Month: November 2013

Cycling on the Corniche

A popular pastime that unities friends, family, and partners during the busy work week is a spot of cycling on the Corniche. Despite the arid heat, this activity is fast gaining popularity on one of the most scenic areas in the emirate. Make this sport a must-do activity to enhance your stay at a stylish hotel in Abu Dhabi such as the Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. With gracious hospitality and charming interiors, a stay at this luxury hotel Abu Dhabi will prove utterly unforgettable. For fitness fans or those looking for a unique way to while away the afternoon and evening, peddling down the eight kilometer stretch of the Corniche. You don’t need to own your own set of wheels; many shops in the area will let you rent them in a variety of sizes and shapes for a very reasonable fee. The Fun Ride Sport Shop features an impressive range of rides, which include tandem bikes, four-wheelers, two-wheel peddle cars, and a special one for ladies who wear Abayas. An hour’s use will set you back a mere Dhs 20, with Dhs 15 for kids, or 15 hours of use for Dhs 200 – an absolute steal. You will need some valid ID and a refundable deposit of Dhs 100. You can ride out on your own, or enlist a guide who will point out various places of interest along the way – perfect if it’s your first time in the Corniche. Tour companies such as the Noukhada Adventure Company will be happy to set you up with bikes, helmets, and a guide for only Dhs 150 per person. Peddling down the cornice is fantastic fun, but make sure you carry enough loose change, as many vending machines scattered throughout the strip take only exact change. When you’re finished, kick your feet up and relax at one of the myriad coffee shops gracing the Corniche, as you more than earned that latte.

 

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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Whale and Dolphin Watching in Kalpitiya

There are few places close to the Colombo city which have been recognised as tourist destinations, but Kalpitiya in the Puttalam District is drawing a lot of attention since of late because of the whale and dolphin watching expeditions that are available there. The area is popular as a fishing district and has stayed away from the tourism spotlight up until a few years ago. A large number of locals spotted dolphins and whales off the coast of Kalpitiya and this drew attention to the beautiful town of Kalpitiya. There are several travels and tour companies that offer whale and dolphin watching expeditions all you will need to do is get yourself to Kalpitiya and just ask around.

Kalpitiya is around 170 km from the city of Colombo; it is located in the North Western province. It is a remarkable area because from one side it is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and from the other side it is enclosed by a lagoon. For nature enthusiasts this is a perfect setting, you can go on boat rides in the lagoon and explore the natural vegetation and also observe whales and dolphins out in the sea. For whale and dolphin watching the best place to set off from is the Alankaduwa beach.

Other activities that you can indulge in when you visit Kalpitiya is to go diving or snorkelling along the reef. Since the sea around this region was least damaged by the tsunami of 2004 there is a rich variety of marine life dwelling here. After a diving or snorkelling outing check out the fishing community residing in the coastal areas, you can observe fisherman at work going out in the morning or bringing in their catch by night. The fish markets are also an interesting place to visit, you can choose from a delectable array of sea food at this market and you can be assured to strike a good deal for your purchase. The town was once colonised by the Dutch and remains of the Dutch Fort is a sight to see.

The best way to travel to Kalpitiya is by hiring your own vehicle and preparing for a road trip. Check out Sri Lanka car rental companies for some great offers on 4WDs and cars. Even an airport taxi in Colombo Sri Lanka can offer a package deal on a trip to Puttalam. Try out Malkey Rent A Car where you can choose from a fleet of vehicles as it has some good deals for rental.

 

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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Surfing in Kalutara

Kalutara offers pristine golden beaches and sparkling sapphire waters that are a welcome treat to plunge into to cool off from the tropical heat. The area is also home to a fine array of luxury beach hotels Sri Lanka such as The Sands which is one of the finest Kalutara hotels in the region. Adventure junkies will be more than pleased at the exciting array of water sports available in Kalutara, where you can try everything from windsurfing and parasailing to jet-skiing and body surfing. No matter what hotel you make your stay at, it is sure to feature ample water sports offerings designed to thrill. In addition, the area is home to an idyllic stretch of beach that is perfect to relax on, when the waves get a little much. Catch up on that novel you’ve been meaning to finish since forever, and sip a refreshing cocktail while you’re at it. The kids will enjoy building sand castles whilst you soak up a fantastic tan indicative of a truly unforgettable vacation.  Kalutara is also a fascinating cultural enclave to explore, with the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, Richmond Castle, the Sinharaja Rain Forest, and the famous Kalutara Vihara being within easy reach.

Beaches in Nusa Dua

The island of Bali is a vibrant location on the Indonesian landscape that is a tropical paradise for visitors from across the globe. An area fast gaining popularity is Nusa Dua, a pristine peninsula located on the tip of southern Bali. Soak in the tropical ambiance of the island from a luxury Nusa Dua resort guaranteed to provide you with a welcome getaway. A luxury resort Bali can be found at The Laguna Resort & Spa for an unforgettable vacation within the sun, sand, and surf at Nusa Dua. The name can refer to the peninsula as a whole or an exclusive enclave reserved for mainly tourists that offers prime swimming conditions in a safe and controlled environment. If you’re looking to break out of the cage, Nusa Dua proper also offers a few choice spots ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. The peninsula’s largest public beach is Geger Beach, also known as Pantai Geger, complete with clear turquoise waters for optimal swimming and water sports. It is also rather cool compared with other beaches in the area, as it is one of the few beaches that face the east, which also boosts the sea temperate more than other seaside locales. For a scenic spot of island adventuring, head over to Serangan Island (also known as Turtle Island), which is a turtle conservatory. You can rent a boat from Nusa Dua and indulge in a glass-bottom boat ride to come face-to-face with the vibrant marine life lingering just below the waves. Or simply laze on the pristine white sands of the beach and soak in some quality rays for that iconic tropical tan for a true immersion with the locale’s landscape.

Gravity Zone

Dubai is a shopping hub for most of the world and especially known for the exceptional quality of its gold jewellery. Therefore it is frequently visited by businessmen and so on. Yet, Dubai is a great place for the whole family young and old. There are so many activities that visitors of all ages can enjoy. A great place to stay, shop and do sightseeing, Dubai is a must-stop for any globetrotter.

When you think of gravity and defying gravity, you will no doubt think of the moon. Yet, here in Dubai, there is something else that you will love and will get your adrenaline pumping. This comes in the form of a 50 m Bungee Jump! The people at Gravity Zone in partnership with the UK Bungee Club have come together to give you this thrilling experience that will give you a scare and adventure to remember a lifetime. The Gravity Zone is open to all sorts of people, young and old and has different levels that one could try. This is the perfect place if you are looking for a new thrill in this UAE and if you love adventure and thrills that are safe! There is a very interesting story behind the development of bungee jumping but the one that lives on today is the tradition that it began on April Fools’day in 1979 when a group of students from the Oxford University Dangerous Sport Club jumped from a height of 245ft off the Clifton Suspension Bridge. They did this after being highly taken up by a movie of the same time period.

Today bungee jumping is more than just a prank. People from all over the world are interested in trying it and now you can, right at the Gravity Zone in UAE. So the next time you are looking for a thrilling adventure, book your flights to the sunny state of UAE. When looking for a place to stay choose from the range of Dubai luxury hotels A great place to stay at is the Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai one of the finest 5 star hotels Dubai has to offer. So the next time you feel like experiencing an adrenaline rush, why not try ‘bungee jumping!’

Leopard Safari in Yala

An adventure into Sri Lanka’s wild awaits you, when you embark on an exciting Leopard safari in Yala National park. A safari into this unique landscape should feature in your Sri Lanka travel plans, and you can explore the various Sri Lanka tours offered by many reputable travel professionals on the island, with Jetwing Holidays being an excellent choice. Come face-to-face with the ever-reticent and majestic predator of Sri Lanka’s wilderness: the Leopard. The best time to spot this magnificent feline is early morning or again at sunset. The Leopard stalks the grounds in a confident gait, and the younger males have no qualms about approaching the jeep directly, opening up a world of spectacular photographic opportunities, so snap away!  This unique being is only one of fascinating local flora and fauna sure to cross your path during your trip out here. You will also be able to spot the sambar, spotted dear, jackals, mongooses, sloth bears, and the most vibrant birds that are sure to delight all bird-watchers, with Rosy Starlings, Crested Hawk Eagles, Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters and Paradise Flycatchers amongst the many species winging through the trees. So go on a leopard safari in Yala to discover the island’s most intriguing predator!

Bird Watching in Kumana

The tropics of Sri Lanka make it an ideal destination for bird watching with the Kumana National Park being one of the prime locations for nature lovers to indulge in such an outdoor adventure. Found approximately 391 km southeast of Colombo, the park is easily accessible by choosing to stay at any luxury hotel Sri Lanka has to offer. Even Sri Lanka boutique hotels such as Saman Villas Bentota can be chosen as a favourable choice of accommodation to come home to.
The park comprises of mangrove swamp sections, karan ferns, kumbuk trees and wetland areas that serve as ideal breeding grounds for a host of bird species that flock in large numbers. When scouring the area one must keep in mind to visit the Kumana Villu which is a swamp lake where numerous water birds such as spoonbills, egrets and pelicans may be sighted. Be sure to take your binoculars with you for you might capture sights of the migrant birds that arrive here. These include the malabar trogon, yellow-footed green pigeon and the greater racket-tailed drongo. Amongst the 255 species that are known to inhabit the area, the black-necked stork and great thick-knee can be seen during the months of April to July. The best time to head over would be during the initial half of the year where the waterholes are full to the brim. After a trip to Kumana one will be left with an abundance of memories to take back home.

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+

Kidzania Theme Park

The popular Mexican chain of family entertainment centres, KidZania recently opened its theme park in Bangkok. Being one of the world’s fastest growing global edutainment brands, Kidzania has been receiving millions of visitors at its locations around the world, over the years. These theme parks are created to resemble a child-sized replica of an actual city inclusive of buildings, theatres and shops as well as pedestrians and vehicles moving along its streets.

These entertainment venues let children work and earn currency. The money the children earn by performing these tasks are kept in each theme park’s bank, to be spent on KidZania activities and at the gift shop. A special feature of these parks is that children are given electronic bracelets to wear, which allow parents to remotely keep track of them. A 14 member group of children carry out the governance of KidZania, a 26% share of which is owned by the famous Bollywood actor Shahruk Khan.

In recognition of the brand’s uniqueness and value as well as its future potential, various organizations presented many awards to KidZania which was voted by IAAPA as the World’s Top Family Entertainment Centre. The brand was also announced to be among the ‘2012 Best Mexican Companies’ by Deloitte Mexico and ITESM.

Whist the theme park of this brand is a major attraction in Bangkok, there is also a plenty of other places of interest ranging from upscale shopping destinations to beautiful religious sites. A traveller should also make it a point to sample local cuisine when in the region as it is a major part of the entire experience. Being one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, Bangkok offers a lot for leisure travellers to enjoy.

If a traveller is looking to be based at a service apartment in Bangkok, Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok is an option to keep in mind. It is wise to opt for a centrally located serviced apartment Bangkok has to offer, in order to make the most of your holiday travel to this part of the world, rich in history and culture. Such theme parks as KidZania will also help ensure that kids will have a truly fun and exciting holiday as well.

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+

Mu Ko Phetra National Park

Mu Ko Phetra Marine Park is located in the Andaman Sea side of Thailand and is one of the largest marine parks in the country. There are around 30 islands that belong to the park and some of these islands are known to be nesting grounds for turtles that lay their eggs on the beach. Since the national park includes islands from the southern part of the Trang Province and the northern area of the Satun Province there is a variety of flora and fauna found here. The site is an excellent place to visit from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can begin the day by exploring the colourful coral reef which is home to rich marine life. Then set off on a trekking tour observing some curious animals and birds in the tropics.

The area has some of the typical features of Thai’s tropics such as steep limestone rocks and white sandy beaches so it is perfect for those who want to go for a hike. The limestone is believed to be at least 470 million years old and they reach up to 200m in height providing a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea. There are a lot of water based activities one can participate in while at the park; snorkelling, diving, swimming and kayaking are some of them. If you are feeling tired then it is best to take a ride on a cruise boat or go on a ferry. Some of the islands have been restricted to the public and you need to be with a recognized tour guide if one wants to see certain locations in the area.

One will notice that there are different types of forests scattered across the islands; rainforests, open forests and mangrove forests. The mangrove forests are in the muddy areas, near the lagoons; there are open forests on the beachfront filled with lush vegetation. The rainforests are found in the interior of the islands, and you need to travel further inside to see them. What is also fascinating are the different animal species and aquatic life you see here. Monkeys, wild pigs, bats, pythons and Indian monitors are abundant. Turtles, Brahminy kites, collared kingfishers, and reef egrets are also frequently sighted. If you are looking for a place to stay so you can visit the marine park then you should try to check into Krabi resorts. You can also consider staying at a Trang resort which makes an ideal base to explore the area. When visiting the region consider staying at Anantara Si Kao Thailand which features villas overlook the stunning Andaman Sea.

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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Mountain Climbing in Beijing

How would experiencing a challenging climb that will lead you to some of the most enchanting of peaks in the city of Beijing? Choosing a luxury apartment in Beijing would be the best way to begin an unforgettable adventure. Somerset Grand Fortune will offer you the convenience of residing at its serviced apartments Beijing possesses from where you could plan a day’s trip to these majestic mountains.
Baihe Natural Rock Climbing Cliff poses perhaps the greatest of challenges to even the skilled mountaineer. With its various paths the cliff comes across as a daunting climb which offers trekkers the joy of absorbing the natural ambience of Beijing in all its glory. Come face to face with dizzying heights at this cliff which is a renowned tourist hotspot in the area. The Western Hills and Huairou-Miyun loop located to the north of the city are also options worth considering. Feel an adrenaline rush like no other as you take on the demands of Beijing’s outdoors in your own time.

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+