Discovering Oman’s Hidden Gems – Must-Visit Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Oman, a land of rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage, harbours hidden gems that promise extraordinary experiences away from the crowds. Embark on a journey of discovery as you explore these off-the-beaten-path destinations in Oman.

img via flickr

1. Wadi Bani Khalid: Oasis of Tranquility
Venture beyond the usual wadis and explore Wadi Bani Khalid, a hidden oasis nestled in the Eastern Hajar Mountains. Discover emerald-green pools, palm-fringed landscapes, and tranquil corners ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation aside from the amazing Oman hotel offers for places such as Oman Hotels.
2. Jebel Shams: The Grand Canyon of Arabia
For a breathtaking natural spectacle, visit Jebel Shams, the “Grand Canyon of Arabia.” This rugged mountain range offers awe-inspiring views of deep gorges and rugged cliffs. The Balcony Walk provides a thrilling trek along the canyon rim.
3. Misfat Al Abriyeen: Timeless Mountain Village
Step back in time as you explore Misfat Al Abriyeen, a charming mountain village surrounded by lush terraced gardens. Wander through narrow alleyways, admire traditional mud-brick houses, and experience Omani hospitality at its finest.
4. Ras Al Jinz: Turtle-Watching Paradise
Head to Ras Al Jinz, a secluded beach known for its nesting turtles. Join a guided tour to witness the mesmerizing sight of green turtles laying eggs under the moonlight or observe hatchlings making their journey to the sea.
5. Al Hamra: Historic Mud Village
Explore the historic mud-brick village of Al Hamra, where ancient structures and traditional architecture tell the story of Oman’s cultural heritage. Don’t miss a visit to Bait Al Safah, a living museum showcasing Omani crafts and traditions.

Night Cycling in Singapore

Want to avoid Singapore’s daytime humid, warm temperatures? Then consider exploring this cosmopolitan city at night via cycling. You will be treated to stunning, brightly lit-up displays, and you can do so comfortably with a gentle breeze on your back.

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City highlights

Explore Singapore’s main highlights by cycling the Marina Bay route. The route takes you by Singapore’s electrifying skyline and famous attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, Esplanade and the bayfront area. Consider venturing further to explore the Eastern Coastal Loop, including East Coast Park.

History lane

Many Singapore serviced apartments, the likes of Citadines Raffles Place Singapore, are located a stone’s throw away from the city’s famed Civic District. Historical landmarks, including City Hall, the museum, Supreme Court, and Bugis district, can easily be discovered via night cycling.

Nature routes

Alternatively, you can explore Singapore’s wildlife and nature reserves via the Northern Explorer and Western Adventure Loops. The former begins from Lower Seletar Reservoir Park and takes you by Mandai and Admiralty parks. The 12km Western Loop goes by Jurong Lake and Bukit Batok Nature parks. Consider cycling the North Eastern Riverine Loop, which begins at Punggol Park.

All you need to know

You can indulge in night cycling by renting a bike or joining a night cycling tour. It is best that you cycle with a group to avoid getting lost. Ensure you check your bike’s brakes, light functions, and the weather before heading out.

Adventure Experiences in Sri Lanka

Adventure lovers will be in their element in Sri Lanka as the island nation offers many exciting outdoor experiences for active visitors that are sure to captivate and delight.

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Climbing Adam’s Peak

A unique adventure experience in Sri Lanka would be ascending the sacred mountain known as Adam’s Peak and catching the sunrise from its summit; there are several available trails by which to access this mountain featuring different levels of difficulty. To learn more about such places to visit in Sri Lanka, check specialist travel websites like Truly Sri Lanka.

Bicycle tours & water sports

Another appealing adventure excursion in Sri Lanka would be embarking on a bicycle tour in the environs of the town of Bentota along lanes that are flat, quiet and shaded. Bentota also happens to be a hub for water sports and you can take part in everything from jet-skiing and banana boating to water-skiing and surfing.

White water rafting

Drawing adrenaline junkies from around the world, white water rafting in Sri Lanka is not to be missed. You can experience this exhilarating activity along the Kelani River in the area known as Kitulgala set amidst stunning natural beauty. Some excursions will additionally include jungle trekking and visiting hidden rock pools too.

The hill country

There are plenty of thrilling adventures in the hill country of Sri Lanka. Here, you can go mountain biking and hiking amidst picturesque surroundings and mist-shrouded mountains such as the Knuckles Mountain Range. Other destinations like Nuwara Eliya and Ella are popular too and feature tea plantations to explore as well.

Deep-sea fishing

A deep-sea fishing excursion would be another exciting adventure experience that you could enjoy in Sri Lanka. Your fishing trip will take you into the expanses of the Indian Ocean where you could cast for the likes of tuna, snappers, barracuda, groupers, wahoo and so on; this is sure to be an absorbing escapade worth trying!

Best Adventure Activities in the Maldives That Challenge the Daredevil in You

Adventurers heading to the Maldives may be surprised to find the sheer variety of thrilling activities on offer. Here’s a rundown of some of the country’s top activities for active visitors.

Catamaran Sailing

Although there are a great many sailing adventures accessible to visitors based at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives or any similar Maldives beach hotels, none are quite as exciting as catamaran sailing. Offering one the chance to sail across the azure blue waters of the archipelago on board a vessel that is not as easy to navigate as a modern-day yacht can prove to be the experience of a lifetime for those who dare.  

Parasailing

Those who wish to take to the skies and catch a glimpse of paradise from a unique vantage point should sign up for a parasailing tour of the coast. Available through a plethora of local tour operators and resorts, the thrill of being suspended above the waves is a feeling that is difficult to describe and replicate outside a beach paradise such as the Maldives.

Scuba Diving

Diving
Diving | Image via wiki media commons

Often listed among the best scuba diving hubs on the planet, no trip to the Maldives would be complete without travelling through the underwater caves, channels and shipwrecks that litter the seafloor of the archipelago. From HP Reef to Banana Reef and Manta Point, the large number of excellent dive sites makes this water sports activity a true adventure. The best time to visit the Maldives for a diving holiday is from December to March.

Kitesurfing

The idyllic lagoons of the Maldives are perfect for kitesurfing excursions for both seasoned surfers and novices.

Adventurous Things to Do in Auckland during spring – Blissful times!

Everything about the spring is beautiful. If you have already planned to spend your upcoming spring in Auckland, here are some of the adventures you must try out!

Image via piqsels

Head to the Botanic Gardens

This is a free thing to do, which will please everyone! Auckland Botanic Gardens spans across an area of 64 hectares, and you can also enjoy a native forest here.

Cycle rides

Auckland is just so perfect for joyous rides on cycles. Cycleway networks are growing all the time here and they link the city and the sub-regions so well.

Luxury stays

Where have you planned to spend your holiday season? If it’s at one of the Auckland harbour hotels the likes of Auckland Harbour Suites, you have the perfect opportunity to enjoy all luxuries amidst the best of hospitality services.

Auckland markets

Auckland has many markets. So, explore these markets one by one and grab the freshest veggies and fruits, the most artistic crafts, and also snacks.

Ambury Farm Park

This is a chance for you to see cute animals. Cows, pigs, lambs, and sheep are all there with their cute gestures to welcome you with love.

Best Cycling Excursions In Kandy

When you are visiting the city of Kandy in the central hills of Sri Lanka, you might consider traversing it by bicycle. There is so much to explore in this city so let’s take a look at the best five tours for you.

Cycling
Cycling | Img via Pxfuel

Along Colonial Footprint

Start outside the city and cycle in. Balana Pass is one of the most important royal outposts that managed to keep the colonial powers away from the Kandyan kingdom for centuries.

Tea by Bicycle

You could explore the tea estates that surround the Kandyan plateau while staying in hotels the likes of Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy. It is a hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka that is surrounded by tea plantations and waterfalls.

Cycling in the Knuckles

The Knuckles Mountain Range called so due to its distinct shape is a great mountain to explore on a bike. But be aware that it can be quite strenuous.

Round the Kandy Lake

The easiest yet very picturesque ride is a bike ride around Kandy Lake. Made by the last king Sri Vickrama Rajasinghe, the lake is set right in the city centre and shrouded by gigantic trees.

The City by Night

The city empties in the evening and by night is very beautiful but starkly different from Kandy by day.

 

Cycling Excursions in Bangkok’s ”Green Lung ”

Known as the Green Lung or the Jungle of Bangkok, Bangkracho is a small peninsula famous for its lush tropical vegetation and laid-back village atmosphere.

How to Get There

According to the Travel Bangkok Now blog the Green Lung is easy to find given the lack of people, and cars. You can hop on the BTS and make your way to Phrom Phong. From there, visitors can get a tuk-tuk to Khlong Toei Port and board the ferry, to begin their Bangkok adventures.

Rent a Bike & Get Going

Once you alight from the ferry you will be faced with a bustling hub where you can rent bikes, maps and buy bottled water. While not exactly the sportiest of bikes, they feature baskets in the front for storing things and are steady enough to navigate the winding paths.

What to see

Places to see include the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery, The Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park as well as the Botanical Garden. Perusing a Bangkok travel guide will inform you which temples and shrines to explore however one that stands out is, on Soi Petchahueng 57 right next to the mighty Chao Phraya River.

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Where to stay

While there are no big resorts and luxury hotels in this area there are small-scale guest houses to choose from for reasonable prices. The area also is home to several roadside restaurants which serve some great food.


Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Exploring the city of Kandy

Kandy, the hill city of Sri Lanka, is known for its religious significance due to the presence of Temple of Tooth. However, there is much more to this city, if you dare to venture off the beaten path.

Udawaththa Kele | Image Credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Nyanatusita">Nyanatusita</a>, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Udawattakele_Forest_scene_4.jpg">Udawattakele Forest scene 4</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode" rel="license">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>
Udawaththa Kele | Image Credit: Nyanatusita, Udawattakele Forest scene 4, CC BY-SA 3.0

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Declared a nature sanctuary in 1938, Udawatta Kele – meaning Udawatta Forest – is not a highly visited destination among the tourists. However, it presents a mystique aura and has multiple treks and trails where one can stroll through and enjoy the lushness that surrounds them.

Trekking

There are many trekking trails around Kandy both historic and scenic. They are definitely worthwhile exploring and travellers should base themselves in a place like Mahaweli Reach Hotel and spare a day or two to enjoy pristine areas not too far from the city.

City’s colonial past

A neo-gothic 19th century Anglican Church, a Victorian fountain, the 19th century Garrison Cemetery near the old palace, the WWI and WWII Commonwealth War Cemetery on Deveni Rajasinge Mw by the Mahaweli River are the remains from the city’s colonial past.

Peradeniya Botanic Garden

In Kandy, things to do are plenty. Devoting a whole morning to visiting the Peradeniya Botanic Garden, one of best such facilities in the region, will not be wasted as there is much to see besides enjoying its beautiful surroundings. Stroll around the picturesque 200-year-old Kandy Lake in the evening and walk along shaded paths in Udawatte Kele, the historic forest reserve overlooking the Temple of the Tooth.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+