If you love getting out into nature, then you probably prefer to factor nature into your travel plans. Forests are a wonderful destination for hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and more. They are well worth a trip in and of themselves, but they also are often accessible from nearby cities and provide a great escape from the hustle and bustle. Here are some of the most beautiful to consider for your next trip.
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s forests are some of the most amazing in the world, especially the cloud forests of the Monteverde region. So named because they are misty (“cloudy”) year-round, these forests are a great place for intrepid explorers looking to completely leave society behind. Well, not completely. You can find evidence of humanity there in the form of bridges, ziplines, and trails.
Batang Ai National Park, Borneo
This area of Borneo is just one of many covered in rainforests, but it’s a particularly interesting one because you can visit the villages of the native Iban people who live in traditional longhouses and teach about their culture. There is also a recently-created reservoir on which you can take a longboat cruise.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan
This forest of tall, thin bamboo stalks is located in Kyoto and is a beautiful refuge from the densely populated cities. The view is like nothing else on earth, with the light just penetrating the soaring tree trunks and guiding you along the path.