Borneos landscapes span steamy jungles to the cloud-shrouded summit of Mount Kinabalu, showcasing undeniable natural wonders. Once a secluded paradise, the island now draws crowds via package tours and affordable flights from Southeast Asia, making solitude elusive. Yet, with effort and adventure, Borneos secret corners remain accessible to intrepid explorers. Maliau Basin This pristine wilderness in Malaysian Borneo spans 390 square kilometers and is one of the last untouched jungle areas. Disc

The allure of solitude, remoteness, and boundless open spaces draws intrepid travelers to the undervisited hills, mountains, and vast grasslands of eastern Mongolia. Mongolias far east is so inhospitable that even nomadic gers are scarce. Gallop across endless green steppes, camp by pristine lakes, climb sacred mountains, and trace the footsteps of Chinggis Khan—Mongolias legendary conqueror who reshaped Europe and Asia—with a copy of The Secret History of the Mongols in hand. A Land of Hills, L

While the socialist era has passed, Moscow brims with world-class free attractions and experiences. Our expert-curated guide highlights the top ways to immerse yourself in Russias dynamic capital without spending a ruble. Moscow metro by Jason Rogers. CC BY 2.0 Tour Moscow for Free Moscow Free Tour (www.moscowfreetour.com) delivers exceptional guided walking tours of the citys landmark sights, led by passionate, knowledgeable guides. This high-quality experience rivals paid tours—yet its ent

UNESCO has honored Japanese cuisine—known as washoku—as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, placing it alongside French cuisine as one of the worlds premier national food traditions. A culinary journey across Japan showcases the brilliance of this recognition, with every region offering unique gastronomic delights. Join us on a tour of Japans top 10 gourmet destinations to experience the diverse flavors of washoku. Tokyo Tsukiji by Jonathan Lin. CC BY 2.0. For over a century, Tokyo—boasting mo

While off-the-rack clothing is convenient, discerning travelers prefer bespoke, locally made garments for superior fit, quality, and cultural authenticity. Saris, Mumbai, India A crowd of people wearing saris. Image by Mint Images/Art Wolfe / Photodisc / Getty Images. In vibrant emerald greens, peacock blues, royal purples, sunrise oranges, and pomegranate reds, saris embody Indias rich culture and landscapes. Visitors typically select fabrics at specialty shops, then have the choli (croppe

Japans Shinkansen, debuting in 1964, wasnt the worlds first high-speed train, but its futuristic design and pinpoint punctuality earned it the nickname bullet train, captivating global rail enthusiasts. Five decades on, exploring Japan by rail is a delight, especially for international visitors using Japan Rail Passes (www.japanrailpass.net) and discount tickets. Mark the Shinkansens 50th anniversary with these top 10 rail experiences in the Land of the Rising Sun. Delve into History E5 Ser

Singapore, Asias wealthiest nation, is racing toward the future with ultra-modern skyscrapers, parks, and metro lines emerging daily. These projects highlight cutting-edge technologies that could soon address global challenges like climate change in cities worldwide. For a striking view of this rapid transformation, ascend to the SkyPark atop Marina Bay Sands, the iconic hotel opened in 2010. Its three 56-story towers are linked by a 340m-long platform. Hotel guests can swim in the worlds highes

Skip the clichés of chocolates, rose-petal suites, and sandy beaches. Celebrate your one-of-a-kind love with these personalized Valentines Day getaways designed for every couples unique interests. Tromsø, Norway, for animal lovers If your home is covered in pet hair and your hearts intertwined over shared leashes, add some furry fun to your Valentines escape. Norways Tromsø is home to numerous husky farms, with the Villmarkssenter offering the ideal spot to bond with friendly pups—and each other

While the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi generated controversy, it undeniably spotlighted the immense travel appeal of the worlds largest country. As the coordinating author of Lonely Planets Russia guidebook and a visitor for over 20 years—having navigated challenges like theft, stray dog encounters, and even brief detentions—Ive been continually captivated by Russias profound cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, thrilling adventures, and the warm hospitality of its people. Here are m

Elevate your drinking adventures beyond the ordinary. Discover these premier global hotspots, perfect for savoring pints of beer, exquisite cocktails, or fine drams in unforgettable settings. Pivni Lazne Bernard, Prague, Czech Republic A classic pilsner is always welcome, but bathing in premium Czech lager while enjoying unlimited pours takes indulgence to another level. Prague’s renowned Pivni Lazne Bernard (pivnilaznebernard.cz/en) revives this Middle Ages tradition, believed to benefit skin h

Singapore, the compact city-state famed for its skyscrapers, malls, and high-density living, surprises with expansive green belts and captivating offshore islands. Next visit, swap mall shopping for invigorating park walks—remember your hat, water, and sunscreen. Pulau Ubin Experience castaway charm on Pulau Ubin, off Singapores eastern shore. This serene kampung (village) offers mangrove swamps, rugged bike trails, dusty paths, and charming retro wooden houses with corrugated roofs—a glimpse of

Ladakh, known as the Land of the High Passes, boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Indian Himalayas. Nestled between Pakistan, Tibet, Xinjiang Province (China), and Indias Himachal Pradesh, it forms the eastern part of the disputed Jammu & Kashmir state. North of Leh, Ladakhs capital, lies the remote and strikingly beautiful Nubra Valley—a rugged enclave on Indias northern frontier. The region encompasses the Nubra and Shyok valleys, where rivers originate from the glaciated peaks

Yogyakarta, Javas cultural and spiritual epicenter in Indonesia, thrives as a dynamic hub of art and heritage. From mesmerizing all-night shadow-puppet shows to bold, socially conscious street graffiti adorning city walls, creativity defines this Special Region. Throughout the week, visitors enjoy a rich lineup of events, including rock concerts, traditional puppet performances, and captivating art exhibitions across the city and its surroundings. Though Indonesia is predominantly Muslim today,

Exceptional travel experiences dont require unlimited budgets. These character-filled accommodations worldwide deliver comfort, charm, and stunning settings—all under US$100 per night, with many dorm beds for just a few dollars. Lonely Planets expert picks for the top 10 best-value hotels and hostels in 2014. 1. The Backpack, Cape Town, South Africa Experience a warm welcome in the airy setting of Cape Towns The Backpack. Image courtesy of The Backpack. Opened in 1990 as apartheid ended, th

In Hong Kong, white symbolizes death, but the citys cultural expressions of mortality are vividly colorful. Shaped by a unique history and pragmatic spirit, an array of death-related customs, professions, and festivals brings life to these traditions—much like a skilled mortician adding hues to the pallor. Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and folk beliefs thrive at the graveside, highlighting the citys religious diversity. Confucian worshipers burn incense at the Yuen Tuen Institute in Tsuen

Savvy food lovers from across Asia are flocking to Taiwan, a gem in the East China Sea, to savor steaming dumplings and bold stinky tofu skewers. Taiwans culinary scene is thriving like never before. Award-winning Taiwanese chefs, vibrant night markets, and Taipeis emerging fine-dining hotspots now rival Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore. True Fusion Cuisine Pungent tofu kebabs grilling on a Taiwanese street. Image by Megan Eaves / Lonely Planet. ‘Fusion’ is often overused in food trends, but

China, the Middle Kingdom, is one of the worlds fastest-evolving nations. Its economy thrives, and its population is increasingly tech-savvy and modern. Yet, it remains a land of intriguing paradoxes. You might enjoy 3G (or faster) connectivity in remote Inner Mongolian farmlands, even without running water. ATMs and banks are widespread, but credit cards are not universally accepted. And just steps from a luxury boutique hotel, you could encounter subpar facilities. Modern Shanghai. Image

Hong Kong pulses with energy and creativity. In this vibrant, politically dynamic city, a rebellious spirit fuels innovative food scenes, cutting-edge design, and a thriving art movement. This guide uncovers Hong Kongs hippest spots, revealing the authentic heart of this Asian powerhouse. Emerging Art Galleries While not always the top destination for contemporary art enthusiasts, Hong Kongs art scene is evolving rapidly. Post-handover introspection has sparked a unique cultural renaissance, h

East Asia is undergoing a vibrant craft beer revolution, evolving from a landscape dominated by light lagers into a hub of innovative and flavorful brews. From Seoul to Hong Kong, this comprehensive guide highlights the best craft beer experiences across the region. Japan Japan leads East Asias craft beer movement, having pioneered small-scale brewing since the mid-1990s when restrictive laws were lifted. Even its mainstream lagers, like crisp Sapporo paired with sushi, set a high standard

China might not be the first destination that springs to mind for a family vacation, but this vast Middle Kingdom brims with attractions perfect for children of all ages. As experienced family travelers, weve found the country remarkably safe and straightforward for trips with kids. Most major destinations connect via direct flights, while high-speed trains and buses run on reliable schedules. Traveling from A to B with your family neednt be overwhelming—in fact, its often seamless. Heres our ex