I was reading through Steve Davey’s Unforgetable Places to see before you die earlier this week. A good book that I treated myself a few years back. It is full of fantastic photography and good accompanying text with tips for making your visit special (it’s quite clear to see the text is written by a photographer and possibly the reason it appeals so much to me).
I remember having a discussion with Jon about how many of the 40 places included in the book we’d been to. At that time I’d managed a whopping 3 out of 40. Jon had managed 8. I’m a lot more positive now though, having read over all of the places that are included on my route around the world. This has certainly inspired me and from this book alone I have a list of must do’s for the forthcoming year. Below is that list and no, I’ve not put this together to make you jealous (although it may well do just that), but more as a reference for myself when I get to these places. So here goes:
Taj Mahal, India
Watch the Taj change colours at dawn from the far side of the Yamuna River
Varanasi, India
Hindu pilgrimage. Arrange a rowing boat the day before, and get out on the Ganges before sunrise. Take the boat to Manikarnika Ghat and walk back along the shore to Dasasvamedha Ghat.
Golden Temple, Bangkok
Beat the crowds and the heat. Arrive at 8:30.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Get a 3 day pass. Climb to the Top Level of the temple for dawn and witness the place come to life. Join the masses at the north pool for sunrise.
Taman Negara Rainforest, Malaysia
Take a boat from Kuala Tembling to Kuala Tahan. Check out the 430 meter canopy walkway. The walkway opens early on Fridays. 8.00 am is the best time. While in the forest, spend a night in a nature hide to really experience the environment.
Uluru, Australia
Once again, witness sunrise. Also visit the nearby Kata Tjuta.
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
True paradise. Get flight from Rarotonga.
Grand Canyon
Arrive pre-dawn and watch the canyon open up in front of you. Yaki point or Hopi Point are good spots. Do a two day trek into the canyon.
A few further tips from Chris, one of Pete’s friends.
New Zealand
- Milford Sound (south)
- Jet boats in Queensland (south)
- Bay Islands (north)
- Lake Taupo – Whakapapa (north)
USA
- Yosemete
- Redwood Forest
I’m sure your mate meant Queenstown, South Island NZ. Great place for jet boating, sky diving, bungy jumping, skiing. Spent Xmas there in 1997. Also the site of the world’s 1st bungy jump – the original AJ Hackett!
Things to do in Queensland (Australia)… Dive the Great Barrier Reef, Visit the world’s largest sand island (Fraser Island), sail around the Whitsunday Islands, look for fierce snakes (most venomous in the world), catch saltwater crocs, or do something very few people get to do… overland (4WD) from Cairns to the tip of Cape York! I’m getting away from the point of this comment now 😉
While I’m at it, you should add a hike up Franz Josef Glacier to that list. Also swim with the dolphins at Kaikoura. Both on the south island.
Excellent. Keep the suggestions coming. As it happens I was going to add the Kaikoura to the list as I was reading about the Sperm Whales there in Michael Palin’s Full Circle.
You have relatives near Christchurch. You can round up sheep, collect sea food from the beach and see dolphins.Didn’t like Queenstown. Too touristy and I did not try bungee jumping!!! Milford sound was great and so was the boat out to watch albatroses.
OK Mate WHEN you make it to sunny California , MAKE SURE you go stay at the Mission Ranch in Carmel, and visit the Robert Knight Photo Gallery.
The Ranch is owned by Clint Eastwood never know he might be in the bar tinkling the ivories.
Hi Andy,
Actually have a new book out on Unforgettable Islands from around the world – with a much more eclectic list of places. Let me know where you are in the world and I will try to recommend a few from this book. It includes Easter Island, Vanuatu and even Socotra off the Yemen.
Happy travels!
Steve Davey
http://www.unforgettableplaces.com