Planning for Your Next Adventure: Where to Go for Outdoor Sports in Asia
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Being cooped up indoors doesn’t mean you can’t dream of your next adventure. Embarking on a journey is great for your mind, body, and soul. If you are into outdoor sports, one of the best ways you can experience amazing getaways is by heading out to Asia.
Planning for Your Next Adventure: Where to Go for Outdoor Sports in Asia
Be it summertime or not, but hey! Who says it’s already late for your next adventure? These Asian destinations should be next on your list if you want to have an unforgettable and thrilling vacation.
Canyoneering in Cebu, Philippines
Many people flock to the Philippines to visit its gorgeous tropical islands. And while sipping coconuts on white-sand beaches doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend an afternoon, the country has a lot more action to offer.
When you come to the province of Cebu, don’t pass up the chance to try canyoneering in Kawasan Falls. This activity entails scrambling along the canyon, rappelling, and the best part, cliff diving. It’s a developing sport in the southern side of the island, but it’s fast becoming a favorite among adrenaline junkies.
Rock Climbing in Krabi, Thailand
Just off the southern coast of Thailand is the small town of Krabi. It has developed a reputation as the place to party on the beautiful beaches of Thailand. However, all the best rock climbers in the world know that it also has some of the best crags in all of Asia.
The Culture Trip’s article on rock climbing in Thailand points out that it’s because of the abundance of limestone cliffs. It can be a challenging surface to climb on especially when wet, which is why many pros have made trips across the world to conquer some of Krabi’s hardest climbs. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of easy and guided routes to try for beginners. When you reach the anchor, make sure to take a scan of the surrounding beaches of Krabi to make each climb worth it.
Winter Sports in Hokkaido, Japan
Japan is well known for its temples, delectable food, and quirky attractions, but not a lot of people know that it’s also a prime location for adventure. Who could forget that the city of Sapporo was developed for the 1972 Winter Olympics?
This means that if you want to try your hand at winter sports, there’s no better place to go than the Land of the Rising Sun. According to ExpatBets’ guide to activities in Japan, there are over 500 world-class ski and snowboarding resorts in the country. The northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, where Sapporo is located, boasts beautiful slopes and powder-like snow ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The valleys are vast and the resorts plenty, so you never have to worry about bumping into other thrill-seekers even if you’re an inexperienced skier.
Sandboarding in Dubai, UAE
While they share similarities, sandboarding is a different beast compared to snowboarding. The deserts in Dubai can be unforgiving, but it’s still a sport worth trying if what you’re after is a tough challenge. Sandboarding expert Simon Hunt explains that it requires shorter runs compared to snowboarding, given that desert slopes are not as long as wintry slopes. Fossil Rock, Big Red, and Al Qudra are some of the spots where local sand boarders hit the dunes. Don’t forget to bring lots of water!
Hiking in Pokhara, Nepal
For most people, summiting Everest is an expensive dream, but that doesn’t mean you can’t set foot on the Himalayas. Fortunately, Nepal’s share of this beautiful mountain range has many established trails for beginner and intermediate hikers.
One of those is the Annapurna region, a massif or cluster of mountains within the Himalayas. You can do the classic Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek or take the shorter Mardi Himal trek. Jumping off from the town of Pokhara, it takes about five days going up and down the valleys of Annapurna. Similar to ABC and many of the treks in Nepal, there are teahouses along the way where you can replenish your supplies, have some delicious dal bhat, and spend the night. It peaks at 4,500 meters above sea level, with rewarding views of snowy peaks of the Himalayas. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest in the distance.
ALSO READ: Where to go for Fun Activities and Games when in Cebu
From Kazakhstan’s nomadic steppes to Hanoi’s frenetic streets, Asia is indeed a continent full of mystery, adventure, luxury, and spirituality that it has for centuries set and puzzled travelers. Discover something special and addictive in each of the Asian countries: the heady buzz of honking horns and sizzling street food in the great cities of the continent. Bells tinkling shattering the silence hanging over a mountain monastery. Catching a glimpse of a whizzing train on white-capped Mount Fuji.
The sweet, hot broth squirt biting into the first dumpling of the Shanghai soup. The Taj Mahal’s beauty shrouded in a sunrise nebula. Asia is a constant surprise for travelers, one minute beguiling with its old charms and indeed the one to experience for your next adventure.