Month: March 2013

Atoll Surf in Maldives

Despite being small in size the Maldives islands are one of the most sought after and popular tourist destinations in the world, among holiday makers who want a getaway in closest place there is to heaven on earth. Surrounded by the breathtakingly blue waters of the Indian Ocean visitors will enjoy a vacation centered on sun, and the sea. Many of the country’s visitors enjoy basking in the magnificence around them by spending their vacation relaxing, but for others the perfect vacation entails action and excitement, and of this too there is no shortage in the Maldives. The ocean provides visitors with a range of options for water sports for an excitement filled vacation.

In the still waters visitors will enjoy canoeing, diving and snorkeling, where they can enjoy the beauty of their surroundings and the magical underwater world. But for those who want something more fast paced and action packed Atoll Surfing will be an ideal option. There are three different areas that surfers will enjoy around the Maldives islands, namely the Male atolls, Central Atolls and the South Atolls. Within these areas there are hundreds of spots where surfers head over to and enjoy action packed hours in the sun. Some of these surfing sites have to be accessed by boat adding more adventure to the journey as surfers have to find the ideal spot that suites them.

Though there are water activities to partake in all year long, the season for surfing starts in March and ends in November, yet it is at its peak between April and October. There are areas that suit all levels of surfers, from the beginners and intermediate levels to those that are best for advanced surfers. Some of the best loved of these spots are Chickens which is located near an uninhabited island, Cokes, and Lohi’s. There are many groups and companies that surfers can contact to provide all that is needed to find the perfect site for them. It is a great way for those who want to try something new to spend time during a scenic holiday to the beautiful island nation.

Excitement isn’t all that visitors will be looking for during their vacation, and anyone would enjoy indulging in the luxury of Maldives spa resorts. The tranquil Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas are a fine choice among Maldives resorts, for visitors who want an unforgettable experience.

Abu Dhabi Desert Safaris, a unique excursion

The desert Emirate of Abu Dhabi offers many attractions for the visitor, and one of the most enthralling experiences you can enjoy here is an entrancing desert safari. The deserts of Abu Dhabi are vast stretches of pristine sandy expanses which appear to be mysteriously alluring. Any visitor will be captivated by the sensational entertainment and exotic mystique offered by a desert safari.

Many tour operators offer different packages to ideally suit the individual preferences of visitors, with morning, evening and overnight safaris available. Naturally the most exciting of these would be the overnight tour which presents a host of enthralling activities for travellers.

The mode of transportation of choice is the powerful four wheel drive sport-utility vehicle, often specially modified for the unique desert environment. The tour leaves the city in the afternoon, heading out to the sandy wilderness. Dune bashing, which is the term used for traversing high sand dunes in a four wheel drive vehicle, is often part of the package. The sensation of ripping through the vast dunes at high speed, sand flying from the tyres and even obscuring the vision is the experience of a lifetime. You will also be able to exploit the sensational photo opportunities when you stop for refreshments at the largest dunes.

Watching the beautiful desert sunset is a vista that will never be forgotten. At a typical Bedouin-themed campsite deep within the desert, guests will be able to unwind or indulge in unique activities like sand boarding, riding a camel or trying out the Arabic ‘shisha’ pipe.

Another highlight would be the delectable Middle Eastern style barbeque dinner which is served at the campsite, often accompanied by the performance of a skilled belly dancer. The cool desert night will envelop guests as they repose in a Bedouin-style tent far from the hustle and bustle of the urban lifestyle.
With all of these entrancing experiences on offer, a safari in the deserts of Abu Dhabi will never disappoint those who take the opportunity to sample the delights of the desert lifestyle.

Travellers considering luxury hotel resorts will be delighted by the luxury hotelsoffered by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, a premier purveyor of quality accommodation.

Tokyo Amusement Parks

If its theme park thrills and family entrainment you are after, then a visit to Tokyo will not disappoint! There are many theme parks in and around this lively metropolis and if you are in search of a short term apartment Tokyo has to offer that can be used as a base for your travels, then Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo is an option worth considering. This well equipped Tokyo serviced apartment can be found right near the Shinjuku East area and is walking distance from subway stations that can be used as you tour the local theme parks. It goes without saying that the city’s most famous theme park is Tokyo Disneyland where Mickey and the gang await to offer you and the kids an unforgettable holiday experience. Divided into a variety of themed sections such as Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland, this famous site will spoil you for choice when it comes to rides. Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion are among the attractions here worth visiting. However, there are many more theme parks in Tokyo worth visiting. Toshima-en which can be found in the north-western part of the city has some thrilling rides as well as an authentic Coney Island carousel, while Tokyo Dome City is where you will find the LaQua Amusement Park with its pulse-pounding roller coaster. Celebrating what has now become a sort of pop-culture icon of Japan, Sanrio Puroland is dedicated to “Hello Kitty” and is sure to be a favourite amongst kids!

By the light of the Silvery Moon

What better way to spend an evening than delving into the nocturnal habits of other living creatures to the accompaniment of owl hoots and wolf howls. Over one million curious visitors that take the Singapore Night Safari each year get to take a peek into the odd and fascinating night lives of more than 2,500 animals from around the world ranging over seven geographical areas from the cold Himalayan foothills down to the humid riverine swamps of South East Asia.

Visitors who are wary of exploring the safari park on foot at night can take the Safari Adventure Tour where, together with a group of like minded people they can marvel at the hitherto unknown activities that other living creatures get up to at night. Those on foot can have a truly enlightening experience. Walk through a giant aviary and catch the Malayan flying foxes going about their nocturnal business or see what leopards are up to from a glass observatory and catch a glimpse of fishing cats as they go on a hunt. For anyone who does not know what wallabies and other Aussie creatures are up to at night this is the time to find out by taking a trip down the Wallaby Trail.

To enhance this once in a lifetime night experience, catch the entertainment where a group of warriors from the Thumbuakar tribe from Borneo go through the paces of a thrilling performance complete with blow pipe demonstrations, tribal and fire dances. Visitors can also catch the interactive Creatures of the Night Show where for 20 minutes everyone is held in awe of the unexpected skills of nocturnal animals.

If all this activity has whetted the appetite, there is a great selection of food at the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant which serves Singapore favourites like chili crab amidst a rural setting and the Bongo Bongo Bar that is well known for its scrumptious burgers. For an unusual gourmet experience board a moving safari tram where visitors can view the animals while enjoying delicious food, the next best thing to dining with the animals.

The night safari, which is a special feature, is only open at night and clever lighting effects such as the simulation of moonlight enhances the experience for visitors who can view the animals moving about. Beautifully landscaped natural barriers prevent the animals getting too close for comfort.

Stay at the Ascott Raffles Place Singapore to enjoy one of the best locations, close to dining, entertainment and business areas and also to enjoy the comfort of its fully equipped, beautifully decorated and well appointed studio and two bedroom residences. These Singapore serviced apartments offer practically everything short or long term guests would need from high end kitchen appliances to designer furniture and the latest entertainment and communication devices in addition to amenities and facilities necessary to ensure a relaxing stay. Make sure this luxury serviced apartment Singapore is your place of residence when next in the city.

Scuba Diving with Sharks; a close encounter with sharks

The luxury hotel Shanghai, The Langham, Xintiandi, Shanghai is one of the top places where affordable and comfortable hotel rooms can be found. This Shanghai 5 star hotel offers its visitors an ideal base from which to explore the city.

One of the most exhilarating activities that can be done in Shanghai is scuba diving with more than 100 intimidating sharks. This experience is only possible at Big Blue Scuba. A 5.5 meter tank filled with different types of sharks and other marine creatures is available in the location. The shark species in the tank includes whitetip reef sharks, guitar sharks, nurse sharks, sand tiger sharks and blacktip reef sharks. Swimming beside these menacing creatures is a truly unique and breathtaking experience.