9 Unusual Attractions in Asia

You’ve probably heard of all the big name theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios and Legoland. If you’re a parent or theme park lover, it’s even likely you’ve already been to them all. So if you’re all ‘mickey’d’ out, seen enough disney princesses to last a life time and been frightened by Jaws and Jurassic Park more than several times, then it’s time to hit some theme parks and attractions off the beaten track. Klook has rounded up a must-do list that you should check out next time someone in your travel group has a hankering to visit a theme park!

Noah’s Ark amusement park is a short ferry ride out of the city lying on Ma Wan (or Park Island). The theme park is based around the well-known biblical tale of Noah and his ark of animals. The park resembles the ark itself and children will have a fun day exploring the decks. The park is split up into several areas including the Ark’s garden with life size statues of animals, Adventure Ark, Ark Expo and The Treasure House. Not only designed to amuse, these attractions also have an educational aspect – including nature, culture, history, music and religion. While on Ma Wan Island be sure to check out the other attractions including the Ma Wan Nature Park and Tung Wan Beach.

Singapore Zoo has been flagged as one of the best in Asia so it’s no wonder that the zoo’s nighttime spinoff, Singapore Night Safari, is well worth a visit too. The park is home to nocturnal animals so coming after dark is the only option – wander by foot or take the shuttle around 7 different geographical zones including the Himalayan Foothills and the Asian Riverine Forest. Take a walking trail to get up close and personal with leopards, kangaroos and many more creatures of the night. Throughout the evening, stop to watch a number of thrilling performances including fire eating, tribal dances and an animal performance.

Located in Shenzhen (the border city next to Hong Kong) lies Windows of the World, a uniquely bizarre park based on a Chinese interpretation of the world.  Windows of the World is filled with replicas of the world’s landmarks. Bring the kids to see the world in one day visiting sights like The Eiffel Tower, London Bridge and The White House all in the same park!

Ben 10, The PowerPuff Girls, Johnny Bravo? Recognize the names? That’s right, they’re straight out of the hit kids’ TV channel Cartoon Network.

Cartoon Network Amazone located in Pattaya, Thailand offers a fantastic family outing to one of Thailand’s best waterparks. The park boasts over 150 slides in 10 themed areas and includes attractions such as river rapids, giant wave pools and the ultimate thrill ride The Gooploop – a free fall 17m plunge.

Rated the best waterpark in Asia, Waterbom in Bali is home to a number of crazy waterslides as well as well the perfect place to soak up the sun. If extreme rides aren’t your thing, float down the lazy river ride or relax under a gazebo. However, if extreme is what you look for, you’re in luck – try the Climax which will see you reach speeds of up to 70kph!

Photo Credit:Water Cube CN

The unique aquatic center created for the Beijing 2008 Olympics was converted into Happy Magic Water Cube in 2010.  The indoor park’s neon lights create a futuristic ambience complementing the original bubble-like design of the building. Inside the park slip and slide your way down a number of waterslides, or relax in the lazy river or spa pools.

Photo Credit: SSR2000

A trip to E-da is a great way to fill a day out in Kaohsiung – the indoor/outdoor park is styled in an ancient Greek theme. The park offers attractions that will suit everyone in the family from carnival games to merry-go-rounds to freaky haunted experiences to water rides – the list goes on and E-da offers it all.

Photo Credit: Matryokeshi

Calling all lovers of Hello Kitty and ‘cutesy’ cartoon characters! Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo is a wonderland filled with well known characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody and Cinnamoroll. Park goers will be immersed into a world of costumed characters, themed rides and cafes and a whole lot of photo opportunities. Throughout the day the park holds various parades and dance shows too.

Photo Credit: whyyan via Flickr

Jeju Loveland is an attraction definitely not for the little ones (as the name speaks for itself). Fittingly Jeju Island is known as the ‘Honeymoon Island’ in Korea.  Loveland is a sculpture park based on sensualism and eroticism. The park originally started out as a museum launched by university students, who created statues that aimed to educate people about sex. Today you will find over 140 statues as well as various hands-on exhibitions.