World Landmarks

Stop at these iconic spots in your trips:

(For more of these landmarks, visit The Travel Peoples Facebook page.)


Jinkwan Temple in Seoul, South Korea
The temple is part of the Bukhansan National Park. It is a century-old temple built during the Goryeo Dynasty upon the order of King Hyeonjong as a thank-you to the Buddhist priest Jinkwan who saved the king's life. The temple allows guests to experience Buddhist culture with their temple-stays programs for groups, children, and youths. : Kate Chang (Seoul, 1/14/2021)



Hot Air Balloon Fest, Albuquerque in New Mexico - Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an annual event that happens for nine days in the Rio Grande. 

Melbourne Trams in Melbourne, Australia
Trams are the main public transport here. It is a convenient way for commuters and tourists to go around the city at a minimal cost. (Be responsible when traveling by wearing a mask and observing SOPs.)



Boracay Sunsets in Aklan, Philippines
This landmark is on the coast (coast mark then?) of the world-renowned Boracay Island. Gorgeousness abounds every time the sun sets on the shores of Boracay. To many beachcombers and beach bums, this spectacular view is what sets the island apart.

Several resorts have opened already, and many have observed that there are fewer tourists now than at the same time last year. The -ber months towards the late half of the year are the peak seasons. But because of the pandemic, the island has lost its usual surge of visitors. Would you consider taking the holidays here again?






Friends' Apartment Building - New York City, USA
Hardcore fans of the '90s hit sitcom FRIENDS know this famous landmark located at 90 Bedford St. in New York City. This is supposed to be the apartment building of Monica, Rachel, Joey, and Chandler, the four of the six main characters. This building's facade would appear almost always in each episode and was supposed to house the favorite cafe of the gang, Central Perk.


In reality, the building has residential spaces above the first floor and commercial spaces on the ground floor. Moreover, the actual Central Perk and the apartment units of our cast are in one of the sound stages of Warner Brothers Studios in Los Angeles, California.


Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong City, Hong Kong
Complete your Hong Kong trip with a nice walk along the Avenue of Stars complemented by the gorgeous view of Victoria Harbour. It has more than 100 superstar palm prints like in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Martial arts legend Bruce Lee has a bronze statue on the avenue.

Located in the New World Centre complex, attractions within the area are the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Space Museum, the K11 Art Mall, the clock tower, and the Symphony of Lights in the evening.

Bruce Lee's monument

Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu City, Philippines
Beachfront splendor. This five-star resort hotel is the ultimate luxury holiday experience when in Cebu City, Philippines. For a complete Shangri-La experience, guests could enjoy relaxation and wellness facilities, oceanside activities and sports, entertainment amenities, and superb dining choices.


The hotel houses the Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary, its Care for Nature Project. It spans six hectares from the beachfront and overflows with over 160 species of fish, clams, and coral. The Sanctuary is a collaboration with Amores Charities, Inc., and Scotty's Action Sports Network. (source: Shangri-La website)


Bantay Bell Tower in Ilocos Sur, Philippines
In the town of Bantay, Ilocos Sur stands the Bantay Church belfry. The structure on a hilltop towers above the greeneries in the province of Abra. The watchtower was used against enemy forces during World War II thus its name "bantay" (to guard). With its wooden staircase, visitors could go up the tower and see the view.



TeddyVille Museum in Penang, Malaysia
Yes! Your favorite stuffed toy has a museum and it is on Penang Island, Malaysia.

Housed in the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton, The TeddyVille Museum is Malaysia’s first and largest collection of teddy bears dating back as early as the 1900s. Visitors would be delighted to see miniature teddy bears and life-sized ones. The museum also showcases the cultural history of Penang through teddy displays.
 



Beerenberg Family Farm in Hahndorf, South Australia
Operating since 1839, the farm's main product is its sweet strawberries, thus the name Beerenberg which means ‘Berry Hill’ in German. Originating from a German family that settled in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, the main store is located in Hahndorf, known as the "German town." When you visit the farm, try the berry ice creams, jams, seasonings, baked goods, and other fresh farm produce. Another attraction is the "pick-your-own-strawberry" activity set in November.







Kadok's in Daly City and Union City in California, USA
This Filipino restaurant began in 1995 serving its specialty, the pork bun. On the menu are delectable Pinoy dishes such as sisig, adobo, inihaw, kinilaw, mami, menudo, etc. Its tagline "Sa anumang okasyon, Kadok's ay naging tradisyon!" (On any occasion, Kadok's became a tradition!" speaks for its loyal customer base in the bay area. It has branches in Daly City and Union City in California. For orders, go to kadoks.com.



Rhine Falls in Switzerland
The most powerful waterfall in Europe, the Rhine Falls (German Rheinfall), is situated on the border between Germany and Switzerland. While visiting the falls, tourists can also see Wörth Castle. There are also boat trips that take riders up the Rhine to the falls. For an overlooking view of both sides of Rhein, steep and narrow stairs lead to viewing platforms. As an added attraction, salmons are abundant in the falls, but tourists are prohibited from fishing.
 






Pacific Park in California, USA
The well-known Southern California beach park---Pacific Park--- is located at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. It has 12 rides that include the first solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel. Pacific Park also features arcade games, live performances, food outlets, and shops.






Edgar Allan Poe's home and graveyard in Philadelphia and Baltimore, USA
Once upon a midnight dreary, the great poet Edgar Allan Poe began writing his famous book, The Raven in 1843 at this house in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The structure is located in the Spring Garden neighborhood and is the only one among Poe's residences in Philly that survives to this day.


Like his dark literary works, mystery surrounded his death. Poe, his wife, and his mother-in-law were buried at this graveyard in Baltimore, Maryland. The burial site is within walking distance of Baltimore attractions such as the Hippodrome Theatre, Lexington Market, and Royal Farms Arena.


Do we hear someone/something saying "nevermore?"


Chiang Kai Shek Memorial in Taipei, Taiwan
When in Taipei, Taiwan, never miss Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, named after the late Chinese president. Its roof is blue and octagonal as it pertains to the number 8. (The Chinese believe that 8 brings prosperity and luck.) The complex became Taipei's favorite venue for mass gatherings since it opened in 1980, ushering Taiwan into modern-day democracy. The wide complex has an eco-park, a concert hall, and a theater.
 





Flinders Station in Melbourne, Australia
Formerly known as Melbourne Terminus, meet Flinders Railway Station in Melbourne, Australia. It was built in 1854 and is the first train station in an Australian city. The station has clocks that continue to display departure times today since the 1860s. The steps of the station are heated so that commuters won't get cold.


KFC Museum in Kentucky, USA
The KFC Museum is located in Louisville, Kentucky where the fast-food giant's headquarters is. Founder Colonel Harland Sanders' life-size wax figure is among its attractions. Just don't touch those chicken pieces in his bucket because they're not edible!
 


KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Aside from the famous Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia has another known tall structure called the KL Tower (Menara KL). It's one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world and plays host to a revolving restaurant that offers an awesome view of the city from the top. It also has a theatre, an amphitheater, cascading pools, a fast-food restaurant, and souvenir shops.


Universal Studios in California, USA
For sure a lot of us miss going to theme parks. So we'll revisit Kwik-E-Mart, a landmark at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. It is part of the long-running animated comedy The Simpsons' attractions in the complex.
 




Rizal Park in Manila, Philippines
Remembering the Philippines' Independence Day from Spain on June 12, 1898. This landmark is none other than the country's iconic Luneta Park, aka Rizal Park, in the heart of Manila. It was named after the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. It is a symbol of freedom and beams with pride the Filipino spirit of free speech and democracy.


Photo by: Author Lia Ocampo


The Head of Franz Kafka in Prague, Czech Republic 
The Head of Franz Kafka, also known as the Statue of Kafka, is an outdoor sculpture by David Černý, depicting Bohemian German-language writer Franz Kafka, installed outside the Quadrio shopping center in Prague, Czech Republic.




Photo by Rysa Alenzuela, Ph.D.



                              

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