Kicking up a Dust

Although Abu Dhabi at first glance seems all desert there are amazing natural destinations in the emirate that extend all the way to the Empty Quarter in the south and the mountains of Oman in the east where pristine waterfalls, cliffs lined with fossils and freshwater lakes are part of the environment.

Adventure travel in Abu Dhabi is all about getting to know the landscape and stretching the mind and in many cases the body to embrace exciting experiences. Late evening dune bashing trips or desert safaris to the Liwa desert is one of the best ways to experience the desert landscape in Abu Dhabi. Traveling in a convoy of 4x4s, travelers are offered a roller coaster ride over sand dunes and are taken to vantage points to see gorgeous desert sunsets. The trip include a visit to a camel farm, camel rides, dinner in a Bedouin style desert camp where guests get to sit around a campfire, smoke an aromatic shisha, partake of a traditional Middle Eastern meal and with no light pollution to detract from the experience, enjoy a sky thick with stars. Overnight camping experience in the desert can be added to dune bashing.

Wadi bashing, driving a 4×4 along rocky and dry river beds is another aspect of adventure travel in Abu Dhabi. This is one of the best ways to see naturally beautiful parts of a wadi such as waterfalls, animals in the wild and mountain pools among others. Another option would be to join one of the many 4×4 clubs and after a little training go dune and wadi bashing with family and friends. The massive dunes in the Empty Quarter offer awesome driving challenges and learning to navigate the dunes is one of the best adventure experiences around. Sand skiing on the 984 foot high sand slopes is another way to enjoy the desert landscape.

Camel racing is a popular local activity and adventure travelers can catch some of the action on race days in Shweihan and Liwa and see racing practices and camel paddocks at Al Wathba.

Traveling 140 km out of town to Al Ain is a must to enjoy the greenest parts of Abu Dhabi, the site of many oases, parks, tree lined avenues, museums, forts and an archaeological park. From here travelers can access Jebel Hafeet the highest point in the area and known for the mineral springs at its base and fantastic views of the sunset from the top. Wadi Adventure in Ain Al Fayda nearby has the regions first artificial white water rafting, surfing and kayaking facility. The 3.3 meter manmade surf wave here is the world’s most impressive. Its 1.7 km kayaking channel is the world’s longest.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara a calm and peaceful oasis is undoubtedly a lovely place to experience the desert landscape at its best. As one of exceptional luxury hotels Abu Dhabi, guests are offered a selection of spacious, well designed contemporary rooms, suites and villas added to which are services and facilities that complement the very special quality of the setting. Enjoy well selected traditional Middle Eastern, Oriental and International menus, relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatments and a host of desert based activities that will make a stay at one of prominent Abu Dhabi hotels a real pleasure.

Al Wathba Camel Race Track

An oasis in the desert, Abu Dhabi defies all expectations. It is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is the ideal destination for tourists who want to learn more about the Middle East but want to do so in a somewhat liberal setting. The emirate has plenty of cultural and historical attractions. It also has a fair share of shopping malls and contemporary attractions, such as the Ferrari Theme Park. However, for tourists intent on learning more about the local culture and traditions the Al Wathba Camel Race Track is a great place to start.

At one time camels were highly valued for their usefulness. They were an important means of transport and provided sustenance in the form of milk and flesh, and while they are no longer relied upon in the same fashion, they are still prized animals beloved by the locals. The tradition of camel racing is quite old but has been kept alive through the ages and those who want to catch all the action can head over to the Al Wathba Camel Race Track.

The race track is open on Thursdays and Fridays and is located around forty five kilometres from the city. The races start early in the morning and those who want to witness the best camel racing should try to get to the track by at least 8 am. While the camels are the main attraction, first time visitors are probably apt to be more fascinated by the fact that robots are used instead of jockeys! The races are quite exciting with many people attending them each week, and tourists should try not to miss out on this interesting blend of modern technology and age-old tradition.

The local infrastructure is quite impressive and tourists looking for good Abu Dhabi hotels will have plenty of options. Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi is a great place to consider when holidaying here. This Abu Dhabi city hotel is situated in one of the most scenic parts of the city. Guests of the hotel will be treated to stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the Capital Gardens.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Outdoor adventures in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is home to a plethora of fun activities for members of the whole family. One of the best locales from which to experience this vibrant emirate is one of many villas in Abu Dhabi that cater to comfort and convenience. Of the many options for a spa resort Abu Dhabi offers, an excellent choice are the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Al Yamm Villas which provide a home away from home in the midst of a scenic island set in the shimmering azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Outdoor adventures are found aplenty in Abu Dhabi…the only problem is choosing which one to plunge into headfirst! How about a 4×4 adventure across the Arabian sands from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, for an afternoon and evening desert safari? Catch a splendid desert sunset and enjoy a tasty barbeque dinner around a campfire under the stars. On the way, why not get a beautifully intricate henna tattoo, go on an exciting camel ride and taste the sand firsthand with a thrilling sandboarding experience? And safariers will not want to miss the mesmerizing movements of a belly dance for a truly immersive Arabian Nights encounter. Or for nature enthusiasts, how about an adrenaline-bursting camel right? Except the summer and early autumn months, any other time of year is the perfect time to go “camel back”. Or rip out that rugged 4×4 for an amazing thrill ride of “wadi-bashing”. A wadi is a desert fixture that has been scooped out by flood waters, and its sloping sides provide the perfect course for 4-wheel drives from October through April. Dune-bashing is another exciting off-road experience, which will be an electric experience on Abu Dhabi’s slopes expansive and steep slopes. Or, for those wanting a wet n’ wild experience, kayaking in the mangroves is a fantastic way to go, as the natural swamplands provide the perfect setting for this water sport. The desert is home to many unique adventures so take your pick and just do it!

Nature and Wildlife Drives in Abu Dhabi

For many Abu Dhabi would only bring to mind deserts and cities, but there is definitely more to this Middle Eastern land than just that. Among the numerous things that one can do in this diverse land, there are Nature and Wildlife Drives in Abu Dhabi.

There are countless organizations that offer amazing drives across the deserts and other arid lands. There are especially designed 4wheel drives which will take visitors across various landscapes and closer to nature and wildlife. It is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime in this part of the world. Though many might not be aware, deserts are teeming with wildlife of its own. What is more, amongst the least expected animals who can be found freely roaming around the region, there are also amazing geological formations, and remnants of archeological sites of a time gone by.

Usually these tours take about two hours and the best time to go it either early in the morning or in the evening. So it is an ideal way for a family or a group of tourists to explore this region. There are generally jeeps which can accommodate about seven people, making it an ideal option for a small group or even a family, for bigger crowds countless operators have their own buses. Amongst the most popular regions to go on a tour of this nature are Arabian Wildlife Park and also beyond the Sir Bani Yas Island.

Make sure that you wear light and comfortable clothing that are close to nature and avoid bright colours. Don’t forget to take your camera and video as there might be unexpected findings in the barren land. Mostly there will be both indigenous and also other flora and fauna. So for those travelers who are keen to see more than the cities and the shopping malls this is definitely one way to explore the Middle East.

If one wishes to have a luxurious holiday at one of the Villas in Abu Dhabi, and get pampered at a Spa Resort Abu Dhabi, while enjoying the scenes, sights and sounds of this exotic land, there is Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi which is in close proximity to all these attractions and more.

Setting up Camp in the Sand

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one the most developed and populated cities in the Middle East. Considered to be hub of political, economic and cultural life of the UAE, this bustling city has many unique attractions for its visitors. Abu Dhabi’s top attractions include religious and cultural landmarks, parks and gardens, and several leisure and desert attractions.

Abu Dhabi has created a wide range of tourist attractions on the dessert to bolster its tourism industry, and one such attraction is desert camping. While conventional camping is done in forests or places with some greenery, desert camping gives you a whole new camping experience. Up to 60% of the land of Abu Dhabi is desert land and therefore there are multiple places where one can have a desert camping experience.

Since the deserts begin to cool down towards the evening, desert camping begins towards the evening. You can cruise to your choice of location in an exciting 4×4 ride through the sand and over dunes to start your desert experience with a bit of a boost. The first highlight of camping in the desert is being able to watch the sunset. It often said that at sunset the magic of deserts come alive, which is true as the glorious undisturbed sight of the sun setting is indeed something magical. At night one can get a campfire set up and spend the hours of the night with a few cold drinks which watching the magnificent stars over the Arabian skies. Some of the best desert camping spots are the Liwa Desert; with its glorious of view of just miles of sand and sky, and the Shwaib Desert; known for its dramatic views of mountain ranges, dunes, and wadis. Therefore, for a unique camping experience, set up camp at an Abu Dhabi desert.

Conveniently located in a prime spot at the centre of Abu Dhabi is the Grand Millennium Al Wahda, a 5 star Abu Dhabi hotel. Belonging to the reputed Millennium group of hotels, this hotel offers tranquil accommodation in a range of luxury and plush rooms, suites and apartments which are designed to sooth and relax. The hotel also offers a range of dining, wellness, recreational ad business amenities, making it a highly recommendable hotel Abu Dhabi UAE.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Unknown Places

Oman with its rugged desert landscape bordered by turquoise water is a much sought after holiday destination for those looking for out of the ordinary holiday experiences. The Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre (MDAC) specialises in putting together holiday packages not only to experience some of the best adventure and diving experiences around but also to introduce visitors to Oman’s many historic attractions and extraordinary natural landscapes and to get to know the country’s hospitable people.

The sea off Muscat offers a unique underwater environment. Hard and soft coral formations support a huge collection of colourful tropical reef fish around the coast while whale sharks, sunfish, barracudas, turtles, several species of dolphins and other marine life are found further out at sea round depths of 6 to 40 meters. Unpolluted waters, excellent visibility and several excellent dive sites with dramatic underwater landscapes attract divers from around the world. The cooler winter months are the best time for any sea based activity. Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre facilitates snorkeling trips to reefs teeming with fish, diving tours to well known diving destinations, night dives to view fluorescent sea creatures, boat rides at sunset to view dolphins, sports fishing expeditions and kayaking trips to discover hidden coves and beaches along the rugged Omani coast. The Centre runs scuba diving programs and provides PADI certification.

Other exciting programs of the Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre (MDAC) include caving near Al Hoota and Wadi Ta’ab involving abseiling 10 to 50 meters into caves to explore huge calcite formations and abseiling through waterfalls at Wadi Ta’ab and swimming through deep blue pools there before getting out via wire ladders. Wadi Tiwi is another popular abseiling, via ferrata and rock climbing destination. Adventurers walk down a steep path and abseil or use zip lines to go down 150 meter rugged cliff faces to blue water pools below that go through caves and palm groves. Training for these expeditions is provided at an indoor climbing wall prior to trips. A reasonable standard of fitness is required for these activities as long descents, scrambling over rock strewn landscapes and walking long distances is involved. All equipment needed for adventure tours can be hired or purchased at MDAC’s on site shop. Among the other adventure experiences offered by MDAC includes Wadi bashing on quad bikes, camel safaris, camping and trekking trips, historic and bird watching tours.

Guests for whom location is important, Ruwi hotel Muscat offers the best option being located in the proximity of the city’s banking, business and important government offices. As one of popular Oman hotels guests are offered a selection of well appointed contemporary guest rooms and suites that are comfortable and relaxing spaces while connoisseurs of Arabic food will find dining here a pleasure and fitness enthusiasts will certainly appreciate the modern leisure facilities. Stay at one of well known hotel in Muscat to experience a distinctly comfortable lifestyle.

Thrilling Family Fun at the Dam Sen Cultural Park in Ho Chi Min City!

Combining a cultural experience with thrilling amusement park rides, the Dam Sen Cultural Park in Ho Chi Min City is the perfect place to spend the day with the entire family. While this popular park is in District 11 in the city, you can find centrally located Ho Chi Minh City serviced apartments in such areas as District 1 which is home to such accommodation options as Somerset Chancellor Court Ho Chi Min City. Offering luxury accommodation Ho Chi Minh City, this modern property is well suited for both business and leisure. Make sure to take the family to the Dam Sen Cultural Park which is around 10kms from the downtown area. There is much to see and do here and it helps to plan your trip. Animal lovers can visit the zoo where you will find everything from Indochina tigers to yellow pythons, while the special cultural area is where you can witness traditional theatre and music that are based on local legends. There is also a marine park here, a fascinating garden, a Ferris wheel and an area for sports such as tennis and badminton. Of course for some truly adrenaline pumping thrills there is a roller coaster ride that will have you screaming in delight!

White Cloud Mountain

Guangzhou is China’s third-largest city and visitors will find a diverse world of culture, comfort and great shopping in this 12-million-strong modern metropolis. Travellers looking for places to stay will not go wrong with a conveniently located Service Apartment in Guangzhou, an excellent base from which to explore and sample the city’s various delights. One excellent Guangzhou Serviced Apartment complex with modern amenities is the Ascott IFC Guangzhou. Located in the city’s central business district with a luxury shopping mall and international conference centre onsite, this well-appointed property is an ideal choice for business travellers and pleasure seekers alike.

White Cloud Mountain is Guangzhou’s most breathtaking natural landmark. Set in the midst of a quiet valley, it is a peaceful haven away from the chaos of one of China’s largest cities. The mountain boasts panoramic views of the nearby Pearl River and Guangzhou’s impressive sky line. It is one of the Guangdong province’s famous mountains for good reason, as it consists of more than 30 peaks and covers an area of 28 kilometres. There are three scenic spots that visitors should check out: Shanding, Shanbei, and Lihu. Lihu offers plenty of welcome shade and is the ideal spot to catch magnificent views of the lake. Shanbei presents the famous “Baiyun Songtao”, a breathtaking sight of Mount Baiyun’s pine waves caused by mountain wind. Take a cable car to Shanding, which opens up beautiful views of Shanding Park, Mingchun Valley, Nengren Temple and Jiulong Spring. A scenic oasis in the midst of China’s countryside, White Cloud Mountain offers soothing verdure when visitors seek a welcome break from the concrete jungle.

Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park

The Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park is a magical land of fun and excitement for the young and the young at heart. Filled with numerous rides and surprises for the whole family, a visit to the amusement park should not be missed if you are travelling to the western outskirts of Beijing, China.

The Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park which is built on a 35 million kilometer block of land includes six main areas that people can enjoy. These include the Eastern Area, Western Area, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Dream World and the Virtual area. Each of the six sections are unique with a wide range of fun rides and activities, you can enjoy 4D Cinema, whirl around on a rollercoaster, climb the adventure tower, splash around on water rides as well as enjoy a world of fantasy away from the bustling mundane of real life. The amusement park can be a great away to spend your holiday simply enjoying the fun, adventure and out of this world activities set out for the visitors who come from around the world.

The roller coaster rides are quite popular at the Beijing Shijingshan and it is constructed with high quality technology. Boasting of a number of heart pounding coaster rides some of the popular ones are the crazy mouse, feng shen coaster, Jurassic adventure, mine coaster and space trip. It is also the home of the longest suspension roller coaster in Asia the ‘Shenzhou’. Young children can also enjoy the usual rides such as merry go round and bumper cars. Street performers and costumed characters walk around the premises regularly taking photographs and entertaining visitors.

When you are travelling to the capital of China you will need to make sure to find appropriate Beijing accommodation that suits your purpose of travel. More and more people are deviating from staying in a standard hotel and prefer to find lodging that is more convenient and luxurious.

Finding a luxury apartment in Beijing will not be difficult but to find a place that offers exquisite accommodation, personalized services, top of the line facilities as well as, centrally located would be a difficult task. One of the best places to enjoy your stay would be the Ascott Beijing which offers different ranges of serviced apartments to suit your stay.

Countryside Cycling Tour

Visit the beautiful city of Haiphong, one of the Vietnam’s most vibrant, verdant cities, also known as the “City of the Red Flamboyants” on account of the numerous flamboyant trees scattered throughout the city. Visitors to this gorgeous township will discover many fine Haiphong hotels for a unique cultural experience laced with warm Vietnamese hospitality. Guests will find a well-appointed hotel in Haiphong in the Harbour View Hotel Haiphong Vietnam, and its offering of stylish comfort laced with modern conveniences provides a welcome space for both pleasure and business visits.

Visitors wanted a break from the bustle of the big city can soak in the gorgeous vedure of the Vietnamese countryside through a fun cycling tour. Heaven & Earth Tours offers experiences that are truly heavenly in name and nature. Visit a Vietnamese village and be treated to lunch at one of the local houses, to learn all about village culture and life. En route, discover how wooden river boats are made and learn the well-kept secret of weaving the special straw mats so rooted in Vietnamese rural life. Take a ride in one of the famous basket boats in the Song Thu river delta. Courtesy of Green Trail Tours, take a ten-day cycling tour up North from from Hanoi to Lu Phrang, and experience the mesmerising change from a bustling French colonial city to a quieter, world-heritage site along one of the most sparsely populated regions of the former IndoChina. Kayak down the Kam Ou river and visit one of the quaint northern villages. Whatever the location, cycling in Vietnam’s expansive and exciting countryside is an unforgettable experience!