Month: March 2013

Elephant Cave in Ubud

Within the exotic city of Ubud, is a location that takes you way back in time to the amazing history, art and skill of the yesteryears of Ubud. It is called Goa Gajah; the Elephant Cave.

Goa Gajah is found in a steep valley just on the outskirts of Ubud. It is truly an intriguing wonderwork that has so beautifully been restored. It came to life over 700 years ago and only somewhere in the 1920’s it was rediscovered. It took another 30 years for the elephant cave to be fully excavated. The Elephant cave has deep rooted religious significance. Throughout the structure you will find an array of different shapes of demons, large and small with a number of different expressions. At the entrance of the cave you will see an enormous menacing face. This face somewhat resembles an elephant especially with the hair and the trunk like structure at the face that looks as though it is over its ear to the right. These similarities are what gave rise to the name ‘Elephant Cave’. Around this historical monument you can sense an essence of the past. The structures still looks very much intact and the craftsmanship on the sculptures seems so authentic and full of talent. Just in front of this very intriguing cave there are large rectangular bathing pools with massive gushing water fountains. All with a subtle charm of Ubud 700 years ago. For a wholesome and informative experience of the Elephant Cave, visit the location with a tour guide. These tour guides give you a wealth of important information about this era in Ubud at a very reasonable and nominal fee.

Among places to stay in Ubud, the Alila Ubud is by far the most popular. Facilities in Alila Ubud Bali are absolutely extraordinary. There is a simple charm about this hotel that is accentuated by a friendly staff and delicious cuisine. This Ubud hotelhas been a favorite for many years now. For an Ubud accommodation that is wholesome in everything you are looking for, choose Alila Ubud Bali, and you are sure to love it.

Beach Views

Bali may be one of the few places on the planet where surfing beaches lie so close to each other giving a huge choice to surfers. Balangan, a strip of sandy beach stretching for 200 meters flanked by rocky cliffs, north of Dreamland beach in the Bukit Peninsula is one such place. Although it is well known to surfers it is less so to other visitors and this together with the lack of permanent structure along the beach has helped to keep it as a relatively unspoilt coastal area.

For normal beachgoers the appeal lies in the undeniable beauty of the area and the fact that at high tide it converts to a good swimming beach although currents can be a bother. At low tide it is not suited to swimming as the rocks at the bottom are exposed. However during these times visitors can indulge in those little things that make a visit to the beach fun, particularly if accompanied by children, such as building sand castles, collecting shells or lying on a hammock watching the surfers. As the beach is at the bottom of a cliff it is accessed through a steep staircase. ‘Warungs’ that sell food and drinks to the surfers and provide cheap accommodation lies towards the eastern end of the beach. Along the beach an elevated palm tree shaded flat space between the rocks and the beach is popular with visitors who want to sun bathe, relax and enjoy beach views.

Balangan beach is one of the few known places to have left hand reef brakes at mid tide that are not so fast as other brakes on the peninsula. At lower tides the waves are supposed to be fast and hollow. As the brakes are wind sensitive they have a tendency to get messy. Both intermediate surfers and beginners can enjoy the waves here which can sometimes reach heights of about 15 meters.

Try the elegant Anantara Seminyak Bali located in one of the islands best areas to enjoy spacious all suite accommodation and have easy access to chic shopping and dining areas and island attractions that will certainly contribute to the success of any holiday. View gorgeous sunsets and vivid ocean views cocooned in comfortable and contemporary spaces at this Bali resort. As one of upscale Bali resorts guests are provided with unique dining experiences, luxurious spa treatments and an excellent range of other facilities and amenities the highlights of unforgettable holiday experiences.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Beauty and Piety in the heart of South Thailand

Situated in the Surat Thani Province, in the South of Thailand, is the ancient city of Chaiya. The name Chaiya is attributed to many different legends and stories. Some say that it is derived from the Malay word ‘Cahaya’ by which it was once known. Others say that it is a breakdown of the name Srivijaya, as the city of Chaiya was the capital city during the Srivijaya rule during the 5th – 13th century. Some go so far as to say that during the ruling period of Srivijaya, Chaiya was the royal capital city. However many scholars disagrees with this fact to this date due to the non availability of factual evidence.

Being a devout Buddhist nation, the Chaiya city too has its share of Buddhist temples and monasteries. Certain inscriptions found in and around the area speak of the erection of three stupas by the Srivijaya King. It is thought that Wat Phra Borom That is one of them.

This temple is an excellent example of Srivijaya influence on architectural style and religious buildings and is thought to have been constructed over 1200 years ago. It is at the centre of a compound which houses several other Buddha images and Buddhist sculptures as well as the remains of two other stupas.
As far as history and architecture are concerned, the Wat Phra Borom That in Chaiya is an important, historical and cultural place to visit that attracts its fair share of visitors each year.

The surrounding area of Southern Thailand offers some of the most exquisite locations for a relaxing vacation and a Chaweng Hotel would be an ideal central location from which to base your-self to take in the splendor of this part of Thailand. More specifically a stay at a Koh Samui Resort which will ensure that you have the very best of what South Thailand has to offer including its pristine beaches and calming palm fringed ambiance.

A stay at a place such as Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui will provide you with a comfortable and luxurious service and amenities that will make your holiday a perfect one.

Water sports to explore in Hong Kong

When you think of Honk Kong many a time it is the business suits that come to mind; hardly ever the swim suits! But venture a little further outside the bustling city and you will discover treasures beyond your wildest imaginations. You will see things that will awe you and do things that will leave a permanent tattoo in your memory. This nation boasts one of the most exquisite coastlines. With perfectly pristine shores, it is almost haven for every imaginable water sport. So dip in or delve in and experience the time of your life.

The world of water sports available for you to indulge in is enormous and in Honk Kong you find it all; ranging from the most famous to the rarest. Among the many names, kayaking is something you would hear more often than not. There are some fantastic places to kayak throughout Honk Kong. Sai Kung is perfect for adventure lovers and then there is the Double Haven in the north east and also Lantau. Then there is the very popular sport of wind surfing but this is more season specific and taken up best in the autumn and winter months. And for those of you interested in exploring a literal underwater Eden, diving and snorkeling is the best sport to take up. There is absolutely stunning scenery under the Ocean of Honk Kong; and that’s not all, there are also plenty of fish, corals and even a number of islands with some excellent terrain. The all time favorite wakeboarding is another one of the must-do’s in Honk Kong. Almost every bit of water here in Honk Kong is almost perfect for this sport; you can also enjoy the edge of competition if you want by taking part in the Wake board open championships that take place in the month August every year.Kite surfing and jet skiing are also in this very long list; it just cannot get better in beautiful Honk Kong.

Wind down in the Cosmo Hotel Mongkok, the most popular hotel in Kowloon. Amongst all the Mongkok hotels only in the Cosmo, you will experience sheer luxury and will be treated like true royalty.

Passekudah bay

Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa is the first luxury Sri Lanka Resort that came up in the east coast of Sri Lanka. This Hotel in Pasikuda offers all its guests modern services and relaxing accommodation making their stay more memorable and worthwhile. This amazing hotel is located in the Passekudah Bay one of the most developing locations in the country.

The sight of local fishermen fishing, the sandy beaches and the shallow waters that run far in to the sea are definitely magical moments that can be experienced in the bay. The Passekudah Bay is a more popular destination among family travelers.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Night Safari

The Night Safari is a zoo situated in Singapore. Opened in 1994, it has the distinction of being the first nocturnal zoo in the world. The open air zoo is open only during the night and features over a thousand animals, from about 120 different species. The giant park spans an area of around forty hectares and is divided into eight zones. The best way to explore the park is by foot. There are several walking trails including the Leopard Trail, the Fishing Cat Trail, the Wallaby Trail and the East Lodge Trail. Visitors who would rather not spend the entire night walking about can go on the tram which takes them on a brisk ride through the different parts of the park, including the Asian Riverine Forest and the Himalayan Foothills

The Night Safari remains open throughout the year. Opening hours are between 7.30 pm and 12 am, with the ticket counter closing at 11.15 pm. The shops and restaurants open at around 5.30 pm. Visitors should budget to spend around two to three hours here. The zoo is easily accessible by Singapore’s excellent public transport system and is definitely a ‘must visit’ when in the country. Tickets can be bought online from the park’s official website. Those who enjoyed visiting the Night Safari should also try visiting the Singapore Zoo.

Singapore is not just a hub for commerce; it is also a highly popular vacation spot. The island receives many visitors throughout the year and has excellent infrastructure in place. Singapore contains a whole range of choices when it comes to food and lodgings. For such a small island, Singapore has plenty of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, so one will never lack for choice. Accommodation choices range from simple inns to fancy hotels.

Those planning on a long stay in the country should consider staying at Singapore apartment hotels such as La Residenza Serviced Suites. They offer serviced apartments singapore that combines all the amenities of a hotel with the cosiness of a home. With different styles of apartments to choose from, one is assured of feeling comfortable and at home.

Forest Adventure Singapore

The locals in Singapore must really be having a hard time focusing on their daily duties and not being distracted by the plethora of entertainment opportunities that are available around every corner of the tiny island. From theme parks to night forests, giant wheels on reclaimed land to fine dining experiences, Singapore is not just a destination for MICE tourism, it is a one stop shop for the whole family to do business, rewind, relax, shop or learn.

Forest Adventure Singapore is another feather in Singapore’s cap and is sought after by schools to help children build confidence, by corporate bodies to build team spirit amongst employees and parents who want to give their kids the time of their life. The Kid’s Course is a simpler and safer route which is custom made with the needs and fears of little children kept in mind and the little ones are attached to an ongoing safety line until they complete all 16 adventures lined up for them, so parents can heave a sigh of relief. The Grand Course which is designed for adults is a more adventurous, adrenaline pumping route. Located along the Bedok Reservoir, the grounds are unharmed by human intervention.

The Grand Course includes aerial roping above water, aerial roping between trees and climbing trees armed with a helmet and a harness. It will be an entire day filled with movements a good twenty feet above the ground, where the instructors will watch from below to ensure you do not get into harm’s way. The participants are educated on the use of the safety equipment and how to watch out for oneself. For some the most adventurous is the swinging between trees, for others it is the journey along the 200m long zip line, for a few others it is crossing the bridge built from bamboo.

There are a number of hotels in Singapore to choose from, so even during the peak seasons there should be at least one or two Singapore hotels that you can squeeze into with the family or group of friends. However, if you are booking early, keep the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore foremost in mind.

Adventure World

A visit to Perth would not be completed if you do not explore some of the top attractions in the city. A conveniently located Perth apartment accommodation would always let you make the most of your stay in the city. Somerset St Georges Terrace Perth is one of the best and highly recommended Perth apartments Short stay whether its leisure or business, this luxurious property would let you make the most of your visit to Perth. One of the top attractions and a perfect day out when in Perth is the adventure world. This is a popular theme park situated in Bibra Lake, Perth and it was inaugurated on 11 November 1982. Also known as Edgley’s Adventure World, Perth Adventure World boasts of many exciting events and exhilarating experiences. For all the fun loving travellers to Perth, the Adventure World is a must explored attraction.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Road Trip to Lake Bratan

Indonesia is a popular vacation destination among visitors from all over the world as it is a paradise for those who come looking for an exquisite culture, which is unique and intriguing. This beautiful culture which has formed over centuries is rich, diverse and is reflected all across the country. Yet when visitors head over to the Indonesian paradise island Bali ethnic monuments of great value is not all that they will appreciate, this island is also one of the most scenic places in the world, blessed bountifully by nature. The culture and blessings of nature combined create a place that will constantly be taking visitors breath away, a holiday destination that never ceases to amaze.

When fortunate enough to be in Bali visitors should make time to head over to the Bratan Lake, one of the many scenic wonders of the island. The lake had been formed filling the crater of an inactive volcano, and is the second largest lake in Bali. The green surroundings give it an enchanting atmosphere that is peaceful and heavenly, which will be enjoyed by all. It is an interesting site to do a road trip to from where ever visitors are staying on the island as there is much to do and places to visit in the areas surrounding the lake. The journey to the site too will please visitors.

At the Bratan Lake there are many cultural and historical sites to check out including the stunning Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple, which is historically interesting as though it is a Hindu temple a statue of the Lord Buddha is housed here. The architectural design of the temple too will fascinate visitors. There are many other sites to visit nearby too including the Kebun Raya Botanic Gardens. The surroundings of the lake cater well to visitors as there are quality restaurants to enjoy a meal at nearby, as well as facilities for various water sports including boat tours and water skiing. It is definitely a location to do a road trip over to when staying on the magnificent island of Bali.

When selecting a luxury hotel Bali to stay in visitors will enjoy the Uma Bali. This Ubud hotel provides one of the best experiences for visitors as it beautifully fuses a traditional and cultural atmosphere with modern elegance and comfort.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Top 5 Attractions in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a beautiful tourist destination and finding a centrally situated hotel in Samui is crucial if you desire to explore the region to the fullest, thus a Koh Samui resort such as Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui makes for a good choice. While there is a multitude of places and things to explore in the island, there are several attractions that demand any traveller’s visit. Visit Big Buddha and its charming beach renowned as a fascinating attraction in Samui. Hin Ta and HinYai, Lamai Beach, Na Muang Waterfalls, Nathon, Mummy Monk at Wat Kunaram, South of Lamai and the popularly known Angthong Marine National Park are other must visit places of interest.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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