Destinations straight out of a sci-fi film
The world can be a really amazing place. For as long as humans have inhabited the planet, there’s still so much we have yet to discover about the Earth. Meanwhile, there are certain parts of the world that feel like they’ve been dropped from another dimension with how different they look from the rest of the world.
With a journey to the #KlookUniverse coming this September, we’d like to get everyone excited with these 15 places that are simply out of this world.
1. Zhangye Danxia Landform, Gansu, China
Found in Gansu, China, the Zhangye Danxia Landform is also known as the “Rainbow Mountains” because of the varying colors of its landscape.
The geopark is believed to have been formed around 540 million years ago when the movement of the Himalayan mountain range pushed the tectonic plates together and formed the cliffs of Zhangye. Meanwhile, the rivers and basins that were once in the area deposited varying sediments that would contribute to the unique colors of the rocks.
2. Glow Worm Caves, New Zealand
Looking like something straight out of Avatar, the Waitomo Glow Worm Cave is found on the North Island of New Zealand.
As the name suggests, the cave is home to a species of worm that illuminates the cave in a bright blue glow, making it feel like you’re exploring a new alien world. Make sure to book a visit to see this extraordinary cave system with the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour and step into something truly out of this world.
3. Yellowstone Caldera, USA
Don’t be fooled, that’s not a portal to another dimension, it’s actually the Yellowstone Caldera, found near the northeastern point of Wyoming in Yellowstone National Park.
Formed after massive eruptions from the volcano found in the park around 640,000 years ago, the hollowed-out magma chamber would collapse onto itself and form unique depression on the land. As it cooled over time, it would give the stone it’s unique color.
4. Stone Forest, China
Found in the province of Yunnan in China, the Stone Forest or “Shilin” looks like something out of a fantasy movie.
Formed around 270 million years ago, the giant limestone formations create a labyrinth of around the area that features waterfalls, forests, and even an underground river. Since its discovery during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Stone Forest has been considered as the “First Wonder of the World.”
5. Coyote Buttes (“The Wave”) – Arizona, USA
The Wave is a section found in Northern Coyote Buttes near the border of Arizona and Utah.
It’s unique “wave” pattern formation comes from sand sediments being blown into the rock formation millions of years ago as far back as the Jurassic period. It’s available to hike this area with permission from the local wildlife and environment office.
6. Derweze ‒ Karakum Desert, Turkmenistan
Photo Credit: Tormod Sandtorv
The Darvaza Gas Crater is found in Derweze a small town within the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan.
Nearly 50 years ago in 1971, Soviet miners dug into the desert in search of natural gas. What they didn’t expect was an overwhelming amount in the area that ignited and destroyed their rig.
It was decided that the site wouldn’t be touched and to let the natural gas burn itself out. Almost fifty years later, the site is still burning and has earned tourist popularity for its striking visuals, earning it the name, “The Gates of Hell.”
7. Reynisfjara – Vik, Iceland
Photo Credit: JasonParis
If you’re a Game of Thrones buff, this should look familiar since it’s the beach at Eastwatch that the Night’s Watch was guarding in Season 7.
More than its connection to the GoT franchise, Reynisfjara is considered one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland and the world. The natural rock formations mimic that of an amphitheater while the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean thunder on the shoreline.
Make sure to see Reynisfjara along with other iconic locations from Game of Thrones with the South Iceland Tour from Reykjavik.
8. Huacachina, Peru
A true oasis in the desert, Huacachina is a small village in southwestern Peru where sandboarding and dune buggies abound.
According to locals, the village’s name came is a variation of wakachina and possibly a shortened version of wakachina qucha which means “hidden lagoon.” The oasis provides a ton of activities for adventurous travelers who want to experience fun in the desert.
9. Antelope Canyon (Arizona)
Unmistakable with its swirling landscape and light beams that shine through the canyon openings, Antelope Canyon is found in Navajo land, east of Page, Arizona.
The unique swirls of the rock formations were formed through water erosion when flash floods would occur in the area, tinging the Navajo stone with its trademark color and creating the slots and crevices that stand up to 120 feet high which travelers love to explore.
Take part in a day tour to see these majestic rock formations with the Antelope Canyon Day Tour from Las Vegas when you book with Klook.
10. Marble Caves (Patagonia, Chile)
Although it looks like a portal to another dimension, the Cuevas de Mármol or Marble Caves are actually found near the Patagonian Andes in Chile.
The cave network, also known as the Marble Cathedral, is actually a product of nearly 6,000 years of sculpting by the waves of the glacial Lake General Carrera crashing into the marble peninsula that the cave rests on. It’s colorful walls stay unique as it shows different intensities and hues throughout the year.
11. Pamukkale (Denizli, Turkey)
Nicknamed “cotton castle,” Pamukkale, a stunning yet unusual collection of rock formations, can be found in Denizli in the southwest region of Turkey.
Here, limestone rock formations meet with naturally occurring hot springs and thermal pools to create an air of relaxation and healing. Taking rejuvenating soaks within these thermal pools have been the area’s calling card since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, who opted to build a city in order to be closer to the thermal pools.
Pamukkale is accessible through inter-city coaches into Denizli from cities like Antalya, while mini buses take a 40-minute journey into Pamukkale from the Denizli bus station.
Make sure to experience all this and more with the Pamukkale Day Tour From Antalya so you can learn more about the history and take a relaxing dip in the pools.
12. Zhangjiajie (Hunan, China)
Found in the Hunan province of China, Zhangjiajie looks more like a forest out of a fantasy novel than anything else that exists in the modern world. In fact, this out-of-this-world location was actually used as the setting for the sci-fi film, Avatar.
Zhangjiajie is also home to a few modern attractions for the adventurous traveler, so step on the Zhangjiajie Canyon Bridge and don’t be afraid to look down on the world’s longest glass-bottomed bridge.
There are many more things to explore within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area where Zhangjiajie lies, and it’s all accessible with the Tianmen Mountain, Cable Car and Gallery Road in Zhangjiajie tour available on Klook.
13. Svartifoss Falls (Skaftafell, Southern Iceland)
Notable for the dark, columnar rock formations that surround it, the water that falls into the calming pools below only makes up a fraction of the entire structure. It’s hexagonal rock formations, created out of hot magma that cooled off in the area, has provided inspiration for various Icelandic architects.
Svartifoss is part of the Skaftafell National Park, a destination you can visit with the Glacier Wonder Hike in Skaftafell voucher when you book through Klook.
14. Vatnajökull Glacier (Iceland)
Vatnajökull is considered to be the largest ice cap in Europe.
Looking like somewhere the Night King from Game of Thrones would gather his forces, the glacier is home to serene and stunning icebergs that have become popular trekking and hiking spots for their panoramic views of the neighboring landscapes. Down below, caves and glacial rivers go through the ice formations and offer stunning electric blue hues that make you think you’re in another world.
Make sure to safely explore the area when you book the Vatnajökull Glacier Hiking Excursion through Klook in order to experience the beauty of Vatnajökull in full.
15. Yehliu Geopark (New Taipei, Taiwan)
Found in the North Coast of the Wanli District in New Taipei, Taiwan, Yehliu Geopark features a variety of unique rock formations.
Chief among these is the Queen Head, a rock formation that seems to have naturally been sculpted in the image of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Other unique formations include honeycombed rock, which achieves its namesake through thousands of years of weathered erosion.
Yehliu Geopark is open to the public and you can get to see these unique rock formations as well when you book the Yehliu Geopark Admission Ticket through Klook.
Have more out of this world experiences with our Birthday Blast!
