Yale University's home for rare works, including the mysterious Voynich Manuscript.

Moss and stone turn this waterfall into an otherworldly liquid veil.

Museum celebrating the ocean, with the largest wunderkammer dedicated to sea exploration.

The deadliest diving spot in the world is also a stunning geological marvel.

A series of waterfalls and pools that flow through the 'Ohe'o Gulch and into the ocean.

A cave's rare beauty held a cavernous secret hidden underground.

"Dark Sky Park" is heaven on Earth for astronomers, one of the rare U.S. locations with no artificial light pollution.

The hermits of Karoulia protect their asocial lifestyles by living on the vertical face of a treacherous precipice.

A remarkable geological formation resembling a forest made of stone.

A desert that rolls right up to the ocean, where it's so dry animals live off the fog.

These tombs were built into the side of a mountain so that ancient angels could reach the dead.

The hottest place on the planet.

An abandoned whaling station on an active volcano offers hot springs in Antarctica, surrounded by ruined giants of industry.

A beautiful, dense forest in the shadow of Mount Fuji, with a tragic reputation.

A battle between nature and architecture in the Cambodian jungle.

Hindu temple of the dead home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques.

The Buddhist temples of Yamadera, built into a mountain side, feature a viewing deck with sweeping views.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

Submerged trees jut ghost-like out of an idyllic turquoise mountain lake.

A fiery crater has been burning in the Karakum Desert since 1971.

A 17th-century mosque that was used for war more than worship.