Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle

This is a family pottery business where you can find the oldest "dragon kiln" in Singapore. Built in 1940, the kiln is 36 metres long, two metres wide and can hold up to 5,000 ceramic pieces inside. It also has a labyrinth of rooms that house hundreds of beautiful, brightly coloured ceramics.

Kranji Marshes

Kranji Marshes is a unique freshwater marshland that’s home to an incredible range of biodiversity comprising all sorts of wildlife, reptiles, amphibians and plants.

The Marshes have also become a favourite spot among birdwatchers who come to catch a glimpse of the over 170 species of birds living here. If you prefer a bird’s eye view, the 10.65m tall Raptor Tower offers a beautiful one as well.

Kebun Baru Bird-Singing Club

Located at the foot of a hill at Ang Mo Kio Garden West, the Kebun Baru Bird-Singing Club is a place that looks as beautiful as it sounds. As early as 6am every morning, birds are hoisted up 20-foot poles. At its peak, the arena can accommodate more than 1000 cages at a time, creating a spectacular view.

Here, you’ll also find many senior citizens who spend their time socializing or just enjoying nature’s music at the club, which is their well-kept secret.

Puerta Real Gardens

Surrounded by 18th century stone walls, the Puerta Real Gardens was a royal garden used exclusively by the Governor General for state occasions during the Spanish colonial era when their version of an HD photograph was a fine oil painting.

The well-maintained garden even retained its drawbridges and intricate walkways from the past making it look like a castle out of a fairytale. Surrounded by tropical plants, flowers and coconut palms, you will truly feel like a royalty while taking a walk in the garden.

Bahay Nakpil-Bautista

Bahay Nakpil-Bautista is a 100-year-old house named after its famous residents, Dr. Ariston Bautista, who built this house with his wife Petrona Nakpil. The house is built in an architecture style rarely found in Manila with Viennse Secesssion influences seen in its clean lines, symmetry, geometry, and hardwood.

It’s now a museum to showcase paintings and furniture from the Katipunan revolutionary society, which was founded to help The Philippines achieve independence.

Manila Central Post Office

The Manila Central Post Office is a grand reminder of Old Manila. Few people visit this majestic building which was originally built along the Pasig River for easy water transportation of mail. The post office was rebuilt in the same neoclassical style after World War II and today stands as a a riverside reminder of Manila’s grand old days.

Arthayasa stable

The Arthayasa stable was established in 1992 as a private horse riding facility.

Over the years, it’s been developed into one of the best horseback riding facilities in Southeast Asia. However, located in the outskirts of South Jakarta, in Limo-Cinere, it’s not well known to members of the public in Jakarta. There’s a cafe on the premises, so even if one doesn’t ride, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy a meal away from the urban hustle and bustle while watching these beautiful horses in action.

Kampung 99 Pepohonan

This place is like the lost village, as far away from Jakarta’s city center as one can get. Almost all the buildings are made from wood and it’s untouched by urbanisation, so the air is fresh and natural. There’s lodging for the adventurous traveller who prefers to wander off the beaten path and experience life outside of their comfort zone.

Taman Wisata Alam Mangrove Angke Kapuk

This is the second mangrove swamp built to protect the city from the sea. It’s lush greenery makes it a cool respite from Jakarta’s humid weather. You can also stay overnight in the on-site tent-houses to rest and relax away from bustling urban life.

For just a small fee, you can also plant a mangrove in the swamp and name it after anything you’d like. It’s a nice way to leave a personal mark without disturbing nature.

Phu An Bamboo Village

Located in Binh Duong province, 35km north of the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, is the Phu An Bamboo Village. It is a stunning sight to behold with lush bamboo clusters made up of over 130 bamboo species. You can also explore the hidden village inside the forest and the creative ways they use this sustainable resource to make a living.

Thanh Da Island

Just 8 kilometres from Saigon District 1, you will find a charming island within Saigon- Thanh Da Island. Dotted with lush gardens, rice paddies, rural market gardens and cosy family-run restaurants, this little oasis is largely untouched by the rapid urbanisation of the city.

You may even make a friend of the geese, chickens and pigs wandering about the island as you explore the winding paths.

Civil House No. 107A/4, Hamlet 1, An Phu Tay

In modern day Saigon, there are only a few houses like this one in An Phu Tay left as the city rapidly modernises itself.

First built in 1895 and completed in 1900, this house is considered an ancient monument, filled with antiques and intricate woodwork from a time that even our grandparents wouldn’t remember. You can also see an authentic traditional Buddhist altar where multiple generations of family members come together to pay respect to their ancestors once a year.