Month: February 2013

Sea and Fresh Water Kayaking

New Zealand is one of those nations with stunning landscapes right out of a fairy tale. Snow capped mountains, tumbling waterfalls, isolated golden beaches, deep green forests and intricate waterways that criss-cross the land from end to end. Travel the waterways, lakes and streams and the open sea for a complete new perspective of the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand. Kayaking is one such mode of transport you can enjoy with your loved ones, cruise on glassy waters or tumble among the rocks for a bit of adventure but there is a ride for beginners and the more experienced to enjoy.

Take a journey into the open seas and into mysterious caves, chase dolphins in your kayak, say hi to a seal and dip down in for a bit of snorkelling with the fish. Marlborough Sounds in South Island are relatively wilder than others with Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorus Sound and Kenepuru Sound, the main areas for kayaking and all with stunning landscape to explore and dolphins and orcas to play with. Home to the world famous Mitre Peak and dramatic waterfalls is the Milford Sound and nearby is the Doubtful Sounds, a still larger and more remote but equally stunning area to explore. Abel Tasman National Park with its tranquil lagoons, golden beaches, mild sunny climate, and forest covered hills and ideal camping grounds and swimming areas is the perfect place for the carefree traveller. From day trips to multiday trips to the Cavalli Islands with over 150 islands and 800 km of coastline is the Bay of Islands in North Island and Kaikoura with the majestic Kaikoura Mountains, Canyon and haven for marine life is a world unto its own to see. Other sea kayaking destinations include Okarito Lagoon, Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel Peninsula and Dusky Sound.

Paddle along the longest navigable waterway, the Whanganui River or visit Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo for a spellbinding experience of freshwater kayaking in New Zealand. Visit the Rotorua’s crater lakes for a gentle lake paddle or battle the white water of Mohaka and Rangitaiki in North Island or Kawarau and Clutha in South Island for an adrenaline rush. Be it an epic river journey, a tranquil drift on a glassy lake or spending some quality time with family on a golden beach, a kayaking trip along the many waterways is the ideal way to explore this exquisite land.

For the best of New Zealand hotel deals visit Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ, one of the best among the New Zealand hotels.

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Wasgamuwa Safari

Offering a thrilling safari into the wilds of Sri Lanka, Wasgamuwa National Park provides plenty of adventure that brings you up close with some of the island’s exotic wildlife. Those wishing to visit this park, but also wanting to stay at a Sri Lanka resortclose to the coast can choose Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa. Situated by the sea in the village of Passekudah, this distinctive Sri Lanka spa resort makes an ideal East Coast base from which to make day trips to the park. Located in the Polonnaruwa and Matale districts, the Wasgamuwa National Park is home to a large herd of elephants that one can see while on a safari. Rich in biodiversity, the park has around 23 mammal species including toque macaques, water buffalos, Sri Lanka leopards and sloth bears. Wasgamuwa also has a variety of bird species, making it an ideal place for bird watchers to visit too.

Bali Jungle White Water Rafting Adventure- An exhilarating experience in Ayung River!

Bali is a place with many exciting outdoor adventures. A luxury Bali hotel would offer the travellers the perfect place to relax and unwind after an exhausting outdoor adventure. Anantara Seminyak Bali is one of the most renowned Bali hotelsrecommended by most of the travellers for its warm hospitality during the stay. One of the most exciting excursions you should enjoy when holidaying in Bali is the white water rafting adventure in Bali jungle. Grab the oars and head down to experience this rafting adventure in Ayung River. Whether you are an experienced rafts man or an amateur, the guides will assist you in experiencing a safe ride filled with fun and exhilaration.

Sand Boarding in NZ: An Exhilarating Ride Down Golden Dunes

Climbing atop a small board and flying down a snow covered hill at an exhilarating speed is a common snow sport that is known to many all around the world by the name of snow boarding. However, the idea of doing the same, but on a steep sandy hill is an activity that not many people have heard of let alone experienced. Such is the art of sand boarding which is also one of the many diverse activities and experiences the tropical island nation of New Zealand has to offer her visitors.

The island is riddled with sandy dunes that make for great sand boarding and one such location is Cape Reinga where there is a meeting of the Tasman Sea and the great Pacific Ocean. The dunes are absolutely massive and though the trek to the top is a tiresome exercise, the fast paced, exhilarating ride down, makes it absolutely and completely worth it.

A sand boarding experience, but with an intriguing and exciting twist is known as the Hokianga Express in Opononi. For those wishing to experience this interesting activity, take a boat from the jetty to the sandy dunes and experience sand boarding in a completely different way. These golden dunes will allow you to ride down a thirty metre slope and skim over the water, giving you the illusion of suspending gravity. The boat ride from the jetty can be booked according to your convenience and the entire experience should cost less than 30 dollars.

Sand boarding is an activity that can be abundantly found in this Paradise of the Gods and gives you an ideal opportunity to explore the amazing feats of nature as well. After a fun bout of sand boarding, opt to go for a walk or hike and see how these deliciously golden dunes mould together to make beautifully scenic imagery thanks to strong winds and rain.

When staying at New Zealand hotels, ensure to make queries regarding the closest sand dunes suitable for sand boarding for this is a kiwi experience you would surely not want to miss. When touring the country, opting for reliable accommodation is a must as you move from city to city. When on the west coast and searching for Greymouth hotels in the area, it is always sensible to opt for the hotel belonging to the reputed chain of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ for it is sure to make your holiday in New Zealand, convenient and comfortable.

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Tianjin Eye

Tianjin accommodation caters to a variety of choices and Somerset International Building Tianjin is renowned residence where you will find a selection of some of the most elegant serviced apartments Tianjin has to offer. Whilst the city is home to numerous attractions and landmarks, Tianjin Eye stands out for its striking magnificence. This massive Ferris wheel created above Yongle Bridge is a star highlight in the cityscape. Being one of four of its type in the country, Tianjin Eye is a beautiful sight to marvel at. It has 48 passenger capsules with each being able to transport about 8 passengers.

Desert Safaris: A Novel Way of Exploring Abu Dhabi

The emirate of Abu Dhabi is one of 7 emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Due to the discovery of oil in the area and the rapid development that automatically ensued, this emirate has witness a massive change in the past 60 years, making it a wonderful place to visit, whether on vacation or for business.

When in Abu Dhabi, one experience that the emirate is famous for providing is their Desert Safaris. When touring the area, opting for a desert safari gives you the option of seeing the emirate in a new and improved fashion. For those wishing for convenience, a number of private companies organise a variety of tours complete with a tour guide for the ultimate educational experience.

One such option is the Morning Desert Safari that provides patrons with the opportunity of exploring the area before the climate gets too warm or stuffy. During the morning safari, various touring packages allow you a multitude of experiences including the option of riding on a camel and be privy to the everyday lives of the Arabs living in the Emirate, while a tour guide will divulge information about the desert as well. A number of companies also offer evening safari and overnight safari packages as well and such options maybe worth exploring for a wholly different experience.

Desert safari tours also include dune bashing, an activity that is sure to get your adrenaline soaring as you attempt to conquer the sandy dunes of the desert on a four wheeler. The uneven terrain of the desert is sure to make your ride an exhilarating one but it also gives you the opportunity of seeing Abu Dhabi from an entirely different perspective for perhaps you may be privy to a rare sighting of the famed gazelle and a multitude of other species.

Such tours can be organised conveniently from your own hotel in Abu Dhabi while certain companies even offer you the option of a tailor made safari to suit your specifications. For the very best experience the city can offer, opt to stay at a world renowned hotel, preferably part of an award winning chain such as Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. With its central location, a few minutes away from the business district, this hotel Abu Dhabi is an ideal choice.

Kayak Adventure In Turks & Caicos

The Turks and Caicos Islands actually consists of two separate groups of islands- the Caicos Islands, which is the larger of the two, and the Turks Islands. They are a British Overseas Territory (although the currency used in the islands is the US dollar) and are situated near the Bahamas. The islands are a famous tourist destination and enjoy pleasant weather almost throughout the year making it a nice place to visit in all seasons. This is the ideal place to try out a variety of water sports.

Kayaking is an activity that is popular throughout the world. It requires a little skill and exertion but can be loads of fun. One popular activity in the Turks & Caicos Islands is exploring the mangroves by kayak. The mangrove regions are bustling with all sorts of marine life just waiting to be discovered. Here one can encounter a variety of fish such as the Checkered Pufferfish, Lemon Sharks, Needlefish, Bonefish and Sergeant Majors, as well as a variety of birds including the Brown Pelican (the country’s national bird), the American Oystercatcher, Egrets and Herons.

A trip can last anywhere between a few hours to a day or two- interested tourists can get packages that include kayaking and camping. Scuba diving is another ‘must do’ activity. The waters in the region are filled with strange and wonderful aquatic life and scuba diving gives one a close up view of this exotic marine world. Those who would rather not go scuba diving can instead try snorkelling, which takes place at shallower depths. While it does not give the same exposure to the marine world, it can still be a fun and rewarding experience.

Tourists looking for good Turks and Caicos luxury resorts can try a place like the Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos. Rank amongst the finest luxury resorts in the Caribbean, it is an excellent place to stay. The hotel is located by the sea, offering guests easy access to the gorgeous, silvery ocean. Providing friendly service and a plethora of top notch services, guests are sure to enjoy their stay here.

 

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Water Skiing in Maldives

Providing a thrilling escapade in the wide blue expanse known as the Indian Ocean, water skiing in the Maldives provides plenty of thrills! Those in search of Maldives luxury resorts that let you indulge in this activity and a range of other water sports can stay at Baros Maldives. The resort lets you enjoy staying at a Maldives villa and provides contemporary comforts to make your experience all the more memorable. The clear weather and the calm waters that surround the islands offer the perfect setting in which to try out this sport. Water skiing involves pulling ‘skiers’ via a cable attached to a high speed boat that can reach speeds of up to 72 kilometres per hour. This water sport also gives you a chance to indulge in some unique sightseeing as you pass breathtaking landscapes at breathtaking speeds!

Beihai-Park

Dating back to over 1,000 years, Beihai-Park is located in the Xicheng District and has been built up through five dynasties, the Qing, the Ming, the Yuan, the Jin and the Liao. Located to the northwest of Beijing’s Forbidden City, it ranks among the country’s largest gardens and consists of numerous structures of historical significance including temples and palaces. Overall, the park is made up of four scenic areas: the northern bank area, the eastern bank area, Circular City, and Qionghua Islet (Jade Flower Islet).

At the centre of the park is the Qionghua Islet which features pavilions, rockeries and halls. The largest building complex is the Yong’an Temple which consists of several halls, a drum tower and a bell tower. In the past the temple was a place of worship for emperors. The park’s main symbol, a white pagoda is found on the top of the islet.

This Lamaist pagoda is also a special place of interest within the park. The pavilions and halls where Qing Dynasty emperors used to hold business discussions and rest can be found to the west of the temple. Those interested in enjoying some panoramic vistas should head over to the two-storey corridor found to the north of the islet.

The Circular City is located in the southeast of the park, encircled by a wall. It is an exquisite garden where the Chengguang Hall featuring green glazed eaves and yellow glazed tiles can be found. It is said that Ming Dynasty emperors used to arrive here to watch fireworks. However, during the Qing Dynasty the hall was transformed into a Buddhist chapel. Its main hall houses a Buddha statue carved out of a piece of white jade. The Nine-Dragon Wall and the Five-Dragon Pavilions on the northern bank area are ‘must-see’ sites for visitors.

Travellers who seek to stay at ideally located serviced apartments in Beijing should not look beyond Ascott Raffles City Beijing. With some of the finest serviced apartments Beijing has to offer, the residence remains one of the most desirable choices of accommodation for the ardent traveller visiting this magnificent city. It also makes a great base from which to set off on your many adventures.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Indoor Rock Climbing; add adventure to your vacation

The Langham, Xintiandi, Shanghai is located conveniently providing access to all the hotspots in the city. This Luxury Hotel Shanghai provides its guests with elegant accommodation opportunities and modern facilities offering maximum comfort and relaxation. As a result the rooms in this hotel are much preferred by tourists compared to the other Shanghai 5 Star Hotel.

Shanghai has a number of attractions which range from temples, museums, shopping places to clubs. Apart from all these normal routine tourist activities indoor rock climbing is available for the adventure minded tourists. Apart from the adventurous part the visitors will be able to burn some calories that they gained throughout their holiday. The best place to go for indoor rock climbing is the Shanghai Stadium Sports Center. Being new to the activity won’t be a problem because there will be instructors to guide you throughout the process. Open throughout the year this is a must visit place to enjoy a different experience in Shanghai.