 March to 4 April, which coincides perfectly with Easter holidays.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Kyoto

Whistler, Canada

One reason to go: Whistler is not just a perfect alternative when Niseko in Japan becomes over-crowded, it’s a world-class skiing destination in itself. Try your hand at snowshoeing, tobogganing and ski jumping on the upper slopes where there will be plenty of snow. You can even extend your vacation to witness the World Ski and Snowboard Festival which starts from 10 April 2018.

Where to stay: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Machu Picchu, Peru

One reason to go: Peru is a great destination all year round, but Easter sees the end of the wet season and the start of the peak dry season. Head there during the Easter break to have a tranquil stay among fewer crowds.

Where to stay: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Reykjavik, Iceland

One reason to go: April’s clear skies are ideal for viewing the unique Aurora Borealis. Easter’s warmer temperatures also see waterfalls starting to melt – a view as breathtaking as the Northern Lights themselves!

Where to stay: Tower Suites

If these destinations already have you planning the perfect vacation selfie for Instagram, we suggest you start booking the hotels and flights right away! The thing about Easter getaways is that everyone wants to get away during this

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Five travel destinations to avoid in 2018

The world is gradually discovering that tourism can be a double-edged sword. Though it brings in revenue and employment, it also has a devastating impact on the world’s society, culture and environment.

With tourism backlash in full effect, we have put together a list of destinations you may want to avoid in 2018:

1.Barcelona, Spain

Statistics show that over 9 million tourists stayed in city hotels in 2016, an increase of over 7 million people since 1990. Angry locals have resorted to anti-tourist graffiti with statements such as “This is not tourism. This is invasion”, sprawled across the city. Several riots and protests were witnessed in the summer of 2017. Residents blamed services such as Airbnb for the increase of rents, forcing them from their homes. The city’s government has passed a law to limit tourist beds but will this be enough to tackle the new wave of anti-tourism?

2.Dubrovnik, Croatia

Thousands of tourists are drawn in by Dubrovnik’s clear blue waters and historical buildings, not to mention the city’s starring role in “Game of Thrones”, one of the most talked about television shows in the world. UNESCO has listed various conservation issues while the impact of tourism threatens the city’s World Heritage status. In order to cut the number of visitors, Dubrovnik’s mayor has taken drastic measures, capping the number of people who can revel in the ancient city’s treasures at 4,000 a day.

3.Bhutan

The kingdom of Bhutan is at danger with mass tourism threatening nature and local cultures. Charging travellers a daily fee of US$200-$250 (depending on the time of year), the Prime Minister and Chairman of tourism, hoped to minimise the impact of tourism with a “high value, low impact” policy. In addition to this, visitors are recommended to use homestays − a Bhutanese version of bed and breakfast − as an attempt to bring money to rural areas and give value to a traditional way of life. However, with the number of regional tourists increasing from 97,584 in 2015 to 146,797 in 2016, locals have cited concerns about the environmental impact on its delicate cultural ecosystem.

4.Taj Mahal, India

Built around 400 years ago, the iconic Taj Mahal is one of the most visited landmarks in the world. The country’s monsoon seasons, however, are not enough to prevent the yellowing of the ivory-white marble as pollution levels in Agra reach an all time high. As the Yamuna River − located behind the monument − fills with sewage and other waste, India’s masterpiece of love is damaged further. The Archaeological Survey of India is likely to limit the number of visitors to 30, 000 per day, besides introducing separate tickets for entry into the crypt, to ensure head count and crowd management. As of now, there is no restriction, drawing in 60,000 to 70,000 tourists during peak season.

5.Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Home to wildlife and landscapes found nowhere else on earth, it comes as no surprise that the popularity of the Galapagos Islands has grown over the years. While the first visitors to the islands ate and slept on cruise ships, a significant rise in tourists has resulted in competition among hotels, making it much cheaper to stay on the islands. Local farmers and fishermen are unable to keep up with the requirement of visitors, meaning food must be imported from the mainland. Meanwhile, scientists argue that tourism is endangering the unique biodiversity, with the presence of humans effecting animals’ natural behaviours. Aside from this, the residents of these islands (human or not) also need a break, just like us!

Text: Hira Desai