TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When thinking of the most unique places in the world, what comes to mind should be unlike anything you've seen before. Why? Because it's almost unbelievable that our planet is home to rock formations swirling with vibrant colors, lakes that glow with shades of pink, or a fiery hole that remains open and visible.
List of the Most Unique Places in the World
TimeOut and Travel Triangle both included Tianzi Mountains in China among the most unique places in the world. Other noteworthy sites with one-of-a-kind appeal include:
1. Zhangye Danxia, China
Located in the northern part of China, whoever sees Zhangye Danxia will certainly feature it among the most unique places in the world. The 124-square-mile national park is especially famous for its beautiful series of colorful hills and rock formations.
As if it’s a masterful painting, the vibrant hues are the result of millions of years of geological activity, combined with the forces of rain and wind.
2. Lake Hillier, Australia
Lake Hillier may transform your definition of the body of water, not for its size or diverse fish inhabiting it but for its vibrant pink color. Lying just next to the Pacific Ocean in Western Australia, this lake continues to puzzle scientists about the source of its uniquely pink hue. While the exact cause remains a mystery, many suspect that the Dunaliella salina microalgae is responsible for its striking color.
3. Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan
Dubbed “Door to Hell,” Darvaza Gas Crater may leave your jaw dropped upon realizing it exists on the same planet we call home. This fiery crater has been burning for decades after a Soviet oil rig fell into it in 1971.
According to National Geographic, Darvaza Gas Crater has only welcomed one person to descend into its depth, a Canadian adventurer George Kourounis, who described the expedition to be “a bit like a baked potato.”
4. Spotted Lake, Canada
Spotted Lake in British Columbia is undeniably one of the most unique places in the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its 365 individual pools, the lake is believed to have the highest concentrations of minerals on the planet, including magnesium sulfate, calcium, and sodium sulfates.
During the summer months, the lake’s surface dries up to reveal bright, multicolored spots of purple, brown, green, yellow, and blue—almost looking like nature’s own mosaic.
5. Lunar Rainbow, Victoria Falls, Zambia
Head to Victoria Falls, and you'll find yourself mesmerized by the otherworldly moonbow, or Lunar Rainbow. The night sky glows with all the colors of the spectrum, created by the moonlight refracting through water particles in the air.
Though it may not be as vibrant as a day-time rainbow, witnessing it is still a thrilling and challenging experience that leaves a lasting impression.
6. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
Created by the continental drift of three tectonic plates, the Danakil Depression finds itself on the list of the most unique places in the world. With volcanic craters, bubbling hot springs, and vast salt plains, the landscape here not only looks otherworldly but also boasts temperatures that can surpass 55°C—making it known as the planet’s hottest place.
7. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Legend has it that the Giant’s Causeway was formed during the time of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, a giant who was charged with defending his territory from the fearsome Benandonner. Today, the site continues to captivate tourists from around the world with its 40,000 stone pillars.
As quoted from Britannica, each of which typically has five or seven irregular sides, appearing as if they are creeping toward the sea. For its beauty, Giant’s Causeway was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.
8. Tianzi Mountains, China
The Tianzi Mountains in China’s Hunan Province look like they belong in a fantasy novel. These towering sandstone pillars are shrouded in mist, giving them an ethereal quality. With some spires rising over 1,000 meters high, the Tianzi Mountains are often referred to as "The Monarch of the Peak Forest," with one majestic peak following another.
9. Green Bridge of Wales, UK
Located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, the Green Bridge of Wales is a natural limestone arch formed by erosion. Its unique shape and location, overlooking the rugged coastline into The Wash bay, make it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. This sea arch stands at an approximate height of 24 meters and spans 20 meters across.
10. Rainbow River, Colombia
As the name suggests, the Rainbow River in Colombia will leave anyone in awe with its rainbow-like appearance. Its crystal-clear waters beautifully complement the vibrant aquatic plants growing on the riverbed, creating striking colors like red, yellow, green, and blue that stretch along the water's surface.
From fiery craters to vibrant lakes and towering mountains, these most unique places in the world are proof of nature’s incredible creativity. If you’re eager for more exploration, places that don’t look real may also leave you feeling as though you’ve stepped into another world.
Editor’s Choice: Top 10 Historical Places in the World to Visit, from Stonehenge to Machu Picchu
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