For all the extraordinary feats humans have achieved, nothing can rival nature’s greatest creations. The worldwide public has voted on a new group of lesser-known natural wonders as part of the New7Wonders project. Here are four picks that have already been confirmed winners from voters:
Halong Bay, Vietnam
A visit to the bay can be a truly moving experience, whether it’s viewed during the daylight, when the clear waters shimmer among the vast network of tiny islets, or in the twilight hours, as the fading sunlight paints rich colors on the towering karst rock formations. A boat cruise through the bay reveals scores of caves, many of which are specially illuminated to display their mysterious beauty.
Jeju Island, South Korea
Located southwest of the Korean Peninsula, Jejudo Island is a volcanic island in the shape of an oval that measures 73 kilometers from west to east. The island’s distinctive volcanic landscapes play host to vast craters and sheer black-lava cliffs, as well as Korea’s tallest peak, Hallasan. To the east lies the dark winding cavern of Manjanggul – the world’s longest system of lava tube caves, while the sacred mountain of Sanbangsan and its grotto temple sit just to the south.
Iguaçu Falls, Argentina
Little can prepare you for a trip to the monstrous Iguaçu waterfalls. The waters of the Iguaçu river tumble endlessly over some 23 kilometers of cliffs, crashing into a giant gorge and leaving a thick mist in their wake. A geological fault on the Paraná river turned the outlet of the Iguassu river into a cascade approximately 80 meters high.
Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines
A trip through the otherworldly underground river near the Philippine city of Puerto Princesa is a surreal experience. A meandering series of limestone caverns snake for five miles under miles of darkness before emerging to the open sea. Boating through the cavern’s interior to catch an up-close glimpse of the stunning color and rock formations along the walls feels like a dream-like experience, one that’s not to be missed.
Which of the new natural wonders of the world is your favorite? Tell us about your recent adventures!
Source: Fox News Travel
Image: Halong Bay Vietnam
