Unreal Places · Four countries · Series
4 places in Asia that look unreal
These four places in Asia look unreal and are all real: the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie in China, the three bays of Padar Island in Indonesia, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol in the Philippines, and the marble walls of Taroko Gorge in Taiwan. All four are open to visitors.
The places in this film
- 1
Zhangjiajie, China
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, in Hunan province, is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of sandstone pillars rise out of the forest, many of them hundreds of metres tall, and mist often drifts between them in the morning. One pillar was renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain after the film. Lifts, cable cars and walkways reach the viewpoints, so plan at least two days and start early to beat the tour groups.
- 2
Padar Island, Indonesia
Padar is a rugged island in Komodo National Park, between Komodo and Rinca. From the landing, a steep path of steps climbs to a ridge with a view over three curved bays, known for beaches of white, pink and black sand. Most boat trips leave Labuan Bajo on Flores before dawn so you reach the top for sunrise, before the heat. Bring water and good shoes; the climb takes about half an hour.
- 3
Chocolate Hills, Philippines
The Chocolate Hills are more than 1,200 rounded, cone-shaped hills spread across the middle of Bohol island. They are covered in grass that turns brown in the dry season, which gives them their name; in the wet season they are green. The main viewing complex near Carmen has a staircase up to a lookout over the hills. Bohol is reached by ferry from Cebu or by air, and many visitors combine the hills with the island's tarsier sanctuaries.
- 4
Taroko Gorge, Taiwan
Taroko Gorge, in Taroko National Park near Hualien, is a deep marble canyon carved by the Liwu River, with turquoise water running between grey and white walls. The road through the gorge passes tunnels, temples and short trails. A strong earthquake in April 2024 damaged parts of the park and some trails stayed closed for a long time afterwards, so check the national park's website for what is open before you go.
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Plan it
- Best time
- Spring and autumn for Zhangjiajie and Taroko; April to November, the dry season, for Padar; the dry months from about February to May for the Chocolate Hills, when they turn brown.
- How long
- Two days for Zhangjiajie, a day trip by boat for Padar, half a day for the Chocolate Hills and a day for Taroko Gorge.
- Getting around
- Fly to Zhangjiajie or take the train from Changsha. Padar is reached by boat from Labuan Bajo. Ferries run from Cebu to Bohol. Taroko is a short drive or bus ride from Hualien.
Good to know
- Arrive at Zhangjiajie's viewpoints early: the walkways crowd by mid-morning.
- Book a Padar boat trip that reaches the island for sunrise.
- Check which Taroko Gorge trails are open after the 2024 earthquake.
Frequently asked
Are the Avatar mountains real? +
The floating mountains in Avatar were inspired by real landscapes, and Zhangjiajie in China is the best-known match: one of its sandstone pillars was renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain after the film.
Why are the Chocolate Hills called that? +
Their grass dries and turns brown in the dry season, so the rounded hills look like rows of chocolate drops. In the wet season they are green.
Is Taroko Gorge open? +
Parts of Taroko National Park were damaged in the April 2024 earthquake and some trails closed for repairs. Check the official national park website for current openings before you travel.
