“LONELY Planet” magazine recently revealed its selection for the “Best in Asia 2016,” listing 10 Asian cities that are worth exploring. This week we will continue our tour around these cities to find the “best in Asia.”

    Bounded by green hills and the turquoise Pacific, Taitung in China’s Taiwan is always a popular destination for Chinese tourists.

    What puts Taitung on the list is its traditions, music festivals and sweet millet wine.

    Rich in original culture, there are many traditional celebrations in Taitung. Every Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of lunar January, Taitung hosts the event of Bombing God Handan, which involves throwing firecrackers at a near-naked volunteer as they parade through the streets on a sedan chair. As Handan is the god of wealth and has a great fear of the cold, anyone who wishes to be rich can help Handan keep warm by throwing firecrackers at him.

    From the end of February to early June, the Flying Fish Festival is hosted by the locals. “Flying fish” is seen as a gift from the gods in the aboriginal culture.

    Other grand events include Taiwan Open of Surfing and Taiwan International (Hot Air) Balloon Fiesta.

    Trang Islands, Thailand

    Located in the southern region of Thailand, Trang Islands is an area with beautiful mountains, crystal-clear water, magnificent waterfalls and relaxing hot springs.

    There are several national parks in the area and most of the beaches are suitable for all seasons. The best time to see waterfalls is from September to October, while the best time for sightseeing is from November to April.

    Trang Islands has a total of 46 islands. The most recommended route is to travel across the islands via its coastlines and visit the well-known Morakot Cave and Emerald Cave.

    Pemuteran, Indonesia

    Located in Bali’s far nothwest corner, Pemuteran is a kaleidoscope of colors for those who love sunshine and sea.

    Thanks to its stunning coral walls, it was chosen as“the best in Asia” by the magazine. This undersea wonderland is ideal, offering various fun and beautiful scenes for divers. The well-known Coral Goddess is also located in Pemuteran.

    Another reason to stay in Pemuteran is its double bay of beaches near Menjangan, which is part of Bali’s only national park. It is a place for water fun, wild escapes and delicious food.

    Ipoh, Malaysia

    Ipoh may not be widely known by Chinese tourists, but it is a food capital with rich historic culture and boutique cafes.

    The magazine listed many cafés that are worth visiting. Among them are art-cafes like Roquette, Burps & Giggles and Everyday Lifeshop. Other foodies’ favorites include Lou Wong’s chicken with crisp beansprouts, and tofu pudding at Funny Mountain.

    Ipoh is also a city for escapes into the wild, such as bird watching by bicycle through Kinta Nature Park or white water rafting near Gopeng.

    A colonial-style city, Ipoh has an ancient train station that is known as “Taj Mahal in Malaysia.” The building is very unique as it perfectly blends Moorish and Victorian styles.

    Kellie’s Castle is another place to go in Ipoh. Built in 1915, the castle was owned by a Scotsman named William Kellie Smith and was a gift to his beloved wife.

    Meghalaya, India

    Meghalaya is a representative of India’s Lost World, the magazine commented. The lofty limestone plateau divides Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley from the Bangladeshi plains.

    Known as the wettest place on earth, the area has an annual rain volume of 11,873 millimeters. However, when the sky clears and the sun shines, it reveals raging waterfalls, tribal outposts and bridges woven from the living roots of jungle trees.

    Meghalaya has been getting big on the tourist map only in recent years, but it is a place for hiking, climbing, caving and rafting.

    It is also a museum for wild animals. There are 2,872 elephants in the area. Other rare animals include loris, langurs and giant squirrels. (Wang Yuanyuan)