Most people come to Hualien to visit the Taroko Gorge. And with good reason—it's simply beautiful. With rope bridges over rivers, hiking trails with astounding views, and temples cut into the mountainsides, it's an unforgettable place. Feel the full power of the ocean at Shihtiping, a two-hour drive from Hualien, where the waves crash into the rocky shore.

Taking in the breathtaking beauty of Nantou's Sun Moon Lake is truly an ethereal experience. The turquoise basin is shaped like the sun on the east side, a crescent moon on the west, and it reads like a rippling celestial journey. After a day of hiking the seven miles of trails in the lake's surrounding mountains, hop a cable car and whiz through the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village or take a soothing dip in one of the area's many hot springs. Local farms grow juicy drupe fruits, the perfect refreshment on a steamy day.

Visiting Taipei? Don't limit your sightseeing to the city centre. Also known as New Taipei City, Xinbei covers more than 2000 square kilometres of Taiwan, including coastlines, hot springs, temples, historic landmarks and more. At Yeliu Coast, strange and fascinating rock formations rise from the rocky coastline. The Lin Ben-Yuan Family Abode and Garden is a tranquil place featuring graceful Chinese landscaping.

With its rich natural resources, Taoyuan has unique mountain and coastal sceneries! Visit the North Cross-Island Highway region, Shimen and Hutou Mountain, and refresh your mind and body by strolling; you can enjoy the phytoncide and admire the scenery that changes with the season. Other must-see locations include the treasure of the sea – the millennium-old algae reef, the one-hundred-year-old stacked stones, Xucuogang Wetland, and the reflective pond. Taoyuan has a colourful fusion of ethnic cultures from Hakka, Southern Fujian, aborigines and new immigrants. There are also several well-renowned tourism factories, showcasing the unique tourism charm of the City.

Davao City is a gateway to Mindanos, one of the Philippines’ largest islands, and home to Mt. Apo, one of the highest mountains in the archipelago. In Davao City, lovers of durian can eat their fill beneath a sculpture dedicated to the pungent fruit.

As the social hub of one of the world’s largest metropolises, Shibuya promises to please. Along Japan’s shops housed in skyscrapers and trademark neon signs, hordes of shoppers cross the iconic intersection every minute in a demonstration of the organised chaos that epitomizes Tokyo.

Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Toyosu Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.

Bangkok is full of exquisitely decorated Buddhist temples—as you go from one to the next you’ll be continually blown away by the craftsmanship and elabourate details. But if you’d rather seek enlightenment in a gourmet meal, or dance the night away, you’ll also enjoy Bangkok—the restaurant and nightclub scenes here are among the best in the world.

Phuket offers a rainbow spectrum of spectacular holiday sights from blue lagoons and pink sunsets to orange-robed monks. Three wheeled-Tuk Tuks, taxis, buses and long tailed boats transport visitors between these marvels. Phuket's south coast offers its most popular beaches. The north is more tranquil. Koh Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and Patong Beach are popular spots. Diving, snorkeling, wind surfing and sailing are just a few active options. Inland, forested hills, mountains and cliffs wait to be explored.

Nusa Dua is a hotbed of luxurious accommodations, golf resorts, fine dining and R&R. Surfing and diving are popular activities for more active visitors to this beach destination. Trek up the many steps to Mother Temple Besakih and combine sight-seeing with muscle toning. An array of spas, galleries and boutiques await those who prefer less exertion. Local Barong performances can be admired at Batubulan.

Noosa is a world-famous surfing destination, known for its expansive beaches and colourful bays. Hike across Noosa National Park's cliffs and forests, canoe through the Noosa River Everglades, kayak across the open sea or just bask in the sunshine on golden sand that stretches and sparkles for miles. A day trip to nearby Fraser Island, a World Heritage Site where lush rainforests mingle with dry sand dunes, is a unique experience not to be missed.

Sun-drenched and built for fun, Australia's Gold Coast hugs Queensland's southeast coastline with beaches, shimmering high rises, and epic surf breaks. Though it's hedonistic at heart, there's also plenty of opportunities for adventure and family-friendly attractions beyond its well-known party scene.