Philippines

Port Moresby Nature Park
Nature surrounding Port Moresby is wonderful. Typical tropical jungle with an abundance of birdlife. To see some unique birds of this fascinating country, Port Moresby Nature park is a wonderful place. Although we prefer to see birds free, in the nature, this park is well worth visiting: for variety of birds and great grounds that are in contrast with rest of Port Moresby. From most of birds of paradise to cassowaries - and some mammals - Port Moresby Nature park is well worth the visit.

Aral Sea
Once a third largest, sweet water mass on the planet, the Aral Sea is just a sad reminder of our destructive nature today. Long drive from Muynak - where one can see last local ships, anchored in sands 150 kilometers from the nearest water - the Aral Sea is an eerie site today. Dead, lifeless and completely abandoned, this area is a true treat for dystopia seekers. The drive there is 4 hours long, through the steppe and some stunning geology.

Stećak Monuments
Just recently added to UNESCO World Heritage list, stećak tombstones are shared by nearly all the nations of the Balkans but Bosnia has most of them: about 60 000. There are several variations of this unique monument and most recognizable are the ones in the shape of a sarcophagus with various decorations on them. Radimlja necropolis near Stolac in Hercegovina is one of major sites to visit if curious about this unique tradition.

Saint Louis
This was a capital of French West Africa in early 1900s. And little is left from past glamour and shine. But still, fantastic place to visit! Saint Louis feels like going back in time with it's classic French architecture and the wild African charm on the streets. Once you cross to the harbor and to N'Dar island, true Africa reveals. While this town has a potential to be one of the World's top travel hot spots, it is now just a big mess of color, scents, smiles and smiles.

Straw Hats of Yemen
One of the most curious and unusual details you will see in the mainland are the strange, tall hats worn by local women in the fields. Despite the scorching heat, Yemeni women are dressed in black burqas while working in the fields and the only relief, apparently, is coming through these tall hats. The hats are made of dried and braided strips of date palm leaves and are characteristic to Hadramaut province of Yemen. These strange hats are called madhalla and please ask for permission before taking a photo.

Constanța Casino
If you are looking for something cool and unique, Constanța Casino cannot be beaten! It was commissioned in 1900 and first opened to the public in 1910. It was one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in the region. But, hard times came quickly and it was the first hospital during WWII and then the restaurant till 1990 when it was completely abandoned.

Ark of the Covenant
By many accounts, the ark is kept in Axum, Ethiopia. While there, you will be able to see the chapel where it is kept but it is heavily guarded and only one person has access. The closest you can get to it is the nearby Old Church of St Mary of Zion where one can see stunning frescoes and chat with the priest. Axum itself is a VERY religious but also very historic place with many lesser known spots to discover.

Ashgabat
There is no place like it in the world; wide boulevards, marble skyscrapers, unique and strange monuments, and an eerie lack of people during the day. Make sure you take one day for monuments sightseeing only. There is a big number of them all over the town and they are quite compelling. Don't miss the world's largest enclosed ferris wheel and the Monument to Neutrality. Basically, wherever you turn, there will be something unusual and unexpected. Ashgabat is a real treat.

Kokino Observatory
Macedonia has a many off the beaten path spots but Kokino should be number one on your list. Even listed with UNESCO as a World Heritage site, this 3800 years old observatory, was only discovered and partly understood in 2001. Kokino, had a dual function as a scientific and ritual site, and is of great interest to archaeoastronomy researchers for its complexity and value. But, for all of us others, it is still an impressive site.