Although pockets of nature still exist within urban environments, many have gradually made way for development. This makes untouched and unspoiled natural destinations even more valued. These places can be found across the globe - near and far, famous and hidden, large and small. They are known for fresh air, sunlight, and gentle winds, offering a sense of calm and grounding.
While some destinations have introduced modern facilities for visitor convenience, their natural charm remains intact. Experiencing nature is not only about scenery, but also about movement and immersion-whether through cable car rides, boat cruises, train journeys, snorkelling, diving, or simple walks through open landscapes (TOP BEACHES WORLDWIDE).
There is no fixed way or duration to experience nature. It may be a few hours, a full day, or longer. Ultimately, nature travel is about slowing down, stepping away from the rush of daily life, and reconnecting with a simpler rhythm of being.
Desa
Dairy Farm
Sabah,
the “Land Below the Wind,” is still regarded as one of Malaysia’s top nature
destinations, a stronghold of natural beauty preserved through time. Beyond its
beaches and untouched jungles, Desa Dairy Farm has carved out its own place on
the map.
Located
in Kundasang, Sabah, at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, it is often referred
to as the “Little New Zealand of Malaysia.” The name immediately makes sense
upon arrival.
Wide
green pastures, a cool highland climate, and freely grazing cattle create an
open, refreshing landscape. The area is often lively, with both locals and
tourists visiting daily. The mountain backdrop, including views of Mount
Kinabalu, adds a dramatic natural frame to the entire setting.
Desa
Dairy Farm is one of the few large-scale dairy farms in Malaysia and plays an
important role in local milk production, supplying fresh dairy products across
Sabah and other parts of the country.
Holstein
Friesian cattle are raised in open grazing fields, while younger calves and
other cattle are kept in designated indoor areas. The farm also offers an
educational glimpse into dairy production, including the milking process.
No
visit feels complete without trying the fresh milk, yogurt, or the popular ice
cream sold at the café, which often has a steady queue throughout the day.
Desa Dairy Farm stands as one of Sabah’s signature nature-agricultural destinations, staying true to the spirit of the “Land Below the Wind.”
Table
Mountain - South Africa
No
trip to South Africa feels complete without visiting Table Mountain. Whether
for nature lovers or casual travellers, it remains one of the country’s
must-visit attractions and is commonly included in most tour itineraries.
Visits are usually allocated about half a day, although schedules can change
depending on the weather conditions. On rainy, misty, or excessively windy
days, access may be halted for safety purposes, including temporary suspension
of the cable car services (THINGS TO DO IN PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA).
Located
in Cape Town, Table Mountain is one of the world’s most recognisable natural
landmarks. Forming part of the Table Mountain National Park, it overlooks the
city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding coastal landscapes. The mountain
attracts crowds throughout the year, including many locals from different parts
of South Africa.
The
experience often begins with the cable car ride, where the surrounding
landscape gradually unfolds during the ascent. From above, the views of the
natural terrain, coastline, and mountain ranges are breathtaking even before
reaching the summit. Once at the top, the atmosphere becomes slower and more
relaxed, with people walking around the plateau, stopping at viewpoints, and
taking photographs at scenic spots along the edges.
Geologically, Table Mountain is estimated to be around 260 to 600 million years old, making it one of the oldest mountains in the world. The name “Table Mountain” comes from its distinct flat-topped appearance, resembling a table, especially when clouds roll across the summit like a tablecloth.
Rising about 1,085 metres
above sea level, it has long become a symbol of Cape Town. The mountain also
forms part of the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for
its exceptional biodiversity and unique plant species.
Table Mountain is best experienced at a slow and unhurried pace. Walking loops across the plateau allow different viewpoints to be explored while admiring the scenery from above. Cafés at the summit provide places to rest and for light refreshments overlooking the landscape.
For those wanting something more adventurous, hiking remains a popular activity, with routes such as Platteklip Gorge and Skeleton Gorge attracting those looking for a more physically engaging experience.
Ha
Long Bay - Vietnam
While
Vietnam is widely known for its historical attractions and its blend of
old-world charm and modern development, Ha Long Bay stands apart for its
untouched natural scenery. It is world-famous and one of the country’s most
visited destinations. It is located in northern Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province
and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ha Long Bay is recognised for its
outstanding natural beauty and geological significance.
A
trip to Ha Long Bay can begin with arriving a day earlier and staying nearby.
Early mornings are considered one of the best times to be on the water. The
cool mist and gentle breeze add a quiet sense of atmosphere.
The
bay is best discovered by boat. Both modern cruise vessels and traditional
wooden junk boats are available. Modern boats provide comfort and safety. The
wooden junk boats, however, retain a more cultural and traditional Vietnamese character.
Cruise
durations vary. Options range from half-day trips to full-day journeys and
overnight stays. The half-day route is the most common. It usually includes a
Vietnamese lunch, featuring fresh seafood from the surrounding waters. Longer
routes may include stops for kayaking, allowing a more active way to move
through the limestone landscape.
As
the boat leaves the pier, the focus shifts to the limestone cliffs, hidden
caves, floating fishing villages, and quiet lagoons. The bay is defined by
nearly 2,000 limestone islands and karst formations rising from emerald-green
waters. These formations were shaped over millions of years through erosion and
weathering.
The
name “Ha Long” translates to “descending dragon.” It is inspired by a local
legend in which dragons were sent to protect the region. Their movements are
said to have shaped the islands and valleys.
Caves
such as Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) are also part of the journey. They feature
large chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of
years.
Ha Long Bay stands in its own quiet rhythm. Nature speaks differently to each person who passes through it.
Pamukkale
- Turkey
Arriving
at Pamukkale, located in southwestern Turkey within Denizli Province, about 20
kilometres from the city of Denizli, the landscape appears almost entirely
white from a distance. Walking further in, the atmosphere gradually opens up
into a natural hillside where thermal spring water flows down from the upper
slopes.
Looking like a giant layered staircase, these are the natural travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich hot spring waters flowing continuously down the mountain.
These
waters contain high levels of calcium carbonate. Over time, the minerals slowly
harden and build up, creating the bright white step-like formations that
resemble frozen waterfalls. It is common to see people placing their feet into
the shallow pools, while others sit quietly in the warm waters.
The
area is explored at a slow and relaxed pace. Some come simply to admire the
scenery, while others touch and feel the flowing thermal waters. The warm water
moves gently across the surface, forming shallow pools that reflect the sky and
surrounding landscape. The combination of flowing thermal water and mineral
deposits gives Pamukkale its distinct white appearance and layered texture.
Often regarded as a must-try experience in Turkey, the hot springs remain active today, with warm mineral water still flowing through the terraces. While not as internationally known as the hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, balloon rides are also available in Pamukkale, offering aerial views of the white travertine terraces and surrounding landscape.
Fjord - Norway
Heading to Norway is often associated with its vast
natural surroundings. Nature here consists of mountains, slopes, hills, lakes,
and rich flora and fauna, apart from its world-known fresh catch salmon. Part
of discovering nature in Norway is the fjords, among the country’s most
breathtaking natural landscapes.
The fjords of Norway are not a single destination,
but a long network of sea inlets stretching across the western coastline. The
region extends through areas such as Bergen, Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord, and
further north toward Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. Some fjords stretch over
100 to 200 kilometres inland, carved deeply into the mountains over millions of
years by glacial movement.
Together, they form one of the longest and most
dramatic coastal landscapes in the world, where sea, cliffs, and valleys merge
into a continuous natural system.
The fjords can be admired with stops in between at
small towns, through overnight stays, or by long scenic drives, depending on
how the journey is planned. The road journey may include narrow winding
mountain slopes, gradually opening up to breathtaking views from higher
elevations. Deep blue waters, misty peaks, and untouched surroundings define
much of the landscape.
Cruising is also part of the fjord journey. Some
cruises depart from Bergen, widely known as the gateway to the fjords. Shorter
cruises are also available from departure points such as Flåm and Geiranger,
depending on the selected fjord route.
Whether by road journey or cruise, the experience
is about sitting back and admiring the scenery as one landscape slowly
disappears behind while another unfolds ahead.
Among the most well-known fjords are Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding natural beauty. Activities such as kayaking, hiking, and scenic train journeys are also part of the overall fjord experience.
