An Image of the Heavens on the Earth: The Natural Beauties of the Oriental World

We are going to go on a short trip, around to some of the oriental world’s fantastic areas of natural beauty, with a lot of them having interesting historical heritages to match.

Here are some of the many amazing retreats that we tend to not hear about …so lets go on a short journey through the natural beauties of the oriental world.

The United Arab Emirates

When thinking about the UAE, we automatically think about skyscrapers, the Dubai Mall, the

luxurious lifestyle and all the first class features of that world class city. But the UAE away from the stereotypical glitz and the glamour, has other precious hidden jewels within the desert. One of these is the Al Maha Desert Conservation Reserve, where one can retreat to away from the hustle and bustle of modern Dubai life. The conservation allows you to connect to nature and the real essence of the Middle East – its desert and wildlife origins. Fantastically preserving the natural habitat of the desert, the conservation houses over 6,000 indigenous trees and its shrubs as well as the freely roaming herds and the endangered oryx and many other forms of precious wildlife. This is the country’s first National Park, of astounding natural beauty and firmly claiming its place as part of the country’s natural heritage.

Lebanon

With its perfect Mediterranean location and its fantastic history, Lebanon in itself is a country of renowned natural beauty. Lebanon is the location of the the Cedar’s of God, or Arz Al Rabb, as described in Arabic, a forest protected by UNESCO world heritage. It is of intense natural beauty with significant Holy status with importance since the ancient times for the trade of cedar wood and timber. It lies within the Bsharre region of lebanon, spanning beautiful awe inspiring views of snow capped mountains, beautifully laid lush green cedar trees and the Qadisha valley. Skiing is available nearby along with of course mountain top panoramic views. The region is punctuated with its amazing historical heritage, with monasteries and caves echoing the near-silent supplications from the days gone by.

Pakistan

Lake Saiful Malook is classed as one of the highest alpine lakes of Pakistan. Located within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province region, you would be forgiven for thinking you have been transported into one of those picture postcard locations of Switzerland. The crystal-clear sparkling lakes, surrounded by the snow capped mountains, of course cannot exist without its own unique story, which is a common theme amongst the natural beauties of this part of the world. The park is associated with the poetic story of the Persian Prince, written by a renouned Sufi poet, Mian Muhammad. The Prince called Saiful Malook fell in love with a fairy called Badr Ul Jamal. On his search for his beloved, he came across a holy man who set upon the love-stricken Prince various tests of his love for the fairy, who he was allowed to marry only after passing each test. It is said that he found his love within the natural beauty of this region.

Egypt

Egypt is home to many treasures, whether cultural, historical or natural. Egypt is a treasure box of discoveries which can never be kept of the list of places to visit, especially at least when it comes to its natural treasures. Ras Muhammad National Park, named as such because it is shaped looking like the head of a man with a beard, is a treasure trove of underwater marine adventures, filled with coral reef along its coast and well over 100 different sea species. Many visit for its fabulous diving opportunities and camping alike. You will find yourself catching your breath whilst you take in the sparkling beauty of the pure azure waters, golden sands with the clearest skies above you. Its not an adventure that you will forget soon.

Whats your favorite jewel of the oriental world?