July, 2013 | The Adventure Travel Site

5 Best Islands in Thailand

The exotic tourist destination of Thailand boasts a collection of enchanting islands. One unique sightseeing experience can be enjoyed by taking part in a Bangkok cruise tour. A name almost synonymous with Bangkok cruises is Anantara Cruises Thailand. One may be spoilt for choice when considering what islands of Thailand to visit. Of course the unrivalled holiday destination, Phuket island tops the list, although off its Southern coast are the pristine Coral and Raya islands, ideal for scuba divers. However ardent nature lovers cannot afford to miss visiting Ko Adang featuring various hiking trails as well as secluded white sandy beaches. The list of best Thai islands also includes Koh Phi Phi, Ko Chang and Koh Mook.

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. Google+

Mask Museum, Ambalangoda

The emerald isle is blessed with an array of exotic escapes offering visitors a taste of local tradition. The Ambalangoda Mask Museum incorporated in 1987 is no different as it showcases valuable insights into the town’s popular trade of mask making. Discover the colours of this thriving town by choosing from a range of Sri Lanka boutique hotels to stay at. Spoil yourself in the finer things in life that Saman Villas Bentota, a luxury hotel Sri Lanka located in Aturuwella, Bentota has in store.

Unravel the mysteries of local dance and legend in the comfort of the museum which also houses a library and workshop from where guests can explore the many treats that adorn its fine walls. Depicting heroes, demons, gods and goddesses, each mask stands testament to an area that has etched its name in local arts and crafts. The ‘Sanni’ and ‘Raksha’ are amongst Ambalangoda’s exquisite collection.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Tiger Beach Ocean Park

The variety of vacations that one could experience in China is diverse. For historical lovers, there would be a range of impressive monuments and locations that displays the country’s history, which dates back to its pre-historic era. For those who would like to explore the lifestyle of the Chinese people, the options are ample as well. For retail therapy, there would be many places that a shopaholic could go to when they are in need of an exhilarating shopping expedition. Apart from these elements, the country has many scenic locations for nature lovers to indulge themselves. Hills with water smoothly flowing down, rare stones and green mountains that spread for miles around, crystal-clear turquoise water and the perfectly pristine sky is the ideal description of the location of the Dalian Tiger Beach Ocean Park. The winding soft sandy beach spreads for more than four thousand meters, giving the visitors ample space to enjoy the beautiful coastline sights.
This area is a natural sanctuary to a huge variety of fauna species. White whales, sea lions, and pigeons coming from the North Pole choose this beautiful place to spend their time; thereby giving the visitors the perfect opportunity to witness them all in one place. The world’s largest and China’s only Polar Museum can be seen in this park. Apart from this, the Coralarium, Asia’s largest marine life museum, is also located here. Be fascinated by the giant granite sculptures of tigers that can be seen here.

There is a Marine Animal Hall within the park that holds the largest volume of water that can be seen in any marine park around the world. This consists of 3 floors, where sea creatures from around the world are displayed. The wide range of colourful marine life would soothe any mind. This would be a perfect spot to bring your kids to keep them entertained. The uniqueness of this amazing aquarium is the 360-degree aqua experience, which would allow the visitor to witness life in water from every angle.
Spend some quality time at this park where nature is at its best. The Somerset Harbour Court Dalian is home to some of the finest Luxury Serviced Apartments Dalian has to offer its discerning travellers looking for quality accommodation options. A Serviced Apartment Dalian features here is truly luxurious and offers modern amenities to suit all your needs. Ideal for leisure and business travellers, these apartments are the perfect locale to indulge in the pleasures of a private serviced apartment.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

Water Sports in Kalpitiya- For all the water sport enthusiasts

Kalpitiya is a top beach getaway you can experience in Sri Lankan costal belt. With a range of water sports and outdoor activities in store, a holiday in Kalpitiya would be a perfect way to spend your vacation with your loved ones. There are many Sri Lanka resorts scattered across the area, however Palagama Beach Kalpitiya boasts to be one of the best resorts which offers comfortable accommodation. This beach resort in Sri Lanka offers a range of typical fishing village cabanas and villas to choose from. Some of the water sports that you could engage in Kalpitiya are wind surfing, kite surfing, diving, snorkeling andscuba diving. Most of the water sports centres provide necessary equipments and experienced guides to the water sports enthusiasts who are taking part in these activities. A holiday in Kalpitiya would not be completed without trying out at least some of these thrilling water sports.

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. Google+

Cycling in Kalpitiya

Cycling is the easiest way to get about discovering the numerous wonders that adorn the coastal regions of scenic Sri Lanka. The fishing village of Kalpitiya nestled on the western coastal belt north of Colombo is best viewed by bike. Move past rough terrain and into the many twists and turns that will offer you an adrenaline rush and add to the excitement. Amongst Sri Lanka resorts that one may find, Palagama Beach Resort is a beach resort in Sri Lanka that affords fantastic accommodation and is ideal for a cycling tour of the surrounding landscape.

Buckle up and cruise along the coast where you are sure to be accompanied by the singing birds of this exotic isle. Tour the ancient ruins of a Dutch Fort and learn of the country’s colonial influence. You can also visit the friendly fisher folk and learn of their daily routines.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Piduruthalagala Mountain

When holidaying in Sri Lanka make sure to venture out into the wilds and be greeted by the mesmeric surroundings of this exotic landscape. Located north east from the town of Nuwara Eliya, the Piduruthalagala Mountain is a must visit for ardent nature lovers. Choose the perfect getaway and the most sought after of accommodation that Sri Lanka hotels are renowned for. Heritance Tea Factory which is one of the Nuwara Eliya hotels that scatter the area is where one can begin to explore the mystery of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain peak.

Standing at 2524 meters above sea level, the Piduruthalagala Mountain or Mount Pedro serves as a sanctuary for travellers on the lookout for an exciting trek. Numerous endemic species of flora and fauna reside at this mountain for it affords a cool climate while providing breathtaking panoramas of the countryside. Move past streams and through heavy mist as you approach Piduruthalagala.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Qingdao Olympic Theme Park

Qingdao is a lively port city located on China’s eastern coast and one of its most iconic locales is the Qingdao Olympic Theme Park, an Olympic memorabilia haven. To discover more of the city’s fascinating sights, park yourself at a Qingdao hotel such as the Copthorne Hotel Qingdao which offers you convenient transport links to the theme park as well as other intriguing attractions. Featuring luxury interiors and stellar hospitality, this quality hotel in Qingdao is the perfect option for holiday-makers and executive visitors alike. Without a doubt, Qingdao is synonymous with Tsingtao Brewery, but visitors can also enjoy fresh Tsingtao brews at the Beer Garden at Qingdao Olympic Theme Park at the Beer Garden. This unique pub offers you the chance to sip a cool pint whilst soaking in the Olympic spirit and enjoying a game or competition featured on the large TVs at this friendly venue with a distinctive sports bar feel. Ensconced within the Olympic Sailing Centre is the Olympic Theme Park, where visitors can participate in various activities that summon the camaraderie and grandeur of the world’s most famous international sports competition. A prominent feature in the park is the Olympic Torch, extending tall and proud to an impressive 6 metres, and flanked by the Olympic and national flags on two sides, which makes it a popular tourist spot to click a few memories to take home. The park also offers a variety of interactive Olympic features, and kids will enjoy partaking in the tennis and table tennis computer romps. Or don the Olympic uniform and gold medal to stand on the podium to the roaring millions cheering your victory. Many visitors feel the spirit of an Olympic win at this feature, and it always boasts long lines so get there early and be prepared to wait your victory. The park is also home to an international sculpture tour exhibition, which has toured cities across the globe, and its prestigious creations are a glorious sight to behold, featuring more than 100 pieces from 90 names around the world.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Minneriya National Park

Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1938 and then upgraded to a Wildlife Park in 1997, Minneriya National Park houses the historic Minneriya reservoir that dates from the 3rd century CE. During the area’s dry season, the park is a very special place as elephant herds from Matale, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa districts come to enjoy grazing and quenching their thirst here. Together with two other reservoirs close to the park, Minneriya forms one of Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka.

While the park’s diverse range of large and small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and butterflies is undoubtedly interesting to all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the most iconic attraction is the large number of elephants that congregate here, which is known as the ‘ elephant gathering’ and this is globally celebrated as one of the largest gatherings of mammals, specifically Asian Elephants, in the wild. The magnet that sets off this seasonal movement of elephants is the succulent grasses on the dry parts of the reservoir bed and the easy access to water. The ‘gathering’ takes place from mid-July and lasts until end-October, but peaks in August and September. The best time to view the elephants is in the evening when they emerge from the surrounding jungle in little groups that slowly forms a large herd that is sometimes said to number 300. Not only can visitors have a rare sighting of elephants in family groups, but they are also seen at their natural best, gamboling and cavorting in the water.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the park’s other attractions, endemic species such as the purple-faced langur and toque macaque, the Sri Lankan leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, the gray slender loris and many other endangered and endemic species that are the park’s other inhabitants are of interest as well. For fervent birders, the host of large water birds as well as migrants and many residents that are found in and around the Minneriya reservoir makes a visit here truly worthwhile. Flocks of cormorants, pelicans, grey herons and other water birds are busy foraging for food around the water while jungle fowl, parrots, babblers, bulbuls and other endemic varieties favour the forest and scrub areas around the reservoir. Crocodiles, pythons and water monitors are among the reptiles that prey on the animals coming to the reservoir for water. Combined with the natural beauty of the surroundings, viewing the wildlife in the park is truly an exceptional experience.

To discover these and more natural treasures on the island, take advantage of some well-tailored holiday packages Sri Lanka has to offer its visitors for a stimulating and pleasurable travel experience. Shanti Travel Sri Lanka is a renowned travel company, which offers some competitive Sri Lanka tour packages that enable visitors to explore the country’s culture, heritage and the beauty of its landscapes.

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Siam Park City

The city of Bangkok enjoys a prestigious reputation as Thailand’s resplendent capital city, richly saturated with history and gleaming with the five-star status of an international metropolis. Business or pleasure – whatever brings you to the city will be enhanced when you invest in one of the world-class Sukhumvit apartments featured at the exclusive Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok. Situated in the stylish Sukhumvit district, this quality example of accommodation Bangkok has to offer its visitors aims to pamper and pleasure all guests. To make the most of a stay here, visit the vibrant Siam Park City, the city’s oldest theme park that boasts the world’s largest man-made beach in the form of its magnificent wave-pool, which has earned accolades and a Guinness World Record. Boasting some of the largest rides in the region, the park sees annual visitors in excess of 2 million, all craving some theme park fun with family and friends. Sprawling over 120 hectares, it is the largest theme and water park in the Southeast Asian region. The park’s four regions, Fantasy World, X-Zone, Family World and Small World ensure complete enjoyment for people of all ages. Get the heart pumping with the Vortex, Log Flume, Giant Drop, Top Spin and Mega Dance, to name a few options for adrenaline junkies. Take a boat or trip journey into the heart of Africa, where you’ll see animatronic tigers and elephants as well as King Kong, or embark on a Jurassic jeep ride and discover the fascinating dinosaurs that used to populate the world. For a few intense splashes, ride Talay Krung Thep, the world’s largest wave pool with waterfalls and rock pools, or laze away on the Lazy River, which flows through the entire park. Guaranteeing hours of fun for the whole family, Siam Park City is a must-visit site in Bangkok.

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Sand Boarding

Sand boarding is almost exactly like snowboarding except that it is done in the desert instead of snow-topped mountains. Although not as popular as snowboarding, sand boarding is quickly catching on as a fun recreational activity. It is a highly thrilling sport and riders can reach speeds in excess of sixty miles per hour, all on a simple board made out of fibre glass and wood. Unlike snowboarding, one can go sand boarding at any time of the year and good locations are easier to find. After all, it can be carried out at any place with large dunes, be it a desert or a beach.

Those interested in trying out the sport should try the Middle East region. It is, aptly enough, one of the best places in the world to try out this adventure sport. Although popular in countries throughout the Middle East, sand boarding has found a special place in Oman. The most popular spots in the country are the Bousher Dunes in Muscat and the Wahiba Sands in Sifah. One need not be an expert to ride here as there are dunes of different sizes and inclines found here.

Other popular activities in Oman include quad biking, dune bashing, mountain climbing and desert trekking. Dune bashing is an activity where people drive around sand dunes in four wheel drive trucks – it is a little scarier than it sounds as some dunes can be quite steep. Tourists visiting Oman should also think of taking a safari on camel back and spending a night at a Bedouin camp. Staying at a Bedouin camp is the best way to experience the desert at night and enjoy the famous Arabian hospitality.

There are many places in Oman that provide facilities for adventure desert activities. However, one can minimise the hassles of finding a good one by staying at proper Oman hotels that already come with such facilities. The Desert Nights Camp is one such hotel in Oman that provides facilities for a variety of desert-related activities such as trekking and quad biking. The accommodation on offer is stellar and guests get to sleep in large Arabian-styled tents that come with air conditioning. It is truly an excellent place to stay.