As a child, after watching Treasure Island or Pirates of the Caribbean, the urge to find heaps of treasure after an epic quest was unbearable. For enthusiasts who have grown up, but have not lost their thirst for adventure, there are excellent places where the dream of finding a treasure can easily come true.
Here the five best places on earth to find treasure. They may or may not make you materially wealthy, but they will certainly enrich your travel experience.
5. Papua New Guinea
The mountainous terrain and the richest flora and fauna of Papua New Guinea offer a true adventure into the unknown, and the soil provides ideal conditions for gold miners. According to statistics, this country ranks 11th in the world in gold mining. Gold can be found here not only on land but also in coastal waters.
Additional Information: Unless you dig a gold nugget out of the ground, you can always head out into the water to explore other wonders of the island. Papua New Guinea has many great snorkeling, fishing and surfing spots.
4. Norman Island, British Virgin Islands
The fourth most promising treasure hunt is the island that is said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write the story "Treasure Island." Many local legends are associated with pirates who hid their treasures on the island. And no wonder, with its network of mysterious caves and bays. And it is these pirate trophy stories that still attract many treasure hunters. Snorkelers and divers come to Norman Island to explore caves, bays and wrecks.
Additional information: in addition to the prospect of finding pirate gold, local caves offer stunning coral walls
3. Bay of Bakuit, Philippines
Looking for the treasure that the Japanese government once counted on? Then your path lies in Bakuit Bay, which is associated with the legendary story of the lost treasures of the Japanese general Tomoyuki Yamashita, nicknamed the "Malay Tiger". Since 1944, he commanded Japanese troops in the Philippines and amassed his treasures by sacking Malaysia, India, Thailand and Burma. Unfortunately for Yamashita, Japan surrendered in World War II while the general was still in the Philippines. Before he was captured and hanged, Yamashita hid his treasures in 172 different locations on the island of Bakuit Bay. He and his team hoped to return for valuables.
Some sources believe that Yamashita's treasures today could be worth billions. In the 70s of the 20th century, Rogelio Roxas found part of the treasure. However, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos confiscated both the find and the treasures that still remained in that particular tunnel. From 1973 to 1980, the Philippine authorities recovered over 1,000 tons of gold from the cache, which was then sold on the London and Zurich exchanges. Lengthy litigation between Roxas and Marcos followed, ending with the seizure of Marcos' capital held in SKA bank accounts. And somewhere in the caves of the island another gold of Yamashita is waiting in the wings.
Additional information: If you get tired of exploring the caves, you can always soak up one of the many beaches or go kayaking. Fortunately, there are a lot of islands covered with lush vegetation in the bay and they will not bother you soon.
2. Coober Pedy, Australia
In second place in the ranking of the best places to find treasures is the area, which is the unofficial "opal capital of the world." The first gem was found here in 1915 and now the area has the largest opal mining area on the planet.
About 150 million years ago, this part of the world was covered by the ocean. As the water receded, the sandy silica minerals from the seabed gradually solidified in rocky crevices, turning into multi-colored gems.
The center of the area, the mining town of Coober Pedy is also known for its underground homes built to shelter from the burning sun. These are underground "holes" dug in sandstone at a depth of 2.5 to 6 meters.
Additional information: Coober Pedy has an 18 hole golf course, only because of the heat you have to play at night.
1. Port Royal, Jamaica
This city boasts the richest pirate history. It was known as the "richest and most wicked city in the world" as its harbor was home to many pirate ships. It's all about the convenient location of Port Royal, its proximity to trade routes. Until the second half of the 17th century, Port Royal was the focus of maritime trade in the Caribbean.
Additional information: In 1692, a powerful earthquake hit the island and most of the city disappeared under water. So if you intend to look for pirate treasures, stock up on scuba gear.