The term "exotic" typically refers to something that is foreign, unfamiliar, or originating from a distant or unusual place. For wanderers, it can describe destinations or experiences that are very different from one's everyday surroundings, offering a sense of adventure or discovery. For some, it may evoke images of tropical rainforests or pristine beaches, while others might envision valleys adorned with rolling fields of flowers, surrounded by snow-capped mountains or dramatic seaside cliffs. An exotic destination derives its allure from various elements such as its landscape, climate, wildlife, or even architectural marvels crafted by human hands. Take a peek at these wondrously exotic places around the world.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – Kyoto, Japan
Imagine winding your way through soaring columns of bamboo while sunlight filters through the top of leaves to create a cool, soothing ambiance. This is what you can experience in the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan. Here, a bamboo forest path extends to the Nonomiya shrine (Nonomiya means ‘Goddess of the Sun’) and is a place where many come to pray for luck in marriage, wisdom, and health. As one of the most photographed places in Japan, the forest attracts many visitors, but the quietest time to visit during the daylight is early in the morning, before 8 am. December is also one of the best times to visit, primarily due to the popular Kyoto Arashiyama illuminations. This captivating light installation blankets the forest with a mesmerizing display of lights and scenes, some of which are interactive, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Learn more about Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Rock Formations & Fairy Chimneys - Cappadocia, Turkey
Millions of years ago volcanic eruptions and land shifts along with wind and erosion created cone-like mountain ridge formations or “fairy chimneys” in Cappadocia, Turkey. Today, one of the best ways to view this stunning landscape is to rise above in a hot air balloon. In 1985, Göreme National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage site as it is an irreplaceable testament to a historical time known as the post-iconoclastic Byzantine art period and is an excellent example of a human settlement in danger of not only erosion but tourism as well.
The best time to visit Cappadocia is typically during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months. During these times, the weather is usually mild, with comfortable temperatures and you’ll find fewer crowds too. Aside from hot air balloon tours, there are many other ways to explore. You can also visit the Göreme open air museum to see churches and dwellings carved into the rock formations, take an ATV ride, hike through one of the many valleys, shop for the perfect Turkish rug, or enjoy the local cuisine.
Learn more about Cappadocia
El Nido – Palawan Island, Philippines
If sun kissed beaches, crystal clear water, and breathtaking limestone rock formations come to mind when you think of an exotic locale then look no further than El Nido. Located on the island of Palawan in the Philippines, it encompasses about 350 square miles at the northern tip and is the entrance to the Bacuit archipelago. There are many small surrounding islands to visit, whether by larger boat or kayak. Some examples of beautiful places to kayak around in El Nido are Papaya, Lapus Lapus, and Paradise beaches. The best time of year to visit is from January to April as temps reach the upper 80’s, and it is considered to be the dry season.
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Easter Island – Chile
Recognizable by the stone statues or moai, Easter Island was made by three, now extinct, volcanoes whose lava intermingled to create the triangle shaped land mass. It is believed that the moai were created to honor ancestors and contain, for a short period of time, the spirits of those ancestors at the time of their passing. A trip to Easter Island brings a cultural experience that is steeped in ancient history. A great way to experience it is to take a full day tour of archaeological sites and ancient ruins. Alternatively, you can explore the land through a hike or on horseback and immerse yourself in the culture of the locals.
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Forest of Knives – Madagascar
Madagascar is home to many species of animals and plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, so it’s no surprise that it makes our list of exotic places. Located in northwest Madagascar, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site as of 1990, is where visitors can see the otherworldly landscape known as “Stone Forest” or the “Forest of Knives.” The needle-like limestone formations were shaped by groundwater, sculpting the landscape into its current form. Inside Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, trails of different difficulties await visitors. Among them, the Ranotsara Trail stands out as the most challenging, spanning a mere two miles but potentially taking up to 6 hours to traverse. This path includes a journey across a suspension bridge, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas along the way.
Learn more about Madagascar
We hope this inspires you to explore an exotic location and take in some spectacular sights. Is there another exotic location that comes to mind that you want to share with the team? Reach out to us at WinniWanderer@winni.com. Hearing from you will make our day!
By a Staff Contributor