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walkway, which takes hikers through the treetops of the rainforest, is the longest in the world and is over 24m (80 ft.) off the ground, affording spectacular views to those without vertigo. Gua Telinga, or Ear Cave, named for a rock formation that’s shaped like a human ear, is one of several cave systems in the area; it’s home to several species of rare bats, frogs, and other fauna. And river tours are available for those who love to fish or swim in the area’s pristine rivers. Whether you choose a short day hike, a night trek, or a longer, more strenuous multi-day adventure, you’ll come to appreciate why the Malaysian people are justly proud of this jewel in the crown of their park system. —ML

Tours: Tahan Holidays ( 603/5636-1898;www.tahan.com.my). Han Travel ( 03/2031-0899;www.taman-negara.com).

When to Go: Apr–Sept.

Kuala Lumpur.

$$$ Mutiara Taman Negara Resort, Kuala Tahan, Jerantut, 27000 Pahang ( 609/266-3500;www.mutiarahotels.com). $ Agoh Chalet, Kuala Tahan ( 609/266-9570;www.agoh.com.my).

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Exploring the Land of Fire & Ice

An Adventurer’s Dreamland

Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar, Iceland

Iceland hasn’t had it easy for the past few years. One of the first countries to crumble under the weight of the global financial crisis, it is just now slowly moving toward economic recovery—thanks to multilateral assistance and domestic policy measures—but forecasts predict that growth is still a ways off. In the meantime, this young European country could really use your tourism dollars, and you’ll get a huge bang for your buck. If you like peculiar, often isolated, places with wildly odd geological formations, you’ll find a lot to get excited about in Iceland.

Don’t let its name fool you. Although nearly 11% of the country is covered in ice and it’s home to Europe’s largest glacier, the other 89% of its terrain varies from green fertile valleys and farmlands; to fiords, waterfalls, and hot springs; to sandy beaches; to volcanoes, lava rocks, and mountains. In other words, you’ll have countless opportunities for adventures—including hiking, ice climbing, abseiling, biking, horseback riding, motorcycle riding, kayaking, white water rafting, fishing, and caving. During the summer solstice, the country is bathed in everlasting sunlight, a thrilling experience in itself.

One of the best ways to explore Iceland is by driving around its coastline on the roughly 1,335km (830 miles) Ring Road, more formally known as Highway 1. After arriving, make Blue Lagoon your first stop. Tucked into lava rock, this large manmade bathtub filled with hot blue-green saltwater and sulfurous steam clouds is the perfect place to unwind after your flight. Temporarily refreshed, spend a night in Reykjavik, a charming city with cobblestone streets that offers some pretty rambunctious nightlife—particularly when it stays light outside well after midnight. When you’ve had enough late-night fun in the sun, get some sleep and then hit the road to see some of nature’s most astounding creations.

Rafting in Iceland is a great way to see some of the unusual geological formations that dot the country.

As you start off in the coastal countryside, plan to spend a couple of nights on a farm for a chance to see how locals really live, and even lend a hand with some of the crops or animals. Icelandic Farm Holidays ( 354/570-2700; www.farmholidays.is) can help you set up your stay. From here, drive northeast toward Lake Myvatn, where you’ll find a vast body of water among volcanic craters and lava that creates a sort of eerie moonscape. The village of Vogar has a fine guesthouse, and there are plenty of interesting sites nearby. If you’ve got a four-wheel-drive vehicle, head inland next, crossing the central highlands to Asjka. This stark, desolate volcanic caldera is allegedly where U.S. astronauts first trained before going to the moon. Once you make it back to the coastal highway, continue south until you reach the town of Vik. From here, drive to Landmannalaugar, a geothermal hotbed that boasts colorful dreamlike hills and lava outcroppings. One of