Lan Su Chinese Garden, a tranquil oasis in downtown Portland, was built as a gift from Portland’s sister city, Suzhou, China. The garden features decorative rocks imported from China by the workers who helped construct it. Visitors can enjoy guided tours (included in the admission price), explore rare plants native to China, and relax in a traditional tea house. The garden also hosts a rotating array of cultural events and activities.

This ancient structure was built to measure the Nile’s water level during flood season and played a key role in predicting the year’s harvest. It’s tucked away on Rawda Island in the Nile, close to central Cairo. In the evenings, large candles are lit nearby, giving the place a calm, almost magical feel.

On the edge of Cairo, the Giza Necropolis is home to the last remaining wonder of the ancient world — the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Alongside it stand the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, part of a vast complex that includes tombs, causeways, temples, and smaller pyramids built for queens and nobles. The scale alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. Just below the pyramids sits the Great Sphinx of Giza — carved from a single piece of limestone, with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, likely Khafre. At around 73 metres long and 20 metres high, it’s one of the largest sculptures in the world.

The Thousand Islands, or Kepulauan Seribu, is a breathtaking archipelago just a short boat ride from Jakarta. Comprising over a hundred small islands, this tropical paradise is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a haven for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Each island has its own charm, from the tranquil beaches of Pulau Macan to the historical allure of Pulau Onrust with its colonial-era ruins. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, island hopping, and lounging on pristine sands, all while immersing themselves in the serene beauty of this idyllic retreat.