My 20 'Best' Views in the World

I was inspired to do my own version after reading Andrew Harper's article on The 20 Best Views in the World.

While Andrew Harper is a travel writer by profession, I am a traveler by nature. Thus, I am drawn to the beauty, mystery and adventure that nature offers. I also get and draw inspiration from nature's activities and stirrings - from the falling leaves and the sound of waves crashing on the shoreline to people's smiles, thoughts and deeds; from the tranquility of a solitary, sun-drenched beach to the weary faces of fishermen coming in after a day's work.

So, here are my own 20 'best' views (in no particular order) seen from my own eyes and influenced by my own idiosyncrasies. But before I present them, let me just say that the traveler in me is not comfortable with the idea of 'best' views. I think there is no best view. Only love, passion and one's beliefs.

1. The Mount Pinatubo and Mt. Pinatubo crater lake aboard a kayak, Mt. Pinatubo, Pampanga, Philippines

Located in the Cabusilan Mountain Range in Central Luzon, Philippines, this volcano erupted in 1991 and is known to be the 'second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century' and 'the largest in living memory' (wikipedia). It has ejected 10 billion metric tonnes of magma and formed a global layer of sulfuric acid haze. Global temperatures dropped 0.5 degrees Celsius. Following the eruption (around 1992), the volcano became dormant and a lake formed in the crater which got slowly filled in by the rain. Soon after, adventurers started exploring the mountain.

I had the chance to visit the place sometime in November 2006. The place is beautiful from the view deck. But, if you go down the ridge and ride on one of those kayaks, the view of the lake and the surrounding cliffs is breathtaking - you can even see the crevices and the yellowish traces of sulfur. While kayaking, you take in the magnificent view and the ironic fact that this has been a most violent entity in the past, displacing millions of people and obliterating towns and a whole lifetime.

2. The moat and sunset in the Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

The heat in Cambodia can be really menacing. The sandy nature of the soil in the Angkor Wat area complicates the matter further. It can easily feel like you are in the middle of the Gobi dessert. The multitudes of tourists swarming in every direction is another reason. The moat - the vast canals filled with water that surround the Angkor Wat (which served as defense from the enemy according to the tour guide) - serves as a soothing balm. While sitting on its edge, particularly after a hot morning tour, one gets a very refreshing and calming view of the Angkor Wat. The view is also as magnificent around late afternoon when the sun is about to set.

To witness the sunset on the steps of a temple which faces the setting sun (I forgot the name) is one thing that travelers should not miss. Towards late afternoon, when people are about to leave and peace and quiet start to creep in, the sun casts shadows on the temples. You get a completely different view. And it's simply wonderful.

3. The dolphins and whales of Tanon Strait, Bais City, Negros Occidental

The moment they show themselves to you, you get a different high. They are beautiful, intelligent and charming creatures. They swim, jump and gleefully race with the boat you are riding in. They show you their grace and intellect and remind you that life is interconnected; that we live in one ecosystem.

4. The view of the Phnom Penh Boulevard and the Mekong River delta at the rooftop of the FCC Cambodia on a clear night, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The capital city of Cambodia extends into the massive Mekong River delta. And there's no better way to appreciate the view than from Phnom Penh's main boulevard which is located along the banks of the river. Located along the boulevard are some of Cambodia's best bars and chill-out places. The FCC Cambodia restaurant rooftop provides a great view (and the best food too). Located almost in the middle of the Boulevard, the view is spectacular. What is more, you can have an ice cold beer while sitting on the ledge. (As an aside, let me just say that a visit to the Heart of Darkness - Phnom Penh's foremost hip and young bar should be a must! Ah, memories.)

5. Borobodur temples and the surrounding mountains just before the temple is closed at 6 PM, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Sunrise or sunset? So goes the question of guides to travelers. And my answer is sunset. There is a different feel at the temples during sunset. The view from the topmost ledge gives you a commanding view of the mountains behind the bell-shaped monuments (there are hundreds of them). The view is even more spectacularly stunning when the sky breaks into colors of orange and red as the sun is about to set. There's a clincher here however. This part is tricky as the guards would start asking people to leave around 5:30. So, you have to play hide and seek with them to be able to enjoy this great view.

6. Lake Sebu from the back of the middle island, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines

Lake Sebu is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the island of Mindanao, Philippines. It is also home to the indigenous T'boli people. From the main highway, you see resorts and houses lining the banks of the lake. You have to take one of the native rafts to really appreciate the view. After going around the island (located in the middle of the lake), you see a (mostly) hidden view of the lake's life. You see the native houses of the T'bolis and the T'bolis themselves in their dwelling places. It's a an ironic sight. It's pretty but you also see the manifestations of the years of neglect the T'bolis have gone through.

7. The Shoe Island from the Biliran Bridge, Biliran, Philippines

The Biliran Bridge connects the Provinces of Biliran and Leyte in south-central Philippines. You can take a long walk or jog to the bridge from the Biliran town. It is only from the side of the bridge that you can see the shoe-like shape of the Shoe Island and its gleaming white sand beach. The shoe-like formation is not visible from other points around the island.

8. Parangtritis Beach while sipping fresh young coconut juice under one of those ambulant stores, Kretek, Indonesia

The expansive shores of the Parangtritis beach is a sight to behold. Covered with grayish sands, the Parangtritis beach is a witness to the constant battering of powerful waves from the mighty Indian Ocean. You can also ride a horse-drawn carriage to go around the beach. But, the view is great under the canopy of one of those make-shift stores while sipping fresh young coconut juice. The foams that the breaking waves form look like giant cottons.

9. The Pacific Ocean aboard an outrigger to Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Every time I look at a world map, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean inspires feelings of awe. Having grown from an island, I wonder how it would feel to drift in the open sea. The trip to Siargao Island (an island situated near the Pacific and stone's throw away from the Philippine Deep) can really erase whatever doubts you have about drifting in open water. As the outrigger makes its way to Siargao Island through the Pacific, you don't see any island (or even a distant outline) on both sides. One gets the feeling that should the boat capsize, dry land is a dream away as the sea seems endless on both sides. The view inspires feelings of awe, respect and gratitude. You don't see any massive waves breaking (my indicator of big, powerful waves, the amateurish surfer that I am) midway through, but, you feel the whole sea undulate in one uniform, giant movement and the outrigger is struggling to climb and descend the tall, gigantic waves. But, since the waves are vast, they are not that visible to the naked eye. You slowly realize how really big the waves are as you picture the boat's location in your mind. And, soon after, you learn to not fear the waves anymore. (Oh, and the mangrove areas on your way out to the Pacific from the Surigao port is also a sight to behold. You shouldn't miss it.)

10. Boracay aboard a paraw, Boracay Island, Aklan, Philippines

Boracay Island - famous for its sugary fine and white sandy beaches, hip bars, and wild parties - is a destination one must visit. But, the view that takes my heart away is not from the famous beach nor from an elevated location but from a paraw (a native sailboat) during sunset. As the paraw drifts away to the sea, you get a panoramic view of the beach. You also sea a lot of sailboats of different colors, sizes and speed making its way to and from the shore. The rays of the sun as it sets add drama to the scene. Truly a sight to behold. The view is even more amazing if you share the paraw with a loved one. Believe me. :-)

11. The mighty waves of Siargao on the beach of General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines

The break - known as Cloud 9 - is the venue of international surfing competitions. Certainly not for the faint of heart and beginners. But, aside from riding on them, the waves can also be enjoyed by simply staring at them. Sitting on the beach of General Luna, Siargao Island, you can clearly see the outlines of the gigantic waves coming from the Pacific as they break, form a barrel and slam unto the reef underneath, one after another. The waves look like a charging armada at one point and an audio equalizer at another. The view is even more stunning on a moonlit night. The bubbles shimmer under the moon's gaze and the sound of the waves crashing unto the reefs provide rock music to a peaceful and quiet place like Siargao.

12. The Bukidnon highlands from the Church of the Transfiguration, Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines

Shaped like a pyramid and designed to take in as much view as possible, the Church of the Transfiguration inside the compound of the Benedictine monks stands as a paragon of architectural ingenuity. It rises like a tower in the green and rural Bukidnon setting. But, what really takes your breath away is the view from the church itself. If you stand on the edge of the Churh's lawn, you get a commanding, 360 degree view of the mountains of Bukidnon. The silence and serenity of the place make the view even more compelling.

13. The vast expanse of the Visayan Sea from the infinity pool of the Panglao Island Nature Resort, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines

Panglao Island and the Province of Bohol offer many sights and sounds including white sand beaches, rivers, waterfalls, dolphin and whale watching, snorkeling and scuba diving, among others. I've done most of them. The vast expanse of the Visayan Sea, however, from the infinity pool of Panglao Island Nature Resort steals my breath. It is particularly magnificent at mid-day when the sun is up and shining brightly. The pool optically merges with the ocean and you feel like you are in the middle of the Visayan Sea!

14. The cordilleras and the central Luzon plains on the ridges of Mt. Ugo, Itogon, Benguet, Philppines

On your way up to Mt. Ugo, there is a waiting shed that sits on top of a ridge. Standing on top of the shed, you get a view of Mt. Arayat and Mt. Pinatubo in Pampanga and the plains of central Luzon on one side and the outlines of Mt. Pulag and the Cordilleras on the other. You begin to remember the map of Luzon and understand exactly how it fits in the real world - where the plains extend and the mountainous areas begin. The view is spectacular!

15. Sagada town at dawn from the Sagada Inn, Sagada, Mt. Province, Philippines

The town of Sagada in Mt. Province is an ideal setting - temperate, rustic, peaceful, quiet, charming, green, historic. Definitely a place to think about love, life and meaning. There is no better way to enjoy the view and really appreciate Sagada than to go out into the terrace of the Sagada Inn (around 5:00-6:30 AM). Some of the interesting things you see - fogs hovering above tin roofs just when the sun is about to rise, the morning mist, uninhabited Sagada streets and farmers of Sagada starting to set up their stalls near the Municipal Hall.

16. The south China Sea and the northern Ilocos coast from the view deck near the border of Cagayan Valley and Ilocos Norte, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

The northern Ilocos frontier offers a different view of the Philippines. In here, you can see arid and barren lands like the ones in the Iberian peninsula. Old palatial Spanish-inspired houses and ancient light houses abound. But, it's distinguishing mark, I think, is the unique opportunity it provides to romance the South China Sea. It offers craggy shorelines, white sand beaches and cliffs as foreplay to an encounter with the South China Sea. One of the most amazing view is from the view deck near the Ilocos Norte and Cagayan Valley border. Situated several hundred meters above sea level, the view offers an untrammeled and unparalleled access of the sea. You can see waves breaking as far as 300 meters away. It's almost heartbreaking in its beauty. The view on the way to the view deck is also panoramic particularly as you pass by the Patapat viaduct - an access road on stilts that juts out of the cliff.

17. The Malaysian skyline from the bridge of the Petronas towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The bridge of the Petronas towers offers yet another view of Kuala Lumpur. Touted to be the tallest twin building in the world, the Petronas offers access to all of Kuala Lumpur. You get an expansive, unparalleled view of Kuala Lumpur. Amazing.

18. The Merlion and the Singapore skyline at night from the bars across the Fullerton Hotel, Singapore

Singapore's trademark - the Merlion - and the Singapore skyline can best be viewed from one of the bars across the Fullerton Hotel. You get a view of the sea, the bridge, the historic Fullerton Hotel, and other historical sights. The view is best enjoyed by dining al fresco and having some drinks later in the night.

19. Old Jakarta from Cafe Batavia, Old Jakarta District, Jakarta, Indonesia

Walking through the old Jakarta district transports you to a different time and place. Dutch colonial buildings are a-plenty. (I must say that it's a pity that this place is not being tended to by the Indonesian government.) The view is particularly pretty from Cafe Batavia, located right in the middle of the old Jakarta district. The second floor provides a great view of the old plaza, the church and several old buildings surrounding the area.

20. The Apo Island underwater, Apo Island, Negros Oriental, Philippines

If the stories about a lost city are true, then that lost city must have sunk somewhere near the Apo Island area. The city of underwater creatures that is. The place is just so full of underwater life - corals, fishes, crustaceans, jellyfishes, shells, snakes of all colors, sizes and temperament. The moment you dip your head into the water, you are transported into a different world. You even get nibbled by the clown fishes!