Italy [PART 2]

We've come again to the same country that we have featured previously. It's because we do have more source for the country, obviously..

It's always difficult to decide when planning where to go in Italy. Dozens of possibilities can expand your experience in this country that has dazzling atmosphere. But if you already to have visited the most popular cities for tourists, like Rome, Venice, and Florence, there's still a whole country of beautiful sights.

There are entire regions that are off radar of Asian foreign tourists, yet full of Italians exploring their own country. We called it: Italy, beyond the obvious.
With that in mind, we recommend below are the road less traveled destinations, yet have fewer Asian foreign travelers.

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

St. Johann Church, Funes town, South Tyrol province, Dolomites mountain range, Trentino-Alto Adige region

France [PART 1]

Who doesn't know the majestic Eiffel Tower? The amazing Arc de Triomphe? The beautiful and vibrant beaches of Nice? Or the urban energy city of Paris? Well, this romantic country always entered in the must visit place before you die!

France is full of gorgeous, unique, interesting historical art style of architecture for its cities to explore. Although more tourists visit Paris than any other place in the world, there are many stunning places in this country that are more off the beaten path that not many foreigners recognize their names and locations.

Check out a few French spots that you may not have heard before in the photos below.

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Senanque Abbey, Gordes village, Apt arrondissement, Vaucluse departement, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region

Morocco [PART 1]

One of the most popular countries for tourist destinations in northern Africa. This Islamic and a bit Spanish style country became widely-recognized internationally since it often became the main settings in some international movies throughout years.

Anyway, what comes to your mind if we say Morocco's tourism?
We bet most of you will think Sahara desert, mounting camel, or bustling market of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in Marrakech.
But have you ever thought (even a glimpse) this country also has a snow city?
Even it dubbed as the Switzerland of Morocco!

Of course you can find the name and location of that city in this post. So enjoy some photos of off-beaten travel destinations in Morocco!

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Scarabeo Camp, Agafay Desert, Amizmiz, Marrakesh-Safi Region

South Korea [PART 1]

In recent years, South Korea has become one of the leading technology industry countries in the world. The simple example is by looking the major development of the multinational company, Samsung. Extremely vast and fast innovation, even overtop its neighboring country rivals.

Yes, Toshiba and Sony are now heading toward into the unclear future if they don't create or produce new innovations to beat their opponents from South Korea.

On other hand, South Korea is also enjoying the flowing funds from the fanatic of K-pop across the world. Government is willingly poured big sum of money to subsidize its pop culture in order to gain more profit from it. So that's why there are always newborn Korean girl/boybands in just a week.

They also often held a free concert in random cities, which surely packed with fans, both locals and foreigners. Of course subsidized by the government.

Another story anyway, this country also has so many beautiful spots which may major medias never covered before. So here are some off-beaten travel destinations in South Korea which may you never heard before.

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Taepyeong Yeomsaeng Botanical Garden, Jeungdong-ri, Jeungdo-myon, Sinan-gun (Sinan County), Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province), Honam Region

Italy [PART 1]

An European country which widely-known for the one of the greatest empire on Earth, and also the center world of Catholic. Yes, I'm fully recognize of that, because Vatican is still inside Italy's land. 

Once said, you have to visit Italy once in your lifetime. If some countries around equator line boast natural attractions, so it may differs with some countries in southern Europe, like Italy. You can see its charm by visiting some cities in the state. Characteristic of vintage flair can be seen from the architectures around the city.

You must be know Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples, Pisa. While they are very worth to visit, there are also another cities which you can't miss out if you are very fond of local experience. Here are the photo list of the destinations where you can find another Italian grandeur.

I said, it's a heaven for landscape photographers!

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Manarola Town, Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, La Spezia Province, Liguria Region

Hong Kong [PART 1]

Hong Kong (HK) widely-known for its film industry. In recent decades, it was able to produce some great movies which could compete with the Hollywood's in quality. You don't say, the notorious trilogy of Infernal Affairs, or Ip Man movie franchises which revived the traditional Chinese martial art (Kung fu) in pop culture.
Not surprise if HK has become one of the leading countries in film industry, just behind Hollywood and Bollywood.

In tourism, this Cantonese language country is also famous among world travelers. Vibrant city with dozens of high-rises and exuberant colourful lightings adorn the city skyline every night. You can taste the outstanding Cantonese delicacy, you can get lost amid the traffic or in narrow alley market, or you can get lost in the big Chek Lap Kok Airport, HK always full of surprise in every corner.

And here is the AntiMainstream Travel post about HK!
Nope, you will not find Avenue of Stars, Disneyland, or the Ocean park. This post will be featured another part of HK which we can say the natural side of the land.

Some might be only known by locals, or at least just a few foreigners who ever visit these places.

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Tai O Natural Infinity Pool/Man Cheung Po's Infinity Pool, Tai O, Lantau Island

Indonesia: Borneo (Kalimantan) [PART 2]

One of the biggest islands in the planet which is worldly-known for its extremely lush and vast of primeval forest. The island also shares all 3 country lands at the same time: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. But only one country has the largest territory for itself. It's Indonesia.

With 5 provinces in its territory, the heart of Borneo boasts biodiverse rainforest and home to wildlife including orangutans, sun bears, civets, fruit bats, etc. Also the homeland to the hill and forest-dwelling ethnic minority of Dayak people.

Most of foreigners only know Kalimantan (Borneo) as a rainforest or the orangutans. But actually it has more if we have much time to explore further. If you don't have much time to go travel around due to your work in office, so why don't spend your leisure time as voyeurs. LOL

Just sit tight, bro & sis.. you can witness the amazing world with your ass sticking to your chair/floor. So here are some photos of the off-beaten path travel destinations in Indonesian Borneo:

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Jellyfish of Kakaban Lagoon, Kakaban Island, Derawan Islands, Berau Regency, East Borneo

Philippines [PART 1]

What you expect more from pristine beaches and vast green terraces?
All those enchanted natural scenery can be found in an archipelago country in Southeast Asia Region. It's Indonesia! Well, but it is not the time for that country to be featured. Because it is time for Philippines!!!

This former of Spanish colony country sure has abundant of natural attractions. That's why there are so many westerners spend their holiday to travel around Philippines. Or... they just get jealous to Pinoy for having such a country? Hell no obviously..

So here are some photos from the off-beaten travel destinations in Filipino land.
Enjoy and MABUHAY!!

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Tinago Falls, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte Province, Northern Mindanao Region, Mindanao Island

New Zealand [PART 1]

Once said, there are more sheep than humans in New Zealand.
Yes, that's true! Even though the number has fallen from about 20 - 1 to 7 - 1, or about 30 million sheep. It also still holding the most populous sheep ratio, still higher than Australia.

In tourism, New Zealand so much widely popular with nature and outdoor sport adventure. Stunning natural landscape, majestic snow-capped peak mountainous range, and vast green field of pastoral scenery adorned this beautiful country.
You will be stunned by some photos from off-beaten track destination below.

No!! We will not show those boring photos of Frodo's House again.

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Cape Kidnappers, Te Awanga, Hawke's Bay Region, North Island

Greece [PART 1]

A country that we know as the land of gods & goddesses. Its great mythology is always adapted in any pop cultures these days worldly. This country located next to Aegean Sea offers a numerous gorgeous and tranquil beaches along the coastline. Enchanting archipelago scattered around the cape which become a very powerful magnet for tourists across the planet.

For example, who doesn't know Santorini?
Coastal town adorned with white and blue painted architecture in Oia and Fira will catch you in awe.
But sometimes a unique and authentic part is not always centered in one place only. Greece has dozens of islands and places which also need to be explored.

Here are some pictures of amazing landscape of off-beaten path in Greece.
Of course you will not find Santorini in this post.

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Navagio (shipwreck) Bay, Zakynthos Island, Ionian Islands

Thailand [PART 1]

Westerners love its beaches and tropical atmosphere, while the easterners love its shopping spree. You can feel the heat, you can be stuck in a congested traffic jam, and you can also feel tranquil in a Buddhist temple complex in the same day. That's the reason why Bangkok always flooded by international tourists across the Earth everyday.

Thailand, or we usually know as the white elephant country offers millions of attractions all around. A unique both-sided, religious and hedonism realm can be found not so far from each other.

While Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket are must-see destinations, there're also another off-beaten track which need to be explored. So here are some cool, amazing, unique, and weird destinations across Thailand!

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Ko Chang, Trat Province

India [PART 1]

All of us already knew what the actors & actresses will do in every happy scenes. Somehow, they dance and sing along altogether at outdoor park, even in big hall mansion. Hahaha.. Yes, that's their trademark in their films.

A country widely-known for the biggest movie industry in the world, the Bollywood, India also boasts a great abundance of natural and cultural. You may recognized India as a Hindu culture and tradition since it has thousands of temples across the land.

But further than that, if you head up to north to Jammu & Kashmir land, you are able to witness the Buddhist-side of India. Then, if you go far to the northeastern region, you are able to witness several tribes which inhabiting the land of Naga (Nagaland). And if you go off the Asia continent mainland to the southeast, you will find the beautiful tropical archipelago of Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the middle of Indian Ocean.

All of unique places above is precisely in the very land of one country, India.

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*
 

Andaman Islands, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean

Germany [PART 1]

27 years ago, precisely in 1989, the symbol of Cold War had been demolished by the civilians. The wall torn down after for almost 30 years divided the country into 2 sided parts. Cheers of glory and joy embrace a new born sovereign country, Germany.

A big country situated in Central Europe boasts stunning remnants of history, both natural and man-made. Some gorgeous Romanesque palaces stood majestically on the peak of enormous mountains. The heavenly vistas surely give you a breathtaking experience.

Feel nostalgic by walking along the avenue of vintage town. You won't feel bored to see every detail of lining facades along the avenue of characteristic places. A scene like this is rarely to find in big cities like Berlin or Frankfurt. 

To find these all unique gems, you have to travel far enough to countryside area, which some of them are located just near the country's border.

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Village, Ostallgau District, Bavaria

Japan: Okinawa [PART 3]

No matter where you go and no matter how long you've been recognized this country is, Japan is always has something that will amazed us. We already knew Japanese culture so long from every medias. The temples, maiko, anime, manga, to hentai are totally shaped our mind about its original culture.

Not surprise if we always see some travel or trips about Japan, but they are Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka only. How if we discuss another destinations instead of those three boring places?

You'll be amazed if you just recognized the landscape of Okinawa Prefecture.
Located on the southern part of Japan's mainland, floating peacefully on the bluish ocean of Pacific, Okinawa Archipelago is a truly magnificent wonder of nature. Pretty different with the mainland's sight, Okinawa boasts pristine and serene beaches which similar to sight of Southeast Asia.

So if you need time for yourself just alone or escaping the bustling city, Okinawa is the right place to regain your fresh mind peacefully.

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Akajima (Aka Island), Kerama Islands

Spain [PART 1]

Spanish culture is famous for Flamenco music and dance, bullfights, gorgeous beaches, and sublime cities of architecture. This country is blessed with an extraordinary artistic heritage. From Gaudi's Gothic church of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to wonderfully Mudejar architecture in Aragon.

It has much more to offer than that and has been one of cultural centers of Europe. Not surprise if the state has a lot of amazing attractions in every corners. While Madrid and Barcelona is a must visit, there are also another anti-mainstream places which have their own special characteristics.

The off-beaten path travel may brings you to another perspective of a journey and find the hidden gems of the land. 

So here are the pictures of those hidden gems from Spain:

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

San Fermin Festival, Pamplona, Navarre

USA: Mainland [PART 1]

One of the most renown country which also the home for fast food franchises obviously...
New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Grand Canyon, Washington D.C. are some of the top destinations of this vibrant land. While these are definitely worth a visit, there are also many undiscovered gems in US that will truly astonish you.

In this list, you will find some great references both for anti-mainstream travelers and also photographers where you can enjoy God's creation. Or you can mingle with the locals and experience the peaceful trails and viewpoints. Here are pictures of road less traveled destinations in the mainland of the States:

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Hancock County, Maine

Malaysia: Sarawak & Sabah Region [PART 1]

A megadiverse country that separated into two regions, Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. The peninsular is home for the capital of Kuala Lumpur that we always know for the Twin Towers. There's also Legoland in Johor Bahru, or the beautiful resort of Genting Highlands.

But here in antimainstream travel blog, we want to show you the other potential destinations which you shouldn't miss, too. Neighboring with Indonesia, East Malaysia surely shares similar both in culture and nature landscape. Located in the north of Borneo Island, this region boasts abundance of primeval forest and wildlife.

Far to the eastern area, you can also find hundreds of islands which have such picturesque landscape. Many western foreigners are aiming this area to get the best leisure of serene beach. That's why there are a lot of beach resort scattered around the islands.

So here are some of off-beaten track travel destinations in Sarawak & Sabah region: 

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort, Semporna, Tawau Division, Sabah

Russia [PART 1]

As the largest country in the world, Russia surely has abundance of unique destinations. From western area Crimean Federal District to the far easternmost region of Far Eastern Federal District. From big metropolis to ethnic villages. 

We do remember the dissolved of USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) on 26 December 1991 which made the country split into 15 countries until now. The pictures below will show you the remnants of the late Soviet. So here are some photos of road less traveled destinations in Russia.

ENJOY!!

*Want to know where the place is? Just simply look carefully below each pictures*

Epiphany Cathedral, Irkutsk city, Irkutsk Oblast, Siberia

Japan: Honshu [PART 2]

The main island of Honshu has become the largest and the most populated. Also the home of both widely-known culture trends: traditional and modern which attract ton of tourists every time. Recently, Japan decided to promote their tourism to the world, since it will become the host of 2020 Olympic Games.

The impact can also be seen in my country. Japan travel fairs are often held every month in different places in Jakarta, such as: malls and exhibition halls. Events and various competitions also were held by internet media or television. All those struggles are for the sake of every eyes in the world will be set into Japan only in next 4 years from now.

Now, everyone know what kind of country Japan is. But not many of them know the true Japan is. They just recognize the country only in its skin without knowing any deeper. I took example for the tourist destinations. Most of people merely know destinations in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka only. yes, Honshu is a large island which contains so many unexplored places by ordinary tourists.

So here are, travel destinations in Honshu island which you may never heard before:

Takaragawa Onsen, Fujiwara, Minakami, Tone, Gunma Prefecture

Indonesia: Java Island [PART 1]

As an official country for 71 years, Indonesia has become the largest archipelagic country in the world. But have you ever heard or read the fact about which country has the most islands in the world?

Back in my school days, I always told by my teacher that Indonesia is the one. But recently, I read some articles in internet which they still debating about the country with the most islands. Is it Indonesia or others? Uniquely, I found Finland has been nominated as the winner.

Finland's Official Tourism Board declared its country has about 180.000 islands. In the other hand, Indonesia only has about 17.000 islands. Very big for comparative number. Then with curiosity in my mind, I tried to look each country via Google Maps. I zoomed almost to maximum to observe every tiny islands carefully. 

And then BAMM!!
I found out the answer. So I realized that my teachers were wrong.

Well, enough with the story.
Now I want to show you all some off-beaten track travel destination in Indonesia. In this first part features the destinations in Java island only. The other islands and Finland will be showed in another part. So enjoy the pictures, including the location just below the pics.

Early morning in Bawean Island, Gresik Regency, East Java

China: Southern & Southwestern Region [PART 2]

China Mainland is amazingly enormous country. We can see almost attractions in the Earth just in this very country. From mountains to oceans. From rice fields to deserts. From modern cities to ethnic's villages. From summer, spring, autumn, and also winter destinations.

All those picturesque landscapes can be found in China. They said, you are not able to explore the country in just one lifetime span.

So here are, the travel pictures from every the southern & southwestern part of China. Even from the most corner next to the border of the country.

Canola Flowers Field, Jin Ji Cun Village Luoping County, Qujing Prefecture, Yunnan Province

Taiwan [PART 1]

How many of you recognize that Taiwan is not a member of United Nations?

Yes, probably you and most of people never realize about it. Somehow, some people say Taiwan is still not an official country, the place that don't exist. The reason is because most of countries in the world are recognize the status limited to de facto only, not de jure.

So, they declare Taiwan is not a country legally. United Nations admit Taiwan still under China's government.

In the other hand, this small island country boasts destinations diversity and awesome natural landscapes. So here are some pictures of Taiwan travel which you may never heard before:

Sanxia Old Street, Minquan Street, New Taipei

Singapore [PART 1]

Singapore (Singapura) famously known as the Lion City or the little red dot city. Located at the southernmost tip of peninsular Malaysia, this developed country has tons of fascinating attractions. More and more foreigners visit this land only to spend their holiday and long weekend. Not surprising if most of them are tourists from neighboring countries, especially Indonesian.

We do believe that Indonesian from mid-high economic class are often visit Singapore. And some of them assume they recognize it very well. Really?

But in fact, they just visit the same place again and again in every trip. Only visit Merlion, Marina Bay, Chinatown, Orchard, Universal but have not to try to explore other parts.

So for you all who already got bored with just ordinary (mainstream) destinations. In this post, Antimainstream Travel shows some references and inspirations about new places that you might not visit in Singapore.

Safe for your wallet, because ALL OF THEM ARE FREE!!!
(no admission fee)

National Gallery, City Hall, Downtown Core

Norway [PART 1]

A Scandinavian country which boasts superb natural atmosphere. As we remember, there's Preikestolen, the most popular cliff that successfully attract many tourists to hike it up, just for doing some selfies at the peak. Some of them may only know this place and Oslo, but here we want to introduce you some places in Norway that ordinary tourists may never heard of:

A Town with Artificial Sunlight: Rjukan, Telemark

Japan: Hokkaido [PART 1]

Japan is a unique and beautiful country. This rising sun country has been known as the country of great harmony, since it can maintain its traditional and modern culture. Many people have fallen in love to this country recently, and they wished to visit there some time.

But Antimainstream Travel will not post about any cultures in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka which had invaded by many tourists every time. We will take you to discover the northernmost major island. The wild land of Hokkaido.

Nearly untouched by man, the east region of Hokkaido boasts picturesque natural landscape and wildlife. This island is really suitable for some people who crave for peaceful and natural life.

So here are some most amazing landscapes of Hokkaido:

Sounkyo Gorge, Daisetsuzan National Park, Kamikawa

China: West Region and Tibet [PART 1]

China is an extremely vast country. With its abundant of culture and natural landscape, bunch of tourists and foreigners travel to this bamboo country. But here, we will not discuss Beijing, Shanghai, and other mainstream destinations.

We will show you all some of gorgeous road less traveled destinations in China which may you never heard before. Here are some pictures from China West Region:

Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang