Such great heights: 15 jaw-dropping views you can only experience from above

Traveloka SG
08 May 2017 - 6 min read

1. Bagan, Myanmar

Plains of Bagan

Source: Shutterstock.com

The Plain of Temples in Bagan was once home to over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries. Presently, there are only around 2,200 temples and pagodas remaining in the Bagan Archaeological Zone. For the best view of the sprawling ancient city, visitors will often jump on a hot air balloon.

Best time to visit: Between November and February

2. Underwater Waterfall, Mauritius

Underwater Waterfall Mauritius

Source: Shutterstock.com

Located at the southwestern tip of Mauritius, the ‘underwater waterfall’ appears to break the laws of physics – the keyword here being “appears”.

When seen from above, a runoff of sand and silt deposits off the ocean shelf down to the depths below creates the illusion of a cascade of water below the ocean’s surface. So it’s actually an underwater ‘sandfall’. Pretty neat, don’t you think?

Best time to visit: Between May and December

3. Lysefjord, Norway

Lysefjord

Source: Shutterstock.com

For an awe-inspiring view of a Norwegian fjord in the summer, hike up to the famous Pulpit Rock (pictured above). The rock shelf extends some 30 meters from the mountain and sits just over 600 meters above Lysefjord, offering a majestic panorama for miles around.

Best time to visit: Between June and August

4. Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia

Source: Shutterstock.com

Almost all visitors will agree that the best way to see this whimsical landscape filled with unusual rock formations is by catching a hot air balloon in time to see the sunrise. As the sun’s rays gradually spread across the vast valley, you’ll think you’ve landed on another planet altogether.

Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November)

5. White Horses of Wiltshire, England

Westbury White Horse

Paraglider flying near Westbury White Horse in Wiltshire County, United Kingdom. Source: Richard Sheppard / Shutterstock.com

Scattered across the rolling hills of Wiltshire county in southwest England, you’ll spot several large white horses carved into the hillside. The oldest among them is the Westbury White Horse (pictured above), located on Westbury Hill, Bratton Down. It’s believed to have been made in 1778.

Best time to visit: Between April and October

6. Great Blue Hole, Belize

Great Blue Hole Belize

Source: Shutterstock.com

If you’re into scuba diving, then the Great Blue Hole off the coast of Belize must be on your bucket list.

The giant underwater sinkhole lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, and its turquoise blue waters is home to a variety of marine life, such as the Midnight Parrotfish and the Caribbean reef shark.

Best time to visit: Between April and June

7. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia

Victoria Falls

Source: Shutterstock.com

Set at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is the world’s largest sheet of falling water, spanning more than a kilometer with a height of over 100 meters. At the height of the rainy season, the Zambezi River’s water levels will swell, creating a spectacular rush over the precipice.

Best time to visit: Between December and March

8. Salzkammergut, Austria

Salzkammergut

Aerial view from Schafberg peak. Source: Shutterstock.com

Do you remember that iconic scene in ‘The Sound of Music’ where Maria (played by the incomparable Julie Andrews) sang on the hilltop, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Austria’s lush valleys and rugged peaks?

It was actually filmed right here in Salzkammergut. Ride the Schafberg Mountain Railway from St. Wolfgang to get an unforgettable view of the lake region from the summit.

Best time to visit: July or September

9. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay

Aerial view of floating villages around Cat Ba island, the largest of the 366 islands which make up the southeastern edge of Ha Long Bay. Source: Jimmy Tran / Shutterstock.com

Ha Long Bay’s striking limestone karsts, spread out across jade green waters, is one of Vietnam’s most recognized sights. Its name means "Bay of Descending Dragons" –according to local legend, the godssent dragons down to Earthto helpthe Vietnamese defend againstChinese invaders. Afterwards, the dragons decided to remainand the place where the mother dragon descended is now known as Ha Long.

Hitch a ride on a seaplane to get a bird’s-eye view of remote fishing villages and islands.

Best time to visit: Spring (March, April) and Fall (September, October)

10. Horseshoe Bend, USA

Horseshoe Bend

Source: Shutterstock.com

Horseshoe Bend is a distinctive horseshoe-shaped corner of the Colorado River that has become a popular tourist stop, thanks to its unparalleled view overlooking Glen Canyon.

The hike up to Horseshoe Bend Outlook is an easy one, but the reward is immeasurable, as you try to wrap your head around the millions of years it took to create the remarkable landmark. Visitors will often flock there in the late afternoon to catch the sunset.

Best time to visit: All year around

11. Zhangye Danxia Landform, China

Zhangye Danxia Landform

Source: Shutterstock.com

Candyland is real, guys – and it’s in China! Just kidding…The Zhangye Danxia Landform may be candy-colored, but unfortunately, it doesn’t taste like candy.

Its slopes are a unique kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, and oranges, which can be viewed from four platforms spread out across the park.

Best time to visit: Between June and September

12. Spoorbuurt tulip fields, Holland

Spoorbuurt tulip fields

Source: Shutterstock.com

Holland is best known for its vibrant tulip season in the spring, but to get a different view of its tulip fields, you’ll need to get high – up in the sky, we mean. Below, you’ll see multicolored strips of blooms cutting striking designs into the Dutch countryside.

Best time to visit: Mid-April

13. Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Mount Bromo

Source: Shutterstock.com

Located about a four-hour drive away from Surabaya, Mount Bromo is popular among avid hikers. From a viewpoint on the nearby Mount Penanjakan, visitors come from around the world to see the sunrise peeking up from behind the volcano. The mountain itself is steeped in local legends and myths.

Best time to visit: Between May and August

14. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

Aerial panorama of Christ the Redeemer statue withSugarloaf Mountain in the distance, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Source: marchello74 / Shutterstock.com

Famous for its sun-drenched beaches and pulsating samba music, Brazil’s lively city of Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit. Its most recognized landmark, the Christ the Redeemer statue perched atop Corcovado mountain, offers an amazing view of the city that you can’t miss.

Best time to visit: Between December and March

15. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Heart Reef, Great Barrier Reef

Source: Shutterstock.com

After you’ve dived into the ocean and explored the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater wonders, see the world’s largest coral reef from above, where you can truly appreciate its sheer expanse.

The Heart Reef (pictured above) can only be seen from an aerial view and is a mere 17 meters in diameter.

Best time to visit: Between June and November
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