No matter your age, the best way to experience the true beauty of Brisbane is by climbing the famous Story Bridge. Here are some things to know before planning this memorable excursion.
Highlights
You’ll get to scale the iconic Story Bridge that is the crown jewel of Brisbane QLD. The city views that stretch as far as the eye can see are a magnificent sight at twilight and will surely mesmerise you as it wakes up with twinkling lights.
What’s included
You will be provided with all the safety equipment and lights and even a brief training once you’re at the location. All you have to do is wake up a bit early and leave your comfyMilton accommodation with time to spare.
Once you reach the top, you’ll get an unmatched 360° view of the city beneath you. You’ll even get a clear view of the Glasshouse Mountains, Moreton Bay Islands, The Milton Brisbane, Mt. Coot-tha, and the World-heritage-listed Lamington National Park.
The Chao Phraya area in Bangkok is one of those places where you can commute through the entire city through the river. These canals that run through the city of Bangkok are like the lifeline of the city, with long and interesting histories. Here are some user-friendly tips when you’re here for your holiday.
History
Also known as the River of Kings, it is formed by four major rivers combined. This is the main waterway for central Thailand. Many people live on the spacious and luscious banks of the Chao Phraya and for some this has been the main source of living for centuries. The hotels in riverside Bangkok too flaunt precious views of this graceful flow of water.
Sightseeing
Some of Bangkok’s most famous attractions are on the banks of the Chao Phraya. You can access the Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun quite easily through the river. These are the hottest tourist hubs in all of Thailand so be warned; they’re extremely crowded and packed with all sorts of vendors, and scammers alike.
Chao Phraya Express Boat
These boats are the cheapest way to get around the city. You can easily get your tickets either from the pier or once you board the boat. The boats are easily reached from your hotels such as Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel. There are three types of boats, demarcated by the flags they carry.
These are another way to see the canals but they’re on the pricier side. However, you can enjoy a nice dinner and the view while you flow calmly along the scenic Chao Phraya. If you’re willing to spend around $40 per person for a dinner on the cruise, you can have a splendid evening with your loved ones with good food!
You’re tired of being trapped inside the house for too long? If you’re plotting ways to get out, the best way is to escape to the tropical paradise of Phuket. However, if you’re a first-timer planning and figuring out the best way to spend your time there can be a bit daunting. This blog gives you a concise outline of how to make the best of your time in Phuket.
The first two days
You are likely tired and jet-lagged from the long-haul flight so it’s best to rest the first day and conserve your energy for some major adventures and fun soon. If you haven’t booked your Phuket resorts online, head towards a reputed and well-known resort in the area such as the likes of Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites and Villas to avoid getting scammed. Have a relaxing dip in the pool and get some much-needed sleep and refuel for the adventures coming your way!
Now that you’re relaxed and in Vacay mode, head out to explore the Old Town and other attractions in Phuket. The Big Buddha on top of Nakkerd Hills, Wat Chalong, Wang Talang, and Old Town should be on your list of places to visit. After a long day of exploring and clicking pictures that put Annie Leibovitz to shame, you can relax at Khao Rang Hill or Patong Beach.
Fifth and Sixth day
Coral and Racha Islands are the offshore islands near Phuket. No journey here is complete without an excursion out there. You can either book a tour package or find a local guide and spend these two days exploring these scenic islands on the gorgeous Andaman Sea. At Coral Island make sure to try out all the water sports and have a hearty lunch by the beach. At Racha Island, you can go snorkelling to say hi to the shoals of colourful fish that make these islands their home.
Seventh and final Day
End your Phuket tour with a bang! Wake up nice and early and hike up to Karon viewpoint to catch a breath-taking sunset. After this and a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you can go ATV riding through mangroves and Phuket dirt tracks. While you’re still high from the adrenaline pay a visit to Hanuman World and take the thrilling zip lines there. Now that you’ve tried the best Phuket has to offer, make sure you make one last stop at an authentic Phuket massage to relax your nerves and refuel you for a normal life.
Home to pristine beaches, the Maldives is the ideal location for water sports enthusiasts too. Here are some of these activities you can try out.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is a fan favourite and easy to enjoy at resorts like Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives where you can explore the beauty of the Maldivian sea. From a wide variety of fish to colourful corals, snorkelling enables you to have a rewarding underwater escapade and the best thing is, no prior experience is needed.
If you are based at a surf resort in Maldives, you can also look forward to thrilling rides on the waves. Ideally, stay at a property in the North Male Atoll that offers access to key surfing hotspots like Pasta Point and other world-class waves, where from March to October, you can experience the best conditions.
Wakeboarding
Want to glide on water? If yes, wakeboarding is just for you. Step onto your wakeboard, hold onto a line attached to a specially designed boat and ride the waves in style with plenty of speed too! If you are into extreme water sports, consider wakeboarding to have an exhilarating time.
Kayaking
This is a fantastic way to enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding ocean. Kayaking allows you to view the coastline from a different perspective — all you need are a kayak and a double-bladed oar. Considered a top water sports activity in the Maldives, kayaking is not only peaceful but also provides a good cardio workout.
Jet-Skiing
If you want to take part in an electrifying adventure, consider jet-skiing. Get on a powerful jet-propelled watercraft and glide across the sea at high speed! Ideal for adrenaline junkies, jet-skiing is considered an energetic activity to engage in – alone or with a partner.
Banana Boating
Banana boating is a fun activity you can take part in with a group of friends or your family. For people who seek excitement and entertainment, this is a must-do activity in the Maldives. As the name suggests, the banana-shaped and often yellow-coloured boat / water sled can accommodate up to 10 people and is speedily pulled by a speedboat through the foamy blue waters.
Yoko Ono once said, “Imagine a dolphin dancing in the sky. Let it dance with joy. Think of yourself at the bottom of the ocean watching”. As much as any of us would love to be able to do that, sadly we humans aren’t so lucky. So, the only option we’ve got is to watch them at Port Stephens.
Why Port Stephens?
Tomaree Peninsula.Port Stephens NSW | Image via flickr
Perfect cobalt blue waves fringed with snow-white foam crashing onto the rocky headlands is a sight to behold on its own. However, what will truly mesmerize you is the magnificent sight of whales and dolphins swimming through those waves like graceful, aquatic dancers. What makes Port Stephens even more special is that it’s home to over 140 bottlenose dolphins!
How to get here?
Port Stephens is located in New South Wales, Australia. Backed by giant white sand-dunes, this is the perfect location to come and forget all your concerns. It’s a picturesque 2hours and 30min drive from Sydney but if you’re flying the Newcastle airport is only 30 mins away from Port Stephens and Nelson Bay.
Where to stay?
There are a plethora of luxurious hotels and cozy places to stay and enjoy your relaxing vacation in this beautiful coastal town. If you’re concerned about health and safety during these times, Nelson Bay hotels offer self-contained accommodation such as the Oaks Nelson bay Lure Suites. You can have the most relaxing, safe holiday without having to cut back on time or comfort.
Who to look out for?
The rocky coastal headlands make for the perfect viewing decks from the shore, but you can easily get a cruise and sail away with your loved ones to meet the friendly whales and dolphins up close. You can see humpbacks and bottlenose dolphins and even go swimming with them during the warmer months to really feel like a part of the pod!
Are you an adrenaline junkie? If so, the Story Bridge Adventure climb is just the way for you to explore Brisbane. Here’s what you need to know to plan an exciting trip.
What this journey entails
Story Bridge Brisbane Night View | Image via flickr
This is a must-do if you’re in Brisbane because you’re in for a great thrill. This exhilarating climb is sure to leave you wanting more and mesmerized by the beauty of the city. You can take part in the climb at dawn, during the day or if you’re extra daring, you can climb the bridge at night under LED lights. The bridge is about 74m high; the total journey is about a kilometer with a viewing bay above the Brisbane River.
What’s included in a climb
Even if you’re a first-time climber with no experience, you will still get briefed about the safety guidelines and will be given the gear and equipment needed. You’re given a fully enclosed suit to wear over your clothes and your team lead will take pictures of you at the top, so you don’t have to risk losing your valuables. Since the bridge is in the heart of the city, you can easily find accommodation such as the Oaks Brisbane Mews Suites which is just a 7min drive.
Nervous? Don’t worry.
As this is a highly popular activity, there are ironclad safety measures in place, and you will always be accompanied by experienced guides. The only requirements are that you’re at least 10 years or older and 130cm tall. Although there are plenty of great bars and hotels in Bowen Hills, please avoid alcohol prior to the climb just to ensure your safety and others’.
The Maldives may be known for its laidback charm, but don’t forget it has lots of action-packed activities too! Here’s a look at some of its best.
Image credit- Unsplash,Yuriy Vinnicov,CC0
Night Diving & Snorkelling
These two activities are captivating during the day, but at night, provide a whole new level of adventure! Available at private resorts like Huvafen Fushi Maldives that have PADI-certified diving courses, night diving and snorkelling let you encounter nocturnal creatures of the deep and bioluminescence via yellow mask filters and UV lights.
Jet-Skiing
If speed is what will fill your desire for an adrenaline rush, then jet-skiing is not to be missed; think of the vast Indian Ocean as your water-filled playground in the Maldives! Island resorts provide jet-skiing excursions which are ideal to explore the area around where you stay or even to head further afield into the horizon.
Seabob Adventures
A relatively new entrant into the field of water sports in Maldives, the Seabob is a high-powered underwater scooter that propels you on an amazing ride. It can reach speeds of around 20 km/h and you just need to hold on tight and manoeuvre it in and out of the water; if you ever wanted a “dolphin experience”, this will provide it!
Parasailing
If you’re not afraid of heights or want to conquer your fear of it, in an exhilarating way, then parasailing is perfect. You will be securely attached to a parasail which will be lifted to heights of around 150 metres when the speedboat reaches optimal velocity; couples seeking to take their love to new heights can opt for tandem parasailing at sunset!
Penang, Malaysia is always a good idea! And an especially great idea if you are a nature enthusiast or an avid hiker. Here are some fun trails to check out if ever you visit Penang!
Image credit- unsplash,MLbay,CC0
Home Base
Where you base yourself when you’re on holiday is always a very important decision. Whether you’re travelling in a group or flying solo, serviced apartments in Bukit Mertajam, such as the Sky Residence Prai are a convenient and safe choice and are worth considering.
Penang National Park
This National Park, despite being the smallest in the country, has two very scenic and popular hiking trails. Both trails are challenging and rewarding, of which one is along the coast and the other takes you deeper and higher up into the jungle.
Youth Park
For families travelling with kids, the Youth Park is worth checking out, since it has plenty of trails, spaces and activities to keep the little ones entertained as well. The walking trail in this park takes you past the Botanic Gardens, the skate park to its summit which is at Penang Hill.
Teluk Bahang Eco Park
This 80-acre park in Penang is by far one of the best-maintained parks and is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. With over a dozen hiking trails and numerous footpaths, there are plenty of steps you can clock in at this Eco Park.
Sky diving is such a thrilling activity and there’s no better place to check this heart-racing activity off the bucket list, than in dazzling Dubai! Read on to find out how and where you can go sky diving while on holiday in Dubai.
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, there’s nothing like jumping from a height of 13,000 feet above sea level to freefalling the earth at around 120 miles per hour. While free-falling from a dizzying height isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, Dubai has earned itself a reputation as being a premier sky diving location!
Jump in Pairs
As a rookie, you won’t be able to free fall solo. Unless you have your sky diving license, all jumpers are required to jump with a professional skydiver. Once you jump off the plane, you will freefall for a minute or so but as soon as you are around 6000 feet off the ground, your instructor will pull on the chord to activate your parachute.
Dive with the Best
Since this is a daring feat in itself make sure you go with the most reputable and safest vendors in the business. Dubai is also known for two premier dive spots – the Palm Zone and the Desert Zone. Either of these destinations will make for an unforgettable experience!
Port Stephens is where one can discover a mélange of amazing beaches. It’s also where one can enjoy whale and dolphin-watching cruises and even go parasailing over its glistening blue waters.
Apart from its whale-watching adventures, Port Stephens is also popular for its 26 beaches, with some sheltered in bays to offer splendid swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking opportunities for families. The Stockton sand dunes, easily reachable from Nelson Bay hotels the likes of Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites are incredible for horse riding and quad-biking.
Whale Watching
There’s a number of ways to enjoy whale watching in the gorgeous Port Stephens; these range from coastal lookouts to whale-watching cruises. In addition to marvelling at the amazing acrobatics of these majestic mammals, one can also have fun watching the playful antics of over 100 bottlenose dolphins that call this region their own.
Best Time to Go Whale-watching
A great number of humpback and southern right whales migrate annually to and from warm waters. And tourists will be able to spot these gigantic, yet graceful marine creatures should they visit Port Stephens between May and November.
How to Spot Whales
Moonshadow – TQC Cruises and Imagine Cruises offer great whale and dolphin watching facilities. Visiting Tomaree National Park will also provide an easy lookout to spot pods of whales.
