Month: March 2012

Bali is a beautiful island that is one of the 33 provinces that make up Indonesia. The island’s main source of income is the tourism industry and as such, possesses a multitude of attractions in order to entice every kind of visitor into experiencing their rich culture and scenic beauty. 

This charming island’s primary religious majority is Hindu and its history, culture, and architecture has been heavily influenced by this majority. Many temple ruins are scattered across its area such as the temple Pura Taman Ayun. This beautiful place greets tourists with a moat of lotus flowers and surrounds itself on three sides with a water garden. Moss grows on the temple’s faded and chipped walls and provides a very pleasant ambiance for the culturally and aesthetically conscious tourist.  In addition, the Tirtha Empul temple is Bali’s most revered temple because of its holy water, which Hindus use for purification. This temple attracts many tourists to its door because of its historical and cultural significance as well as its splendid structure and beautifully adorned gardens. These temples are merely a few of the many architectural wonders available to those who wish to delve into Bali’s rich culture. 

Apart from Bali’s manmade constructs, there are also the scenic wonders such as Bali’s white sandy beaches and its tremendous volcanoes that are available to visitors. Various tours are available that take tourists to the main volcanoes such as Mount Agung, which is still active and is used by both casual visitors and veteran mountain climbers. Two routes have been constructed, one from Besakih which makes its way up to the western peak, and the other route which begins from Pura Pasar Agung, near Selat and continues to the southern peak. The climb is quite long often with an overnight camp, so acquiring a guide form either Besakih or Pura Pasar Agung would be advisable.

 

Once the climb atop the volcano is complete, visitors can visit restaurants and the villages that habituate the craters. Upon the climb down one would naturally long to relax for either a brief respite or perhaps the rest of one’s stay on the island. There are numerous Bali resorts that are available.  The Uluwatu hotels are quite luxurious and serene in arrangement, and none epitomize this design ethic more than the Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa. This ideally located and ingeniously designed hotel and spa provides the perfect place for one to unwind after the long trek. In addition, one can organize further excursions via the hotel and experience even more of what Bali has to offer. 

Ever thought of soaring in the skies like a bird, enjoying the panorama that unfolds below through a bird’s eye view and taking in the sunset from up above? Imagine the sprawling greenery of the paddy fields below, the rivers snaking along the bed of the earth and the setting sun in the distance, the familiar landmarks take a different shape from up above; wind in your ears, soft chirping of the birds that fly by to their nests and you feel completely weightless as time seems to stand still. The scenery will surely take your breath away and let you truly enjoy the stunning natural landscapes.

That is the typical experience for visitors taking a sunset hot air balloon ride in southern Sri Lanka! Enjoying a hot air balloon ride at one of the many destinations in the country where Air Magic operates from is indeed an excellent way to make sure that the trip to this emerald island is an even more special and cherished one, full of memorable stories and sights that the visitor can recount to friends and family.

Hot air ballooning is becoming increasingly popular both amongst foreigners and locals in this charming island nation. Air Magic offers a number of hot air balloon rides at a number of places across the country such as Kandalama, Galle, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Ahungalla. A ride in a hot-air balloon is also a great gift idea for friends and family if one wants to provide them with a unique and breathtaking experience to last a lifetime.

For tourists visiting the historic city of Galle with its ancient fort that still stands proud, an aerial view from a hot-air balloon is sure to provide a unique perspective of the city below. There are a number of Sri Lanka hotels here to choose from that provide a diverse array of facilities and experiences to make your stay a truly memorable one. Jetwing Kurulubedda is one such special place located off a river. One of the best Galle resorts, it is sure to provide you a laidback holiday with a luxurious atmosphere in a relaxed and typically Sri Lankan setting. 

The capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a gateway to the Middle East. This exotic city has embraced all modern luxuries while retaining its core cultural values. Home to the head offices of many international oil companies, Abu Dhabi is a city where businesses thrive. However, this alluring city also has some amazing desert islands which are home to fascinating wildlife. Off the western coast of the city nestled in the Persian Gulf, you will find eight enticing islets home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Even the name Abu Dhabi means Father of Gazelle, probably referring to the free roaming Arabian Oryx.

Kayaking is one of the most rewarding activities you can engage in while visiting the Desert Islands. It is extremely relaxing to go kayaking on the calm waters near the mangroves, and enjoy the dazzling beauty of a sunrise or sun set. Usually kayaking is organized at different times of the day and also on full moon nights, so as to give the visitor a magnificent view of the islands and their surroundings. You will be able to see colourful flamingos enjoying the sun and wild gazelle grazing on the shore apart from other rare birds and fish who call the Desert Islands and the mangroves their home. Most of the resorts in the Desert Islands will provide you with equipment and a guide to make your kayaking adventure both memorable and safe

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There are a host of activities to busy yourself with apart from kayaking while visiting the Desert Islands. These include snorkelling, diving, trekking, boating, mountain biking and many more. You can also embark on a romantic boat ride at sunset and absorb the dazzling Arabian scenery. The Desert Islands also contain an archaeological site which dates back to 6th century AD.

Abu Dhabi resorts will pamper you with exotic Middle Eastern hospitality. If you are looking for luxury Abu Dhabi hotels are the best place to indulge in a wide array of luxurious comforts. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is one such option where you can relax both your mind and body, and simply dive into a mesmerizing exotic Middle Eastern vacation.

As a breathtaking collection of numerous tiny islets, the archipelago of Maldives is a beach holiday destination like no other. Renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine species and abundant natural wonders, this destination is an avid diver’s dream come true. With its ocean floors littered with age old shipwrecks, this diver’s Mecca has long been considered one of the finest diving destinations in Asia. But thrill seekers of a different kind are also heading down to the island collective for an adrenalin pumping experience of a lifetime.  

Known as one of the few holiday hotspots in the globe to offer safe shark diving excursions, the Maldives leaves no stone unturned in the sphere of oceanic exploration.  Home to a plethora of shark species numbering well over 25 varieties, the country offers seasoned and novice divers the opportunity of a lifetime to share the same space and swim past one of the most majestic creatures and predators in the ocean.

Whale Sharks, the largest fish species on the planet are commonly spotted in the Maldivian waters as hoards of these 40 foot long creatures swim close to the surface. Abundantly visible during the months of July and August, the Whale Shark hotspots in the country include Hanifaru Bay and Baa Atoll. Grey Reef Sharks are also commonly sighted especially around dive sites concentrated in Cocoa Corner and Maaya Thila where the creatures hunt frequently. White Tip Reef Sharks are also popular among divers navigating the ocean floor as are Hammerhead Sharks that are found in waters around Rasdhoo Kandu.

Other shark species that are sighted during diving excursions in Maldives include Silvertip, Snaggletooth, Tiger, Sliteye, Nurse and Silky sharks. Variegated, Star Spotted Smooth Hound and Black Tip Reef sharks are also frequently spotted in the islands.

Travellers in search of Maldives luxury hotels should look no further than the stylish Anantara Dhigu Maldives. Offering guests a secluded island hideaway like no other, the resplendent coastal setting, luxurious accommodation and wide range of contemporary comforts and conveniences available at this Maldives resort helps one have a truly memorable holiday experience.

Offering unforgettable holiday experiences, the Canopy Adventures in Koh Phangan provide visitors with a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the island’s lush tropical rainforests! Designed with cable walkways that let you walk among the tree tops and zip lines that take you on exciting journeys between the foliage, this fun outdoor activity is set amidst breathtaking natural scenery and can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Travellers looking for Koh Phangan hotels that offer luxurious accommodation in an enchanting coastal setting can stay at Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa Thailand. One of the region’s best Koh Phangan resorts, it also has a spa which offers a variety of rejuvenating treatments and therapies.

Any trip to the Middle East brings to mind long journeys through the never ending dunes of sand over the desolate landscape on the back of camels, known as the ship of the desert. Thus, no trip to these desert lands and the Middle East is complete without a camel trek to truly savour an authentic experience of these lands.

A camel trek is an ideal way to obtain a genuine understanding of what those long winding journeys of the ancient Arab travellers were like as they journeyed through the sands during their trips through these vast barren lands. It gives an opportunity for the traveller to explore the vast stretches of sandy wilderness on a personal level, holding on to the hump of the camel as it sways from one side to the other. As you traverse the seemingly never ending dunes at sunset the silence is only disturbed by the footfall of the beast, your voice and the words of your tour guide. 

 

 

You will be mesmerized by the desert vegetation and exotic landscapes as you experience the exhilarating trip across the land. It is both educational and exhilarating and sometimes one has to pinch oneself to realize that it is actually happening and you are travelling through the sands. The trekking goes on for about 6 hours from about 4.30 in the evening till about 9.30 in the night. It not only provides the traveller with a chance to see the  magical land during its breathtaking sunsets but also to watch the night stars and night skies light up the endless stretches of sand.

A trek is sure to bring to mind those legendary tales one has heard of in the 1001 Nights or other well known stories and it is indeed one of the most awe inspiring and magnificent ways to experience the Middle East. Among the numerous Abu Dhabi hotels is Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. It is one of the Abu Dhabi luxury hotels that provides the visitor with a chance to experience all the charming moments that this country has to offer. 

Tipped to be a hotbed of activity for all wild life enthusiasts, the desert nation of Abu Dhabi is a land of pleasant contradictions. Despite its scorching desert weather conditions and landscapes the country is home to a wide variety of wild life species that include Africa’s most fiercest and beloved creatures. With sprawling wild life parks and guided safari tours to boot this one stop wildlife hub is a dream come true for those who fantasize of adventures of a different kind. 

The Al Ain Wild life Park on the other hand houses over 4000 wild animals out of which 180 species are faced with the threat of extinction. Covering an area of 900 hectares the Al Ain Wild life Park is famed for the Mixed African Exhibit where zebras, gazelles, wildebeests, giraffes, rhinoceros and gemsboks roam free in an open enclave of more than 5 hectares. The rare Nubian giraffe is also found at the parkland which is also home to 2500 mammals, 600 reptiles and 1200 stunning birds.

Visitors in search of luxury hotel resorts in the Middle East should look no further than the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. Offering guests a wide variety of luxury hotels in prime locations across the region this renowned name in the global hospitality industry takes 5-star accommodation to an entirely new level. 

Everyone at one time or another has dreamt of swinging through the trees with ease and making loud cries a la Tarzan imagining a verdant African landscape with many a dangerous beast creeping below. Well, it may be possible now at Singapore’s Forest Adventure, minus the dangerous beasts!

An aerial rope course six metres above ground, it is built through the trees comprising ladders, swings, nets, trapezes and giant zip lines, the longest of which spans 200 metres, designed to give the maximum thrills and adrenaline pumping action. Those who dare can experience the wind rushing through their hair while whirling through the green forest canopy and be carried over water clinging to the zip line for dear life. 

Take the Grand Course with the thirty four obstacles and have the time of your life swinging through the trees with that exhilarating feeling that only height and speed will give. See the untrammelled views of the waterfront and the greenery around the Bedock Reservoir, an ‘out of this world’ experience for city dwellers. Participants are equipped with harnesses and helmets and are attached to a safety line and instructors are trained to rescue anyone who is stuck in a tree! Adults are said to take about two and a half hours to complete the course. Not everyone is allowed on the course as participants have to be at least 1.4 metres tall, weigh below 130 kg and be over 21 years old. While children as young as five years old can take to the trees on a smaller course with 16 obstacles, their parents are required to guide them from below.

The course has been designed and built by an international expert on tree top courses according to European guidelines. It is tested annually for conformation with safety requirements. Instructors have been trained in customer assistance and rescue. The trees and the surrounding forest landscape are tended by special arborists to ensure optimum tree health thereby ensuring treetop adventures in safety. 

Discover the joys of outdoor activity, the thrill of adventure and being together with friends and family and most of all having a great time outdoors among green and natural surroundings.

Located on a hillock surrounded by lush greenery, yet right in the heart of the city close to business, shopping and entertainment areas, Hotel Fort Canning Singapore provides a refuge away from the city’s hustle and bustle with the convenience of easy access. Offering a selection of elegant, modern and spacious rooms and suites, it is one of the premier hotels in Singapore city centre and provides its guests with services and facilities in a resort like atmosphere with a relaxing ambience that surpass other Singapore boutique hotels.

Trekking enthusiasts will have plenty to keep their hearts a flutter in Koh Samui as elephant trekking is the island’s hot pick adventure excursion.  Visitors can now explore the tropical jungles of the island on the elephant ride of a lifetime. The two hour tour on the gentle giant in an environment littered with exotic flora and fauna and untamed natural elements is not for the faint of heart. The Sky Fox cable ride is also suited for those who wish to experience absolute freedom and experience flight above forest foliage without wings. One can also change one’s perspective by sliding along the platforms upside down on the seven stations on the route that vary in difficulty.  Canopy tours are equally exciting as travellers hop between tree houses on a 300m route above the forest floor. Participants can also get a bird’s eye view of a waterfall at the end of the tour which incidentally takes place in a bar near the magnificent cascade of water.

Kayaking excursions in Angthong Marine Park are another highlight as these fantastic tours provide visitors the opportunity to explore exquisite rock formations, ancient caves and secluded beaches at their own pace. While paddling along the trail kayakers will also come across somersaulting dolphins, mischievous monkeys and other wildlife that call this resplendent marine park home.

Koh Samui’s mountainous terrains are best explored on mountain bikes with challenging geographical obstacles to make for a thrilling ride across ancient temples and other points of interest.  Kite boarding is also a Samui favorite as the windy conditions of the venue are ideal for this sport that combines stunt kite flying practices with windsurfing techniques. Avid deep sea divers can also head down to Koh Tao, Sail Rock and the National Marine Park for scores of diving sites that are ranked among some of the best diving venues in the Gulf of Thailand. 

Travellers in search of a luxury Koh Samui resort will find no finer alternative to the Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui. Ideally located on the beachfront this Chaweng hotel is also within close range of the region’s best restaurants and shopping venues.