Victoria Peak

Sometimes the best holiday experiences come from the simplest of things; this is very true for those who get a chance to view the most breathtaking vistas of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak. Before heading to this famous point, make sure to find centrally located Hong Kong serviced apartments from which to set off on your tours of the city. Citadines Ashley Hong Kong is one such serviced accommodation Hong Kong has to offer and provides an ideal base in the Tsim Sha Tsui area where you can enjoy the very best the city is known for.

 

Hong Kong Island’s highest point, Victoria Peak is also an exclusive neighbourhood set amidst spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, the New Territories and not forgetting the glittering skyscrapers. For a truly fantastic sight visit during night, when the lights come on and the cityscape takes on a whole new aura! For one of the best vantage points head to the viewing platform known as Sky Terrace 428 which can be found at The Peak Tower. The Peak Galleria and the Lions View Point Pavilion are also great spots in which to enjoy the views. One of the best ways up Victoria Peak is by way of the Peak Tram which is a funicular railway that offers stunning panoramas on your way to the top!

Wahiba Sands

The Wahiba Sands area stretches across 180km from north to south and around 80km from east to west. It is an area of geographical significance and scientific interest, and is a definite must see for tourists in the area. The name ‘Wahiba Sands’ was coined from the Bedouin al-Wahiba tribe who are the inhabitants of the area. The way of life of these inhabitants provide an interesting glimpse into a nomadic way of life that is fast disappearing under the wheels of modernity.

The landscape boasts a rich biodiversity of both plants and animals in the area, ranging from 200 species of flora (plants) to over 15,000 invertebrates. At the edge of the desert is an oasis named ‘Al Huyawah,’ which is an intriguing site for tourists. Also, close to the oasis, Bedouins can be seen harvesting and farming dates, which are sold to local markets and are a delicacy in the region. The desert landscape also opens up an opportunity to interact with Bedouin women, whose lifestyle affords them with more social and economical mobility as they often come to the rescue of lost tourists, and are skilled crafters who will offer a range of homemade product for sale.

If one is adventurous, there is a rugged path that can be used for trekking. Tourists can hire a local guide for 80 OMR or use one of their own cars with fuel which will cost 30 OMR for the trip. If one wishes to travel with real Middle Eastern authenticity they can make the journey on came back. This will take 7 days in total to complete the journey, and car support will be necessary. The price ranges from 20 – 30 OMR for a camel ride per day. Also it must be kept in mind that a fee must be paid for the camels’ return journey home.

In order for one to begin their odyssey at Wahiba Sands, it is highly recommended that visitors to Oman seek accommodation at a quality Oman Hotels such as the exclusive Sur Plaza Hotel. This elegant Hotel Sur Oman combines modern amenities with spacious rooms to cater to an ideal stay for both business and leisure visitors.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Paihia Diving and Snorkelling

Diving and snorkelling off the New Zealand coast has to be a one of a kind experience as there is hardly a bit of land for thousands of miles away from the country, save for Australia which is towards the north. Three sides of the ocean are likely to offer some inimitable views of the underwater world. The only apparent disadvantage in hoping to snorkel in this part of the world, as opposed to a tropical region is that the waters are unbearably cold during most times, therefore you will have to plan and time your vacation well so that the natural deterrents are avoided.

The area of Paihia in the bay islands off the northernmost island of New Zealand is a wonderful spot to dive and visit the underwater creatures, shipwrecks and feel the seaweed. The octopuses with rough tentacles, the manta rays, bottlenose dolphins, stingrays and moray eels reside amicably in these clear waters, hence chances are that you will have a view of all or most of them during an underwater venture.

There are volcanic rock formations towards the Purerua Peninsula which can require a dive that reaches approximately 30m below sea level. On the way to the bottom of the ocean, you will see several caves, canyons and rocks. During the summer months there are tropical species such as sunfish, mako sharks and flying fish who immigrate to the waters. The PADI instructors who are employed by the diving schools in the area will take you through a remarkable itinerary.

One can even stay ashore and enjoy the marine life; camp on the outer islands and watch the dolphins rub noses as they spring out of the water suddenly and then collapse back into the pristine waves with only a single splash.

Get hold of New Zealand hotel deals by booking months ahead of the trip and then set out from your New Zealand hotels to explore the marine life off the New Zealand coast. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ are from a chain of celebrated hotels that are well loved not only below Down Under, but around the world as well.

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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London Dungeon

London – a melting pot of diversity, modernity and royalty. Visitors to this iconic city will find no shortage of luxurious accommodation, especially in London Serviced Apartments. One cannot go wrong with a Mayfair Serviced Apartment and one option nestled in one of London’s premier districts is the Ascott Mayfair London. Presenting stylish accommodation close to major attractions such as The British Museum, Bond Street and London’s Theatre Land, this well-appointed property is an ideal choice for vacation-makers in London.

In the London Dungeon, visitors are taken on a 90-minute journey through 1000 years of murky London history.  Culture buffs will trek through the dungeons, enjoying show after show, which are all based on real London legends such as Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd, the murderous barber of Fleet Street. The experience is fully immersive and completely themed, which means 360 degree sets that promise an authentic, compelling story-telling experience. Explore the White Chapel Labyrinth – Jack the Ripper’s bloody playground, see the horrors of plague-ridden houses, feel firsthand the explosive outcome of Guy Fawkes’s revolution, and remember not to lose your head when facing Henry VIII’s execution of Anne Boleyn. Offering a merry yet scary experience for the whole family ages 10 and up, no visit to London is complete without paying tribute to the London Dungeon.

Abu Dhabi Desert camping

Abu Dhabi is a city that is rapidly developing itself as a tourist hotspot in the world. New attractions are being created throughout the city to attract visitors from all around the globe. The shopping spree that you could enjoy here is limitless. The huge shopping malls that rise like giants would include all that you need for a very reasonable price, and the products will always have a high quality. Even though the city is changing and new attractions are coming up, the people in Abu Dhabi still priorities the desert which has been the major attraction for hundreds of years.

As a result exciting desert camping programs are offered to all those who are interested in spending a unique holiday in this Middle Eastern country. During the day visitors would get the option to take part in various activities. Sand boarding is one fun activity taken by all who prefer an adrenaline pumping experience. The visitor will have to sit on a special board prepared especially for this purpose and slide down a sandy slope in the desert at an impressive speed. Dune bashing is another popular activity among both young and adult visitors. Enjoy this exhilarating ride where your skilled driver will take you to the top of sand dunes and slide skilfully down without toppling the vehicle. There would be camels dressed in beautiful accessories to take you on a ride; even your kids would enjoy a ride on this amazing animal. Special parks for children have been created for the kids in these camps to keep them occupied and entertained.

In the night enjoy a luxurious buffet under the twinkling stars and experience the coolness of the surroundings which would be totally different from what you experienced throughout the day. Sit around the blazing fire of the campsite and try smoking a shisha pipe and experience a unique feeling.

Spend a truly Arabian day at these campsites and head along to one of the Middle East hotels available. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East would be a great choice if you are on the look for one of the UAE hotels which have comfort, elegance and modernity with an Arabian touch all in one.

Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden

The Philippines is home to the impressive Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, a 14-acre site that opened its doors to the general public in 1959. Visitors looking for accommodation close to the site should invest in a hotel in Manila to fully immerse themselves in the vibrancy of local and international wild life and horticulture. One such Manila hotel is the Heritage Hotel Manila, which boasts modern amenities coupled with a central location, making it easy to roam around the city while sightseeing.

The zoo currently houses over 800 animals including various species of reptiles, mammals, birds, among others as of the last count in 2007. Noteworthy of special mention is the Wildlife Rescue Centre, which functions as a halfway house for animals who are sick, injured or have been abandoned, performing the double duty of a humane society and a zoo. The zoo also boasts two magnificent aviaries, space for crocodiles to frolic and an India elephant donated as a calf from Sri Lanka, and who is the zoo’s most famous animal fixture. Additional, there is a goose section, a tiger enclave, an African Veldt enclosure and a domed area that houses storks, peafowl and herons. The complex also boasts the botanical garden, home to an extensive plant collection collected from the plant-rich Philippines islands and the South Pacific area, where visitors can learn more about the rich array of plants on display. In addition, boats can be rented in the nearby lagoon. Both educational and entertaining, the Manila zoo complex will be enjoyed by the whole family. If bringing the children, visitors can take advantage of all the rest stops and play areas scattered through the complex. In addition, souvenir shops and various eating places add more zing to the visit. The zoo is open from 7am to 6pm daily, and admission will cost visitors the nominal fee of PHP 10. So bring the entire family down for a fun, entertaining day of communing with nature in the city!

KidZania Kuala Lampur

Families with kids should head over to Malaysia for their next vacation, as this vibrant city has a whole range of exciting adventures and experiences for everyone to enjoy, and age knows no bounds! Parents will find a great many choices for family accommodation, such as a quality service apartment in Kuala Lumpur, city of many family-friendly delights. A fine hotel apartment Kuala Lumpur offers, featuring spacious rooms for large families, is the Somerset Ampang Kuala Lumpur. Its state-of-the-art modern facilities such as an infinity pool, free WiFi and ipod docks make this a great option for business travellers as well as families. A true cultural treat for both adults and kids is the wonderfully zany city of KidZania in Kuala Lumpur. Envisioned by kids for kids, families get to experience the tenets of a just, free and fair society from a young age that will prepare the young ones to tackle adult life with enthusiasm. KidZania is a kid-friendly, kid-inspired “nation”, with its own set of laws, national symbols and even a constitution, that transcends ethnic, racial, nationalistic and economic barriers to provide all kids with a fantastic experience of cool adult life through the lens of a kid’s idealism. With over 60 careers to choose from, kids get to perform various job roles and test out anything they’d like to dream about in real life: from doctors and lawyers to cameramen and newsreaders! With fun roles such as going to the bank to withdraw monthly salaries or keeping cool when flying during turbulent weather, kids can experience real life within a safe, adult-supervised environment that imbues them with a profound sense of accomplishment and confidence. KidZania even features its own unique language, with phrases such as “Kai” for hello, “Z-U” for see you, “Kal” for friend, and “Zazz” for wow! So the next time you and the family come down to Kuala Lumpur, come and say “Kai” and meet some wonderful new “Kals!” at KidZania Kuala Lumpur. “Z-U” soon!

Forest Adventure Singapore

If you ever dreamed of swinging through the trees like Tarzan, then a visit to Forest Adventure Singapore will help make that dream come true! This exciting family attraction can be found within Bedok Reservoir Park and those wishing to visit this site should look to find a centrally located serviced residence Singapore that can be used as an ideal base. Riverdale Residence Singapore is one such accommodation option and provides long stay serviced apartments Singapore that are also near the premier shopping district and Orchard MRT too. Designed in such a way as to utilise the surrounding trees, Forest Adventure Singapore offers a truly unique experience giving you the chance to scale, swing and scream to your heart’s content! Made up of a series of swings, bridges, trapezes, ladders and more, the main obstacle course is challenging and fun and the stringent safety measures means that you do not have to fear a fall. There is also a specially designed course for kids. One of the best experiences here is undoubtedly the chance to have a go on one of the zip lines that provide a breathtaking adrenaline rush as you “zip” above the Bedok Reservoir!

Float in the Dead Sea

Jordan’s largest and capital city Amman is emerging as a bustling tourist destination, and it boasts a rich offering of history that has earned it the fame of being one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. Visitors seeking a quality Amman hotel will discover an excellent range of luxury accommodation designed to suit every taste. A fine hotel in Amman Jordan features would be the Millennium Hotel Amman, and its spacious rooms and state-of-the-art facilities provides a welcome getaway in the desert for both business and leisure travellers alike.

Desert climates run hot and Amman offers the perfect way to beat the heat with a cool, refreshing float in the Dead Sea. Its high salt content ensures no marine life can survive in its briny depths, which has earned the water body its sombre name. Yet there is nothing sombre about a Dead Sea dip, as all dippers or floaters, will have fun trying to swim when the most they can do is bob. In addition to the fun aspect, the salt-saturated water is ideal for exfoliating the skin, and has been known to help with respiration and cure skin conditions. Whether one takes a dip for health or pleasure, a few tips will provide an enjoyable experience for all Dead Sea dunkers. Wear appropriate shoes, as the shallow seabed is dotted with sharp salt crystals and can result in severe cuts. Do not shave at least two days prior to dipping, as you will discover the real meaning of pouring salt in one’s wound. Try not to put your face in the water, as this can burn the eyes to an uncomfortable degree. Remember to wear an old swimsuit as the water will easily discolour the material. Rinse whatever you were wearing after the dip, else be prepared for a stubborn layer of salt grime to stick to the clothing. So observe the tips above for a quality dip and have fun in the salty sea!

I-City in Shah Alam

A fun water park by day and an electrifying LED based lights spectacular by night, I-City in Shah Alam provides an exciting time out for the entire family. This site can be found around an hour away from the Malaysian capital and if you are in search of Kuala Lumpur serviced apartments from which to set off on your excursions then Ascott Kuala Lumpur makes an ideal option. This modern short stay apartment in Kuala Lumpur is ideally situated in the Central Business District making it well suited for both business and leisure travellers.

A great place to beat the heat, I-City in Shah Alam is home to Waterworld where you can enjoy some watery thrills and spills. Not to be missed is a chance to try the 160-foot long water slide known as the Tornado which will take your breath away! The site’s SnoWalk which has artificial snow also offers a cooling respite, while the Ferris Wheel and Trick Art Museum also provide plenty of family fun. It is at night however, that I-City really comes into its own; artificial trees, plastic figures of giraffes, flamingos, peacocks and more all come alight as countless LED lights light up the area in an array of colour.

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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