The Janjske Otoke Nature Reserve, a popular tourist spot near Šipovo, has been named one of the world’s most beautiful destinations by TimeOut magazine, earning a spot on their list of 44 breathtaking places across the globe.
Explaining how the list was compiled, TimeOut noted that they asked their global network of travel writers to choose the most beautiful place they had ever visited.
“The resulting list is a definitive, though by no means exhaustive, guide to the most awe-inspiring places our planet has to offer. We update it regularly, keeping in mind the impact of overtourism and making sure to highlight lesser-known destinations of exceptional beauty. From massive glaciers and shape-shifting beaches to ancient forests and lantern-lit cities, these are the most beautiful places on Earth—handpicked by the writers who’ve seen them with their own eyes,” the magazine explained, as reported by Jajce Online.
Travel writer John Bills selected Janjske Otoke, the peaceful nature getaway near Šipovo, as the most beautiful place he has ever been.
“The world is beginning to discover many of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s wonders, but the serenity of Janjske Otoke is on a whole other level. Located nine kilometers from Šipovo (186 kilometers west of Sarajevo), Janjske Otoke is a network of islands connected by wooden bridges, featuring crystal-clear water, lush greenery, charming cottages, and a handful of peaceful waterfalls. The nearby UNESCO-protected Janj rainforest, with its spectacular biodiversity, is the cherry on top,” Bills wrote for TimeOut.
He also offered a tip: “Public transportation isn’t the most efficient, so rent a car (or a bike) and treat yourself to a night in accommodations organized by the Šipovo tourist board.”
Janjske Otoke is adorned with numerous cascades, streams, and waterfalls stretching across the entire area.
The region is suitable for hunting and fishing, and visitors can also rent rooms in rural households.
Nearby is the Janj Rainforest, a protected nature reserve covering 295 hectares, of which 58 hectares are designated as a strict nature reserve where no logging or human activity is allowed. The forest consists primarily of beech and fir trees, but also includes maple, elm, ash, and spruce.
As for the rest of TimeOut’s list, Komodo National Park in Indonesia takes the top spot, followed by Victoria Falls in Africa in second place, and the Punakha Valley in Bhutan in third.
Source: See Srpska
