Foodie experiences in Doha – Fulfilling your cravings

With the world opening up again, it’s a great time to indulge your taste buds in the diverse and flavorful cuisine of the Middle East.

Image via pexels

Saloona

If you’re looking for a meal that is cosy, comfortable and reminds you of home, then Saloona is a perfect dish to start with. This classic Arabic stew is one of a kind, filled with meat (beef, fish or lamb), plenty of vegetables and flavoured with plenty of garlic and ginger.

Warak Enab

When you’re staying at hotel apartments in Qatar the likes of Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments By Oaks, make sure you check out their buffet for the famous stuffed vine leaves. Warak enab usually consists of either minced beef or lamb, full of flavour. Slices of fresh lemon usually accompany this much-loved dish.

Majboos

You cannot visit Qatar and not try out Majboos! This is Qatar’s national dish and it is made with chicken or lamb, which is slow-cooked to enhance its flavour. The meat is served on a bed of flavourful rice, homemade tomato sauce and salad.

Luqaimat

Looking to satisfy your sweet cravings? If so, these sweet dumplings flavoured with cardamom and saffron are perfect. Deep-fried first and covered in a sweet, sticky sugar syrup, your cravings for this will only increase once you try it!

A 3-Week Travel Itinerary in Sri Lanka

While shorter stays warrant rushing to the tropically warm hospitality and exquisite seascapes of the Lankan coast, a longer vacation lets you luxuriate in its vibrant landscapes and experiences. Here’s how to spend 3 exhilaratingly fulsome weeks in Sri Lanka.

Soak in the City

If you fancy vintage tuk-tuk tours around a modern heritage cityscape with retro-chic avenues for shopping and dining, kaleidoscopic markets hosting old-world architecture, and seaside promenades fronted with glitzy hotels, stop at Colombo before venturing into the lush Lankan wilds.

A Sensational Safari

Next, at least a night spent near Yala or Wilapattu National Park is essential for a legendary safari enveloped in untouched natural beauty where beguiling wildlife abounds, including leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, elephants, and water buffalo.

Hiking and History

Hiking trip to Ella Rock, Sri Lanka | Image by Egle Sidaraviciute via unsplash

For top-of-the-world panoramas and relics from kingdoms astoundingly ahead of their time, the Sigiriya rock fortress and its surrounds are an idyllic enigma for history, architecture, and nature enthusiasts. If you’re seeking a reputed destination management company to curate your Sri Lanka tours, venture no further than the likes of Walkers Tours.

Immerse in the Highlands

From the regal Hill Capital with its famed Royal Botanical Gardens to the tea estates, cottages, and strawberry farms of Nuwara Eliya and the iconic elevated train journey to Ella with its hilltop enclaves, irresistible treks, and picturesque waterfall adventures, the uplands of Sri Lanka are worth at least 6 days!

Bountiful Beach Unwinding

Whether it’s the surf-perfect swells of Bentota, the jungle-clad Whale Watching Capital of Mirissa, or the deliciously laidback atmosphere of Arugam Bay, visit as many lavish Lankan coastal hideaways as you can!

The Best Place in Sri Lanka to See Wild Elephants

Sri Lanka is home to a large population of wild elephants, and one of the best places to see them is this National Park. The park is located in the north-central part of the country and is known for its elephant gathering, where hundreds of elephants can be seen during the dry season.

History

Minneriya National Park was established in 1997 and covers an area of 8,889 hectares. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sambar deer, and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to the ancient Minneriya Tank, a man-made reservoir built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasen.

Wildlife

The park is best known for its elephant gathering, which occurs during the dry season (August to September) when elephants come to the Minneriya Tank to drink and bathe. Visitors can also spot leopards, sambar deer, and a variety of bird species, including the rare Sri Lanka junglefowl.

Must-See Attractions

Minneriya National Park
Image via Wikimedia Commons – shankar s. , Minneriya National Park (7568181700), CC BY 2.0

The Minneriya Tank is the main attraction of the park and is a must-see for visitors. This is where “The Gathering” takes place each year. Visitors can also take a safari tour of the park to spot other wildlife and explore the park’s diverse ecosystem. For a unique experience of viewing what the park has to offer, see it from the top, with the help of domestic airlines such as Cinnamon Air.

Where to Stay

There are several accommodations options in and around this National Park, including luxury lodges, eco-friendly resorts, and budget-friendly guesthouses. Visitors can also choose to stay in nearby towns such as Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla.

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a vibrant city with a lot to offer families. From theme parks and museums to zoos and aquariums, there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions to keep children entertained. Here are some of the best places to visit in Hong Kong with kids

Theme Parks

Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-visit for families with children. The park features classic Disney rides and shows, as well as a variety of dining options. Ocean Park is another popular theme park in Hong Kong, with a mix of rides, animal encounters, and shows.

Museums

The Hong Kong Science Museum is a great place for families to learn and discover together. The museum features interactive exhibits on science and technology, as well as a planetarium. The Hong Kong Museum of History is another kid-friendly option, with exhibits on the history and culture of Hong Kong.

Zoos and Aquariums

Hong Kong Maritime Museum
Image via Wikimedia Commons – KTo288, Hong Kong Maritime Museum 2014-2, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a great place to see a variety of animals, including pandas, monkeys, and reptiles. The Hong Kong Maritime Museum is a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about the history of seafaring in Hong Kong.

Where to Stay

There are many family-friendly hotels in Hong Kong, with options to suit all budgets. Some hotels have special packages for families, including discounted rates for children and extra beds in the room. You can also consider staying at a 4 star hotel in Hong Kong the likes of Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong.

Other Highlights

The site where The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery are located is a popular attraction for families, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and an opportunity to learn about Buddhism. The Hong Kong Museum of Art also has a lot of interactive art exhibitions that are great for kids

A solo travelers guide to the Maldives

Go on a dolphin cruise

How about going on a sunset dolphin cruise to get up close to the gentle dolphins? The variety and the richness of marine creatures in Maldives attract many a tourist from all around the world each year. There are more than 700 different species of marine creatures swimming around atolls and stunning coral reefs.

benjamin-l-jones-XGygXrXUSGM-unsplash
diving  | Image by Benjamin L. Jones via Unsplash

 

Scuba diving

You can explore the underwater wonders at a leisurely drift pace! Numerous deserted and isolated islands offer a wonderful playground for all leisure scuba divers. You are more likely to sport Napoleon Wrasses, the magnificent Manta Rays, lots of pelagic fishes and the very rare Whale Shark! This is an incredible thing to do in Maldives if you are holidaying at one of the many Maldives spa hotels the likes of Kurumba Maldives.

Glorious Sunsets

What better way to witness the unrivalled beauty of this island paradise than soaking up a stunning sunset view! Just lie down on the beach or go on a dolphin-watching sunset cruise to take in a golden hour. At the coming of the dusk, the island comes alive with fiery reds, vibrant oranges, and reds.

Beaches

Undoubtedly one of the top reasons to visit Maldives!  These sparkling blue oceans are perfect not only for honeymooners but also for all leisure travellers who seek a soothing holiday. In order to make the best of your beach holiday, try to visit Maldives from December to April when the humidity is low.

Discover the Beauty of Bandung: A Guide to Your Perfect Day Trip

As the country’s 3rd largest city, Bandung is not only West Java’s mountain stronghold, but a holiday hotspot for the masses. Here’s what day-trippers can do during a tour of this scenic hideaway.

Tangkuban Perahu
Tangkuban Perahu | Image by Affan Fadhlan on Unsplash

Marvel at the Cimahi Rainbow Waterfall

While the best time to gaze upon the Cimahi waterfall is during sunset when the light turns the cascade into a vertical rainbow, this towering natural wonder is stunning at any hour. Although the waterfall is known to double in size during the monsoon season, it is worth visiting the venue during the warmer months so that the hike up to the location is a more pleasant experience.

Hike Up the Tangkuban Perahu Volcano

No day tour of Badung would be complete without exploring the Tangkuban Perahu Volcano, which erupted for the last time in 2013. Those who are based at the FOX Harris Hotel City Center Bandung or any of the best hotels in Bandung must find a local tour operator for this volcanic tour even if the hike up to the crater’s lips is not that long.

Take a Dip in the Hot Springs

One of the best things to do in Badung is to enjoy a dip in the many hot springs in town. These hot springs are a result of the area’s volcanic heritage. Apart from the healing benefits of this warm dip, one can also unwind in style at either the Cibolang hot spring or the Sari Ater.

Uncover the Tea Estates

Don’t forget to stop by the many tea estates occupying Bandung where one can not only explore the tea plantations but also sign up for a factory tour. The tea estates close to Kawah Putih are especially captivating and ideal for long walks.

A Stroll through the Ningbo Museum

Renowned for its iconic design, Ningbo Museum is a must-visit highlight for culture buffs holidaying in the area. Here’s what you can expect to see on a tour of the museum.

Siyuwj, South Gate of Ningbo Museum, CC BY-SA 3.0
Siyuwj, South Gate of Ningbo Museum, CC BY-SA 3.0

At a Glance

As a cultural instruction that’s documenting the history of Ningbo and the Yonzhou area spanning a whopping five thousand years, Ningbo Museum is a must-see attraction for all. Housed in an iconic structure designed by Wang Shu, the first Chinese recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the box-shaped museum is divided into 3 levels.

A Rich Collection

Having opened its doors to the public in 2008, Ningbo museum boasts a vast collection of artefacts and art pieces that number well over 8000 items. This not only includes items of historic and cultural value but also artistic prowess. Paintings, porcelain, carvings, sculptures, jades, silverware and bronzes are all part of the exhibits on show at the venue’s galleries.

The Galleries

There are entire galleries dedicated to local Chinese history and these exhibition areas feature ancient photographs, relics and models, exploring Chinese history and the various customs that have evolved over the centuries. Some of the most prized showpieces in this section include the writings of eastern Zhejiang scholars who are credited with Ningbo’s rapid expansion.

Ningbo’s Past

Another engaging section of the museum delves into the local culture of Ningbo and documents its rise to a commercial epicentre. The 4th level of the museum is where the bamboo relics are found. Donated by the family of Qin Kangxiang, a well known collector, these artefacts are simply exquisite, and those based at Ascott Huaishu Road Ningbo or any one of the other serviced apartments in Ningbo will perhaps find it the most memorable part of their tour.

Livingstone: The Tourist Heart of Zambia – Experience the pulsating beauty of Zambia in Livingstone

Livingstone, located in southern Zambia, has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its proximity to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The city offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors, from cultural and historical attractions to adventure activities.

The Victoria Falls

The main attraction of Livingstone, Victoria Falls, is a breathtaking sight that draws thousands of visitors every year. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and geology of the falls, or opt for a thrilling activity like bungee jumping or white-water rafting.

Stiac H, Victoria Falls The Smoke That Thunders July 2019, CC0 1.0

Accommodation

Livingstone offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts like Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara. Whether you are looking for a place to relax or a Livingstone hotel at Victoria Falls, there’s something for everyone.

Adventure activities

Livingstone is an adventure-seekers paradise with a wide range of activities available, including white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter rides. Take a microlight flight over Victoria Falls for a bird’s-eye view of the falls, or go on a safari to see the wildlife of the area.

Cultural experiences

Livingstone is home to a rich cultural heritage, with many traditional villages and historical sites to explore. Take a tour of the Maramba Cultural Village to learn about the customs and traditions of the local people, or visit the Livingstone Museum to learn about the city’s history.

Visiting Ao Nang – A Holiday in Paradise

Ao Nang is a small resort town located Krabi, Thailand. Known for its stunning beaches and limestone cliffs, Ao Nang is a popular destination for both tourists and backpackers who seek peace and adventure at the same time.

Pristine Beaches

One of the main attractions in Ao Nang is the beautiful beach, which stretches for several kilometres along the coast. Therefore, choosing accommodation at Ao Nang beach hotels would be the smart way to spend your vacation in paradise. The sand is soft and white, and the water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is also home to a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.

Image via Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort

Get Climbing

Another popular activity in Ao Nang is rock climbing. In fact, it is listed as one of the top things to do on the Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort website. The town is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that offer a variety of routes for climbers of all skill levels. There are several climbing schools and guides in town that can provide equipment and instruction.

Relaxing Strolls

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there are plenty of options for lounging on the beach or taking a leisurely stroll along the coast. There are also several spas and massage parlours in town where you can enjoy a traditional Thai massage.

Delectable Cuisine

When it comes to food, Ao Nang has a wide variety of options to suit all budgets and tastes. From street food vendors selling delicious Thai food to upscale restaurants offering international cuisine, all palates will be treated well.

What You Can Expect from Tree Bridge Coffee & Zipline Samui – A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Are you looking for an exciting and unique way to experience the beauty of nature? Look no further than Tree Bridge Coffee & Zipline Samui. This one-of-a-kind destination combines the thrill of ziplining with the serenity of a lush jungle setting.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Ziplining

One of the main draws of Tree Bridge Coffee & Zipline Samui is its incredible zipline course. The course features multiple lines that take you soaring through the jungle canopy, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The ziplines are designed for both beginners and experienced riders, so everyone can enjoy the thrill of flying through the trees.

Coffee and Food

This is also a great spot to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and some food. The on-site cafe serves a variety of coffee drinks, as well as a selection of sandwiches and snacks. You can enjoy your refreshments while taking in the beautiful views of the jungle from the outdoor seating area. If you are staying at a property such as Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort or one of the other Koh Samui hotels closer to Tree Bridge Coffee & Zipline, be sure to drop by for a delicious cup of coffee.

Nature and Sustainability

One of the things that set Tree Bridge Coffee & Zipline Samui apart is its commitment to nature and sustainability. The owners and operators are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the jungle and protecting the environment. They use eco-friendly practices and materials and actively work to educate visitors about the importance of conservation.

What to bring  

When visiting Tree Bridge Coffee & Zipline in Samui, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, insect repellent, a refillable bottle of water to stay hydrated, a camera or phone to capture memories, and some cash for food, drinks or souvenirs.