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Behind the forbidden curtain

These days, it’s becoming harder to find untouched destinations as travel becomes more affordable and destinations more accessible. I don’t believe in risking my life for bragging rights, but it is sometimes worth exploring a supposedly “bad” place for yourself.

These days, it’s becoming harder to find untouched destinations as travel becomes more affordable and destinations more accessible. I don’t believe in risking my life for bragging rights, but it is sometimes worth exploring a supposedly “bad” place for yourself.

As Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler, who wrote a book on his tour of the so-called axis of evil, puts it: “In almost every bad land, I am moved by the outgoing friendliness of ordinary men and women. I have come to see that bad is a relative term, and that there are always two sides to every story.”

Here are five destinations worth exploring.

NORTH KOREA

Notorious for being named as part of an “axis of evil” by former United States President George W Bush, North Korea (also known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) is often sullied by negative perceptions.

The country has closed its doors to the outside world since the end of World War II. Only local channels are shown on television, there is no Internet and only 2,500 foreign tourists (not including the Chinese) visit the country each year.

While independent travel is not allowed, you can easily join a tour and enter the country.

North Koreans are taught to think that anything foreign is a threat. Yet, I was surprised to find how curious locals were about us. On the subway, we interacted with people, showing them our photos and laughing along with them. We even met groups of Korean ladies dancing in the park, and played charades with local children who were out on a field trip.

How to: Koryo Tours offers different types of group and individual tours, with prices starting from S$1,500 for a four-day tour (visa included).

There are also trips that coincide with the Pyongyang Marathon and Mass Games. Tours are led by American and British guides who are experts in anything related to North Korea.

Palestinian Territories

Technically, the Palestinian Territories are not considered a country. The Israel-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing since the mid-20th century, and the two parties have yet to reach a peace agreement. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and many more displaced and injured.

In recent years, there continue to be bombings in Gaza and the West Bank, so be sure to keep updated before visiting. During my visit in February 2013, it was safe to visit the West Bank and I had an insightful experience travelling around Jericho, Bethlehem and Ramallah.

As the birthplace of both Judaism and Christianity, Palestine has plenty of historical and cultural sights to see. But most importantly, visiting it offers the chance to talk to locals and learn more about the conflict first-hand.

How to: There are no civilian airports in the West Bank, but you can travel by public bus to Bethlehem or Ramallah by crossing the border from Jerusalem. Abraham Tours offers West Bank tours from Jerusalem, which are tailored to suit the interests of independent travellers who want authentic, personal experiences.

IRAN

Iran has earned quite a reputation for itself in the public eye. For over a decade, the US has charged Iran with sponsoring terrorism and producing nuclear weapons.

In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President George W Bush stated that Iran “aggressively pursues these weapons and exports terror, while an unelected few repress the Iranian people’s hope for freedom”.

Visiting Iran completely changed my perspectives. It surprised me in so many ways: From its outstanding architecture and ancient ruins to its food and possibly, the most hospitable people in the world.

Many of its cities like Tehran and Shiraz are vibrant, bustling and chock-full of attractions to see and interesting stories to be dug up. I have lost count of the number of times locals came up to me to invite me for tea and asked if I was enjoying my stay in their country.

How to: It’s simple and straightforward to enter Iran by flying into the capital city Tehran or taking a train from Ankara, Turkey. Singaporeans will need a tourist visa to enter, which can be arranged through the Iranian Embassy.

Travelling independently is easy within the country as accommodation and transport networks are relatively well established.

ALBANIA

Albania is often linked to the Soviet Union even today. With more than 40 years of Communist rule under the dictator Enver Hoxha, followed by a period of extreme capitalism in the mid-1990s, the country is still struggling to get back on its feet. These days, however, it’s easy to travel around the country as a tourist.

When I visited in May 2010, Albania impressed me with its beautiful landscape, intriguing gypsy culture and clusters of beautiful towns tucked high in the mountains. Plus, with prices generally being more affordable than many European countries, Albania is a rare find.

How to: No visas are needed for Singaporeans, and low-cost carriers operate from many European cities to Tirana, Albania’s capital. You can also catch a bus from Istanbul to Tirana.

ZIMBABWE

Like other destinations on this list, Zimbabwe has been making headlines for the wrong reasons. Since Robert Mugabe took power in 1980, the country has spiralled into a series of racial conflicts, human-rights abuses and violence. Although the country’s economy is slowly recuperating, millions of people are still living on food aid and struggling with disease outbreaks.

Behind this dark history lies a gorgeous country waiting to be explored. On my trip to Zimbabwe in September 2013, I traversed the country, from the wilderness of Mana Pools to the chaos of Harare.

Besides spotting Africa’s so-called Big Five game animals (the African leopard, rhinoceros, African elephant, Cape buffalo and African lion) in the wild and witnessing the power of Victoria Falls, I got a chance to know its people, who all warmly welcomed me into a country that is misunderstood by the world.

How to: You can easily fly into Harare International Airport via London or travel overland from Botswana or South Africa into Zimbabwe.

Singaporeans can stay in Zimbabwe for up to 180 days without a visa. Zambezi Safari and Travel Co offers game drives, canoe safaris and camping trips in Zimbabwe and its neighbouring countries.

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