For those who enjoy being outside and exploring nature, Asia is the perfect place to take a vacation or go backpacking. There really is something for everyone, and with so many sights to be seen, recreational hobbies are a popular activity for tourists and those who live here. Here we look at four of the top recreational hobbies for your trip to Asia.
Diving
With beautiful beaches and secret caves hidden all over Asia, it is no wonder diving is one of the top recreational hobbies here. One of the most sought-after diving destinations is the Maldives. Situated in the South, the Maldives is a small nation in the Arabian Sea. For those who have the cash to go here, it truly is a diver’s paradise. With luxurious hotels and beaches, you can choose to dive in many stunning areas. The Maldives also offers snorkeling options for divers who want to have a go at another water hobby.
Although the Maldives is a fantastic destination, for many it can be out of their price zone. Luckily, Asia still has many other diving destinations including the Philippines. Palawan is known for wreck-diving – great for those who want to experience a totally new and immersive undersea adventure. Diving through sunken ships dating back to WWII and seeing how marine life has taken them for their home is truly a sight that you will never forget.
Hiking and Climbing
If you want a scenic stroll or you are ready for some serious hiking, there are plenty of places to explore in Asia. One of the most obvious destinations for walkers and hikers is the Great Wall of China. Being one of the Seven Wonders of the World, you will be missing out if you don’t take some time to discover this iconic treasure at least once in your lifetime.
Other than the wall, there are rock climbing destinations all over Asia with some of the most popular including Annapurna, Kathmandu, Namche Bazar, and Pisang. For those who are experienced in climbing and hiking, these destinations offer stunning views and excellent climbs. You can choose to discover many of these destinations alone, or there are guided tours for those who prefer sticking with a group.
Kayaking
Kayaking in Asia has been one of the most popular recreational hobbies for thousands of years. Such a simple way to get around, for anyone that can swim, kayaking is an adventure of a lifetime. Being in a kayak allows you to reach places you simply cannot in a large boat and discover hidden gems. Vietnam attracts thousands of kayakers each year and is known for its stunning limestone cliffs and bright waters.
The islands in Indonesia also offer many amazing kayaking experiences. Java Island is a fantastic destination that can offer other water sports too, such as surfing and swimming. One of the biggest crazes at the moment is to go kayak fishing, as kayaks allow you to explore more of the water. If you fancy giving this a go in Asia or at home, you will need a good fishing kayak.
Cycling
Japan is an excellent destination for cyclists, and getting around Japan on a bicycle is perhaps the cheapest way to travel. While it may sound daunting to cycle here, once you leave the big city, there are plenty of open roads to discover. There are now cycling tours in Japan, meaning you can discover Mount Fuji and many other sights on a bicycle.
China is home to Silk Road, another public cycling destination. This can be a tough cycle, and therefore not one recommended for those new to cycling. However, for experienced cyclists looking for a new adventure, Silk Road will provide a challenge. Cambodia has many temples which are easily traveled to via bicycle, including Preah Ko and Baksei Chamkrong. You can find bicycles to hire for as little as a few dollars each day, making cycling the most eco-friendly and cheapest way to explore many parts of Asia.
Asia offers plenty of opportunities to get outside and closer to nature, no matter your fitness level or age. Whether you want to do something new and exciting or continue your hobby in new surroundings, Asia has you covered.