Trees make are a major component of nature's wonders. These living things have been around for thousands and thousands of years and are responsible for supporting life on this planet by regulating the air we breathe, providing food for our nourishment, serving as building materials for shelter and transportation, and many more. Trees are a common sight everywhere: they can be found on the side of the road, in parks, mountains, and even inside buildings. We're familiar with a lot of types of trees, and the changes that they undergo as they grow older.

But one particular type of tree literally stands out among the rest and is recognized as the tallest type of tree that you can find in the entire planet, and this is what we call the redwood. These trees (bearing the scientific name Sequoia sempervirens) can grow to as high as 379 feet and have a trunk that measures 26 feet in diameter. It really is no exaggeration when other people refer to these trees as giants.

It used to be that these giants could be found growing in numerous areas all across the globe. However, due to uncontrollable changes as the years went by, these trees can now only be found in a small area in America's northwestern region near the Pacific. Confessed tree lovers who simply can't get enough of this nature's wonder can get close to these trees by taking a hike in the forest. But if you're looking for the really tall ones that seem to reach the sky with their branches, you'll have to do a bit of research because these locations are being kept secret by die hard forest fanatics.

We've gathered our information here to give you a useful summary on their whereabouts. We've also divided our list into two: one for amateurs and another one for the more serious tree-huggers.

Part I: Redwoods for amateurs

If you want to get up close to these tall wonders of nature, then you'd better make your way to the northern part of California's coastline. Here, you will find an area of about 65 square miles completely covered with redwoods. This forest is under the protection of the Redwood National and State Parks. If you happen to be in Oregon, journey to the state's southern region and visit the Siskiyou National Forest; you can also view redwoods along Oregon's Bay Area.

Visit a redwood grove any time of the year and you won't go home disappointed. These natural wonders are beautiful to look at no matter the season. In the summer, you can almost hear them breathe as their leaves sway along to the wind; in the winter months, the lesser crowds provide you with a better view of these majestic trees. If you plan on visiting a redwood grove, do remember to check the local website for any changes in their opening and closing hours. Due to some budget cuts imposed on state parks in California, schedules are subject to change so it's better to plan ahead.

For the amateurs who are looking for that Fern Gully feel, here are a couple of redwood groves you might want to check out.

1. NAME: AVENUE OF THE GIANTS

PLACE: HUMBOLDT REDWOODS STATE PARK

LENGTH OF TRAIL: 30 up to 35 miles

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is an ideal place for travelers who want to see redwoods in their natural setting, without involving a day long hike and expensive equipment. Highway 101 has a section of about 30 miles called Avenue of the Giants where you can see these giant trees without exerting much effort. If you take a detour of about four miles down to Mattole Road and drive past the Bull Creek, you can expect to come across more groves. If you're up for it, you can even follow the trail for a short hike. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get some exercise and fill your lungs with some fresh air.

If during your trip, you think you're having déjà vu, the answer may lie in the place's association with a popular Hollywood movie. A scene from the movie Return of the Jedi was actually filmed here. Endor's Ewok moon was set against the background of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, so don't be too surprised if you find yourself a bit familiar with the landscape.

2. NAME: STOUT GROVE

PLACE: JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOOD STATE PARK

LENGTH OF TRAIL: The loop measures about 0.6 of one mile

Stout Grove is also a good destination for travelers who want to see real live redwoods. Granted, the trees here aren't as tall as the ones you will find in other groves, but if you're not a redwood fanatic and don't live in the country, chances are you haven't seen redwoods before in your life, so it's still worth the trip. Stout Grove is one of the popular redwood groves that you will hear about mainly because it is such a beautiful place to see. The trail is set in a loop and measures about 0.6 of a mile, so if you're not an avid hiker, there's no need to worry about not being able to cover the entire length of the trail.

3. NAME: MONTGOMERY GROVE

PLACE: MONTGOMERY WOODS STATE NATURAL RESERVE

LENGTH OF TRAIL: The loop measures approximately two miles

The Montgomery Grove is a small area that serves as a safe home for a number of sky high redwoods. The area occupied by the grove is so tiny that is actually measures less than five whole square miles. What's interesting about Montgomery Grove is that most of the trees you can find here are old trees that have been growing for decades. Through the years, and despite changes in weather, these trees have managed to stand proud and remain alive and well. If only you could ask each tree in the grove if they have a story to tell, we're sure those tales will be quite interesting.

The Montgomery Grove is also home to a special tree recognized as one of the tallest living in the world today. Of course, to protect the tree from unwanted attention, the park administrators don't advertise the location of the tree.

4. NAME: HOMESTEAD AND BIG TREE LOOP

PLACE: HUMBOLDT REDWOODS STATE PARK

LENGTH OF TRAIL: The loop measures around 2.4 miles

Still located within the confines of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, tree huggers who have been to Avenue of the Giants can encounter more redwoods at the Homestead and Big Tree Loop. This area is quite near Avenue of the Giants and can be reached by hikers who are walking along Mattole Road. The trail, which is also constructed in a loop, passes through some old growth which makes hiking enjoyable.

5. NAME: BROWN CREEK TRAIL

PLACE: PRAIRIE CREEK REDWOOD STATE PARK

LENGTH OF TRAIL: The loop measures about 3.5 miles

This particular trail gives travelers access to thick groves full of lush redwoods in every direction. If you make your way along the Brown Creek Trail, you can even extend your hike and wander along the Rhododendron trail which leads to the countryside. The trail measures about 3.5 miles which isn't too bad considering you're surrounded by nature at its best.

6. NAME: TALL TREES GROVE

PLACE: REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK

LENGTH OF TRAIL: The trail measures 3.9 miles one way, and another 3.9 miles for the journey back

If you're planning to visit the Redwood National Park anytime soon, you definitely should not miss visiting the Tall Trees Grove. This grove is quite popular among fans of the tall redwood particularly because this is the home of the famous Libbey Tree. The Libbey Tree has a height that reaches up to 363 feet; it has also garnered recognition and fame for having once been recorded as the tallest tree in the world. One big advantage to visitors is that the Libbey Tree isn't hidden somewhere in the confines of the dense forest, far away from our sight. On the contrary, the Libbey Tree is actually open to curious visitors who want to see this enormous living creature.

One downside to this is that a lot of other people from all over the world visit the Tall Trees Grove just to see the Libbey Tree, prompting park administrators to impose a strict visiting system. If you're planning on coming here, you have to be prepared with the proper permits necessary for your visit. You should also follow the strict driving directions if you've been granted access. Lastly, you have to be patient because of the limited number of visitors that are allowed access to the tree at a single time.

7. NAME: BOY SCOUT TREE TRAIL

PLACE: JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOOD STATE PARK

LENGTH OF TRAIL: The trail measures five miles in one direction, plus another five miles for the trip back

Home to the Stout Grove that we mentioned earlier, the Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park has another trail that can delight travelers who are looking for a place where redwoods grow in abundance and nature is left unspoiled. There is an abundance of old growth at the Boy Scout Tree Trail that is definitely worth a visit. If you're planning to cover the entire length of the trail, you better get your self ready for a 10 mile hike. The length of the trail is actually five miles, but that's only in one direction; to go back, you have to cover another five additional miles.

8. NAME: MINERS' RIDGE AND JAMES IRVINE LOOP TRAIL

PLACE: PRAIRIE CREEK REDWOOD STATE PARK

LENGTH OF TRAIL: The loop measures about 11 miles

If you've been to the Brown Creek Trail and discover that you're craving to spend more time with these trees, you can always plan another trip to the Prairie Creek Redwood State Park only this time, it will involve an entire day's worth of hiking at the Miner's Ride and James Irvine Trail. The entire length of the trail which is set in a loop measures 11 full miles. Ideally, it will take one whole day of walking among redwoods to complete the entire trail; but if you don't think you have the endurance to finish the entire hike, don't risk it.

This place is a good destination for adventurous travelers who want to get up close and personal with nature. The trail will not only take you close to some very tall redwoods, if will also take you to a beach.

Part II: Redwoods for fanatics

While there are a lot of redwoods that you can view in the parks we just mentioned above, there are other trails in the country that are home to even taller redwoods. The locations of the world's tallest trees are a closely guarded secret in order to protect both the trees and visitors alike. Because of this, the trees are let alone to grow and flourish away from pollution generated by humans; and at the same time, the ecosystem they support are also given the chance to thrive. Keeping the visitors a safe distance away from the really tall trees or titans, as they are otherwise known, means the people are also protected against wild animals that live in the area such as mountain lions and big, ferocious bears.

Keeping track of the world's tallest trees isn't easy; measurements have to be kept updated adjusted as time goes by and the trees keep on growing. Also, more and more groves are being uncovered in different places all over the world, so ranking the biggest trees can be quite complicated sometimes.

We've managed to come up with a list of the most common places where you can find these hidden giants.

1. NAME: GROVE OF TITANS

PLACE: JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOOD STATE PARK

If the name isn't enough to get you intrigued and excited, perhaps it would help to note that the Grove of Titans is home to a tree that measures 320 feet in height and 26 feet in diameter. This particular tree is named the Lost Monarch and you can find in only here in the Grove of Titans located inside the Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park. This grove was discovered 12 years ago back in 1998. Records say that when it comes to the average size of each tree, this grove holds the record for having the biggest trees.

2. NAME: ATLAS GROVE

PLACE: PRAIRIE CREEK REDWOOD STATE PARK

The Atlas Grove was discovered almost 20 years ago, back in 1991. You really have to stretch your neck when you look up at the family of trees that grow here. Among the redwoods in the area is the Iluvatar, which is considered to be the third among the largest redwoods in the coast by volume. To know more about the trees grow and reveal new things about their habitat, a study called the Atlas Project was recently set in motion. Hopefully, this study will reveal findings on how to help preserve these trees for future generations.

3. NAME: HYPERION

PLACE: REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK

The Hyperion is currently considered as the tallest living tree in the world today. It has a dizzying height that measures 379.1 feet. Amazingly enough, the Hyperion was only measured in 2007 after it was discovered in an undisclosed location somewhere in the Redwood National Park. Different accounts offer different locations as to where exactly the tree may be located. But one thing is for sure, those who do know anything about the Hyperion are intent on keeping mum about it.

Traveling has become so popular these days that it's getting harder and harder to find a place you can visit that's not crowded with tourists. People are inclined to travel because airline companies are almost always offering tickets on sale, and hotels are also slashing their accommodation prices. Popular shows on TV such as Globe Trekker (formerly Lonely Planet), and No Reservations all the more entice people to get off the couch, pack their belongings, and head off to some distant country.

In recent years, picking a destination and finding a way to get there is the easy part of going on a vacation. The hard part is getting away from the crowd and immersing your self in a place that hasn't yet turned into a commercial establishment. Let's face it, popular tourist attractions in major countries around the globe will always grab our attention, but somehow the long lines and hordes of other tourists manage to make the experience a bit less special.

Today, we'll be giving you six destinations all the way in Southeast Asia so you can start planning your itinerary and head off to another fun filled adventure. Don't worry because we've made sure that these places are worth your time, money and trouble. Granted, some of these places may be a bit off course, but with all they have to offer, you might even be inclined to come back for more.

DESTINATION: KAMPOT, CAMBODIA

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT: The months of November all the way through March is the best time to go to Kampot.

WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY?  In Kampot, book yourselves at the Rikitikitavi Hotel. Although the rooms at this hotel are modestly furnished, they are very comfortable to stay in and are quite clean as well. The hotel also has a restaurant, so you don't have to bother about finding a good place to eat in while you're here. Also, the place has free wifi so you can set up your laptop and check your email or update plane reservations.

HOW TO GET THERE: Kampot is located a good 100 miles away from Phnom Penh, where your plane is set to land. From there, you can either make the journey on a public bus or take a cab. For weary travelers, we recommend spending your money on the private taxi because the journey by bus usually takes over five grueling hours—you don't want to start your vacation off on the wrong foot.

ABOUT KAMPOT: This is a coastal town that can be found by the side of a local river. French influences are evident in the colonial buildings that you will still see in the town proper today. Up until the 19^th century, Kampot was considered to be the country's primary sea port. During the 20^th century, it was decided by the French that a town should be constructed thus giving birth to the local community. If you're interested in Cambodia's history and want to see remnants of Old Indochine first hand, this is the ideal place to be. A visit to the Bokor ruins is something that you shouldn't miss.

DESTINATION: CON DAO, VIETNAM

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT: If you want to go diving in Con Dao, the most ideal time to be in the water is from March all the way through September. From November all the way through February, the weather is dry throughout the area.

WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY? If you're planning your trip right now, a good place to book yourselves in would be the ATC Hotel. This hotel was built back in 1929 and is a single storey villa with four rooms. In the latter part of 2010, Six Senses will also open a villa at Con Dao; so if you're not leaving right away, you might consider this as an alternative accommodation.

HOW TO GET THERE: The airport in Ho Chi Minh City is the usual destination of flights from major cities around the world. From here, you'll have to board another flight that will take you to Con Dao. The trip takes only 45 minutes, and Vietnam Air Services offers flights six days out of the whole week

ABOUT CON DAO: This is an ideal vacation spot for those people who simply want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Much of Con Dao is still not developed even today, thanks to the local guidelines that actually limit the development being done in the area. Because of this, visitors can expect to get close to nature and see its beauty up close and unspoiled.

A major part of Con Dao (roughly 80 percent) is a national park, and it is absolutely teeming with life. The mountains are home to various species of flora and fauna that are hardly a common sight in concrete jungles that are becoming more and more common today. All around you, the water is clear and pristine; venture beneath the surface and you will find coral species by the hundreds. You can also expect to see colorful fish darting here and there, with the occasional turtle wading about in slow motion. If you're lucky, you might even come across a dugong, or what is otherwise known as a sea cow.

DESTINATION: LAKE INLE, MYANMAR

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT: The month of October signals the celebration of the Pagoda Festival in Myanmar. If you want to take part in the festivities, consider booking a flight here from October 9 up to 26. For the festival, villagers living in surrounding towns all congregate at the lake for a lineup of activities like rowing races.

WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY? If you're looking for accommodation near the lake, you can check out the Inle Princess Resort and see if their fancy rooms are up to your liking. Their bungalows give guests a good view of the lake and ensure you a relaxing stay while you're here.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Yangon, travelers will have to board a plane and make the one hour trip to Heho.

ABOUT LAKE INLE: For a truly unique experience, how about trading in office buildings for temples and concrete pavements for watery pathways? If that sounds like a cool idea to you and fellow travelers, then stop dilly dallying and get on a plane headed to Lake Inle in Myanmar. The best way to acquaint your self with the area is to hire a canoe and explore the different gardens and temples that you will find serenely floating on the lake's surface. There are a couple of tourist attractions here like the monastery and silk shop, but you won't really miss anything if you skip these places. We recommend paddling your way around the lake and visiting the villages built on stilts. You can also check out the local outdoor market and observe as the skillful fishermen make their way in these waters. For a short excursion on dry land, you can go hiking in the nearby hills accompanied by a local guide from town.

DESTINATION: KUCHING, BORNEO

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT: The rainy season in Kuching starts from the month of November all the way through March. This place is situated quite near the equator, so you can expect the local temperatures to be somewhere between 70 and 80 throughout the year.

WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY? If you want accommodation with a good view of the river, book a room at one of the higher floors of the Hilton Kuching.

HOW TO GET THERE: Flights to Kuching usually depart from the country's capital of Malaysia. You can choose to fly there with the local carrier Malaysian Airlines; or you can also book a plane ticket with Air Asia.

ABOUT KUCHING: If you're a traveler new to Asia, you probably haven't heard of Kuching, Borneo. If you think that Borneo is a teeny tiny island inhabited by cannibals armed with blowpipes, you cannot be more wrong; to tell you the truth, Kuching is actually one of the considered to be among the most beautiful, elegant, and neat cities that you can find in Asia.

This place is actually home to a mixture of different cultures resulting in a unique local atmosphere. A number of local tribes make up the population of Kuching that has adopted the Malaysian form of administration. The locals took after the Chinese when it comes to doing business, and the British influence here can be seen in their architecture. Travelers who are not too keen on mingling with groups of other tourists can take comfort in the fact that few tourists actually make their way here. If you want to look around, you can navigate your way around the mangroves in the river by boat; you can also visit the orangutans in the reserve, or enjoy your solitude in on of the local beaches.

DESTINATION: TANA TORAJA, INDONESIA

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT: The best time to schedule a vacation in Tana Tojara is during the months of July and also August.

WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY? Booking a room at the Toraja Heritage Hotel will guarantee you comfortable quarters during your stay. As an added bonus, you can always take a dip in their big swimming pool after a day's worth of sightseeing.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Makassar city located in Sulawesi, you can make the journey by road to Tana Toraja. Travelers who don't know the way and have no access to any vehicles can have transportation arrangements by signing up with Southeast Asia Tours.

ABOUT TANA TORAJA: This place is a good alternative to travelers who feel that they've been to Bali one too many times already. The nearest airport to Tana Toraja can be reached by an eight hour journey by road, so expect this destination to be quite isolated. This place is rich in natural wonders that will take your breath away. Cultural traditions are also very much alive here today. A trip to Tana Toraja will reward travelers with an up close view of cave graves; thousands more graves can be found off the side of the cliff.

In the latter part of the summer, you can watch the locals participate in funeral ceremonies. It is customary for the local people called the Torajans to wait until the harvesting season for rice is over before they bury their dead relatives. These ceremonies usually last for about several days, but are open to curious outsiders. If you do decide to participate in one, make sure you bring along with you a small gift such as a sacrificial buffalo or perhaps a pack of cigarettes.

DESTINATION: KOH YAO NOI, THAILAND

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT: If you want to visit Thailand during its dry months, the ideal time to set your itinerary is from the months of December all the way through March.

WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY? Getting a room with a view is no problem if you're going to Koh Yao Noi. The Six Senses Hideaway Hotel has rooms that offer a scenic view of the bay.

HOW TO GET THERE: After your flight lands in Phuket, you can catch a ferry from the Ban Rong Pier to get to Koh Yao Noi. The trip across the river won't usually take more than an hour.

ABOUT: If you want a truly laid back Asian vacation destination where tourists are few and far between, then you'll definitely have fun at Koh Yao Noi. The reason for the lack of tourists in this area is because the beaches here don't have the white, sugary sand that a lot of people usually look for in beach destinations. If the color of the grains don't make any difference to you at all, then by all means, continue with your planned visit here. There are quite a few locals residing here (local head count is about 5,000) and most of them make a living through fishing. Visitors staying here can relax all day in a hammock and snore their cares away. When you get hungry, you can feast on all the seafood that you want. You can also explore the area and visit the rubber tree plantation and the Khao Tapu, which got worldwide recognition in the James Bond movie. At night, you don't have to worry about loud music from night clubs blasting through the airwaves. When the sun has set, the local men usually play checkers beneath casuarinas trees using bottle caps as pieces.