Silent Reflection: The Quietest Places on Earth

We're taking you to the quietest, most desolate corners of the planet to help you find your peace of mind. 

Forget about your cell phone, your morning alarm, car horns and people clamouring in the streets. Imagine being surrounded by pristine nature while the only sound you can hear is birds singing in the distance.

Places like these exist, although they're not easy to reach.

 

Negev Desert, Israel


When you find yourself in the middle of a desert, complete silence is guaranteed. Plus, there's not a soul in sight for kilometres, so you can enjoy the stunning vistas as far as the eye can see completely alone. The Negev Desert is not all sun and sand. It is filled with natural and man-made sights that make it a must-see if you're headed to the Holy Land.

Negev Desert, Israel

Negev Desert is often overlooked by the tourists, but it is well worth the exploration. Precisely because it's not a popular tourist spot, it is one of the most peaceful places on the planet. Sights that are unique to this place are waiting for you on the tour. The Dead Sea, the ancient Masada Fortress, and the unusual geological formations called maktheshim are just some of them.

Enjoy the silence, but don't forget to have fun, too. Do a little wine tasting, learn how to sandboard on the dunes, bike through the desert, or just relax under the mesmerizing night sky.

 

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania


The Selous Game Reserve is Africa's hidden treasure although it's the biggest game reserve on the continent. It covers a huge area of 50,000 square kilometres, and it's one of the largest protected areas in Africa. The Reserve is filled with exotic animals like elephants, rhinos, lions, hippos, giraffes and zebras. But, the best part is - it's almost undisturbed by the human touch.

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

If there's one thing you need to do at the Reserve, it's a walking safari. Prepare to catch more than a glimpse of the unbelievable wildlife around you. Keep your eyes open as you walk through Lake Manze and Impala because you just might come face to face with buffalos, elephants, and even lions.

All the noise you'll hear at the Selous Game Reserve comes from the animals. And you don't have to book a five-star hotel. Camping is the best way to immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of this national park.

However, this option is more suitable to true adventurers. If you choose to camp, always stay well hydrated in the hot Tanzanian sun with a S'well Bottle that keeps your drink cold for 24 hours.

 S'well Bottle

 

Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland


Pronouncing this town's name is just as difficult as reaching it. In fact, the ice is blocking the coast for about nine months of the year making it impossible to access the town by water. That doesn't stop curious travellers yearning for some peace and quiet to drop by this sleepy town.

Ittoqqortoormiit is lying on the east coast of Greenland, and it has only around 450 inhabitants. Still, visitors never leave this town indifferent. Sea cliffs, deep fjords, mountains, snow and the colourful houses are creating an unforgettable landscape. Aside from revelling in this unusual beauty, you can try a range of fun activities like hunting, skiing, dogsledding and snowmobiling.

For an even more profound experience, visit at the beginning of the year and catch the Northern Lights. Eastern Greenland is perfect for watching this breathtaking phenomenon without a big crowd of people spoiling the moment.

 

Socotra Island, Yemen


Socotra Island, Yemen

What a better way to detach yourself from the rest of the world than visiting a place that looks like it's from another planet? Dubbed "the lost world," Socotra Island boasts 800 rare species of flora and fauna, some plants being over 20 million years old. You may be intimidated by the harsh climate, but the weather is in perfect harmony with the wildlife here. This climate is the whole reason why the flora has evolved into extraordinary shapes that can't be seen anywhere else in the world.

Prepare for an otherworldly experience as you tread through one of the remotest places in the world. It's enough to say that this island has only one road and mere 40,000 inhabitants. You can also forget about the cars and deluxe hotels because the island insists on eco-tourism. Don't worry, though. Just hop on a camel and explore the island at your own pace, without the noise of the everyday life. 

After admiring the pristine land, take the adventure underwater. That's where it really gets quiet. Book a diving session and explore the mysterious shipwrecks, the untouched coral reefs and the exotic ocean wildlife. Don't forget to bring a durable wetsuit like the Adelio Wetsuits Connor 4/3 Deluxe Steamer to keep warm and protected on these underwater adventures.

 Adelio Wetsuits Connor 4/3 Deluxe Steamer

 

 

Kronotsky Nature Reserve, Russia


This fascinating nature reserve is one of the quietest places on the planet with good reason - only 3,000 tourists are allowed to visit it every year. This area in the Land of Fire and Ice is protected due to its spectacular ecosystem. You will see some 750 rare plant species, if you're lucky enough to be among the few chosen tourists, of course.

You will need a special permission to visit Kronotsky Nature Reserve. And if you manage to get it, you will travel to the Reserve by helicopter since roads don't go there. Tourists only get one day to admire the area, while only the scientists get to explore the area more thoroughly.

Once you find yourself there, keep your eyes peeled for the incredible plant species, majestic volcanoes rising to over 3,500 kilometres, geysers and hot springs. The nature rules here so you won't hear any sounds aside from the birds and maybe a few brown bears.


 

Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena


Tristan da Cunha is the world's remotest island, and that's not an exaggeration. It is 2,430 kilometres away from the closest mainland and the only town on the island, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, is home to less than 300 people. There is just one way to reach the island: a 6-day boat ride from Saint Helena. You can already assume that a quick day trip is out of the question.

Few tourists choose Tristan da Cunha as the ideal vacation destination, precisely because of its remoteness. But, to the nature-loving adventurers among us, it sounds like heaven. The tiny volcanic island has a rich history and an even richer wildlife. Probably the most interesting story originates from 1961 when island's 264 people were evacuated to Cape Town moments before the catastrophic volcano eruption.  

These days, the real charm of the island lies in the people. Tristan da Cunha resembles a tiny utopia with all the residents as one big family. So, don't miss the opportunity to get to know the friendly Tristan islanders if you get the chance to meet them.

Ukota

Image from: Ukota 

You'll have plenty of time to reflect as you discover numerous hiking trails across the island. Before you head out, arm yourself with a comfy and practical pack like the Herschel Little America Backpack and prepare to get lost in thought as you wander through the astonishing landscapes.

Herschel Little America Backpack

 

 

Motuo, China


Traveling to the most populated country in the world to be alone may sound a little counterintuitive, but bear with us. Only 12,000 people live in the Motuo County in China, an area inaccessible by car due to the rough terrain and frequent natural disasters. There is a way to enter Motuo, but it's not for the faint-hearted. It's via a suspension cable some 100 metres above the ground.

The incredible Motuo County is located in Tibet, and it's cut off from the rest of the world with a range of snow-covered mountains. That's what makes it so magical. Nobody would expect stunning alpine lakes, lush forests, mesmerizing waterfalls and tropical fruit growing on Tibet. But it's all there, hidden in the Motuo County.

If you've become fascinated by this story and wish to see these amazing landscapes with your own eyes, we'll have to disappoint you. The region is closed to all foreigners, so you'll have to admire the beauty only from the photos.

Tibettravel

Image from: Tibettravel

 

Phraya Nakhon Cave, Thailand

 

Phraya Nakhon Cave is one of the most charming sites in Thailand, but it's so well hidden that it barely receives any visitors. As a result, you will only hear the echo of your own voice as you take in the magnificent view. But, get ready to put some effort to reach your destination.

First, you get to choose between a scenic boat ride and a 30-minute trek to the Laem Sala Beach. Then, you will need to climb 430 metres of slippery, steep steps until you reach the entrance of the cave. But, don't expect the cave to be a dark, scary place. The sunlight gently descends into the cave, illuminating the famous Kuha Karuhas pavilion and the greenery surrounding it, creating a surreal scene.

Kuha Karuhas pavilion is justifiably one of the most photographed sites in Thailand. The cave's chambers have open ceilings, allowing the sun and rain to nurture the trees and bushes inside. This gives the whole scene a gorgeous mystical look and a sense of serenity.

Phraya Nakhon Cave, Thailand

Far from the hectic life, these planet's hidden treasures will exhilarate you, captivate you and make you want to stay there forever.

Whether your ideal vacation spot is a tropical paradise on earth, an exciting animal sanctuary or a winter wonderland, you will find your moment of silent reflection that will stay with you long after you return to reality.

May 24, 2017 — Benny R

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