Siam Ocean Park

Located below the swanky Siam Paragon shopping mall is one of South East Asia’s largest aquariums – the Siam Ocean Park. A must-see attraction of Bangkok, this aquatic wonderland which showcases hundreds of different marine species from around the world is sure to keep visitors spellbound. Covering an area of around 10,000 square meters or three Olympic sized swimming pools, Siam Ocean Park boasts aquatic exhibits from various depths around the world, including some transported all the way from the Amazon River. A 270-degree underwater tunnel holds some of the ocean’s deadliest predators while visitors have a chance to observe the mysteries of the Big Blue through a magnificent glass-bottomed boat. A petting pond awaits those who wish to get up close and personal with creatures of the marine world where visitors are allowed to feed freshwater fish from the Feeding Pier or have smaller fish ‘massage’ their feet at the Happy Fish, Happy Feet Pool.

An ‘open ocean’ enables visitors to view stingrays and giant groupers as well as an array of different types of sharks such as black-tipped, ragged-tooth and leopard sharks. Rocky Shore Talk, Shark Feeding, Diver Underwater Talk, Penguin Feeding, Animal Contact, Rainforest Zone Feeding, and Otter Feeding are other highlights of this unique aquarium. Children visiting Siam Ocean Park will be enthralled by the ‘Weird and Wonderful’ zone where they can see a rare collection of peculiar marine creatures, such as garden eel, striped frogfish, and gigantic spider crabs. A hi-tech 5D cinema treats guests to a scintillating display of light and music, as the translucent ‘Sea jellies’ glide around in the LED-lit tanks.

Providing both entertainment and education to visitors, Siam ocean Park allows guests the opportunity to witness the real operation in a Back of House tour. Here they can find out how this oceanarium and its fascinating shows are made, the special art of animal’s food preparation and how the water quality is managed.

For travelers who wish to explore the many tourist attractions including Siam Ocean Park, the Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok provides the convenience and comfort of a centrally located Bangkok serviced apartment. While providing easy access to the city’s famous shopping centers, business and financial district, restaurants and lively nightlife these Sukhumvit apartments are tastefully furnished and fully equipped to ensure a memorable stay.

Pearl Diving in Bahrain

Historically a popular pearl diving destination, Bahrain has been known all over the world for centuries for the finest of pearls that the world has got to offer. Seek Bahrain accommodation at a recommended executive apartment Bahrain is known for such as the Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain which allows you the opportunity to explore this fascinating land with ease. Before the discovery of oil, pearl diving was Bahrain’s main source of income and because of the lack of proper diving gear, the divers would stay submerged for about a minute and emerge with 8-12 promising looking oysters which would give them precious pearls. Now, pearl diving has become a popular activity that tourists like to engage in while they visit Bahrain. The rich oyster beds located at the bottom of the Bahraini seas make for exciting pearl diving adventures. There are many professional divers who provide for such excursions for those who are interested in pearl diving. And what’s more, according to Bahraini law, whatever pearls that the divers find are truly theirs to keep!

Roaming the Sands

Having seen it in the movies or in other people’s home videos, having a desert adventure to boast about is a must on a trip to Doha. If time is short adventurers can opt for an evening desert safari with a barbeque under the stars thrown or stay in a tented camp overnight to truly have a great adventure experience.

Adventurers venture out usually in convoys, 45 km south of Doha to enjoy the thrills of the desert. Dune bashing in a speeding 4×4 up and down the dunes and across a barren landscape littered with rocks and scrub is most people’s first introduction to the desert as well as the beginning of their Doha desert adventure. To anyone who thought that a desert was just a flat sandy area this is a good eye opener as the 4×4 races up steep dune crests and the next instant plunges down leaving a fluttery feeling in the stomach. Experienced and skilful drivers who wish to have a go at dune bashing can try it after a bit of practice. For those whose sense of adventure is tied up with action, sand boarding down the dunes, quad biking, riding twin seater buggies around dunes and trekking are other ways to enhance their experiences of the surroundings. Besides this, strange things happen in the desert outside Doha. Greyhound racing is one of them. Getting an expensive sports car bashed about in a rally and playing golf in the sand are other extraordinary experiences.

No desert adventure is complete without visiting a desert camp where the vastness and the solitude of the desert can be experienced underneath a star studded sky. In this case a camp by the Arabian Gulf. Interestingly this location is one of only two places in the world where sand dunes are found close to an expanse of water. Sitting on rugs around a campfire in the evening getting introduced to Arabic food and music and relaxing with a shisha afterward are essential parts of the Doha adventure experience. A camel ride before dinner where a reluctant beast has to be prodded to take up riders is an interesting diversion. Swaying atop the animal one can begin to understand the manner in which vast sandy spaces were traversed all those years ago. A horse ride over the dunes early in the mornings before the heat sets in or later in the evening is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and vastness of the desert.

Stay in one of the best locations in the city at Ascott Doha in close proximity to important commercial, business and entertainment destinations. Offering well designed studio, one, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments equipped with all conveniences desired by modern travellers, these Doha serviced apartments are the ideal living spaces for individuals, couples and families. When visiting the city choose these serviced apartments Doha to experience a relaxing stay where all needs are met.

Horse Racing in Doha Qatar

The Arab world has always taken great pride in their horses. Horses have been part of the Arab culture since the days of wars. In order to determine the best and fastest horses for war, the practice was to organise races. This practice still continues but out of a sense of pride and prestige and as a sport.

The Qataris take great pride in their prowess in breeding horses that are champions and much sought after world over. To this end in 1975 the Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) in Doha, Qatar was established under the leadership and sponsorship of His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed Bin Faleh Al Thani.

Pure bred and thorough bred horses are reared for prime racing events including those that are held at the REC almost every Wednesday and Thursday during the months from October to May each year. These horses have the most luxurious facilities that cater to their every whim and fancy. These facilities include a rehab centre, top of the range turf and sand tracks, many training facilities, state of the art stables, a pool, ambulance and most importantly a dedicated team of workers who lovingly care for the horses and ensure that they are in good shape and are fit to race.

The REC is extremely serious in its passion for horses and is the official sponsors in one of the most glitzy and prestigious international horse racing events – the Qatar Prix L’Arc de Triomphe. This event attracts a large number of serious horse racing enthusiasts and an even larger number of television viewers.
The REC in Doha has built up an impressive reputation in the quality and superiority of its pure and thoroughbreds and caters to a range of racing events held at its premises.

Those interested in these animals, in horse racing and those that are simply curious at such a facility should take the opportunity to visit the REC. If you hope to travel there and are looking out for a hotel in Doha then choose from a large selection of luxuriously comfortable, conveniently located options such as the Millennium Hotel Doha. Its extensive range of facilities and top of the range amenities make it an excellent Doha Hotel to base yourself from.

Aladdin’s kingdom

Established in 1994 to promote Arabian culture through a fun and entertaining medium, the Kingdom of Aladdin amusement park enthralls park-goers of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Make this theme park part of your “to-do” list on a fun day out for the whole family as part of a stay at one of the stylish Doha serviced apartments in the heart of the city, such as the Ascott Doha. Situated near easy transport links, you’ve got the city in the palm of your hand to explore from one of the most elegant serviced apartments in Doha. Explorers of all ages are sure to love the mystical Kingdom of Aladdin theme park, also known as the “Family Fun Park of 1,001 Delights”, and also “Entertainment City”. Enjoy some fun rides such as the Ferris Wheel and Carousel for the younger crowd, and exciting bumper cars and go-karts for those looking for a little more action. Take a leap of faith on the trampoline, try your hand at air hockey, and challenge your best high scores at the video game arcade.  Budding artists will love bringing their imaginations to life on paper at the Print and Stamp section that allows a kid’s inner artist to bloom into fruition. Several restaurants located onsite will add a much-needed dose of fuel in between attractions. Be sure to call ahead before you visit, as some days are set aside for women and children below 12 years only, other days just for single men and boys above 12 years old, with the rest of the week set aside for the entire family.  With daily costume parades that allow ample photo opportunities, an amphitheatre that puts on the most fantastic shows, and a fireworks show to look forward to, the memories you make at The Kingdom of Aladdin theme park are sure to be cherished for a lifetime.

Go on a Jungle Safari in the Caribbean

Tipped to be one of the world’s richest nations in terms of bio diversity, the Caribbean Islands are perhaps best known as the world’s most popular beach holiday destinations. Frequented by celebrities and honeymooners alike, this stunning collection of islands offer visitors a lot more than pristine sandy beaches to lounge on. As an area with a wealth of natural attributes and tropical jungles the Caribbean nations are a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true. With its jungle safari excursions fast gaining traction among nature loving tourists this engaging group of islands is set to become the next frontier in wildlife exploration and eco tourism.

Leaving behind the island’s five start resorts and paved highways a safari tour across the Caribbean Islands guarantees wet and wild adventures complete with intimate encounters with wildlife as well as the elements. Littered with thick jungle landscapes and hilly terrains the jungle landscapes in this part of the world are found nowhere else in the world as scenic vistas await at every turn. One of the most popular tours on offer is of course the Jeep Safari Adventure Tour from Montego Bay which takes visitors on a tour of Jamaica’s pristine waterfalls on zebra stripe painted 4×4 vehicles. In this ultimate off-road experience guests will come across naturally formed pools and secret cascades hidden from view while hiking enthusiasts will also get a chance engage in a river walk across a tropical territory. A visit to a former slave hospital in the area is also part of the tour which is conducted by knowledgeable guides that inform visitors of the culture of the country and the various anecdotes associated with each venue.

The Dominican Republic Mega Truck Safari on the other hand explores the lush sugar cane laden landscapes of the country on a 8×8 Monster Truck that can accommodate a large group of travellers. Country lanes, Dominican schools and culinary offerings from the island nation such as its famous coffee and other delicacies will also feature prominently in this tour which takes guests away from Punta Cana to rugged terrains.

The National Park Jeep Safari in the Caribbean lets one come face to face with the inhabitants of Christoffel National Park on an unforgettable tour of Curacao. Deemed one of the globe’s most engaging national parks this mesmerising jeep safari affords visitors views from an altitude of 300m above sea level. Passing former slave plantations and other historic sites this safari also frequently comes across herds of deer and bird life in a terrain full of orchids and lush foliage.

Travellers in search of Turks and Caicos luxury resorts will find no finer alternative to the Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos. Providing guests with the best in Caribbean accommodation this Turks and Caicos beach resort pulls out all the stops when it comes to vacationing in paradise.

 

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+

Windsurfing in Bentota

The exciting beachside locale of Bentota on Sri Lanka’s scenic southern coastline is regarded as being one of the best water sports capitals in the nation. The best way to enjoy the thrilling activities in the region is to book with a Bentota hotel that can provide the equipment to ensure a memorable holiday, such as the AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa which is a quality Bentota resort to host your stay in the city. Indulge in an exciting round of windsurfing during your time here, for an unforgettable excursion. There are ample opportunities to rent out boards and sails, with the Sunshine Water Sports Centre and the Club Intersport being the main rental outlets in the area. In addition, if you want to try out this sport for the first time, the Sunshine Water Sports Centre boasts the island’s exclusive VDWS-certified surf school that will set you up with the appropriate training and professional certification to adeptly engage in this thrilling water sport. The best season for windsurfing is during the months of November through April so plunge in today!

Flight of the Gibbon

Swinging around from tree to tree savouring a breathtaking world below you certainly sounds exciting. In the ‘Flight of the Gibbon’ in Thailand for one day you experience just that; to swing around in the ultimate adventure of your holiday. The sheer thrill that comes with this activity is fantastic and makes one actually envious of the Gibbon and the paradise of a view that they experience each and every day.

The Flight of a Gibbon is located somewhere in between Bangkok and Pattaya and is one of the most popular tourist activities in the whole of Thailand. The fun zip lining action combined with the reassuring security makes this activity the most adventurous way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the jungle below you. There are a total of 22 zip lines spread across 3 kms right in the Middle of the Chompoo National Park. There is also 2 abseiling stations built here and the zip line stretches away into the Khao Kaew Safari; an exciting animal sanctuary that gives you plenty of interesting views of rhinos, elephants and most of all the Gibbons. Make sure one is stacked with pockets full of Bananas because the Gibbons certainly know how to make a treat out of them.

The Flight of the Gibbon package includes a 90 minute briefing prior to indulging in any activity. This briefing gives you an in depth safety guide along with a colourful brochure with background info and details of your exotic destination. On the completion of the briefing participants are asked to fill out an insurance form before being fitted into their safety gear.

The whole activity is eco friendly and is filled with little highlights of the importance of conservation of natural habitats, the vices of deforestations, details of the species of the area here and there. From the breathtaking sites below you to the rich flora and fauna that will greet you, with the Flight of the Gibbon, you are sure to fall in love with nature all over again.

While holidaying in Thailand, stay at the Anantara Bangkok Sathorn. These luxury hotels Bangkok give you the perfect blend of luxury and nature making it the finest Bangkok hotel there is to stay at.

Canyoning in Bali

Those who happen to be holidaying in Bali will always be spoilt for options in terms of things to do and places to visit. However if one is seeking an adrenaline rush then why not try out some canyoning? Choose an Ubud hotel from where you can be based during your adventures in Bali. Alila Ubud Bali with its popular Ubud accommodation options will prove to be a good choice of stay.
Head over to Tamata found in Kintamani where you can experience the sights and sounds of the jungle which will lead you to the Tamata gorge. Here you can jump off midway from the canyon and feel the thrills of an unforgettable adventure. Additionally the Kalimudah canyon serves nestled north of Bali is one of the more challenging of descents. The water slides, rappels and jumps are second to none while its lush flora and warm springs would be the ideal treat to your holiday in the outdoors. Be greeted by the wilds of Tukad Hijau that surround this steep canyon. With a beautiful cascade to enjoy one may also choose to trek on a river and into the heart of the tropical jungle.

Boat Ride in Madu River

Sink into a tropical paradise when you make your stay at one of elite Sri Lanka villas that enjoy the lush surrounds and sweet bird song only found in the most idyllic of localities. Sample the delights of Saffron and Blue by Jetwing which offers the quintessential Sri Lanka luxury villa to make for an unforgettable holiday on Sri Lanka’s beautiful southwest coastline. Whilst you are here, embark on a boat ride in the idyllic surrounds of the Madu River in Balapitiya and discover a wondrous ecosystem primed for exploration and appreciation. It is the country’s second-largest wetland dotted with 32 islands, two of which house 215 families. A site of immense biological, ecological, and aesthetic importance, it features 303 plant species and 248 invertebrates, it is considered to be one of the last remaining examples of virgin mangrove forest in the country. The main product that emerges from this natural paradise is peeled cinnamon as well as cinnamon oil. Madu Ganga functioned as an important water transport line that connected the cities to the ancient Sinhala Kingdoms, prior to British Colonization. It remains an integral part of the country’s natural and cultural heritage, and a visit to Madu Ganga is definitely a must-do on any travel itinerary in the area.