Places deriverative Wants to Go

A bustling bazaar with an elaborate facade in Central Asia’s underrated capital.

This remote, abandoned Soviet observatory promises spectacular views for those who can reach it.

This medieval citadel once guarded the western entrance of the Pamir Highway.

The first version of this stalwart construction appeared around 3,000 years ago.

Next to a newer mosque in Khujand’s main square lies the city’s oldest mosque, whose interiors are spectacularly intricate.

Right beyond the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border lies the oldest human settlement in Central Asia.

A Soviet-era health spa complete with radioactive bathing and shock therapy.

The Pamir Highway between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan takes a mere hour driving through a stretch of No Man’s Land.

A colonial-era fort with panoramic views across the border of Timor-Leste, now home to a hotel.

This giant Christ statue was a failed attempt by Indonesia to dissuade East Timor from demanding independence.

These underground shelters dug by the Japanese during World War II later helped Timor-Leste achieve its independence.

Ancient images hide within the park's caves.

A haunting place that is now home to thousands of birds.

The remains of a former colonial fort on a stretch of beach that is occasionally visited by crocodiles.

A surprisingly large and sturdy ruin on the outskirts of a remote village.

This crocodile-infested Timor-Leste reservoir is also home to a spectacular half-sunken forest.

These sacred totem houses connect the Fatakulu people with the spirits of their ancestors.

No one is quite sure of the origins of these idyllic natural hot springs at an abandoned mountain resort.

At 16,627 feet above sea level, this unstaffed station is the highest in the world.

Self-mutilation in the name of beauty.

Malaysia's floating mosque.

Giant relaxing Buddha in Malaysia.

The Seven Story Pagoda of Sibu.

Temple-like building holds power equipment.