Some strange, all true. These fun facts are sure to add a few new places to your must-visit list.
Image from the February – March 2026 print edition of GETAWAY.
Singing Sands
Keen to experience a natural phenomenon that feels straight out of a fantasy film? Head to Kazakhstan’s Altyn-Emel National Park, where the 150-metre-high ‘Singing Dune’ actually hums. When disturbed by wind or footsteps, the quartz sand grains vibrate, producing a deep, organ-like sound. Similar dunes exist in China, Chile and even Namibia, but Kazakhstan’s is considered one of the loudest. Locals say the sand sings to call travellers back.
Feeling Heavy
If you’ve ever wondered what the world’s heaviest building looks like, you’ll find it in Bucharest, Romania. The Palace of the Parliament, commissioned by Nicolae Ceaușescu, weighs an estimated 4.1 million tonnes, making it the heaviest building ever constructed. It’s also one of the largest administrative buildings globally, second only to the Pentagon in the US. With more than 1 000 rooms, opulent marble halls and kilometres of corridors, it’s a monumental piece of architecture that draws visitors curious about its scale and complex history.
Beneath the City
Istanbul is famous for its mosques, markets and centuries of history, but below the bustling streets lies an ancient, water-filled world. The Basilica Cistern, built in the 6th century, once stored vast reserves of water for the city. Today, visitors walk along raised platforms between 336 glowing, marble columns. Among them sit two enigmatic Medusa heads placed sideways and upside down. While historians still debate the reasons for the statues, there is consensus that the space is one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric hidden wonders.
Dull, Boring and Bland
There’s a trio of small towns with names that sound like the punchline of a joke, but they exist. Dull, Scotland, is officially twinned with Boring, Oregon, US, and even partnered with Bland in New South Wales, Australia. Every year, the communities from these places celebrate Dull and Boring Day, marking their friendship despite their, well, uninspiring names. Visitors flock to the signs for photos, proving the names may be dull, but the tourism isn’t.
Calling All Cat Lovers
Japan’s Tashirojima, often called Cat Island, is home to far more felines than humans. Fishermen used to believe the cats brought good luck and prosperity, so they cared for them, and the population skyrocketed. Today, cats roam freely through the island’s tiny villages, nap in the sun and pose for delighted travellers. There’s even a cat-shaped guest house for those who want the whole feline experience.
Originally published in the February – March 2026 print edition of GETAWAY.
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