My Travel Wish List - Asia Edition

First Published: April 25, 2018

I published my first birthday travel wish list last 2014. In that wish list, I listed down 15 places in the Philippines that I really would love to visit. To date, I only managed to visit 5 1/2 of the 15 places that I wrote about. This year, I'm creating a new batch of 15 new places that I would love to visit not only in the Philippines but in Eastern Asia. 

Unlike my previous travel wish list article, I'm including personal conditions that I should meet so that I can say for myself that I really "experienced" and visited the place.

15. Hong Kong / Macau, China - These two places are two of the most visited places by Filipinos due to their accessibility and usual cheap airfares. Hong Kong and Macau offer a wide variety of entertainment for their multinational visitors. I'm including these on my list because I always feel left out when I see friends visiting either place for the Nth time. So I think it's high time for me to see for myself what these places have to offer. (Condition: I should visit either the Ruins of St. Paul or Hong Kong Disneyland)

14. Malacca City / Penang Island, Malaysia - These two places are the center of culture and food in Malaysia. Malacca City is dubbed as "The Historic State" of Malaysia while Penang is known as the "Silicon Valley of the East" for its industries.  Despite being very far from each other, these two are tied in my wish list as both offer a chance for a great walking and culinary tour. (Condition: I should visit the Stadthuys in Malacca; I should visit Penang Hill in Penang)

13. Bangkok temples, Thailand - At present, Thailand has more than 40,000 temples. Its capital, Bangkok, is home to several of the most beautiful temples in the country. As a lover of historical places, Bangkok is always going to be on my list. (Condition: I should visit at least three temples in Bangkok)

12. Taipei / Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan - It was such great news for Filipinos when Taiwan announced that it is removing its Visa requirements for Filipinos. Taiwan is known for its tea products, clean cities, and beautiful scenery. It would be a shame if I won't jump on the bandwagon. I have always been fascinated with Taiwan after a co-teacher gave me a travel brochure of Sun Moon Lake. (Condition: I should visit either Taipei 101 or Sun Moon Lake)

11. Bali, Indonesia - Probably the most famous tourist destination in Indonesia right now, Bali never fails to amaze and captivate me. From its numerous temples to its picturesque beaches, Bali has been a part of almost every travel wish list. (Condition: I should visit at least three temples or any of its beach destinations)

10. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam - This place is one of the most famous places to visit in Vietnam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A visit to Northern Vietnam won't be complete without seeing this amazing wonder. (Condition: I should ride a traditional Vietnamese boat to tour the bay)

9. Angkor Watt Ruins, Siem Reap, Cambodia - This place is the most photographed place in Cambodia. A search about Cambodia's tourist spot won't be complete without this place. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. (Condition: I should take a selfie with the majestic ruins as my backdrop)

8. Bantayan Island, Cebu - I have been to Cebu only once to attend a wedding ceremony. Cebu is known for its numerous historical places, unique delicacies, and picturesque places. One of the most beautiful of these places is Bantayan Island. Prepare to be amazed by its white sand beach and clear turquoise waters. (Condition, I should visit and take pictures of Bantayan Island)

7. Phuket Island, Thailand - Thailand is famous for its culture and of course its beautiful islands. Phuket Island is one of the most famous of these. The island is known for its clear blue waters and fine sand beaches, most of which are found on its western shores. (Condition:  should visit at least one of Phuket's famous beaches)

6. Arashiyama / UNESCO World Heritage Temples, Kyoto, Japan - Kyoto was Japan's old capital. Surprisingly, despite the fast modernization of the world, Kyoto's historic and natural wonders are still largely preserved. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Temples and other famed tourist districts. One of these is the district of Arashiyama. I think it is safe to say that Kyoto Prefecture is a paradise for history lovers. (Condition, I should visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto) ACCOMPLISHED (May 21, 2018) REVISITED (Dec. 20, 2019)

5. Jeju Island, South Korea - South Korea has been a dream destination for Filipinos due to the popularity of its singers, shows, and stars. However, the strict Visa requirements of the country deny most Filipinos of that dream visit. There is one place in Korea that's Visa-free though, Jeju Island is known as a holiday destination. It is also a top honeymoon destination. Aside from that, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Condition: I should be able to see and visit Sunrise Peak and Jeju Loveland)

4.  Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie, China - If you're a fan of the Avatar movie, then this place would remind you of the planet Pandora. Wulingyuan is a scenic and historical site in south-central China's Hunan Province. It is known for its quartzite sandstone pillars, ravines, waterfalls, and gorges. This place was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. (Condition: I should visit the Wulingyuan National Park)

3. Shirakawa-go/ Gokayama, Japan - These places are famously known for their gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These traditional farmhouses have a unique architectural style. Many of these houses are said to be more than 300 years old. The villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (Condition: I should have my photo taken with one of the gassho zukuri farmhouses in either Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture or Gokayama in Fukuoka Prefecture) ACCOMPLISHED (May 31, 2018)

2. Great Wall of China, China - Some would say that this place is overrated but hey it has always been my childhood dream to see the Great Wall personally. For those who do not know, the wall is 8851.8 kilometers long. (Condition: I should personally see and step foot on any part of the Great Wall)

1. Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan - After watching the Filipino film Kita Kita, Sapporo has become my newest dream destination. My wife and I had this habit of visiting places shown in films hence we will not let this one pass. Lastly, nothing beats sipping Sapporo in Sapporo! (Condition: I should visit at least 3 tourist destinations in Sapporo and I should drink a can of Sapporo)

Since 2020, I manage to visit 2 of the 15 listed here.

Do you have any suggestions for places in Asia that I should visit once I complete this list?

What are your experiences in those places? I would love to hear from you drop your suggestions in the comment section below. Thanks, guys!