Month: September 2015

Waterbom Bali, the best waterpark

Blessed with Nature’s finest beauty from luscious hills to miles of clear coastline and dazzling turquoise sea, Bali is the ultimate tropical paradise. Among Bali’s many man-made attractions are its luxurious hotels including OSSOTEL and Bali’s greatest pride, the famous Waterbom Waterpark.

Waterbom lies in Bali’s Kuta region and is near some of the finest of Legian hotel options. Regarded as one of Bali’s finest family entertainment centres, the sprawling 3.8 hectare Waterbom Waterpark includes world-class rides and many restaurants and shops thus earning its place among the world’s top 5 best Waterparks. Determined to maintain its family-friendly standards, the Park has been built to the highest safety standards and is an EarthCheck Silver Benchmarked company that is committed to being environmentally sustainable. For the thousands who flock to the Park each year, Waterbom is the ideal family getaway.

Open daily from 9 a.m to 6 p.m, visitors can purchase a ticket and enter a world where relaxation and enjoyment is a motto. Take an exhilarating ride on ‘Fast ‘N Fierce’ or on the dramatic ‘Double Twist’ that transports visitors through heart-stopping twists and sharp vertical drops. Take in the breathtaking views of the Kuta skyline while you snake through the Park on ‘The Pipeline’ or take the 16 meter-long ride on ‘Climax’ and end your ride in a ‘splash’ in the pool below. Spend a relaxing afternoon drifting along Waterbom’s ‘Lazy River’ and admire the gentle ride through waterfalls and foliage.

Enjoy some quiet time in the cool shade of the poolside thatch-roof gazebos and have a refreshing drink at Sunken Poolside Bar or at the new Thai Italian Restaurant that serves the finest fusion cuisine. Visit the Reflexology Centre for a soothing massage and dip your feet into the pond at the Fish Spa. Grab a hotdog and juice from one of the Park’s many food stalls before shopping for chic swimwear and gear at Waterbom’s Retail space and have the expenses charged automatically to your ‘Splashband’ to be paid when leaving the Park after a memorable day spent in Bali’s widely-acclaimed national treasure.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Yala National Park

The Yala National Park is the most visited wild life park in Sri Lanka. It has a variety of ecosystems, including moist monsoon forests, dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, fresh water and marine wetlands, sandy beaches and plenty of wild life. Safari in Yala Sri Lanka is best served, staying in Deep South beachfront hotels, like the Cantaloupe Aqua which is situated at Talpe.

Among the 44 species of mammals that reside in Yala National Park, elephants, Sri Lankan Leopards, Sri Lankan sloth bears, wild water buffalos, Toque macaques, golden palm civets, red slender Lories, and fishing cats are some of the most prominent. Yala is one of the great national parks of Asia and the best location in the world to spot Leopards in the wild. It has about 350 Sri Lankan wild elephants and the highest leopard density in the world. Yala is an important bird watching area in Sri Lanka. Among 215 bird species of the park, six are endemic to Sri Lanka like the Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka jungle fowl the National Bird of Sri Lanka and many migrant wetland water birds.

Among the 47 reptiles seen in Yala, the Sri Lankan krait, Sri Lankan flying snake, painted-lip lizard, fan-throated lizard are some of the endemic species. The coastal line is visited by the all five globally endangered sea turtles for laying eggs- a wondrous sight that can be seen in the night. The two crocodile species found in Sri Lanka inhabit the park, these being the mugger crocodile and the saltwater crocodile.

There are 18 amphibians species seen in Yala, while, two buffalo species are endemic to Sri Lanka; crabs and prawns are found in the lagoons with many fish species as well. A variety of butterfly species such as the common bluebottle, common lime butterfly, crimson rose, common Jezebel, and common Mormon are also found here.

Yala is closed in September each year to give the wild animals some respite from the large amount of vehicles entering the reserve. Thus it can be said that, a Yala safari during other months is a must for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka.

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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Whale Watching in Mirissa

Referred to as the pearl of the Indian Ocean due to its shape, Sri Lanka however a treasure because of the unlimited amount of resources is truly available within it. Showered with endless blessings the island is often referred to as the paradise island. The ocean around the island is a habitat for a wide variety of marine life. Whale watching in Mirissa has become a hot spot among many tourists to catch a glimpse of some of the rarest sites of these breath taking creatures of the ocean.

All around the island one could find number of beaches, however some of the very first resort destinations were born in the South. Since then the region has been famous among tourist. Abandon accommodation options are available here. A popular choice among visitors has been Cantaloupe Levels. Having a total of 9 rooms this boutique hotel offers some of the great panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The location of the hotel is ideal to explore the towns around it such as Unawatuna , Hikkaduwa, Galle and Mirissa among others.

Mirissa in the South of the country is regarded as the paradise for Whale watching in Sri Lanka. The season for Whale watching starts in November and April. Just before and after the season given the seas are calm and warm there still maybe a chance to witness these sea giants put on a show. Some of the species of whales that can be spotted in and around the Oceans of Mirissa is Blue whale, Bryde Whale, Sperm Whales, Fin Whales and sometimes Killer Whales. On these tours one can also spot fish such as Blue Fin Tuna, Flying fish and Sea Turtles.

There are various tour operators offering various packages and there are sometimes hotel operated tours as well. The ideal time to go into the ocean would be the early hours of the morning.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Echo Beach in Seminyak

Echo Beach is known as one of Bali’s most recently christened surf spots. The name comes from its local name ‘Pantai Batu Mejan’, named after a significant Balinese Hindu sea temple on site. It shares the tranquil rice field-landscaped region of Canggu with other wave-riding landscapes such as Berawa, Seseh and Pererenan. Echo Beach has become quite popular due to its advanced reef breaks, 180-degree seascape & sunsets and array of delicious seafood restaurants placed on a high vantage point from where you can enjoy the beauty of it all. Among the many lodging places available around Echo Beach are some fine Seminyak Bali villas such as Samaja Villas Beachside.

The ever popular black-sand beach is approximately 35km northwest of Kuta and Seminyak, and another few kilometres drive west from the provincial capital of Denpasar. The journey further west would bring you to Canggu’s green expanses of paddies which remain well-kept and tended to by local villagers. Echo Beach is at the end of Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, the road originally named after its temple, but now carrying more signposts bearing its new nickname. There are plenty of rows of shacks with surfboards for rent, ding repairs, and a motorcycle parking spot for the convenience of tourists.
The paved alley left of the gate is lined up with sunset dining spots starting with Sticky Fingers Osteria Italiana, then Sate Bali, Dian Café, and the Echo Beach House. Most open during the day but quite a few are opened up towards the evening with barbecues and unique boat-shaped buffets at sunset. At the far end of the cafes you are able to see the outline of the centuries-old temple. The temple and the cafes sit on a small cliff overlooking the surf, and the black-sand beach is accessible down a few steps to the right of the gate. A hundred metres along the coastline nestled on the low-lying rocks is Sand Bar, parasols and colourful beanbags await you for great chill-out sessions. Echo Beach is a wonderful locality that serves as one of the island’s best surf spots, and a great place to chill with a laid-back vibe, great views, and delicious seafood.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Koh Samui Canopy Adventures

If you’re a certain kind of person that is a thrill-seeker and nature hunter, then the world has a special place that will be a true retreat for you. The kingdom of Thailand contains a bounty of serene sights, ranging from lush rainforests, stunning coral reefs, and glamorous beaches. There is one island in particular that enables tourists to experience her wonders in a manner that is one of a kind. The island in mention is Koh Samui, and her canopy adventure concept involves travelling at break-neck speeds over the rainforests commando-style, through the use of a zip line.
Foreign visitors looking to experience a thrilling vacation in a tropical landscape has many an accommodation option to select from within the island of Koh Samui, since it is a very popular tourist destination with hotel occupancy rates reaching upwards beyond seventy percent during peak seasons. A place that stands above the rest for providing adrenaline fueled activities among five-star service is the Anantara Lawana Samui Resort & Spa, a famous Samui beach resort that attracts thrill-seekers and those who love serenity simultaneously.
Tourists have been flying over the rainforests of Koh Samui since 2009, which was when the Koh Samui Canopy adventures came into existence, providing a zip-line adventure where tourists, strapped to a harness can soar through the forests and catch first hand glimpses of all her wonders. The ride is divided into four sections, with the first section starting off smooth and gentle, with the subsequent ones gradually increasing in intensity. Riders can witness green pastures, tropical foliage, panoramic coastlines and in one instance, a majestic waterfall that leads to a swimming hole where they can cool off after their adventure.
The Koh Samui Canopy adventures can be enjoyed by anyone, with no experience required in order to participate. All one has to do is follow the guide’s instructions and then soar through unspoilt rainforest. So head over to Thailand and experience the ride of your lifetime.

 

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 travelers.

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Whale and Dolphin Watching, Mirissa

You scan the horizon, stretching into infinity. Morning has broken and the sounds of the sea are all around. The waves lap against the hull as you push deeper into the great azure that is the Indian Ocean. Suddenly up ahead you spot movement. A huge form, primordial like, slowly breaks to the surface as you watch with bated breath. Rising above just long enough for you to witness the sheer majesty and awe-inspiring size is the unforgettable sight of a blue whale, swimming wild and free in its ocean home. Whale watching in Mirissa, Sri Lanka certainly offers an amazing journey of discovery out to sea!

Mirissa can be found along the South Coast of the country and if you are in search of beach hotels in Sri Lanka along this stretch of shoreline, then consider options such as Citrus Waskaduwa. Plan an excursion from here to Mirissa Harbour where whale and dolphin watching trips begin early morning, generally between 6.30 – 7.00 am. The best time to spot whales is from November to April, with December to March being considered the peak period for sightings.

Your voyage out to sea can last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours and while there is no guarantee of seeing these magnificent marine mammals, it is an adventure nevertheless. Not as elusive as the whale are the different varieties of dolphins that inhabit these waters. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are the most commonly seen varieties here. However the main draw are the whales be it blue, fin or sperm whales that have been spotted in the seas around Miriisa.

Make sure you bring along some suntan lotion, sun glasses and hats or caps because though it is relatively early morning, it can get quite hot. Also carry a pair of binoculars if you have one and it goes without saying to bring a camera or camcorder with you to capture that special moment when you see your first whale. Also have some sea sickness pills just in case; the constant rocking of the boat may test ‘landlubbers!’

 

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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