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What are the 7 natural wonders of the world?
Mother Nature's must-see magnificent miracles
The world is full of stunning scenery and some natural attractions hold such significance that they are recognised as the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Named over a decade ago following a public vote, they were chosen for their beauty, diversity and distribution, ecological significance, historical legacy and geo-location (to ensure a truly global spread). Here are the seven natural sites you should add to your travel bucket list...
Table Mountain, South Africa
Rising above Cape Town, Table Mountain is probably South Africa’s most iconic landmark. The stunning flat-topped mountain is home to the widest variety of flowers and other plant life in the world and, in fact, contains more species of plants than exist in the entire British Isles – despite being smaller than London.
Standing at 1,085 metres above sea level, many opt to take the cable car to the top, although more ambitious hikers will be well rewarded by making a day of it and walking up. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be able to soak up panoramic views of Cape Town, Table Bay and the rest of the surrounding peaks. You can ascend Table Mountain and explore the rest of South Africa during a 14-day tour with Country Living Holidays.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay has long been a favourite destination for visitors to Vietnam, with cruises around more than 1,600 striking rock formations and islands. Although it can get busy, there is a serenity to the way that the isles rise out of the water, and it’s still possible to find plenty of quiet corners to swim or relax, especially if visiting at sunrise.
The limestone isles that sit in the bay have been formed over millions of years, and the result is a hugely diverse eco-system, with many different flowers, plants, animals and fish. Experience the beauty of Halong Bay during a 12-day trip to Vietnam with Exodus Travels.
Amazon River and Rainforest
Stretching across nine different countries (with the vast majority, 60%, in Brazil), the Amazon is the largest area of tropical rainforest in the world, supporting a vast array of different species of wildlife and plant life. It also has South America’s largest river snaking through it.
The forest and river are so large that their maintenance is vital to the entire eco-system of the surrounding countries. The forest contains some 40,000 plant species, 427 species of mammal (such as jaguars, anteaters and giant otters), 1,300 different birds, 378 reptiles and roughly 3,000 freshwater fishes.
Some of the unusual animals that call it home include golden coloured frogs, honeycomb speckled stingrays and pink river dolphins! See the Amazon in style with Kuoni.
Jeju Island, South Korea
Sometimes referred to as South Korea’s Hawaii, owing to its sub-tropical climate compared to the rest of the country, this self-governing province is popular with tourists. People from nearby Asian countries flock to its warm waters and pristine beaches. Formed in the wake of underwater volcanic activity, it has a unique ecological profile and is home to plant species not found anywhere else.
Jeju contains a large number of magnificent waterfalls and the highest mountain in South Korea, Hallasan Mountain, considered to be the island’s most beautiful feature. It's worth taking a day to hike to the top for its breathtaking views. Find hotels in Jeju on Expedia.
Komodo, Indonesia
The island of Komodo in Indonesia is renowned as the natural habitat of the fearsome komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth. The entire island is part of the Komodo National Park, which also includes Padar, Rinca and 26 smaller islands, where some of the richest array of marine life can be found. It's also a fantastic destination for scuba diving.
Wildlife-lovers will also find Javan deer, water buffalo, banded pigs, civets, cockatoos and macaques on the island. You can also visit one of only seven pink beaches in the world, enjoy great hikes across rugged volcanic terrain and take in the stunning views of the pale blue ocean and dramatic mountains. Discover Komodo during a 12-day tour of Indonesia with Explore.
Iguaçu Falls, Brazil
These amazing waterfalls straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil, and can be approached via national parks in either of the countries. With the equivalent of an Olympic swimming pool cascading down these rocky staircases every second, the falls create an awesome roar, and are made up of some 275 drops, the highest of which is a whopping 82 metres.
Mists created by the ceaseless falling of the water refract sunlight to create rainbows in the sky above. The falls are best seen up close from the 1.1 km walkway that stretches out on the Argentinian side over the river to the Devil’s Throat fall. For the most panoramic views, however, approach from the Brazilian side. Marvel at the falls on an 11-day tour of South America with Riviera Travel.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Philippines
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is part of the Saint Paul Mountain Range, on the western coast of the island of Palawan – perhaps best known for its picturesque rocky coves and sugar-white sandy beaches.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, in part due to the incredible biodiversity of the area, it has eight of the 13 forest types found in tropical Asia, as well as 165 different bird species, including the white-breasted sea eagle. Inside, you’ll be able to hear your voice echo around the 360-meter-long Italian's Chamber, which is one of the largest cave rooms in the world. Take a tour of the river with Viator.
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