8 Adventurous Reasons To Visit South East Asia
South East Asia has long been associated with the exotic, cultural and the colorful. But do you know that its also where you can indulge in some exciting adventure sports? With its diverse natural gifts like sparkling blue waters, majestic mountains and lush forests, South East Asia is well placed to offer an array of thrilling activities that add zest to any vacation.
Here are the most unique adventure activities in South East Asia you can experience:
1. Sandboarding, Mui Ne, Vietnam
Image Source: Leseve/ flickr.com
This coastal city is a true revelation- excellent beaches, quiet and beautiful locales and many activities to choose from. This fishing village is all sand dunes and surf, with brilliant entertainment packed in. The biggest attraction after the beach are the golden and white sand dunes that are not just breathtakingly pretty but also offer amazing opportunities to sandboard. A truly memorable experience, this!
2. Base Jumping, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Image Source: Scott Paterson/Vimeo.com
Kuala Lumpur is a hotpot of overwhelming experiences - from culinary to sensory, this city is the most exciting metropolis in Malaysia. The image that pops into mind when you think about Kuala Lumpur is that of the imposing twin Petronas towers that have become symbolic of the city all over the world. Standing proud at a height of almost 1500 feet, a free fall from here is one of the most adrenaline pumping adventures you can experience in the world. Ideal for extreme adventure enthusiasts with a good experience in jumping, this might not be everybody’s cuppa tea but there are a number of other locations in the country for beginner jumpers.
Here are other such interesting things to do in Kuala Lumpur
3. Whale Shark Diving, Thailand
Image Source: wpylnn/flickr.com
Much has been written about the gorgeous dive sites of Thailand. Vibrant and teeming with beautiful corals and neon colored fishes, the country offers stunning diving opportunities for all levels of divers. The Whale shark is the largest fish in the world and a magnificent sight underwater. To experience its magnanimous beauty you can head to the Richelieu Rock dive site in the Similan Islands which is a known hotspot for Whale Sharks. Diving here is an unforgettable encounter that is definitely a 'must-do-once-before-you-die' kinda experience.
Want more? Here are the best places to swim with whale sharks
4. Technical Diving, Malapascua, Philippines
Image Source: Flickr.com/National Ocean Service
One step ahead of recreational diving, technical diving takes diving enthusiasts deeper and for more detailed dives that uncover forgotten treasures like World War 2 wrecks and complex underwater ecosystems that are home to rare, unseen sealife. Malapascua offers some of the best technical diving spots in the world. Here, divers can flex their new skills like diving on Nitrox or rebreathers at sea snake sanctuaries and deadly thresher shark sites. Absolutely breathtaking, Malapascua is fast emerging as one of the best diving destinations in the world.
5. Mountain Biking, Luang Prabang, Laos
Image Source: gkmediadesign/flickr.com
Easily one of the most attractive places in South East Asia, Luang Prabang is a mosaic of colors and experiences. The place has a peculiarly beautiful and languid personality which stands in contrast to the hustle of city life. Here, you are surrounded by virgin mountains, top notch trekking possibilities and meandering mountain bike trails that lead upto some glorious vistas. Whether its cycling alongside the Mekong River or biking upto the majestic Tad Se waterfall, mountain biking has never been this rewarding.
6. Caving, Borneo, Malaysia
Image Source:Flickr.com/sunriseOdyssey
There is nothing more thrilling and mystifying than to discover hidden cave systems that date back to millions of years ago. Borneo in Malaysia is home to a number of caves that can easily be counted as some of the most spectacular caves in the world. Visiting these caves would mean uncovering a parallel universe that has formed over billions of years. The caves in Mulu National Park are an explorer’s delight ; from limestone formations to underground streams, these caves hide some unbelievable discoveries within them.
7. Kite Surfing, Bali
Image Source: bertknot/ flickr.com
Ride waves in the most thrilling way possible at one of Asia’s best beach spots Bali. This extreme watersport is meant for those who love to speed on the waves without worrying about the perfect swell. Bali is known worldwide for its soft, slippery sands and inviting waters. There is no better place to experience the high of kitesurfing than the postcard perfect background of Bali. There are a number of professional schools in Bali that specialize in this adventurous water sport.
Must Visit : Bali Itinerary 7 Days
8. Bungee Jumping, Nepal
Image Source: Flickr.com/Graham Campbell
With the mighty Himalayas as the backdrop, there is no better place in the world for bungee jumping than Nepal. Truly an adventurer’s playground, Nepal has been blessed with unforgettable scenery. Here, you can jump from the highest peak towards the deepest gorge that is surrounded by thick green forest all around. A view that is absolutely out of the world, bungee jumping from here is a whole new experience all together. Watch as the unparalleled beauty of the mountains unfolds in front of your eyes as your mind fights the rush of adrenaline to capture this moment forever. A once in a lifetime experience for sure!
South East Asia packs in a host of surpirses for true adventure junkies. From skydiving to sandsurfing, it offers a number of adrenaline packed activities across its kaleidoscopic landscape. What is your favorite adventure sport? Tell us in the comments below!
More places to explore in South East Asia:
Best Beaches In South East Asia For Families
Honeymoon Resorts In South East Asia
*fb cover pic: wikimedia.commons