Month: April 2014

Discover Singapore’s Latest Wildlife Reserve on a Tour of River Safari

Quietly nestled in between the Lion City’s foremost wildlife reserves, the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari enclosure lies the country’s latest addition to an already illustrious list of attractions for nature lovers. Built at a cost of $160 million, River Safari is home to the globe’s most expansive freshwater aquarium as well as the largest panda showcase in Southeast Asia. Boasting one of the world’s most extensive collections of freshwater fauna, River Safari houses more than 6000 creatures which include 40 endangered species of wildlife. As the famed home of Singapore’s famed resident Pandas Jia Jia and Kai Kai a tour of the River Safari is a must-have experience for all holidaymakers visiting the Lion City. Based on the world’s iconic rivers the state-of-the-art wildlife sanctuary occupies a vast expanse with the Upper Seletar Reservoir serving as the backdrop.

 

Having opened its doors to the public in early 2014 the 12 hectare space is also the home of the Amazon Flooded Forest and the Squirrel Monkey Forest although its chief attraction is the famed Giant Panda Forest where Singapore’s only resident Giant Pandas reside. As ten year loans from China the magnificent creatures named Jia Jia and Kai Kai occupy a specially built climate-controlled area of River Safari while a special variety of bamboo is also grown by the zoo’s own 86,000 square foot cultivation region to feed the furry inhabitants.
The Mississippi River at River Safari explores the world of beavers and endangered Mississippi paddlefish and alligators while the Congo is home to the world’s biggest freshwater puffer fish. Tiger fish and finned birchirs occupy the River Nile while the Ganges is littered with goonch catfish, crocodilian Indian gharial and soft-shell turtles. The Murray River in contrast boasts inhabitants the likes of barramundi, crab fish and the nearly 2m long Murray Cod.
The Mekong River is home to giant freshwater stingrays and Mekong catfish while giant salamanders occupy the Yangtze River. In Wild Amazonia visitors can hop on board the Amazon River Quest where spider monkeys, Brazilian Tapirs and jaguars await while the Amazon Flooded Forest ecological showcase is equally engaging.
Refreshments are available at the River Safari Tea House and the Mama Panda Kitchen while memorabilia and souvenirs can be purchased at the River Safari Shop or House of Kai Kai & Jia Jia.

 

Travellers in search of trendy hotels in Singapore should look no further than the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore group. Providing guests with the best in contemporary amenities the stylish Singapore hotels under this flagship hospitality conglomerate offer unforgettable vacations in the Lion City.

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

Go Dragon Cave Rafting across Taniwha Blackwater in Adventure Sports Capital Greymouth

Regarded as one of the most thrilling adventure sports activities available in Greymouth, Dragon Cave Rafting is no run-of-the-mill rafting adventure for the masses. As the capital of New Zealand’s West Coast Greymouth sits on the lips of Grey River and is renowned across the country for its diverse landscapes littered with caves and black waters. Also known as cave tubing a rafting tour in Greymouth is a once in a lifetime opportunity to raft across breathtaking rainforests while discovering the area’s most intriguing natural caves and the glow worms that call it home.
Ideal for those who wish to spend time uncovering Greymouth’s unchartered terrain Blackwater or Dragon Cave rafting adventures are perfect half-day excursions that are not just reserved for adrenaline junkies. Athletic holidaymakers however can experience the tour in a novel way as they have the option of reaching the river’s tubing section with a cliff jump and abseiling to the summit of the river’s rafting quarter. Other can also take a zip line ride across the rainforest’s verdant canyons for a scenic aerial route to the rafting site. This all encompassing tour allows adventure sports fans to engage in the popular activities of climbing, abseiling, ziplining and rafting in some of the most panoramic settings in all of New Zealand. Inexperienced rafters can walk to the tubing area through the rainforest. Thermal wear such as socks, rubber clothing, river boots, life jackets and helmets are all provided by the tour operators in addition to abseiling and ziplining gear prior to setting off for the starting point of the excursion.
Dubbed “Dragon Caves” due to Maori legends and folktales that are still told by local Taniwha communities the rafting tour across the blackwater lets participants to come face to face with the staggering beauty of rainforest river terrains. The vast complex of caves that are linked to countless Maori myths is also part of the itinerary while curious creatures known as Glow Worms occupy these ominous caves in their thousands and provide sparks of illumination on an otherwise dark interior landscape of the caves. Perfect for groups of travellers and families the tour operators in Greymouth also offer special children’s rafting packages for those who wish to take the young ones along on a rafting adventure.
Travellers in search of luxurious New Zealand hotels should look to none other than Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ for the best deals this holiday season. Offering guests a plethora of stylish establishments in the West Coast its signature rest in Greymouth is ranked among the best Greymouth hotels in the region.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.Google+

Ballooning in Dubai

On the 21st of November 1783, Jean Francois Pilatre de Rozier made history by launching the first manned flight utilising a hot air balloon. At the time, hot air balloons became largely popular as a unique mode of travel, a mode that was unavailable until that time. With a number of changes and adjustments through the centuries, hot air balloons have developed a different popularity in the 21stcentury: tourism. Hot air ballooning tours are now being offered in almost every country as an essential component of the tourism industry.

Most tours allow its patrons to witness the sunrise by taking off in the dead of the night. As a result, tourists often have the wonderful experience of watching a glorious sunrise and the slow but marvellous changes of the colours of the sky. For those visiting Dubai, this experience is just as unforgettable. One such hot air ballooning tour is offered by Ballooning Adventures Dubai and will commence north of Al Ain in the Desert Oasis.

Those considering exploring this option of sightseeing should know that children below five years of age are restricted from going on the tour. However, the tour is not a short one: it lasts for approximately four to five hours. As a result, ensure that you make time for the tour when making an itinerary. The tour is open to around twenty two people a ride. Therefore, it is likely that your entire family will be able to take it at one time. You should also be prepared to pay eight hundred and fifty dirham for children and nine hundred and ninety five dirham for adults.

This particular company also offers to provide free transport from one’s accommodation in Dubai to the pickup site making the tour not only enjoyable and entertaining but convenient as well. When selecting a Palm Jumeirah hotel to reside in, keep in mind Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa which is an excellent option. Located only a forty five minute drive from the Airport, guests will have the opportunity to experience fine dining and select from a variety of cuisines.

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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Potters of Koh Kret

The history of pottery can be traced back centuries and the oldest evidence of its existence was found at the Xianrendong Cave in the Republic of China. Archaeologists continue to discover such evidence across the globe indicating its popularity worldwide. However, due to the use of fire and also considering the lengthy period of time necessary for shaping the clay, archaeological evidence indicates that pottery came into existence subsequent to humankind achieving a sedentary life. This, in combination with the discovery of fire lead to the development of pottery with potters creating vessels using a variety of techniques such as hand shaping, firing, glazing and later on, kilns. Through such methods, different varieties of pottery such as earthenware, stoneware and porcelain were created.

The island of Ko Kret located in the vicinity of Bangkok Thailand is well known for pottery. Located on the Chao Phraya River, tourists and travellers can enjoy examining the various styles and different types of pottery at the Museum of Kwan Aman Pottery. This museum is home to a collection of Mon design ceramics, which are ancient and considered quite valuable as the Mon people were considered to be talented potters. The museum itself is open from 9am to 5pm daily and is definitely worth a visit for it provides an intriguing insight into an integral component of the lifestyle of the locals. For those who choose to visit the Assembly of Pottery Craft a demonstration of how these creations are made awaits them and tourists will also have the convenient opportunity to purchase such vessels as souvenirs or to give as gifts once they return.

Those who wish to visit the village can opt for a Bangkok cruise tour, namely the Chao Phraya Express on Sundays for the price of just three hundred baht. Such Bangkok cruises allow tourists to visit villages such as Ko Kret with minimum hassle and conveniently. Given the cultural diversity and rich heritage the Thai are privy to, the country is filled to the brim with exciting and intriguing landmarks and places of interest. Ensure that you soak in the local culture by opting for Anantara Cruises that provides tourists with the opportunity to mingle with the locals and see the sights both conveniently and comfortably.

 

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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Wind Surfing in Maldives

Endless stretches of clear blue skies spreading above lapis lazuli blue waters of the ocean that borders pristine white sands, creates the perfect setting where life takes on a form that is beautiful, mesmerizing and truly wonderful. The ideal romantic hideaway it is, with the sea and sand complementing the finest luxuries and comforts offered to you lavishly on this land of golden sunshine. Some may argue that it is indeed the ultimate beach getaway. Maldives Islands of undisputed loveliness lies invitingly on the waters of the Indian Ocean, waiting to be discovered and to be loved. Maldives also has plenty of resorts such as Kurumba Maldives which is one of the leading diving resorts Maldives which can be considered if you wish to discover ultimate luxury while also enjoying the ultimate pleasure of windsurfing.

Maldives Islands are certainly a favorite holiday destination for many across the world. The ultimate combination of the loveliness of its dazzling beaches and the blue green waters is found to be a thing of truly irresistible appeal by many. However basking in the glory of its surreal beauty is not the only enjoyment available on these magical shores. The waters of the Indian Ocean that cover a greater part of the country are open to many water sports to those adventurous folks who holiday here.

Wind surfing on the crystal clear lagoons of Maldives is truly a breathtakingly wonderful experience. The salty breeze playing harsh with you as you glide on the polished surface of the ocean while the golden sun beats down on you heightening the truly tropical sensation is an experience truly worth having indeed.

Many resorts that Maldives Islands is richly abounding of will certainly provide the facilities to engage in the sport provided that their lagoon is large enough to support windsurfers. These resorts along with the water sport centres dotting the shore provide material needed for windsurfing as well so one need not go through the hassle of bringing along their own equipment. Beginners too can safely learn the sport given the expert guidance and customized equipment that is available here.

Large lagoons that are not crowded with snorkelers and swimmers where the coral bed is not quite thick will provide the best of windsurfing experiences that you will never forget here in Maldives, the land of ultimate indulgence.

 

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+

Lal Bagh

The well-known Lal Bagh, which translates as ‘Red Garden’ is a popular botanical garden located in the southern section of Bangalore. This attractive park was constructed under the decree of the monarch of Mysore, Hyder Ali and was completed during the rule of his son and successor Tipu Sultan. Interestingly Lal Bagh is thought to have been modelled on the Mughal Garden which at one time stood proudly in Sira, a location which was once part of the Mughal Empire.

Lal Bagh is considered noteworthy for featuring an excellent glass house where a yearly flower exhibition is held. The garden is also renowned for containing the most extensive selection of tropical plants in India. It also features a lake as well as an aquarium, and is recognized as one of Bangalore’s foremost visitor attractions.

Lal Bagh extends over a vast extent of no less than 240 acres, making it without question one of the major botanical attractions in the subcontinent. Its most significant flower show is conducted on January 26th, or Republic Day; a number of other floral exhibitions are also held at this venue.

In total the visitor will find more than 1,000 varieties of flora here, including some trees which are more than a century old. One of the garden’s most esteemed exhibits is some unusual varieties of plants which were brought over from Afghanistan, Persia and France. The garden displays aesthetic beauty, having been landscaped with elements such as flowerbeds, lawns, fountains and lotus pools. Many of the exhibits are labelled for convenient identification. The visitor will see that a tower constructed by the founder of the city, Kempe Gowda is located within the garden. Another significant attraction at this site is the fascinating Lal Bagh Rock, which is an ancient rock formation considered to be amongst the oldest on the globe.

Another noteworthy attraction which will draw the interest of the visitor is the folk fair which is conducted at the gardens on the second as well as the fourth weekend of each month. At this event you will be able to see local folk music, dance and plays.

The selective visitor considering 5 star Bangalore hotels will find an appealing choice in the Alila Bangalore. One of the outstanding Bangalore luxury hotels this fine rest offers attractive accommodations and courteous hospitality.

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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Jungle Bungy Jump in Phuket

Imagine plunging down the sky of Phuket; plunging into a pool of water while being caressed by the lush scenery on your way down; imagine the thrill, imagine the sheer rush. All your imaginations can become one giant reality as you plunge down into nothingness in the amazing exciting and thrilling activity of Bungee Jumping. For those of you crave this adrenaline, this sheer maddening thrill then Bungee Jumping will make you feel like you are on the top of the world. In fact you literally plunge from the top of the world and the drop is remarkable. Hundreds of visitors from around the globe visit Phuket for Bungee Jumping because in Phuket you get the scenic appeal and the fantastic tropical climate, all this combined makes Bungee jumping in the jungles of Phuket an unmatched experience.

For some of you the idea of Bungee Jumping might be completely new for it is not a common activity that is offered in every city in the world. As the name has it Bungee Jumping is a jump or a fall. You are strapped to a chair on a crane and risen 50 meters from the ground. At this point you will be given a moment to absorb the breathtaking bird’s eye view of beautiful Phuket adorned with dense forests and sparkling beaches. Once you have taken all this bliss in just jump. As you fall, enjoy the sheer kick of adrenaline shroud you and scream away to glory. As gravity pulls you down with remarkable force you are sure to experience the adventure of a lifetime. The feeling is certainly unmatched and absolutely euphoric. You need guts to try out Bungee Jumping and you need to love your adrenaline. Even the slightest fear or faint heartedness cannot be tolerated in this sport. If you prefer ascending rather than descending try the Superman. Just as thrilling, here you are strapped on the ground and shot 60 meters into the air. Talk about Exciting!

After overdosing on the adrenaline, wind down in Anantara Phuket Villas. This Phuket Resorts are the finest Phuket Beach Resort there is.

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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Xishuangbanna Nationality Culture Park

Tipped to be one of the must-visit highlights on a tour of southern Yunnan, the Xishuangbanna Nationality Culture Park is a cultural icon of sorts on the shores of Liusha River. Ideally located within 1km of Jinghong City, this sprawling enclave occupies a whopping 165 acres of the area’s most pristine landscapes. Frequented by tourists and locals alike, the park serves as a miniaturized representation of Xishuangbanna with its natural environment, folk customs and culture replicated in the heart of southern Yunnan.

Divided according to direction, the southern corner of the Xishuangbanna Nationality Culture Park houses three designated tourist hubs. This includes a tropical fruit enclosure, a plant and vegetation zone as well as a swimming and sunbathing area. Rare plant species such as varieties of amomum, arecas and palms are found within the plant enclosure which houses 10 species of endangered plants. The tropical fruit garden in the park on the other hand houses a 99 acre orchard and a 9 acre coffee plantation within its confines. Fruit trees the likes of jackfruit, mango, coconut, grapefruit, carambola and lichee are found in the venue which also allows visitors to pick the fruits in season. A wildlife compound with elephants and various bird species is also found on the northern fringes of the orchard.

The northern section of the culture park however is dedicated to the ethnic minorities of Xishuangbanna as well as their traditional residences and customs. Exploring the cultural identity of the Lahu, Hani, Bland, Dai, Yao and Jinuo communities, visitors can witness local festivals such as dragon boat races, water dousing festivals as well as wedding rituals of the Dai populace in this area of the park. Bamboo firework displays and bamboo raft races are also conducted at the locale which also showcases traditional dance performances by Yunnan’s ethnic minorities. The four dance auditoriums at the park stage outdoor performances such as the Jinuo Tom Tom Dance, the Dai Peacock Dance and the Lahu Trichord Dance which involves 4 to 400 performers on specific days of the week.

Travellers on the lookout for a luxurious hotel in Yunnan should look no further than the stylish Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa. Providing guests with the crème de la crème in contemporary amenities this is one hotel Yunnan counts among its finest spa resorts.

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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Asian Dragon Bay Sanya

The Asian Dragon Bay, which is also known as Yalong Bay is one of the most picturesque locations in Hainan Province, China, that many visit from all over the world. The stretch of pristine golden beach covers an area of 18.6 square kilometres which is about 7.2 square miles, with a total length spanning 7.5-kilometers, which makes this stretch of supreme loveliness three times longer than the mesmerizing and famed beaches found in Hawaii.

The waters of the ocean here are crystal clear, allowing one to gaze into depths of more than 10 metres below the surface. The vibrant marine life, rich with the many colourful shoals of fish and the wonderful formations of coral can be thus seen quite easily by anyone regardless of whether or not they wish to snorkel and dive.

The Asian Dragon Bay is complete with all the facets of blue waters of the sea, white gold pristine sands, the emerald sheen of the rich vegetation of the surrounding area as well as the freshest air, that make up the perfect holiday experience to anyone finding solace in her embrace. Given this sublime beauty and priceless perfection, the Asian Dragon Bay was authorized by the State Council in the year 1992.

The Totem Pole of 27 metres that stands boldly at the centre of the bay is yet another interesting attraction that heightens the significance of this place of beauty yet some more and has intricate engravings of the god of the sun, gods of winds, rain and thunder along with the legendary animals of the dragon, kylin, phoenix and fish. The Butterfly Valley that can be found on the northern end of the Asian Dragon Bay also adds to the allure of this place with its five halls representing the butterfly species of China and the world.

A Sanya hotel such as Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa makes an ideal base from which to set off to sites such as the Asian Dragon Bay. The resort experience at such hotels will only add to the pleasure of your holiday with the riches of luxury and comforts that are to be found in abundance here.

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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Snorkeling Tips in Maldives

The irresistible urge to witness the hidden world down under, with all its mystic charm and quiet, endless beauty, is surely strongly felt while on the magical land of the Maldives. The blue green ocean beauty, spreading as far as the eye can behold, glimmering and glistening under the golden influence of the noon day sun safely hides away its treasures of absolute perfection from the mortal world, saved from the eyes of the adventurer who boldly chooses to delve in to her glorious depths. Maldives luxury resorts such as Baros Maldives are excellent to enjoy the glory of luxurious accommodation as well as the thrill of diving in Maldives to your heart’s content.

Snorkeling is a popular water sport enjoyed by many tourists around the year in Maldives. The calm and clear water of the land is indeed providing much more than the absolute necessities to enjoy a perfect time of relaxation upon its surface. The beginner is however best advised to bring along his own snorkeling gear as loose fitting equipment can certainly affect the quality of the experience. Snorkeling masks that do not fit well can let the water come seeping in, making your vision blurred which can also strike terror and fear in to the inexperienced heart. Reef shoes are also an important part of the gear that must be given prominence to, as they prevent your feet from being bruised by the jutting edges of the coral reefs that abide in the shallow waters.

It is indeed important to take heed of the advice and tips that are given by the experts upon your arrival on the islands. The information given on the best snorkeling spots as well as the entrance points to the reef will help you to stay on course and enjoy hours of floating on these mesmerizing waters.

Planning your holiday well in advance will also help you to get the best of snorkeling experiences in Maldives. Certain islands possess a house reef that many swarms of colorful marine life find refuge in, which can be found within easy swimming distance, while resorts that do not have a house reef arrange trips to locations where coral reefs can be found on deep waters. Needless to say the beginner is best advised to choose a resort with a house reef that he may snorkel safely, without being threatened by high currents and the daunting sights of the endless depths.

 

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+