By: Nancy Amon
There are many beautiful places in the world, yet some are also terrifyingly dangerous. Carry on reading as this article explores some exquisite but treacherous places in the world.
1. Ilha Da Queimada Granda – Brazil
The infamous Ilha Da Queimada Granda is also called “Snake Island,” and rightfully so. The name Snake Island is due to the presence of one of the most notorious snakes residing here, namely the Golden Lancehead Viper. It is said that there is at least one snake per meter, making it extremely unsafe. Over the years, stories have swirled that a treasure worth over $400M is buried somewhere on the heavily snake-guarded island.
A handful of people lived on the island in the 1920s, but with the water rising, this, too, added to the inability to live isolated on the island. The island soon became uninhabitable and desolate from the human population.
Just one snakebite from a golden lancehead can cause heart failure, brain haemorrhage, swelling, and tissue necrosis. It is a painful and slow death for anyone who falls victim to these dangerous snakes.
2. The Cliffs of Moher – Ireland
As majestic and picturesque as the Cliffs of Moher is, it is also a double-edged sword with an average report of nearly 10 deaths per year. The Cliffs of Moher attracts many tourists and is a UNESCO protected site. It is a tempting spot to take selfies with the magnificent backdrop of endless frosty ocean and skyline.
There are many safety warnings along the trails, and most people follow safety precautions, but just for a moment, it can all change.
3. Bikini Atoll – the Marshal Islands Oceana
Bikini Atoll might be glistening with sandy beaches and bright blue skies, but it is a dark past that leads to its now dangerously high radiation levels. 1954 Marked one of the most significant and catastrophic events involving hydro-nuclear bomb activity. A series of nuclear bombs were tested in the Atoll, including The Bravo Hydrogen bomb, which obliterated three islands. The hydrogen bomb is considered one thousand times stronger than the infamous Hiroshima bomb of Japan.
Today, the island remains extremely toxic, with radiation levels at 639mrem and possibly more in other sections. 2023 Marks the 77th year anniversary of the former Bikinians who are now without a place they can call home, but instead, continue their exiled lives outside Bikini Atoll.
4. La Oroya – Peru
Peru is beautiful and known for its multi-culture, exotic food, indigenous animals, and exquisite landscapes. It is also home to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Yet, Peru has a contrasting side known as La Oroya, one of the most polluted cities in the world. The pollution in the city was born out of mining and the American-owned smelter from 1922. A smelter is an industrial process used to extract metal from ore.
Much like nuclear fallout, air pollution from the smelter will leave Peru with years of polluted air and soil. In fact, an article published in Time Magazine noted that the lead levels in La Oroya were three times more than the World Health Organization limit. Heavy metal poisoning includes lead, copper, Sulphur dioxide, and zinc, affecting thousands of the city’s populations.
5. Vanuatu – Pacific Ocean
Vanuatu might be known for its lush beaches, forests, and diversity, but it is also renowned for the many natural disasters that frequent the region. According to Macro Trends, the country has an estimated population of 334,506 people in 2023, a slight increase of 2.38% compared to 2022.
According to National Geographic, Vanuatu is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, aka Circum-Pacific Belt, which experiences plate tectonic changes, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. The geographical outlay of the area lends itself vulnerable to natural disasters despite preventive measures. If these weren’t enough, the effects of climate change have also seen the sea level rise, leading to landslides and other dangers to the locals who live there.
6. Pravcicka Brana Sandstone Arch- Czech Republic
The Pravcicka Brana is a beautiful result of nature. The entire site was formed through nature hundreds of years ago from sand and stone. Pravicicka Brana even featured a chateau built in the 1800s by the estate owner Duke Edmund Clary-Aldringen, a very wealthy man known to the region. To this very day, you can see the structure featuring all its beauty and imperfections as it has withered over time. It stands at 26.5m (86.9ft) tall, 8m (26.2ft) in width, and the arch section at 3m (9.8ft).
Due to its vulnerability, the Czech Republic authorities and nature conservationists have advised against tourist visits and exploration of the sand arch. There are severe fears and caution because the entire structure could collapse at any given time without warning. The good news is that many viewpoints are located near Pravcicka Brana Sandstone Arch, giving visitors a vantage point of the natural spectacle.
7. Norilsk – Russia
Norilsk is a city in Russia notoriously known for toxic air and acid rain. Nickel smelting and mining processing became a popular staple in this region of Russia in the 1920s. As a result of metal processing, the air became highly toxic and remains toxic to this day. Norilsk features red glacial rivers because of the wastewater coming from the nickel-smelting plants. According to Earth Observatory by NASA, the city creates over 1.9 million tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) every year. The Sulphur dioxide levels found in Norilsk are one of the highest in the world, as most of the world’s metal and nickel production stems from this region.
NBC News reported dying forests and oceans were visible as far as space. Even as early as the 1980s, all the larch trees within a 40-mile radius (64km) died because of Sulphur poisoning. Despite the pollution and health dangers, Norilsk continues production at the nickel plant and supplies a large portion of the world’s nickel. Who would’ve thought that before all this pollution and manufacturing, Norilsk was a prison camp dating back to the 1930s?
8. Naica Crystal Cave – Mexico
Mexico has many beautiful attractions, but one of them that stands out most is the Naica Crystal Cave. The Naica Crystal Cave’s name comes from the crystal formations seen due to the gas and liquid transfers during temperature changes. Hundreds of years ago, lava from the volcano made its way to the earth’s surface, and the heat of the lava heated any water inside the cave. Sampling has shown that the crystals may have formulated at 54 degrees Celsius (129.2 Fahrenheit) after the gas and liquids cooled and settled inside the cave.
Lava is present near the cave and deep within the ground, resulting in extreme temperatures and making it unsafe for people to be inside the cave for too long. Apart from the temperatures in the cave, the risk of lava spilling out into the cave and the surroundings is very high. Ore mining led to the discovery of these beautiful crystal formations, both mysterious and beautiful at the same time. Some crystals found in the cave are measured at 6m (19ft) in length.
9. Frasier Island – Australia
Australia is renowned for its exotic animals, native insects, fauna, and flora. However, Frasier Island, aka K’gari is one of the only beaches in the world that is home to some of the most venomous creatures. It is a breeding ground for the Fennel Web spider, the coastal taipan, the golden orb, and the king brown to name a few. The island has over 354 birds, 47 mammals, 19 snakes, 79 reptile species, and lots more, according to Frasier Island.net.
If venomous creatures lurking everywhere on the island wasn’t enough, the beach is also notorious for some of the most dangerous rip tides, and sharks are no stranger to the island’s waters. Despite the dangers of K’gari, many tourists still frequent the island, enjoying what nature has to offer, deadly or not.
10. Niihau Island – USA
Niihau Island is a mystery to most of the world and that’s because you can only go to the island if you have direct family ties or you’re in the U.S. Navy. You may be able to get a view by air or sea but never able to travel to the island and arrive on land. The island has an estimated 160 inhabitants, but the territory is protected by the U.S. Government and run by the Robertson family.
Niihau island is fiercely protected because of the indigenous people, natural environment, and indigenous species. But it is managed by the Robertson family who is related to the Sinclair’s who bought the Niihau Island in the 1864. It’s not so much that the island is dangerous it’s more so that uninvited guests are not welcome. You can read even more about Niihau Island on the official website.
The Takeaway
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, there are always various places to see. Some places may be safe and wonderful, while others might pose certain hidden or visible dangers. Doing adequate research before leaving for the destination will help a great deal in ensuring that you know what to expect. Read more tips for traveling and enjoy your getaway.
Safe travels and peace to all!
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