Discover the Earth's Most Enigmatic Destinations

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Unveiling 5 of the Planet's Best-Kept Secrets

There are places on Earth so 'secretive' that even the most curious travelers can't access.

Unveiling 5 of the Planet's Best-Kept Secrets

In life, it seems that the most alluring things are those beyond our reach. For globetrotters, they are always drawn to places where they are not allowed to tread.

From a secluded island in the Pacific with no water to a covert facility reminiscent of James Bond's in the UK, here are the 5 most 'hush-hush' spots on the globe.

1. Seed Vault for Apocalypse Preparedness in Norway

Imagine a world completely transformed by a natural disaster: dwindling population, infrastructure in ruins, and a scarcity of food. The sole survivor's mission is to rebuild a new world.

In a Hollywood-worthy doomsday scenario, where would the hero go? He would venture into the Apocalypse Seed Vault in Norway, humanity's last chance against the global food crisis.

Nestled inside a mountain on Spitsbergen Island, 1,300km from the North Pole, the Apocalypse Seed Vault is the world's most heavily guarded seed bank.

The reason scientists chose Spitsbergen: this island remains unshaken by tectonic activity, positioned 130m above sea level, ensuring its resilience even as the Earth warms and ice melts.

As a result, researchers anticipate seeds could endure here for hundreds, even thousands of years.

Access is granted only to designated researchers or plant breeders.

2. Ni’ihau Island, Hawaii

Ni’ihau, the smallest island in Hawaii, is an ideal tropical destination. It boasts swaying palm trees, rare wildlife, and virtually no tourists.

This 180-square-kilometer island has been off-limits to outsiders since 1915. Life on the island is entirely unique: around 130 native Hawaiians reside in rent-free homes, with dirt roads, no phones, no plumbing, and no retail stores. Transportation is facilitated by horses and bicycles.

They harness solar power for electricity and receive supplies from the nearby island of Kaua’i. Ni’ihau's children travel by boat to Kaua’i weekly for schooling.

To this day, the island restricts visitors. Regular patrols ensure no one 'comes ashore' unauthorized. No one is allowed to visit without an invitation from someone on the island.

However, there is a cunning way for savvy travelers to catch a glimpse of the restricted island.

Approaching the island can only be done through a helicopter or boat tour along the coastline.

3. Royal Air Force Base on Menwith Hill, England

A military installation in North Yorkshire, England, claimed to be the world's largest electronic monitoring station, intercepting communications to gather intelligence for the United Kingdom and the United States.

Established in 1954 to monitor Soviet communications during the Cold War, the top-secret facility's current use is unknown. It is accused of investigating international terrorism, drug trafficking, and serving as a ground station for U.S. satellites.

Bad news for 007 James Bond enthusiasts: There is no way to infiltrate this spy headquarters. Access is granted only to members of the NSA (U.S. National Security Agency) or Echelon.

4. Vatican Archives, Vatican City

Arguably the world's most secretive library, the Vatican Archives is no ordinary repository. It houses personal records of all popes since the 8th century.

Closed off since 1881, the library stores highly confidential records in locked vaults. Gaining access for research is a lengthy application process.

Only scholars with credentials can apply for entry. Applications must include personal information, research purpose, and a recommendation letter from another qualified researcher or institution.

Even if granted entry, the library is vast, with shelves stretching 86km holding over 35,000 volumes.

5. Area 51, Nevada, USA

Area 51 is a U.S. military base and airport in Nevada, known for safeguarding the nation's top-secret information.

What really happens there? The CIA won't provide specific details; that's why there are numerous speculations about the base's purpose. Do they analyze crashed extraterrestrial spacecraft? Do they test new weapons?

We'll never know. All activities in Area 51 are considered highly classified, and any attempts to access are strictly prohibited. Nevertheless, many have dared to try.

According to Dân Việt

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour

MytourMarch 11, 2016

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ni’ihau Island in Hawaii a unique travel destination?

Ni’ihau Island is unique because it has been off-limits to outsiders since 1915, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle without modern amenities. It is home to around 130 native Hawaiians, who live in harmony with nature, using horses and bicycles for transport. The island's pristine environment and rare wildlife make it an attractive yet inaccessible destination for travelers.

How can travelers get a glimpse of the restricted Ni’ihau Island?

Travelers can view Ni’ihau Island by taking a helicopter or boat tour along its coastline. While visitors cannot set foot on the island without an invitation, these tours provide an opportunity to appreciate its natural beauty from a distance, showcasing its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.

What type of records are housed in the Vatican Archives?

The Vatican Archives hold personal records of all popes since the 8th century, making it one of the most secretive libraries in the world. These records include highly confidential documents stored in locked vaults, and gaining access requires a lengthy application process and credentials.

What is the purpose of the Royal Air Force Base on Menwith Hill?

The Royal Air Force Base on Menwith Hill serves as a significant electronic monitoring station, intercepting communications for intelligence purposes. Established during the Cold War, its current functions remain classified, but it is believed to monitor various threats, including terrorism and drug trafficking.

What is the significance of the Apocalypse Seed Vault in Norway?

The Apocalypse Seed Vault in Norway is crucial for preserving global food security. Located in a secure mountain, it protects seeds from natural disasters, ensuring they can be used to regenerate crops in case of a global food crisis. Access is limited to researchers, making it a vital yet secretive facility.

What activities are speculated to occur at Area 51 in Nevada?

Area 51 is shrouded in mystery, with speculations ranging from the analysis of crashed extraterrestrial spacecraft to testing new weapons. While the CIA provides no specifics, the base's activities are highly classified, and any unauthorized access is strictly prohibited.