Month: August 2011

Diving in Koh Phangan


Stretching 12 kilometres from east to west and 19 kilometres from south to north, Koh Phangan is an island located near Ko Samui in Thailand. With an ideal location that provides convenient access to a myriad of prime dive sites including Anthong National Marine Park and Sail Rock Anthong, the stunning island is mainly mountainous with lush greenery. Bounded by pristine beaches of white sand and turquoise waters, most of this paradisiacal island remains as national parkland. Despite development of upmarket resorts and roads, the island has impressively retained its natural splendour.

The island is popularly known to be an excellent diving and snorkelling place with a multitude of dive sites. Having a professional yet relaxed attitude towards this delightful sport, the island is relatively a very inexpensive place to learn diving. With the availability of colourful coral reefs in its waters, the area is a paradise for divers and snorkelers.

Several open water courses are available at attractive rates for the novice divers to the region. The world of tropical diving in Koh Phangan can be experienced in many ways. All of the ideal dive sites surrounding Koh Phangan are located on the north, west and south west coasts of the island, with the west having the highest concentration of the sites.

An imposing variety of hard corals as well as tropical/pelagic fish can be seen during local dives. Hump coral that offers shelter to various table and staghorn corals, are the main structure of the reefs. The hump coral also offers shelter to leaf and plate corals, some extensive anemone corals, soft and filter corals and large brain corals.

Any dive in one of Koh Phangan’s dive sites will introduce you to a diversity of angelfish, damselfish, parrotfish, wrasse, goatfish and snapper. One is also bound to find big schooling barracuda, stingrays, hunting mackerel, tuna and cuttlefish.

The ideal accommodation option for those in search of Koh Phangan hotels would be Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa, Thailand. Nestled amidst spectacular surroundings, the hotel comprises of luxurious villas that complement the splendour of the environs. Setting itself apart from the rest of the Koh Phangan resorts, this exceptional hotel offers pampering spa treatments as well.

Forest Park

Home to the great musical legend Tina Turner, the city of St. Louis might not tally with your definition of a laid back tourist destination but this is one of those places in America where you can head down to a local bar, grab a pint of ice cold beer and just watch the baseball game while enjoying the great company. St Louis has a welcoming city that doesn’t really care much about where you’re from as long as you have a passion for music and know how to have a good time.

Known as one of the largest urban parks in the United States, the Forest Park covers a total area of 1293 acres and is one the 105 city parks of America. This massive tourist attraction is what draws most of the visitors that travel to this city. Within the limits of the Forest Park are many other attractions such as the Art Museum, the Zoo, the Science Centre and the History Museum. The Zoo is an ideal place where families can enjoy the presence of friendly members of the animal kingdom. The two museums are complete with an array of artifacts that are historically important for both the city and the country at the same time.

The greenery that dominates the landscape of this park is the perfect environment for those of us who enjoy a peaceful few hours of serenity. This unique park also doubles up as a sporting location where golfers, ice skaters and even basketball players can come to enjoy an adrenaline pumping session of practice. Concerned about your fitness? You can even go for a jog or a bicycle ride through the park while enjoying the lush forestry that will keep you company.

Millennium Hotel St. Louis is the perfect base for travellers who wish to explore this fascinating city. Offering a host of outstanding amenities and excellent accommodation options this St. Louis hotel is truly one of a kind.

Off Road Driving in Abu Dhabi

Just a little over 50 years ago, Abu Dhabi was no more than a fishing village with a fort, some coral buildings and endless desserts dotted with oases. As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi does not hold as much world prominence as neighbouring Dubai. However, it offers a more traditional approach to Arabian living, and the skies are dominated by gleaming skyscrapers, the shopping is just as exceptional and the food divine! Some of the great places to see whilst on holiday include, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, Cultural Foundation, Emirates Palace, Corniche Park, Qasr al-Husn and the Women’s Handicraft Centre. Shopping in Abu Dhabi is exceptional at the Deira City Centre and Marina Mall Tower, whilst dining opportunities offers itself from local delicacies to international fast food chains.

Expanses of dessert surround Abu Dhabi, and there is no better thrill than doing some off road driving. The activity is so popular that today it has become a sport, and the annual competition of the Abu Dhabi Dessert Challenge, which is the closing event of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championships and FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup. A collection of cars, bikes and trucks partake in this event each year. Driving on what is locally known as ‘wadis’ or dessert trails is easy, but once you take your 4WD off the road, the drive becomes more challenging and it always advisable to have a second vehicle at hand, along with an experienced driver who is familiar with the terrain. A book guide is available called the UAE Off-Road Explorer, which is quite useful. Tour operators can also be easily found to take your on your off road drive in the Abu Dhabi dessert. The challenges are exhilarating and the techniques are entirely different to driving on the road, so if you are up for the adventure, there is no better place to start, than Abu Dhabi dessert!

Planning a trip to Abu Dhabi? There are many accommodation options in Abu Dhabi to choose from. But none stands out like the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi that offers a fine array of rooms and suites that cater to families, groups and individuals. A better known five star hotel from the many Abu Dhabi hotels available in the city, Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi also provides the additional service of babysitting your children if required.

Dune Dashing

Rolling through the sand, in your 4WD or the one you are a passenger of, do not be scared you are in for a ride.

For those unfamiliar Dune bashing is somewhat a desert safari in a form of off roading racing by driving out in your own 4WD or a rented SUV that creates havoc in the sand. This thrilling experience located in the deserts of Dubai, United Arab Emirates lures tourists the world around to cave in on some diabolical sand bashing.

Roller coasting through the dune is a desert experience you would not want to miss at least in this lifetime. You will be booming with smiles after you try this out.

Giving you a handful of activities, you will be introduced to a giant fleet of monster trucks, SUV’s, compact SUV’s, Land Cruisers and mini jeeps that will take you around up and over sand mountains, through sand mountains, bashing sand dunes and over any obstacle in front of you. It is a field of joy, fun and laughter.

Being the best desert past time in Arabia, you will be guaranteed with an unforgettable, adrenaline pumping experience that leaves a trail of memories for a generation.

A breath of fresh air, the beauty, the serenity and the outdoor colossal of excitement chants your heart passionately. You will feel the rush as you partake in each exhilarating ride.

After you prolong your journey through the sand, the tour guides and drivers will allow you to enjoy the sunset while sipping on a cold soda prior to the food feast and belly dancers that await your arrival. This is all a part of a unique package to remember.

The perfect climax to your Dune bashing voyage is a wonderful stay at a Dubai five star hotel, luscious accommodation just for you at a Dubai airport hotel, is exactly the right formula filled with sensation and delight. At the Millennium Airport Hotel, you will be enchanted with luxury amenities and class.

Anchorage Outdoor Activities

Anchorage, Alaska is a beautiful place to be. The outdoors has never been more pristine and the air ever so crisp than out there in Anchorage. With six mountain ranges and a maritime climate, all year round one can find a range out outdoor activities to partake in. During winter, Anchorage transforms to a wonderland, ripe for ice fishing, skiing and trekking. During Summer the flowers are in bloom and delicate icicles beautify the trees and the season is perfect for salmon fishing.

To the traveller who likes nothing better than to be one with nature, will find their hearts desire in the magnificence of Anchorage. Offering some of the best trails in the whole of the United States, and owning the third largest national park with half a million acres of land, outdoor activities have never been this exciting. There is said to be 217 kilometers of paved bike trails and another 185 kilometers of unpaved trails for those who love mountain biking.

There are four well known parks in Anchorage that are worth visit – Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Kincaid Park, Hillside Park and Chugah State Park. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an 11 miles long and starts at the end of Downtown Anchorage. One can rent bicycles or take your own and be prepared for some breathtaking views of Westchester Lagoon, Anderson House at Elderberry Park, Cook Inlet and the mountain ranges of Anchorage. The last four miles of the bike trail will take you through forest of boreal which has a large population of moose.

The next biggest and most popular park is Chugah State Park. With 30 trails for hiking and biking spread across half a million acres, one can be rest assured that you won’t be bumping in to anyone regularly. Wildlife to see at this state park are sheep, wolves, bears and mountain goats.

Those who visit during summer will enjoy the additional day light hours to spend outdoors. Popular summer activities include, camping, berry picking, golfing, hunting, horseback riding, rafting, canoeing, kayaking and of course hiking. During winter one can experience an entirely different set of activities such as, ice fishing, dog sledding, curling, ice hockey, snowboarding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and Anchorage Sledding Hills.

Situated along Lake Spenard, Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage offers an ideal location to begin your outdoor adventures in the Anchorage. A popular choice among Anchorage hotels, one can enjoy spacious accommodation and breathtaking views. Only one mile away from the main airport, this accommodation option is also a popular one among the many Anchorage airport hotels on offer.

Desert Safari

The Dubai Desert Safari – takes place almost obviously at the deserts, spread along what the locals call; “the great outback” of the United Arab Emirates. The safari is by far an experience that you will maximize to the fullest.

If you are on your way to Dubai with sand and fun stamped on your mind, look no further than a desert safari adventure catered just for you.

A thrill that roars and captures you in seconds will leave you in screams of delight and excitement!

The perfect safari treatment is bestowed upon you. With a number of extremes and adrenaline pumping joys to unwrap, you will be living the dessert dream.

One such activity on offer for you to take pleasure in will be the spins you voyage through in a perfectly designed 4WD SUV powered for high performance. The ever so talented dessert drivers will then take you on a mind-blowing journey through the sand dunes driving across in a 45 degree like angle at times taking you up and over sand dunes, sand barricades and anything else in its path.

The choices and opportunities for you to partake in is a challenge waiting to be unmasked. A lifetime deserves this experience at least once.

Be enthralled by the dessert binge and then let your mind, body and soul get lost during the sunset followed by the food prepared, sweet shisha puffs and the exotic belly dancers twisting their hips to the hypnotic Arabic music that graces this dessert safari adventure package and makes it complete.

Your trip to the breathtaking landscape of exotic dessert sands to participate in the roller coaster tours down epic sand dunes will be complimented thoroughly as the Dubai airport hotel positioned in close distance to the desserts create the perfect accommodation solution. A Dubai five star hotel boasting luxurious amenities and restaurants of bliss generates is the fascinating Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai.

Go Hook, Line and Sinker When Night Fishing in Maldives

Rated as one of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations and diving locales, the island archipelago of Maldives truly packs in a punch in terms of touristic value. But frequent travellers to this paradise on earth also engage in lesser known activities that take one to the heart of the country’s culture in a quintessential Maldivian experience. Fishing is not only one of the most profitable industries in the local economy but it also provides a livelihood for most Maldivians who depend on the catch of the day to make ends meet. Surrounded by azure waters and sand speckled islands littered with marine life, it is little wonder that the locals have a special aptitude for fishing. Visitors with a fetish for fishing can benefit from this knowhow and the ancient fishing practices that have survived over the centuries. The Maldives offer both day and night fishing with the latter being the seemingly more popular option among travellers and locals.
Fishing aficionados can also learn the fine art of Pole and Line fishing which is the professionally used method of snaring marine life in a country that prohibits the use of fishing nets. Using a bamboo pole with barbless hooks fastened to the end of the rods bait is typically thrown haphazardly in to sea water in areas that have large fish schools. This lures the creatures closer to the Dhoni (traditional Maldivian yacht) where they are ensnared in the barbless hooks.
Night fishing excursions start with the Dhonis setting off from the islands in the evening and anchoring at the outer atoll reefs of the island. The lines and sinkers are then dropped in to the waters from all sides of the Dhoni and the wait begins for catch the likes of squirrelfish, emperors, reef fishes, jacks and snappers to tug at the lines. The country also boasts several fishing islands for the convenience of fishing enthusiasts where a night out fishing typically culminates in a barbeque of the day’s catch on the beach shore.
Tourists in search of a well-furnished villa in Maldives should look to none other than Nalandhu Maldives for all their accommodation needs. Offering guests exquisite villas complete with private pools, timber decor and tropical gardens this elegant rest is undoubtedly one of the finest Maldives luxury resorts in the region.

Kintamani and Volcano Tour, a scenic excursion


Amongst Indonesia’s tourist attractions Bali takes a prominent place with its lovely beaches, cultural attractions and hospitable residents. Despite its popular status it is still possible to find peace and serenity at this delightful location. No visit to the scenic and culturally rich island of Bali is complete without a Kintamani Volcano Tour. One of the most popular and renowned Bali tours, this exciting adventure takes participants on an unforgettable journey through the highlights of the area.
The Kintamani Volcano is still in active condition although major eruptions are not expected. A picturesque and tranquil site, the environs of the volcano are always a delightful location in which to unwind and relax. The nearby Lake Batur is the largest lake in Bali and has functioned as the major source of irrigation for the farmers of the locale.
The Kintamani Volcano Tour also presents performances of the traditional Keris and Barong dances which always inspire the imagination of the beholder. At Celuk Village you will also visit master gold and silversmiths, while at Kemenuh Village you will get the opportunity to observe a woodcarving artiste at work.
Another fascinating attraction on the tour is the 11th century Elephant Caves Temple which was formerly a meditation retreat for Hindu and Buddhist monks. Age-old stone idols and beautiful reliefs may be seen here. Not to be missed is the intriguing Holy Spring Water Temple which features a large extent of water at its centre. Locals believe the temple’s clear and clean water to be sacred, with the power to cure diseases.
The tour will also take you to Tampak Siring village where the visitor will be able to explore its appealing spice garden. On the journey back, the traveller will be fortunate enough to cross some picturesque rice fields and will also be able to take a stroll through the Ubud Monkey Forest with its playful residents. The final stop on the journey is a renowned painting gallery where visitors may admire and gain an understanding of traditional Balinese painting with its rich history.
When selecting Bali hotels an excellent choice would be the Anantara Bali Uluwatu, a fine Bali luxury hotel which offers fine accommodations and appealing comforts.

Sonoran Desert

Scottsdale is known for its upscale nightlife with an eclectic blend of nightclubs, theatres, jazz clubs and restaurants serving up a delightful array of entertainment for just about every age group. As part of Arizona you can expect to see a marvellous blend of cowboys, deserts, the iconic Grand Canyon, shopaholics, golf courses and libertarians. Arizona is a great place to be, to experience that typical western charm America is so famous for. The New York Times once explained Arizona as “a dessert version of Miami’s South Beach” and as having “plenty of night partying and a buzzing hotel scene”. Arts and culture is very much celebrated affair in Scottsdale, and they are known to have the largest concentration of museums and art galleries open to the public. Scottsdale Art Festival is a popular attraction that takes place every year. And here, you can find several districts and areas dedicated to arts and galleries such as, Scottsdale Arts District that can be segmented to Main Street Arts District, Marshall Way Arts District and Old Town District. No matter your reason for visiting Scottsdale Arizona, you are sure to be pleased with the excellent selection of entertainment options available to you.

Beside the landmark Grand Canyon every tourist will visit whilst in Arizona, there is yet another tourist attraction that is worthwhile visiting – Sonoran Dessert. Standing opposite the Mohave Dessert and straddling the border of Mexico whilst overlapping in to Arizona and California is the diverse ecosystem that makes up the Sonoran Desert. Taking a look at the life that exists in this desert, there are 60 identified species of mammals, 350 bird species, over a hundred reptilian species, 20 amphibian species, native fish that amount to 30 species, over 2000 native plants and over a 1000 species of bees alone. The Sonoran Desert that borders Mexico and Tucson is also known to the natural habitat for jaguars in the whole of the United States. Whilst there is much plant and animal life in the desert, Sonoran is also home to seventeen aboriginal American cultures, making it a great place to explore.

Planning a trip to Scottsdale? Locate yourself in an exclusive boutique Scottsdale resort when you make a reservation at Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch. Their intimate setting, wonderful dining options and luxurious accommodation are all the trimmings for a perfect holiday. Access over a hundred golf courses from Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch along with numerous other tourist attractions, and be rest assured that you made the right choice.

Quad Adventure Cambodia, a sensational experience

A quad adventure in Cambodia promises to be an unforgettable experience for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and exploring a charming country. The ‘quads’ which are used here are in fact American manufactured Polaris Trail Boss all terrain vehicles which are fun to drive as well as being safe and easy to manoeuvre, even for those with no previous experience in driving all terrain vehicles. The quads are meticulously maintained making them utterly safe and reliable.

Irrespective of whether you desire a relaxing tour in the tropical sunset or an exciting and stimulating two day excursion to a remote destination like the Koh Ker Temple, there are packages to suit everyone’s tastes. There is no better way to get a genuine taste of Siem Reap; Cambodia is always interesting to explore, offering an exotic landscape with rustic villages, exotic temples and scenic rice paddies.

Numerous different trails and localities are available offering varying routes and diverse terrains so that there is always something to suit anyone’s fancy. For the novice at riding quad bikes there is the Easy Ride Tour which proceeds along the easiest roads, inspiring confidence even for those who have never piloted a quad bike before. The 17 km ride takes the tourist around the lovely Wat Athwea temple.

An attractive choice is the Sunset Tour which commences late in the afternoon. The tour takes the visitor through 12 km of charming Siem Reap countryside, concluding with a spectacular vista of the setting sun dipping below the rice paddies. Another appealing option is the Discovery Tour which takes the participant across the countryside providing a memorable glimpse of the pristine Cambodian landscape.

For the true enthusiast who desires to experience the Cambodian quad driving experience to the fullest there is the Angkor Adventure Tour, which is a 300 km ride taking 5 days and 4 nights. An amazing excursion which combines the pleasure of driving with the delights of sightseeing, this is the ultimate all terrain vehicle adventure.

When selecting Siem Reap hotels there is no better choice than the Alila Hotel Sothea Siem Reap. This fine Angkor hotel offers excellent accommodations and attentive service making it a delightful place to stay.