Landscapes in Asia

Katamtok Waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Laos. The few meters the it's lacking in height compared to the Tat Fan (the highest waterfall in Laos), is redeemed by the unspoiled setting. It is almost hidden in the jungle and though a small sign on a tree gives it away, chances are that you will have it for yourself (at least until the road is sealed). Similar to Tat Fan, it plunges out of the jungle where the Bolaven Plateau breaks off and disappears 100 m or so below in more green stuff. Very nice, very low key, very Lao.

A 7.5 km long cave in the bottom of a gorgeous valley protected by steep limestone cliffs. At Ban Kong Lo, you can take a boat trip all the way through the cave to the other end (and back, of course) where it opens up into another valley. One section of the cave has a nice range of stalactites and stalagmites, where some are still growing. Unfortunately, the local tourists are having a hard time keeping their hands off the fragile formations. The rest of the cave is just one long tunnel that bends around big boulders that once have fallen from the ceiling high above. Sure it's a nice cave, but it is its extremely long length that makes it extraordinary.

Nam Ha Protected Area is not only covered by the jungle but also rivers, grassland, fields of dry rice, small villages on stilts for Nam Ha is inhabited by some of Laos' ethnic tribes. UNESCO is involved in developing ecotourism in Nam Ha, like trekking, river rafting and village stays, so travellers can visit this magnificent area and local communities can benefit from it. The area ranges from lowland to peaks over 2000 m and boasts an impressive range of roaming animals like Asian elephants, cloud leopards, leopards, and even tigers - but don't count on seeing any of these. Birds, on the other hand, are plenty and with a bit of luck (and a good guide) it should be possible to spot a few.

Bolaven is a plateau that rises to more than 1200 m and is home to the much praised and priced Lao coffee. Where the ground is flat, the plateau is covered in coffee plantations and ethnic villages, but elsewhere it is thick jungle that keeps going until it breaks off into the lowland. Highland rivers eventually find their way to the edge and plunge over the vertical drop into some impressive waterfalls. The highest of them all is the Tat Fan waterfall which drops more than 120 m into the jungle below that looks like something from Lost World. If the Thai tourists at the viewing area at the Tad Fane resort (sounds more posh than it actually is) spoil the experience, take the trail down for more adventurous viewpoints or hike some of the trails leading to the waterfall.

Tad Sae's cascading water is a great day trip from Luang Prabang. It doesn't have any tall waterfalls like Kuang Si Waterfall (also a day trip from Luang Prabang), instead the water pumps magically out of the forest, covering the jungle floor in the wet season with turquoise water that flows from one pool to the next a level below, before merging with Khan river. If elephants are your thing, you can get a ride on the back of one through the jungle and some of the lowest pools. However, if you don't want to share this natural wonderland with the other visitors, just climb a few pools further up and disappear into the jungle.

The limestone hills around the smal village of Bau are holed like a Swiss cheese. Most caves are hidden and should only be explored with proper caving equipment, but two caves are easily accessible, namely the Fairy Cave (picture) and the Wind Cave, about 6 km apart outside the village of Bau.
The Wind Cave (Gua Angin) has its fair share of stalagmites, stalactites, and pillars, but is particularly known for swiftlets and bats. A boardwalk runs the length of the cave, while a small river meanders at the bottom. A cool breeze blows, earning the name to the cave.
The Fairy Cave (Gua Kapor) is a totally different story. The cave entrance is 30 metres up, accessible through a flight of stairs in a concrete tower. The cave has been a place for prayer throughout times and there are several shrines in here. The cave is huge, a lot bigger than the Wind Cave, and though there are boardwalks here too (well, concrete stairs), you can go exploring the dark parts on your own. Just remember to bring a flashlight.

The cool highlands of the Peninsular Malaysia are adored for sprawling tea plantations, strawberry farms and misty forest. You can go picking your own strawberries or sipping tea from a terrace overlooking the rolling hills checked by vibrant green tea bushes. The jungle-covered slopes are traversed by walking trails, which pass waterfalls and bring you to the peaks of the surrounding mountains. Keep in mind though, that Cameron Highlands have been on the local tourist map for a long time and are now even in Starbucks territory, so things can get crowded in high season and on weekends. The many concrete hotels built in imitated colonial-chalet style only add to the tacky factor that locals seem so fond of. If you come at the right time (normally between October and January), there is even a chance to see a flowering Rafflesia (Rafflesia kerrii), the world's biggest flower.

Gomantong Caves appear to be the mother of all caves. With a ceiling 90 metres above head, and the millions of swiftlets and bats living in them, it is quite a spectacle. The main chamber is huge, and for further adventure, you can head to the upper chamber which involves some serious caving to see. There is an elevated walkway around the main chamber - a relief because it keeps you off the mountain of bat guano beneath. Bring a flashlight and a set of nerves if you don't like insects. The guano attracts cockroaches by tens of millions, along with long-legged centipedes, and many more creepy crawlies.

Jangkar Waterfall is a multi-level waterfall set in the dense jungle close to the Indonesian border. It's a true nature gem with big boulders, deep drops, and emerald green jungle pools to cool off in after the strenuous, and at times neckbreaking, climb up. There are apparently 23 levels, whereof level 1, 2 and 7 are the most spectacular. Getting to the top (and back) is an overnight adventure. Jangkar Waterfall is not easy to get to. First, you need to get to Kampong Jangkar, which is bit of a journey itself. There you can find a local guide who will lead you through people's gardens, small pepper and rubber fields, and lush jungle before you reach the bottom of the fall. If you have a motorbike - and you dare - you can do the first part of the trek towards the fall on wheels, which is stupid but lots of fun.

Big holes, tunnels and cave systems with the biggest known cave chamber (Sarawak Chamber) exist here in Mulu National Park. Some of the caves are show caves with boardwalks and artificial lights on the stalagmites and stalactites, but real caving trips are also possible to arrange with one of the national park's experienced guides. Seeing the Sarawak Chamber (600 m x 415 m x 80 m) is a very difficult and demanding expedition, so don't count on seeing it on your first trip underground. Overground, the jungle and its wildlife can be explored from canopy walks spanning between the tree tops. Don't forget to see the bat exodus at dusk, where millions of bats set out from the caves on their hunt for food. They just keep coming out and draw thick waves in the evening sky. An incredible sight not to be missed.