TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The world is a vast and mysterious place, filled with landscapes that challenge our perception of reality. Countless wonders await at every turn.
While you may have often heard of unreal landscapes like the Grand Canyon and Victoria Falls, there are many more places that don't look real or seem surreal to be real—yet they do exist and can be explored. From glowing bioluminescent shores to mountains that change color with the seasons, the world is full of breathtaking sights that defy imagination
These natural marvels remind us of the planet’s incredible diversity and beauty, proving that sometimes, reality is more astonishing than fantasy.
Places that Don’t Look Real in the World, but Do Exist
Citing BuzzFeed and Travel + Leisure, this article unveils some places that don’t look real in the world. Keep reading to discover the complete list.
1. The Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
When it comes to places that don’t look real, Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, is surely a sight to behold. The imagination of standing on a vast, mirror-like surface stretching as far as the eye can see comes to life.
Once the flat is covered with a thin layer of water, it reflects the sky so perfectly that it creates the illusion of walking in the clouds. But, even when dry, the salt-covered landscape remains a stunning sight.
2. Aokigahara Forest, Japan
Known as the “Sea of Trees,” Aokigahara Forest near Mount Fuji is an eerie, quiet expanse where sunlight barely breaks through the thick canopy. An otherworldly atmosphere would be the only greeting you’ll receive, with moss-covered trees and dense foliage dominating the view of yours. Adding to its surreal allure, the forest is also shrouded in mystery and is often linked to numerous urban legends.
3. Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Glowworm is New Zealand’s main thing, and Waitomo Caves may be the premier spot to witness the magic. Its splendor of underground rivers, sinkholes, and lots of glowworms lighting up the cave’s walls and ceilings is almost like something out of a sci-fi movie.
4. Kolmanskop, Namibia
Kolmanskop is a hauntingly beautiful ghost town in Namibia's desert, once a thriving diamond mining settlement. After the diamonds were depleted, the town was slowly deserted by its residents.
Now, it’s an abandoned place with rooms filled with sand and decaying furniture evoking a haunting, cinematic atmosphere. Kolmanskop continues to attract photographers, who flock to capture one of the most unbelievable places on earth.
5. Fly Ranch Geyser, USA
Located in Northern Nevada, Fly Ranch Geyser isn’t just a typical hot spring; it’s a man-made kaleidoscope geyser with three captivating multicolored mounds. A part of Nevada history for over 100 years, Fly Ranch Geyser was born from two failed drilling attempts by a settled family and a geothermal energy company.
Although the failed drill sites have since been sealed, the pressure from the geothermal waters and mineral deposits continues to shape the geyser year after year, creating a phenomenon of the most unreal places on earth.
6. Seven Colored Earth of Chamarel, Mauritius
The Seven Colored Earth in Chamarel, Mauritius is a unique natural phenomenon where the sand dunes appear in seven shades, almost as though a rainbow has been trapped beneath the earth’s surface. The result of volcanic activity centuries ago, these dunes look like a surreal painting made by nature itself.
7. Lençois Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
At Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil, you’ll find an incredible combination of vast, rolling sand dunes and crystal-clear, blue-green freshwater lagoons. This natural wonder is shaped by the forces of nature, with the dunes formed by the wind during the dry season and the lagoons created by rainwater pooled in the wet season.
What makes it even more mesmerizing is the ever-changing landscape, which shifts with the seasons, ensuring that every visit for each tourist is a unique and breathtaking experience.
8. Ik Kil Cenote, Mexico
Defining places that look unreal is easy when you look at Ik Kil Cenote. One of Mexico’s most jaw-dropping natural beauties, this natural swimming hole is tucked away deep within the jungle.
Surrounded by lush green vegetation and with a waterfall cascading from the ceiling, the turquoise waters are not only the most vibrant blue you'll ever see but also a swimmable paradise where you might spot fish and turtles gliding through.
9. Vinicunca, Peru
Vinicuca is also one of the places that don't look real. Commonly known as Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca is a true natural wonder. Located in the Peruvian Andes, this multicolored mountain is composed of 14 different colorful mineral layers, each contributing to its awe-inspiring stripes of colors from turquoise to lavender.
Though discovered only around 12 years ago, this natural spectacle has quickly become one of Peru’s premier tourist destinations.
10. The Tunnel of Love, Ukraine
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through a magical tunnel covered in vibrant greenery, The Tunnel of Love in Ukraine is your dream come true. This enchanting natural corridor, located near the small town of Klevan, is formed by trees that create a fairytale-like pathway.
A year-round wonder, each season provides a different charm by transforming the trees into breathtaking displays with the palette of green, golden, orange, red, and snowy white.
These places that don’t look real may seem too strange to be true, but they exist and they’re waiting for you to experience their magic. If you’re up for more exploration of uniquely stunning landscapes, let’s take a look at the best natural wonders in the US.
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