Jeita Grotto

·         Interconnected limestone caves located in Lebanon

·         Longest cave structure in the middle east

·         A height differences of 1,000 feet ( 305 m)

Jeita Grotto is a set of interconnected limestone caves located in Lebanon. A river runs through the two caves referred to as the lower cave and the upper galleries. The Jeita Grotto is the longest cave complex in the Middle East with a height difference of 1,000 feet (305 m).

The Jeita Grotto sits at 980 feet (300 m) above sea level. Explorers have made there way 22,700 feet (6,910 m) from the front entry way of the lower grotto to the deepest end of the underground river, and about 7,000 feet (2,130 m) of the upper galleries.

The upper galleries features stalactites, stalagmites, columngs, mushrooms, ponds, curtains and draperies. The effects and views of the cave have been enhanced with a good lighting system. The longest stalactite in the world is found in the White Chamber of the Jeita Grotto.

Puerto Princesa

·         Also known as St. Paul's Subterranean River

·         Located in the Saint Paul Mountain range in the Phillipines

·         An 8.2 km navigable underground river

·         Longest underground river in Asia and second longest in the world

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is the longest underground river in Asia and the second longest underground river in the world. It features an ## feet (8.2 km) navigable underground river that travels through the cave before flowing into the South China Sea.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River travels through a cave that features stalactites, stalagmites, and many large chambers. The park area encompasses a complete sea to mountain ecosystem and features 8 of the 13 different forest types found in Asia. Collectively there are over 800 different plant species.

Chocolate Hills

·         Over 1,270 similarly cone-shaped hills creating a sea of hills over 20 square miles (50 sq km)

·         Located in Bohol, Philippines

·         Heights typically range from 98 to 160 feet (30 to 50 m) with the highest reaching 390 feet (120 m)

The Chocolate Hills are consistent in their cone shape and size and estimates show that the number of hills reaches at least 1,260 but may be as many as 1,776. The Chocolate Hills encompasse a 20 square mile (50 sq km) area creating a sea or rolling terrain of these haycock hills.

The height of the hills varies from 98 to 160 feet (30 to 50 m) with the largest hill reaching a peak of 390 feet (120 m). The Chocolate Hills are actually grass covered limestone, but during the dry season the grass dries up turning brown which is where the name is derived from. The dried up brown hills look like a sea of "chocolate kisses."

Mount Fuji

·         Tallest mountain in Japan

·         Peak reaches a height of 12,388 feet (3,776 m)

·         Considered one of the "Three Holy Mountains"

Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan with the peak reaching an elevation of 12, 388 feet (3,776 m). The mountain is located on the west of Tokyo near the boundary of Shizuoka and Yamanashi. Mount Fuji can be seen from Tokyo on clear days.

Mount Fuji is most known for the symmetrical cone shape that is often snow covered creating a spectacular scene across Lake Kawaguchi. Mount Fuji is actually surrounded by five lakes that include: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Motosu and Lake Shoji. The mountain is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Ayers Rock

·         Also referred to as Uluru

·         Sacred rock to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people

·         Features include springs, waterholes, and caves

Ayers Rock is a large sandstone rock formation that appears out in the middle of no where in central Australia. This wonder is 208 miles ( 335 km) from the closest large town. Ayers Rock, also called Uluru, reaches a peak of 1,142 feet (348 km) and measures 5.8 miles (9.4 km) around. Ayers Rock features waterholes, springs, and rock caves. Although not relevant to natural characteristics, Uluru has historical significance because of ancient paintings found within the caves.

In addition to the geological features, another notable feature is the changing of colors as the sun light strikes the rock at different times throughout the day. It tends to glow red as the sun sets marking one of the best views.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is made of a type of sandstone that is characterized by feldspar and conglomerate. The rock is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people of the area.

Aldabra Atoll

·         Largest African atoll and second largest in the world

·         Largest population of giant tortoises

·         Home to the Aldabra rail which is the last surviving flightless bird of the area

The Aldabra Atoll is the second largest atoll in the world behind the Kiritimati atoll. It stretches 21.1 miles (34 km) long and 9 miles (14.5 km) wide. The Aldabra atoll is 26.2 feet (8 m) above sea level and has a land area of 96.5 miles (155.4 km). The lagoon stretches 139.1 miles (224 km) across; much of the lagoon will be exposed during low tide.

The Aldabra Atoll includes a ring of four larger islands: Grand Terre, Malabar, Polymnie, and Picard, and a few smaller islands. The islands have no inhabitants apart from a small staff of rangers. The atoll accounts for the largest population of giant tortoises. Additional wildlife includes: hammerhead sharks, barracuda, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, mantarays, and various birds.