Month: December 2013

Doing the Rounds

For those doing Vietnam by road, Mui Ne with its 2 mile long wide sandy beach and relaxing informality is a popular stop over on the road between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The entire beach strip is a tourist area with budget and midrange tourist venues at one end and the more expensive tourist area at the other end. Although the town is just an overnight stop for many travelers, the area around offers interesting places to visit. Ta Kou Mountain has a 161 foot reclining Buddha statue at its top, Vietnam’s longest. This is also where many people come for some of the best views of the coast. The towering white sand dunes 22 miles north east of Mui Ne is not to be missed. They are apparently best visited in the late afternoon when the sun is going down. The coastal road, to get to the white sand dunes, is a lovely ride, past villages and farms and views of fishing boats out at sea. Most visitors also visit the red dunes on the way back to town. The dunes are bigger here and gives the feeling that it is somewhere in the Middle East. Fairy Spring, a small canyon with sedimentary rock formations and Thuy Tu Temple with old whale skeletons, some more than a hundred years old, are the other sites worth visiting.

An early start will allow all the sites to be visited in one day on a motor bike and they can be reached easily although there is an absence of signage. A motor bike is the cheapest and probably the most interesting way to get around Mui Ne. Not only is the daily rate for an automatic or manual bike low but as traffic is light and the roads are straight, it is safe to ride a bike. Crowds can be avoided visiting sites this way and sometimes, depending on the time of day, sights can be totally free of other visitors. Traveling on a motorbike will also allow visitors to see and appreciate the natural beauty of a place and whether good or bad, get to know the locals. Although riders are required to have a valid Vietnamese license to ride in Vietnam many foreigners ride with or without it and with no proper knowledge of traffic laws. Helmets for rider and passenger are a must. The recommended way to rent bikes is through the accommodation to avoid being taken in by scammers.

Take a break at Anantara Mui Ne resort & spa to enjoy a pristine seaside location and the southern coast of Vietnam. This prominent resort in Mui Ne not only offers guests a collection of spacious, beautifully appointed guestrooms, suites and villas but facilities and services that definitely go a long way to making a holiday here unforgettable. Stay at this Vietnam hotel to taste excellent Vietnamese and international culinary offerings, indulge in relaxing spa treatments, to try out water sports options or to simply enjoy the wonderful natural environment.

 

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.

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Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Maldives –Underwater Perfection

The islands of the Maldives offer all visitors the chance to engage in pure bliss. In addition to its lush beaches that are geared to take your breath away, the Maldives boasts some of the most fascinating underwater scenery. The fecund Indian Ocean that frames the 1,190 islands that comprise this fantastic nation is rich in fish, corals, and sponges and exhibit spectacular colors and a healthy biodiversity. There are so many modes to view this underwater world but nothing quite matches up to the authentic exploration experience that you can enjoy with scuba diving and snorkelling.

Throughout the world, the Maldives is known as one of the finest destinations for a fascinating diving experience. This little nation actually consists of 26 different atolls that boast some immaculate underwater scenery. In addition to the beauty, the water happens to be crystal clear with perfect visibility. Even the water temperature is perfect, making a dip into this ocean absolutely blissful. There are several diving spots in Maldives each with its own highlights; some have ship wrecks, others have caves, some are abundant in school fish, and others have the bigger predators. A couple of favorite spots include the North Maale Atoll, the Vaavu Atoll, the Lankanfinolhu and the Lhaviyani Atoll. Fish you are likely to encounter in these spot include Reef Sharks, Manta Rays, Barracuda, Travelly, the Snapper fish and eels, among others.

If you are not quite up for the challenge that the scuba diving would impose, try a lesser but equally exciting activity of snorkelling. This enjoyable pastime is relatively easy and safe and gives plenty of opportunity to enjoy the reefs of the Maldives without straying too far from the shore. In this activity, you are likely to encounter numerous species of beautiful Reef fish that boast an array of exquisite colors. Snorkeling can also be enjoyed at night time where the flashlight illuminating the ocean gives one a completely different experience.

While choosing an ideal Maldives Resort to stay at, consider a prime property such as the Anantara Veli Maldives. Its gracious surrounds provide peaceful overwater Maldives bungalows with exquisite facilities and unmatched views are designed to make you fall in love with the Maldives, over and over again.

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.

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Freefalling at over 200km/h

The city of Dubai, located within the Arabian Emirate of the same name, is one of the most developed and popular Middle Eastern cities. A city with a rich history and vibrant culture, Dubai is known for its thriving economy which is powered by its booming oil, tourism, and financial industries. Its many historic and modern attractions, bustling shopping and retail districts, and many recreational and leisure attractions make it a top tourist destination as well.

There are many things that one can do in Dubai to blow off some steam or to get a mind blowing adrenaline rush. But nothing beats the likes of freefalling at speeds of over 200km/h over the city of Dubai, which is exactly what Skydive Dubai offers you! Skydiving, ever since it became an extreme sport which anyone can do, has been known as one of the most exhilarating and adrenaline pumping activities. So if you are in the mood for a heart stopping adrenaline rush, leap off a plane into the skies of Dubai with Skydive Dubai.

Skydive Dubai, a premier skydiving centre, is a great place to go skydiving as it not only offers you a high quality experience but it also offers some great views on your decent from thousands of feet in the air. Skydive Dubai is located in the awe-inspiring and man-made Palm Jumeria Island. The island itself is known for its amazing shape and design, which seem even more amazing when viewed from the top, so you can be assured that you will be dazzled while being thrilled while skydiving!

Skydive Dubai is staffed by professional skydivers who work to ensure that your descent back to the ground will be both exciting as well as safe. Skydiving at Skydive Dubai is done in tandems, which means that you have a professional instructor with you at all times so that your safety is always ensured. Having successfully orchestrated over 7000 jumps, Skydive Dubai is most certainly one of the best places you can skydive.

If you are looking for tranquil accommodation in Dubai during your time here, consider making a reservation at the Anantara Dubai the Palm Resort & Spa. This luxury resort belongs to the prestigious Anantara group and offers accommodation in range of stylish rooms and plush villas. This Palm Jumeirah Hotel also offers a wide range of luxury amenities and guest services such as fine dining, spa treatment, and recreational services, making it an ideal hotel for a memorable stay.

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.

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Parasailing in Maldives

The warm, humid weather of the Maldives beckons for you to try out a variety of water sports activities that are both thrilling and action-packed. When in the Maldives you simply have to dive into adventure which will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Parasailing is one such activity that can be enjoyed by staying at Adaaran Prestige Water Villas which is home to a range of Maldives water villas. Such villas in Maldives will out you in the mood for the outdoors and stimulate the adventurer in you.
Get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding coral islands that constitute the Maldives while being suspended high up in the air with only a parachute and a motor boat below to keep you on course. Beat the local temperatures and welcome the cool breeze as you savour a quite breathtaking experience. Have the ultimate adrenaline rush as you speed through the air while being bathed in sea spray. Watch as hotel resorts and white sandy beaches seem but mere specks in the horizon as you rise higher and higher in the sky.

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+

Dive Sites in South Male Atoll

Offering an enchanting getaway where one can have plenty of laidback fun in the sun, the Maldives is a true picture of paradise. It offers an idyllic getaway where one can enjoy a carefree island lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This tropical paradise is also renowned amongst divers for offering truly exhilarating diving excursions at the many underwater sites that can be found spread across the waters that surround the islands. The South Male Atoll is one area divers should look to explore since it features a variety of dive sites, each providing something new and fascinating to discover.

Those planning to head to the dive sites in South Male Atoll have much to choose from. One site worth exploring is the Vaadhoo Reef and Caves. This impressive reef which has a depth that goes up to about 30 metres, is perfect for drift diving. Those venturing into these waters will find several caves in the area along with a range of fish species including moray eels, squirrel fish, white-tip reef sharks and eagle rays.

Embudhoo Canyon is a dive site of some repute amongst divers and the canyon that can be found between the reef and the rock has a depth of about 20 metres. Located only 35 minutes from Male by dhoni, Embudhoo Canyon is where one can expect to see honeycomb moray eels, trevallies and midnight snappers.

Also worth visiting is the site known as Embudhoo Express which has been made a Protected Marine area as well. Suited for more experienced divers, Embudhoo Express is known for its strong currents, notable depths and sharks including whit-tip reef sharks and grey reef sharks.

Guraidhoo Kandu which is approximately 90 metres wide, the Vellasaru Caves where one can see sting rays, Cocoa Corner which is known for being an ideal place to channel dive and Kuda Giri where one will find a small wreck are amongst the other dive sites in South Male Atoll.

If you love diving, look to stay at a Maldives Resort or resort in the South Male Atoll. One of the leading Maldives Bunglows in this region, Naladhu Maldives features its own PADI Dive Centre and offers excursions to dive sites too, making it an ideal option for those planning to go diving when on holiday.

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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Canyoning Tours in Bali

Bali is an interesting island that is a province of Indonesia and is also a very fascinating place to visit. Bali is best known for its temples and scared places of worship. It is a land that is full of different landscapers and textures. It has rocky hills, mountains, volcanoes, beaches and so much more. So if you are looking for some adventure head on over to the island of Bali. It is also a great place for beaches, wildlife and bird watching. In fact the Bali Starling, a beautiful bird, can only be found on the island of Bali. Bali is an island that is very famous for its diving and surfing and is therefore visited by many surfers every year. With its very beautiful beaches and great waves, Bali is a definite tourist hotspot.

Apart from this you must also check out the canyoning and the tour packages that are available in Bali. If you love the outdoors and the if you have got the spirit for adventure, this is one activity that you will not want to miss out on. Canyoning is considered an extreme sport and it involves the use of various techniques and abilities. For example swimming, climbing, wading and so much more is required for you to excel at the sport or to even do it. If you consider yourself a fitness enthusiast then this will definitely sound like a welcome challenge. So give it a go and check it out for yourself.

The tour packages are versatile and can be custom made according to your preferences and your fitness level. If you can spare the time, then you could also indulge in some of the training courses and go home a canyoning expert! This can prove to be great excitement if you are traveling as a group of friends. The Bali resorts provides an exceptional stay. Try out the Uluwatu hotels range such the Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa which provides great accommodation. After trying the canyoning tours in Bali, you will never look at the place the same way again!

 

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.

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Nature Treks to Hiriwaduna

Discover Hiriwaduna which is an idyllic local village nestled amidst thick jungle and vibrant wildlife in Habarana, Sri Lanka. A trek through this community shrouded in age-old customs would do wonders for you. So consider Walkers Tours known for their Sri Lanka tours who will be more than pleased to organise a trip to the area. Such Sri Lanka holidays are not to be missed for they hold a wealth of pleasures and mesmeric surroundings that you would rather be a part of for the rest of your life.
A trek in the area will take you past a man-made reservoir, marshland and scrub jungle that will enable you to capture the sights of butterflies, birds, crocodiles, bears and even the odd elephant or two. Learn of the livelihoods of the villagers who go about their chores meticulously and effortlessly. Savour the farmer’s hospitality and even help pick a few vegetables that would go into a hearty meal prepared using earthenware pots and firewood. Experience the essence of the rural lifestyle, here in Hiriwaduna.

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+

Bali Butterfly Park

Found 7 km north of the town of Tabanan, the Bali Butterfly Park also referred to as ‘Taman Kupu Kupu’ is where one will find myriad species of the tiny yet colourful butterfly. For those searching for luxury villas, Bali affords plenty to choose from. Famed for its Bali wedding villas which are known to entice many a couple, Alila Villas Soori should be a good bet of one is thinking of visiting these colourful species.

Such an enclosure which covers an impressive 3,500 square metres holds over 15 species of butterflies and is the ideal destination where one may carry out studies on the ecosystem, breeding and protection of these tiny creatures. Viewers will also be offered an opportunity to witness the life cycle of these beings as they transform from a mere caterpillar into a colourful butterfly. Endemic and rare species of the most sought after of butterflies can be witnessed at the park that provides visitors access to a souvenir shop surrounded by lush green vegetation that adds to the charm of the Bali Butterfly Park.

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+