Month: August 2013

Scuba Diving in Phuket

Year after year Phuket sees a larger number of travellers head over to this beautiful island nestled in the Andaman for many reasons than one. However scuba diving takes centre stage here with many of Thailand’s diving attractions being accessible from here. The Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Burma and Hin Daeng are some of the famous diving locations close to Phuket.

Scuba diving in Phuket is more of an adventure rather than an exciting water sport. With beautiful marine life not far from the surface of the waters and exotic coral pinnacles that form coral fringed islands it is a an adventure that most dive into head on! King Cruiser wreck is a car ferry that sank here in the past which forms another exciting diving site. There is also the option of diving with manta rays and come face to face with dolphins and occasional whales at the Racha Noi South Point.

Shark point and Koh Phi Phi are both excellent for underwater photography, where divers can photograph cuttlefish and leopard sharks to their hearts content. The Anemone Reef is a gorgeous pinnacle covered entirely in Anemones. Clownfish and turtles are seen in abundance here. Phi Phi Islands are accessible on day trips from Phuket. Here divers can feast on the sights of schooling reef fish such as fusiliers, pipefish and squid. The best conditions for diving in Phuket exist from November through to April, although most diving sites are accessible all year round. During the months of May to October the visibility is reduced by around 30% owing to the monsoon winds. The water temperature remains around 27- 30, perfect for a good deep soak in these turquoise blue waters.

If you are on the lookout for places to reside in while you explore these beautiful waters of Thailand, there are several amazing retreats in Thailand to choose from. A sports club Phuket that has made waves in the hospitality industry here as of late is the Thanyapura. This resort offers a relaxing stay to its guests in a tropical setting although located a little distance away from the beach.

 

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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Camel Safari in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi the second largest city and the capital of the UAE, is a land of many facets. Abu Dhabi’s rich history in the pearl business and its current oil trade made it the richest city in the world as of 2007. It is also home to the fastest F1 race track in the world and they host the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix every year, starting November/December. Abu Dhabi, a modern cosmopolitan, is the perfect place for visitors to enjoy, experience and assimilate the true Arabic culture.

Among the many attractions that the city has to offer, is also camel safaris. Rich in desert land, a camel safari is a must-do if you are in the city. Camels, in Abu Dhabi are considered to be the old ‘Rolls Royce’ which were used either for trading or for the transportation of goods. These ‘ships of the desert’ have the ability to endure harsh conditions and as thus for their value, they are strongly considered to be a part of the Arabic tradition. It is really no wonder then, that these majestic creatures would be such an attraction, and definitely one not to be missed out on. A camel safari is truly a unique way of exploring sites of interest. Sit back and relax as your sailing ship manoeuvres the sand dunes, allowing you to take in the beauty and enjoy your surroundings. Arrange to stay the night out in the Bedouin Camps and enjoy dinner by the camp fire. What’s more is that camel safaris are customizable to your own schedule, thereby not interfering with your other activities, and making it a journey to remember.

While on your journey to the land of the dunes for your camel safari check out the many comforts Abu Dhabi hotels have to offer. Experience unparalleled comfort and satisfaction while staying at these luxury hotels. Abu Dhabi has a host of wonderful accommodation options and among them is the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, located in the Liwa Desert. The resort offers a luxury oasis for its travellers with a notable feature being the exquisite plunge pool that is located outside your own luxury villa. Enjoy your stay and enjoy your very own camel safari as you dwell into the land of magic and mystery.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Edayar Island

An idyllic getaway where you can enjoy some peace and calm, Edayar Island in Kerala, India is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors to the state in search of a 3 star hotel in Kerala can consider Poovar Island Resort. This Kerala resort is set amidst both the famous backwaters and the Arabian Sea, letting you enjoy the very best this part of India has to offer.

Located in the Thiruvananthapuram District, Edayar Island can be found along the way to the well known Kovalam beach resort. Only spanning a length of around 2 sq km, this quiet island retreat can be reached by way of ferry, while there is also a bridge that connects to the mainland. As you explore Edayar Island you will come across a temple and a church that are linked with local culture. You will also find several tea stalls where you can enjoy a refreshing drink with family and friends before you continue your 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. Google+

Diving in Daymaniyat Islands

Making up what is the sultanate’s main nature reserve, the Daymaniyat Islands in Oman offer an incredible diving experience for those looking for adventure. Travellers in search of Oman hotels that would make a good base from which to set off on excursions to these islands can stay at Al Wadi Hotel Sohar. Located in what was once the maritime capital, Sohar, this Oman hotel is a convenient starting point to your trips to this marine reserve.

Made up of 9 islands, the Daymaniyat Islands can be found near the Batinah Coast and are home to around 12 dive sites each offering something new to discover. On your excursions below the waves you will come across colourful fish, coral gardens, moray eels, sharks, turtles and wrecks seemingly lost in time. Among the many dive sites you can explore are the ‘3 Sisters Daymaniyat’ where you will find an array of soft corals and ‘Aquarium Daymaniyat’ with its huge array of species including snappers, jacks, batfish, barracuda, eagle rays, moray eels and bull sharks. Noodle Daymaniyat is a site known for its leopard sharks, while the Fahal Wreck is also worth visiting when on a diving tour.

Discover Underwater Coral Reefs

Home to a vast array of coral reefs, the Maldives provides hours of fun exploration for those embarking on snorkelling or diving tours. Those planning to explore these waters should look to stay at a Maldives island resort that organises diving excursions and offers snorkelling as well. Kuramathi Island is one such option worth considering and also features Maldives villas that are ideal for a family holiday or an intimate couples retreat.

Boasting a vast array of coral reefs, the underwater world that surrounds the Maldives is teeming with life including the presence of hundreds of fish species. The corals play an integral part in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem here and their various colours and unique formations are truly sights to behold. The marine sanctuaries of Kudu and Okobe are two spots where one can get a good chance to see these corals as is the Girifushi Thila dive site. While exploring these coral reefs you may also get a chance to see such marine life as Sweetlips, Trevally Jacks, Dogtooth Tuna, Parrotfish and a whole host of other species that lend to the charm of this world beneath the waves.

 

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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Bundalla National Park

A tropical haven set in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the miracle of Sri Lanka is home to over ten national parks. These national parks are given this designation due to the diverse and rare plant life, animal life or bird life that frequents its forests. When in Sri Lanka, three main sanctuaries are revered: Yala, Sinharaja and Wasgamuwa, and these three areas are frequented by both locals and tourists alike. Whether you are an animal lover, a photographer or even a travel writer, these natural sanctuaries take up a special place in Sri Lankan tourism. Its beauty and diversity, unparalleled in the region, are also home to a series of national parks. Though sometimes overlooked, the Bundalla National Park is one such icon of national pride that is located close to Yala, just off Hambantota.

Home to widespread populations of elephants, turtles, crocodiles and even the occasional leopard, tourists visiting Sri Lanka would be remiss if they avoid venturing into the greenery of the Bundalla National Park. The natural beauty alone merits a visit for the park is located adjacent to a lagoon and the azure waters are beautifully complemented by the lush green shrubbery surrounding the waterway. It is also an ideal location to watch crocodiles as they lazily cut through the clear waters or bask in the sun.

When visiting, most tourists find it beneficial to hire a tracker or a guide who is familiar with the park for they are often quite adept at drawing out wildlife for an optimum experience in the wild. A Sri Lanka beach resort in the area would also co-ordinate the hiring of such a guide as well as the transport necessary to traverse across the terrain of the site. The Bundalla National Park is also an ideal excursion for those staying at Tangalle hotels as they would have the opportunity to experience the abundant wildlife in the country while also enjoying their beach vacation. Guests who choose to stay at Ranna 212, a safari hotel located down south, will also have the opportunity of visiting bird sanctuaries as well as the Udawalawe National Park thereby adding value to their vacation in the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Yala National Park

One of the best places in the world for a thrilling leopard safari, the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable adventure in the wilds of this enchanting island. Those planning tours to Sri Lanka and looking to explore this national park can sign up for a wildlife tour offered by Sri Lankan Dreams. This tour company also has a variety of other Sri Lanka tour packages that take you to the island’s many famed sites of interest.

Spanning an area of more than 100,000 hectares, the Yala National Park is divided into five separate blocks, with block one being the most visited due to the high number of Sri Lankan leopards found in the area. The sight of leopards roaming free in this stunning natural sanctuary is truly a sight worth seeing, though there is much more to witness in the park as well. Home to Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, toque macaques, wild water buffalo and not forgetting a large variety of endemic birds, the Yala National Park is the perfect spot for an exciting wildlife safari in Sri Lanka.

 

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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The Arabian Wild life park in Abu Dhabi

The second largest city and the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, is a host to an array of exciting and extravagant opportunities. The city hosts a range of interesting locations for travellers and locals alike. The Desert Camping visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace and riding the F1 track are among the many activities laid out here. Housing over 2000 well maintained gardens and parks, this city also has 10km which are public beaches. What more could one really ask for!

Amongst all this is the natural island, Sir Bani Yas. This island famed for a lot of things is located 250 km southwest of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It lies 9 km offshore from Jebel Dhanna, which serves as a crossing point to other islands such as Dalma with great historic significance, such as early Islamic structures and structures of the Late Stone Age. The main attraction to the island is the Arabian Wildlife Park, which is dubbed the ‘ark.’ This is so because it is home to a variety of rare and well preserved wildlife of more than 10,000 free roaming animals that may not be found anywhere else. This takes up almost half of the island and houses indigenous animals to the Arabian Peninsula. Among these are the Arabian Oryx, Barbary sheep, and the Sand Gazelle. They also have free roaming predators such as the cheetah and hyena. An attractive feature is that visitors are allowed to get up close with the giraffes’ on the island, at eye-level, upon a platform is made from recycled materials.

Staying on the island is a must-do to explore this hidden treasure properly. Check out villas in Abu Dhabi which host a great stay, giving both comfort and luxury. Be sure to check out a spa resort Abu Dhabi where you can bask in the sunlight and view the sandy shores and the mangrove lagoon right from the comfort of your own space. The resort is inspired by natural surroundings, designed for tranquility, the resort has tales of the Arabic fishing and diving villages too. The island resort hosts a saltwater lagoon and fully equipped gym facilities on top of everything else that contributes towards the comfort and the wellbeing of the vistors. Anantara Al Yamm resort has an exceptional spa that poses as one of the main features of the resort. Check out the two day spa packages on offer and do not miss out on the signature treatments such as the Arabic Massage and the Sands of Time. Staying here will not only give you a spectacular view of what the island has to offer, but also a great chance to rejuvenate and reinvent yourself.

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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Indoor Skydiving In Abu Dhabi

There are few activities that are as exhilarating as skydiving. Jumping off a plane with nothing but a parachute to avert certain disaster is sure to get the adrenaline pumping and the heart racing. Although it can be quite exciting and plenty of fun, it is not an activity for the faint of heart. That is, before indoor skydiving became a thing. Indoor skydiving is done using a vertical wind tunnel. The air flow in such tunnels can reach speeds of over 190 kilometres per hour, more than enough to keep a human aloft.

Not only can it replicate the skydiving experience for those who do not fancy jumping out of a moving plane, it can also provide valuable experience for those considering doing the real thing. In Abu Dhabi one can try out indoor skydiving at the Abu Dhabi Country Club situated along Al Saada Street. Although the club’s Spacewalk Abu Dhabi has been going on only for a few years, it is already a major attraction.

A flight can last anywhere between two to ten minutes, with first timers allowed to go on for only a minute. The air in the tunnel is siphoned from outside and is not cooled in anyway. Therefore, riders should be prepared to face some pretty strong, fairly warm winds. Indoor skydiving is not a passive activity and the energy exerted in resisting the air flow can help tone muscles. This is a fun activity for people of all fitness levels and ages- children should at least be three years old.

Travellers with a love of the outdoors and outdoor activities will definitely enjoy visiting Abu Dhabi. The emirate has plenty of activities to satisfy the outdoorsy types. Those who want to spend their vacation trying out various sports should stay at a place like the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel. It is one of the best resorts Abu Dhabi and is situated inside the Arabian Wildlife Park. In addition to amazing Abu Dhabi villas the resort also has facilities for archery, mountain biking, kayaking and snorkelling. If one wants an exciting vacation filled with adventure, there is no better place to be.

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+

Snorkelling in Unawatuna

Unawatuna is a coastal town situated in the South of Sri Lanka that has long been popular with those interested in marine life as well as the adventurous visitors wanting to try their hand at diving and snorkelling. Lately however the town has acquired a name for its weekend parties that are highly in demand.

Although situated next to the historic town of Galle with its harbour, the waters in and around Unawatuna are protected by unique twin reefs. One reef shaped as a bay is protected by another shallow reef. This feature ensures that reef fish and marine life attracted to the reefs are commonly found and the calm waters caused due to the reef allow for excellent snorkelling opportunities.

There are many beaches in Unawatuna each of which offers its own unique type of underwater world for the underwater enthusiasts. The Unawatuna Bay along which most of the hotels and home stays are hubs of activity and the PADI dive centre is one of the favourite places that see amateurs and professionals return all year around. The Jungle Beach although somewhat secluded is also quite popular and is ideal for those wanting the best out of snorkelling. Bright yellow, blue and camouflaged black and brown fish of all shapes and sizes and other sea creatures jostle together in a colourful symphony that is a wonder to witness.

The months from October to April are usually the best for visibility; however the ideal warm water temperatures mean that snorkelling can be done during other months as well. Taking a trained expert with you especially on these occasions is advisable due to the sudden rains and winds that the monsoon seasons can cause.

Snorkelling gear can easily be obtained either for purchase or rent from any of the diving schools that line up the coastal areas. Although you may visit Sri Lanka with the idea of enjoying water sports, there may be other activities you would like to pursue. For this type of discerning traveller there are many sri lanka tour packages to choose from. Well known agents or tour operators such as Shanti Travel Sri Lanka are able to balance your interests and match you to an ideal tour with their sri lanka tailor made tours that will complete your stay in Unawatuna.

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+