SINGAPORE — While Singapore continues to pine for a UNESCO World Heritage Site by presenting its Botanic Gardens as a candidate, the organisation recently added 19 new locations. Among these are Japan’s Mount Fuji, Mount Etna in Sicily and the Hill Forts of Rajasthan. But what about these three lesser known ones? Time to add more destinations to your bucket list. SERENE LIM

Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese, Ukraine

It is a site founded by the Dorian Greeks as far back as the 5 BC but it’s hardly on the radar of travellers — perhaps until now. The vast archaeological area covers over 40 hectares but was neglected for centuries after settlers left the city in 14th century for unknown reasons, contributing to its remarkably well-preserved state.

Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, China

You haven’t seen how stunning rice terraces can be until you make the journey into the isolated Ailao mountains of south-eastern Yunnan. More incredible is the complex irrigation system which has been developed and used by the Hani people to irrigate these terraces from below the hills by drawing the water from the surrounding forested landscape for 1,300 years.

Golestan Palace, Iran

Built in the 16th century, the palace is considered the “most complete and only remaining example of a royal palace which is an architectural masterpiece of the Qajar era” according to the International Council on Monuments and Sites. Witness gilded ornate luxury within the walls of this complex comprising 17 palaces, museums and halls.