New 7 Wonders of Nature

 1. New 7 Wonders of Nature: Amazon Rainforest, South America

 

The world has voted: Here are the provisional new seven wonders of nature, as determined by results of the multiyear global campaign sponsored by Swiss-based New Open World Corp. (Final ballots are still being counted.) These were winnowed from a field of 28 contenders: Read more about how the contest was conducted on the Travel Blog. Do you agree with the final list? Disagree? Weigh in here.

Text by Bing Travel editors; photo editing by Connie Ricca.

The Amazon rainforest spans the borders of nine South American countries, with the largest portion in Brazil. The Amazon River, the main artery of the rainforest, has more than 1,000 known tributaries, and 17 of those are at least 1,000 miles long. The rainforest has the highest biodiversity on Earth, sustaining life for thousands of plants, bird, fish, mammal and insect species.

 

 2. New 7 Wonders of Nature: Halong Bay, Vietnam

 

 

The best way to experience impossibly scenic Halong Bay is by boat. Hop on a junk (see photos of junks) and poke around the 2,000 rocky monoliths emerging dramatically from the water. Some of the limestone karsts are hollowed out and feature caves and grottoes perfect for exploring. The bay, whose name translates as "descending dragon," was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, honoring its unique geologic and aesthetic value.

 

3. New 7 Wonders of Nature: Iguazu Falls

 

 

Iguazu Falls, on the border of Argentina and Brazil: This semicircular splendor consists of 275 waterfalls on the Iguazu River, surrounded by subtropical rain forest and sporting trails, catwalks and boat rides for visitors. Most of the falls are about 210 feet high, though some are up to 269 feet high, and they extend nearly two miles wide.

 

 4. New 7 Wonders of Nature: Jeju Island, South Korea

 

 

Honeymooners flock to this island off the coast of South Korea for the white-sand beaches, palm trees, beautiful sunsets and emerald waters. Two favorite beaches are Hyeopjae and Geumneung, and those looking for more adventure can hike up Mount Halle, the highest point in South Korea, at 6,400 feet. Need more adventure? Poke around inside the Manjanggul lava tube, part of which is open to the public. The busiest months on Jeju Island are July and August, but accommodations are plentiful.

 

 5. New 7 Wonders of Nature: Komodo Island, Indonesia

 

This island in Indonesia has great scuba diving, but that fact is usually overshadowed by its main attraction: the Komodo dragon. This reptile, technically a monitor lizard, is the largest in the world and can grow up to 150 pounds and 10 feet long. The dragon is protected within the Komodo National Park, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. However, the dragon population is limited to five small islands and only around 3,000 are left in the wild. Poaching and encroaching human activity have put the species on the “vulnerable” to extinction list by the United Nations’ International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

 

6. New 7 Wonders of Nature: Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines

 

Nearly five miles long and emptying into the South China Sea, this underground river is one of the main attractions in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The river, on the Philippine island of Palawan, can be toured by paddleboat with the park service and winds among stalactites, stalagmites and other fantastical formations. After the tours, visitors head back into the sun on Palawan’s many white-sand beaches.

 

7. New 7 Wonders of Nature: Table Mountain, South Africa

 

The distinctive flat top of Table Mountain overlooks Cape Town, South Africa. It is just over 3,500 feet high and spans two miles from side to side. Many travelers take the cable car to the top for the fabulous views; others opt for a more adventurous route and hike up the steep sides.