Visit Goa Gajah ‘Elephant Cave’ in Ubud

For those enthused by the serenity of nature, the ‘Elephant Cave’ in Ubud will prove to be well worth the time and energy. Do visit this place and witness the marvel in this fascinating site.

Goa Gajah Elephant Cave | Image Credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:DerGenaue_Allrounder">DerGenaue Allrounder</a>, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Goa_Gajah_Front.JPG">Goa Gajah Front</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode" rel="license">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>
Goa Gajah Elephant Cave | Image Credit: DerGenaue Allrounder, Goa Gajah Front, CC BY-SA 3.0

‘Elephant Cave’?

Built as an ethereal place for meditation, the history of the ‘Elephant Cave’ dates back to the 11th Century. Locally known as Goa Gajah, the site has got its name due to its location in close proximity to the Elephant River. The mysterious cave, bathing pools set amidst lush paddy fields and ancient relics lure tourists from all around the world to immerse in the balmy atmosphere of this historical site.

What to see

As you reach the place, you’ll get an eerie feeling seeing the menacing entrance of a demonic mouth. According to Balinese mythology, it represents the child-eating witch Rangda. The cave itself is quite small, yet you’ll come across three stone idols wrapped individually in black, red and yellow cloth. Those with a keen eye will be able to spot many indentations where monks sat to meditate.

Location

The cave is located just minutes away from Central Ubud. Before commencing your journey in this part of the world, do take note of available accommodation options. Consider staying at one of the top hotels in Ubud close to the attraction, such as Alila Villas Uluwatu, from where visiting the Elephant Cave is not that difficult.

Surroundings

Besides its archaeological importance, the eye-catching view of the surroundings is sure to capture your mind! Lush gardens, rice paddies, stone steps and cascading waterfalls await to immerse you in tranquil seclusion.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Adventurous Hanifaru Bay in Maldives

Hanifaru is an island in Maldives that is home turquoise blue waters and a bay with pristine white sand beaches. The reef teems with marine life and it is one of the few popular dive destinations where you get to see the magnificent Manta rays.

The Bay

Measuring not more than a football field, The Hanifaru Island is located in the Baa Atoll in the archipelago of Maldives. The island is home to a pristine white sand beach and a bay of turquoise blue waters that teems with marine life which makes it a popular dive and snorkelling destination.

The Manta Ray

MantaRay | Image Credit - Agsftw, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikimedia Commons
MantaRay | Image Credit – Agsftw, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikimedia Commons

The Hanifaru Bay is a breeding ground for the enigmatic Manta rays; a magnificent creature that gracefully swims across the oceans. Manta rays are a type of rays which belong to Manta genus and are known for its gigantic size measuring over 7 meters in width and weighing over a whopping 1350 kilograms.

What can you do in the bay?

Being a popular dive site in Maldives one of the exciting things you could do here is feeding the rays and other feeble sea creatures in the bay. This is one of the most sought over activities that tourists love doing. If you are lucky you can even see mantas do barrel rolls which is a spectacle to watch and will certainly be an experience worth your while

Best time to visit the bay

The right time to visit the bay is between May to November as this is the time period when there will be a concentrated plankton population in the bay which invites in these beautiful creatures for a feeding frenzy.

Places to Stay and diving Excursions

As the island of Hanifaru and the area surrounding the island is a protected reserve there aren’t any accommodation options in the island but you can find many resorts in the islands located close proximity to the Hanifaru islands the likes of Dhigali Maldives, you can book a diving excursion form almost any resort in Maldives but it is recommended that you plan your stay at a hotel near Hanifaru Bay in order to reduce the time and money spent on travel and for your convenience.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

Google+

 

Renting a car is cheaper than buying one

The choice between renting and buying a car is often a tough decision. On one hand, buying a car requires higher costs but you own something in the end. Read on and know why it’s cheaper to rent a car.

Image by wilkernet  via Pixabay

Value falling with time
When it comes to renting a car, it often has a lower monthly payment than the cost of buying a car with the same loan terms. This is primarily due to the fact that the biggest cost of owning a car will be depreciation. With the passage of time, the value of your car along with its financial cost will fall down.

Risk of repair bills
Once you rent a car for an agreed period of time which is known as ‘personal leasing’, you can drive a car for a fixed monthly cost. If you’re in Sri Lanka and have thought of spending some time in the country, you’ll come across plenty of car rental services. Many like Casons Rent a Car Sri Lanka are flexible, offering a variety of vehicles to choose from, even for a self-drive tour. Such services also offer some great travel advice. Sri Lanka adventures are thus not only made more cost-effective but are rewarding too.

A new car with the latest features
This is regarded as a good side of renting a car. If you are craving for the upgraded model of your favourite car, leasing might be a better choice since you can keep that car for a certain period and switch to a new one.

Less commitment
Renting a car will make great sense if you need a car for a defined period of time. It can help you bridge the time period until you buy the next car.

 

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Adventures you will cherish

Maldives has secured its status as one of the world’s foremost holiday destinations among many a tourist. On your visit to this island paradise, you’ll find the below adventures to keep you occupied!

Snorkelling | Image Credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Angelique800326">Angelique800326</a>, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Snorkel-xel-ha.jpg">Snorkel-xel-ha</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode" rel="license">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>
Snorkelling | Image Credit: Angelique800326, Snorkel-xel-ha, CC BY-SA 3.0

Paddle away via kayak

When it comes to one of the best ways to explore Maldives, kayaking is recommended. It enables you to discover the wonders of nature at your own whim. If you ride a canoe or a kayak with a transparent bottom, you’ll be able to spot the fascinating marine life below. The best time to enjoy this thrilling watersport is from April to October.

Snorkelling

The clear and spotless waters of the surrounding islands in Maldives makes it a delightful setting to go on snorkelling. There are plenty of breathtaking sea creatures that will certainly arouse the interest of snorkellers. As you enjoy these interesting activities in Maldives, a choice of accommodation that you could consider would be Adaaran Prestige Vadoo which is one of the Maldives 5 star hotels ideal for some snorkelling adventures.

Catamaran Safari

This is one of the enjoyable water sports adventures that you can experience while holidaying in Maldives. During the safari, you will witness the spectacular blue waters around the ocean, adorable dolphins and the clear infinity sky above. When it comes to the best water sports in Maldives, catamaran sailing is enjoyed by many tourists due to its journey filled with excitement.

Jet Ski

Gather unforgettable memories while spinning around the blue turquoise waters by a water scooter. This activity allows the tourists to view Maldives from a different perspective.

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

Malaysian F1 Grand Prix

The Malaysian F1 Grand Prix is one of the most awaited racing events which is set to take place from the 29th of September to 01 of October 2018. Read on to plan out your travels schedule for the race weekend!

File:2010 Malaysian GP opening lap.jpg
Morio2010 Malaysian GP opening lapCC BY-SA 3.0

Hail a Taxi

Hail yourself a taxi to get to and from, the circuit picks up zone located just outside of the main entrance. Do make sure to look out for official F1 stickers on the taxis as these are the vehicles authorised to make the pickups and drops off by the gate.

Board a Train

If your planning on coming in from KL for the circuit, the fastest way to arrive is to board the KLIA Express to KL International Airport. After which one can possibly get a taxi or the shuttle services to reach the track. A special ticket will be issued just for the race so do make sure to purchase it upon arriving at the train station, which can be easily accessed from hotels such as AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort.

Utilise the Coach or Bus Services

A shuttle bus service will be operated from 2 different pick-up points in KL, every 30 minutes starting from 8.00 a.m. As many tourists will be coming in to watch the race as it will be one of the most popular things to do in Sepang during this time.

Parking

Planning on driving to the circuit? Then take the North-South highway from KL, however, do make sure to book a parking space in advance to guarantee yourself a spot.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Nizwa

Known for its forts, majestic mountains, and ancient ruins, Nizwa offers travellers something intangibly different to take in. Read on to find out about the 4 must-visit destinations while here.

Image by Andries Oudshoorn via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Jebel Akhdar
Considered to be the main attraction in Nizwa, the Jebel Akhdar Mountain offers some truly spectacular views from the top. Booking a full day tour is recommended as it will enable you to visit quaint villages in the Hajar Mountains and take in picturesque mountain valleys lush with fruit groves.

Nizwa Fort
One of the main landmarks in the ancient city, visitors can take in the many courtyards, secret passages, and towers that are found in this 17th-century fort. The views from the top of the ramparts too will prove particularly wonderful!

Nizwa Grand Mall
After exploring and enjoying adventurous activities, a spot of shopping would definitely round things off. The Nizwa Grand Mall houses a variety of retail outlets along with a plethora of entertainment options. All within easy reach of surrounding Nizwa hotels including the likes of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Oman Trekking
If you happen to be the adventurous type, choosing a trekking tour in Nizwa would be ideal. Many activities such as rock climbing, canyoning and swimming can be enjoyed under the careful guidance of professionals. However, booking your tour in advance is well recommended.

 

 

 

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+

Exciting experiences in Bangkok

We all know that Bangkok is one of the ultimate tourist destinations! Why? Of course, it’s an amazing city with all kinds of attractions and that includes the weird ones too! Here are some queer places to visit in this city that will ensure that you leave taking back fun memories of the awesome time you had;

Image by 12019 via Pixabay

A glimpse at death
Siriraj Medical Museum, otherwise known as the Museum of Death is undoubtedly one of the most interesting places to visit in the city of Bangkok! It is not a typical tourist destination; however, there certainly is a gruesomely welcoming vibe about it. There are illustrations of dissected bodies with detailed explanations. What’s more, in the Forensics area is a mummified body of the first serial killer who terrified Thailand!

Furry hang out spots
If you are the traveller who is a pet lover, then you are in luck! In this city, you will find places like Caturday Cat Café and True Love Café that give you the pleasure of having a meal and a cuppa with friendly cats and dogs just waiting for a dose of petting from you! You could even bring along a pet, there are special treats for you and your furry friends too after all!

An airplane graveyard
Once soaring cross the skies with hundreds of passengers on board is now a collection of measly shells that lie in the airplane graveyard in Bangkok. The graffiti-stained rotting planes are now a shelter for 3 families. It certainly is adventurous to examine these remains of old airliners.

Blind dining
Experience what it is like to dine while your sight is taken away. This café was initiated to help others experience how the visually impaired people have their meals. You can be sure to have a flavourful experience even without sight as the rest of your senses will be heightened at this point. If you are on a cruise in Bangkok, perhaps with agents like Manohra Cruises, do stop by at Dine in the Dark.

Khlong Toei
Khlong Toei is a part of Bangkok that is filled with slums and has not adapted much compared to the metropolitan façade that the city puts up. Fresh groceries and meats can be found here for cheap prices too!

 

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+