Timeless Destinations

Written by Genevieve Jeffrey & Archana Achamangalam

These places don't get boring or old, they just become antique and rustic. The beauty of these places grow over time and as they go down in history, they become more and more gorgeous. Have a look at some of the places our HOOKED journalists have suggested to be the timeless destinations. Juara Beach, Tioman, Malaysia          If clear blue waters and soft powdery sands are your idea of the perfect getaway, then pack your bags for I've got the perfect place.         No, it's not going to be another Bali, where you barely have the space to stretch your legs with the throngs of travelers jostling for a little space on the beach.         And neither will there be shopping centres or Sushi bar just around the corner. If you genuinely want to escape to a place where beauty of the beach, and not modern amenities, is the sole attraction, then Juara beach is the place to head to.         Located in Tioman, in the archipelago on the east coast of Malaysia, it is just a stone's throw away from sunny Singapore!         Besides the beautiful, secluded beach, travelers can also explore the Juara village inhabited by around 500 very friendly and hospitable people. For around S$40, you can take an hourly ferry from Mersing Jetty and reach this paradise in around one and a half hours! A small price to pay to experience a beach that time seems to have left untouched! Bhutan         Also known as the land of the thunder dragon, if there were any country that is truly timeless and transports the visitor to a different bygone era, it would have to be Bhutan.         This year, Bhutan's fifth king will be crowned at the grand age of 27. With such a young king and a transition to a democracy from being ruled by a monarchy for all these years, change is imminent.         Yet the timelessness is still preserved and cherished by the beautiful people of this country, for whom spirituality is foremost. From Uma Paro to the capital called Thimpu to Gangtey, this country is steeped in tradition and culture ripe for the traveler thirsty for places to explore.         Be transfixed by the beauty, especially the view of the Himalayan Mountains from Dochu Lu, a high pass from which a spectacular view is presented.         The simplicity, humility and happiness of the people here is truly inspiring and revives the soul, especially when they so warmly invite the travelers into their lives, explaining their traditions and allowing them to partake in traditions like the tying of prayer flags.         Bird watching is another possible attraction in Bhutan, since around 70% of its forests are preserved. Anytime of the year is perfect for visiting this timeless beauty, since festivals are scheduled throughout the year, which travelers can partake in and enjoy.         For example, in the month of February, it is hosting the Punakha Festival and Black Necked Cranes Tour, a most revered bird in the country. The National Geographic aptly summarizes the essence of Bhutan by describing it as a place, "scarcely touched by the modern age." Hampi, India         Of the many places in India, why did I choose Hampi?         The intricate architecture, awesome stories of Indian princes and princesses, and of course, the timelessness of the place, more than explain itself.         Located 13 kilometers away from Hospet, Karnataka, India, the ruins of the former capital of the Vijayanagar empire are spread about 28 square kilometers, and are now being cared for by the Archeological Survey of India.         When you hop on the "Hampi Express" from Bangalore and reach Hampi, make sure you don't miss the Virupaksha Temple whose entrance gopuram is 160 feet high (and of course, filled with carvings).         The musical pillars - yes, the pillars were used as musical instruments at that time - supporting the roof of the main temple, are supported by another pillar representing a musical instrument, and are constructed as 7 minor pillars arranged around a main pillar.         These 7 pillars, when struck, emanate the 7 notes from the representative instrument, varying in sound quality based on whether it represents a wind, string or percussion instrument. The music performed from these during the festivals is audible up to almost 10 kilometers diameter of the temple.         These pillars are still functional. This is another example of the technological and architectural expertise that people of Hampi had at that time.         We can also see the influence of the Muslim architecture at the lotus mahal and the elephant stables. The temple tank is another marvel. Glendalough and The Mourne Mountains, Ireland         The Glen Of Two Lakes (Glendalough) is a 6th century village situated in county Wicklow at Ireland.         The beautiful village, which has the monastery of St. Kevin, is a breath taking piece by Mother Nature with the lake and the valley. It is the perfect place for people who are looking for an adventure cum romantic getaway. The granite cliffs have been a very popular rock climbing spot added to the wonderful weather and the scenic beauty.         Glendalough is a place frozen in time.         'Where the Mountains - o' Mourne sweep down to the sea.' - Percy French         Tucked away in the south east corner of Ireland are 12 summits rising 2000 ft above ground - The Mourne Mountains.         The barren peak of Slieve Donard, climbing steeply to 2 796 ft, dominates the mysterious blue distance of the landscape. The attractions include silent valley, murlough bay (which has archeological ruins and ancient dunes preserved from 14th century) and several forest parks, which are just an hour away from Belfast. Suzhou, China         China is a huge country with a lot to see, and if you are looking for a rustic, romantic travel destination in China, the place to go is Suzhou.         Imagine Venice, Italy being plopped down in China and you have Suzhou. The city is rife with canals and roughly fifty percent of it is underwater. Once considered the capital of the Silk Road out of China, the city is over 25 000 years old.         Perched on the edge of a lake, it is simply spectacular and undoubtedly one of the most romantic areas in Asia. Just 45 minutes from Shanghai, Suzhou is filled with a rich history and together with its unadulterated picturesque scenery, make it a timeless spot. Hooked Pictures courtesy of Google Images Comments Write Comment Name: Guest Title: Comment:

 

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