Author: auburn

Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi

The Yas Marina Circuit is located on Yas Marina Island, which is also home to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. The track, which is used for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was a design of the renowned racecourse architect, Herman Tilke. It is Middle East’s second Formula One race track after the one in Bahrain. With a total length of almost six kilometres, the racecourse has the capacity to seat about fifty thousand people. Construction on the course began in 2007 and took only about two years to complete, with the track opening in October 2009.

Since it was opened the track has hosted multiple international events including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the FIA Formula One, V8 Supercars and GT1 World. The track, which bears a resemblance to the F1 track in Monaco, has a distinct Arabian flavour. There are a total of twenty one turns and each one is unique, making for highly thrilling races. There are five grandstands from which audiences can view all the action. The grandstands are designed to enhance the viewing experience. The track is only about thirty minutes from Abu Dhabi City and tourists visiting the UAE capital should definitely try to visit this place even if there are no races scheduled.

Visitors to the Yas Marina Circuit should also try to stop by the Ferrari World Theme Park located nearby. The park is the largest indoor theme park on the planet and contains over twenty rides, including the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in operation. In addition to rides, the park also provides fascinating insights into the world of racing and is sure to resonate with racing enthusiasts from around the world.

Travellers planning a tour of the attractions in the Middle East should consider getting accommodation with hotel chains like the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. They contain a series of Middle East hotels including Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE hotels. Getting accommodation with a hotel chain ensures that one gets the same standard of service no matter where one visits and it minimises the hassles of booking multiple hotels.

 

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+

Uncover Indonesia’s Wild Side on a Bull Racing Tour of Bali

If Bull racing is one’s kind of sport then there’s no better venue than Bali to experience the best competition in one of the most engaging adventure sport varieties known to Asia. Centered around the hamlet known as Negara the Mekepung racing season kicks off from July to October each year as it has for centuries. With its origins steeped in a rice harvest celebration of the area’s Madures migrants the Negara bull races takes place on haphazardly laid out racetracks on the outskirts of Negara. A local festival of truly grand proportions the races attract the entire village to the tracks to cheer their favourites on while betting on a potential winner. Organized by the Negara region of government the buffaloes that compete in races are prime specimens of the best water buffaloes in the area. Divided into two teams, the clubs are segregated according to which side of the Ijo Gading River they occupy and are thus divided into the Western division and the Eastern division.

The main race also known as the Bupati’s Cup takes place at the town square of Negara on the last Sunday before Indonesia’s national Independence Day after vigorous trials are conducted during the dry season. The Governor’s Cup however takes place in October and is equally prestigious in scale and competitiveness in addition to the Regent’s Cup which is held on the beaches of Mekepung Dlod Berawahit. Commencing in the morning hours the race sees the horns of the competing buffaloes vibrantly painted while the necks are adorned with harnesses and ribbons. The creatures are paraded through the streets of Negara before the race begins while their adornments are also removed as vibrantly dressed jockeys mount the beasts they wish to ride to the finish line. The 2km long racecourse is navigated with great speed although the winners are not only determined by how soon they reach the finish line but also the creature’s overall strength and the jockey’s style.

Other areas of Bali renowned for conducting bull races include the island of Medura which is located on the north-eastern shores of Java.

Travellers on the lookout for elegant Bali resorts should look no further than the Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa. Offering guests a contemporary hideaway in a tropical paradise it is little wonder this stylish rest is considered among the best Uluwatu hotels in the island.

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+

Trekking In Oman

Tourists with a love for the outdoors will definitely enjoy trekking around Oman. The country contains many interesting trails and trekking is the best way to explore the country’s rugged landscapes which are otherwise inaccessible. The trekking period runs from November to May, with the best time being from October to April. The climate is a lot cooler during this time. However, those who want to explore trails at higher altitudes should be able to do so anytime of the year without too much trouble from the heat.

During most trails, one is likely to come across diverse landscapes so one need not worry about scenic monotony. With trekking becoming a popular tourist activity in Oman, the government has taken several steps to ensure that it is easier and safer to do. Recently, trekking routes were marked with signposts and graded according to difficulty. Not only can trekkers decide on a route based on how easy it is to complete, the signposts will be very useful in navigating these routes.

Grade 1 routes are easy, Grade 2 routes are for those in good shape, while the Grade 3 routes are for seasoned trekkers. To make the activity easier, one should wear comfortable clothing, shoes and a hat. Bring along some food and plenty of water. Camera buffs should not leave their cameras behind. Some of the most popular spots for trekking include the Grand Canyon, the Jabal Shams, Samhan Mountain, the Bandar Khayran Reserve, the Jabal Hareem Fossils, and the Snake Canyon.

Tourists who do not want to miss any of the action should try to stay at a hotel in Oman that provides a lot of facilities. The Desert Nights Camp offers a myriad of activities such as desert trekking, sand boarding, dune bashing, and even camel safaris. It is one of those Oman hotels that is completely surrounding by desert giving it a secluded feel.

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+

Guests will get to sleep in tents fashioned after those used by the Bedouins. Although the tents look pretty simple from the outside, they contain all the amenities one would expect of a top hotel and guests can live in style and comfort.

An intriguing landscape of of karst caves and murals

Drift through the limestone archways as they stand in their own rugged but protective stance, enclosing you in their giant arms and secluding you and cradling you in a mysterious nook. Glide across the waters that appear deceptively thick and green as they take on the shade of the clusters of trees above them while under the bright and shiny sun, they turn lustrous and crystal clear. The Krabi experience of Kayaking is a retreat into nature’s own seclusion with a historic backdrop of limestone caves and their engravings and murals to intrigue one with their complexity at an era so by gone.

Being on a Kayak is indeed not only the best way to explore the waters around the Ao Luk, Ao Thalane and Koh Hong island but it is also the most nature friendly option as these create little noise and pollution. Most hotels offer guided tours with the option to rent Kayaks together with tourist guides who have a lot to explain when it comes to the limestone caves and their murals. The scenery is simply spectacular and with dramatic Karst topography and the caves among which the famous Big Headed Ghost cave is the most decorative cave that contains paintings as old as 3000 years. A drift thorough the Anaconda cave can be a mysterious adventure as you glide in almost darkness listening to the ripples and the drips that maintain their own watery melody in the dark . There is so much flora as well as fauna to be explored and identified, from thickly grown kind of mangrove swamps to the kingfishers and hornbills to the bright coloured crabs on Hong Island. One can also go snorkeling or for a simple dip in the water at selected place where the water is cold and the currents can be quite deceptively strong or better still pay a visit to a fish and oyster farm.

The Krabi resorts are just as privileged by nature to possess some strong landscape as a backdrop that provide a strong attraction to the tourists. Anantara Si Kao Thailand is located on the pristine sands of the beach with the ravishing view of the Andaman sea in front while it is close to other attractions like national parks, country clubs and golf parks. Reachable by land or even boat, this Trang resort is made closer to the world by the Trang air port and also the Krabi international air port that is a mere 1.5 kilometres away.

Ancol Dreamland

As the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is an eclectic destination and has no lack of tourist attractions. Jakarta accommodation caters to various budgets and Somerset Berlian Jakarta is a reputed service apartment in Jakarta. For a complete holiday experience, some recreational fun is a must. Head over to Jakarta Bay, where Ancol Dreamland is located. Complete with an aquarium, water park, amusement park, a ropes course and even beaches, this vibrant family attraction is open 24 hours a day. Come revel in the recreational fun Ancol Dreamland has to offer. A family outing spent here is bound to be one full of thrill and excitement.

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+

Kobar Island

Kuwait awakens a new vision of the Middle East. It is a budding blossom that is unearthing treasures from a land that is still a secret for many. For decades, it has only been known as a mere nation in the Middle East where families relocate for better fortunes, so much like many of the other Middle Eastern nations. Like the well established stretch of the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar not far behind, Kuwait too is stretching its wings and gaining momentum to soar in the sky. The two primary catalysts aiding its journey skyward are its diverse man power and the many bounties from nature.

Among nature’s finest spectacles is the renowned Kobar Island, a rather small island located in close proximity to Fahalel. It can easily be accessed from this point or from Adudhal Harbour by chalet. The Kobar Island is the quiet getaway that gives the nation of Kuwait its pride in scenic locations. The island is nothing short of spectacular and is unspoiled in every way. The grainy crystal sands and the sparkling blue waters make the beaches on the island oh so tempting. Once you delve in, coming out requires some strong will power!

The water has fantastic visibility, and snorkeling in this location is your ticket to a spectacular marine life show in the Middle East. The Arabian heat is a fact well known, but Kobar Island’s cool surrounding waters gives one the perfect setting to cool down in. Away from the city, the island has a quiet charm and an unconventional feel; so don’t feel shy, bring out your wildest spirit and enjoy a carefree day out at Kobar Island.

There are several charter stores where you can rent a yacht or a speed boat. This is the best way to get to the island and enjoy the array of relaxing opportunities in store. After an adventurous day out at the island, a popular Kuwait Resort to come home to is the Al-Jahra Copthorne Hotel & Resort. Known for its impeccable standards, it is one of the finest Kuwait hotels and is an ideal location for leisure and business travellers to the region.

Setting up Camp in the Sand

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one the most developed and populated cities in the Middle East. Considered to be hub of political, economic and cultural life of the UAE, this bustling city has many unique attractions for its visitors. Abu Dhabi’s top attractions include religious and cultural landmarks, parks and gardens, and several leisure and desert attractions.

Abu Dhabi has created a wide range of tourist attractions on the dessert to bolster its tourism industry, and one such attraction is desert camping. While conventional camping is done in forests or places with some greenery, desert camping gives you a whole new camping experience. Up to 60% of the land of Abu Dhabi is desert land and therefore there are multiple places where one can have a desert camping experience.

Since the deserts begin to cool down towards the evening, desert camping begins towards the evening. You can cruise to your choice of location in an exciting 4×4 ride through the sand and over dunes to start your desert experience with a bit of a boost. The first highlight of camping in the desert is being able to watch the sunset. It often said that at sunset the magic of deserts come alive, which is true as the glorious undisturbed sight of the sun setting is indeed something magical. At night one can get a campfire set up and spend the hours of the night with a few cold drinks which watching the magnificent stars over the Arabian skies. Some of the best desert camping spots are the Liwa Desert; with its glorious of view of just miles of sand and sky, and the Shwaib Desert; known for its dramatic views of mountain ranges, dunes, and wadis. Therefore, for a unique camping experience, set up camp at an Abu Dhabi desert.

Conveniently located in a prime spot at the centre of Abu Dhabi is the Grand Millennium Al Wahda, a 5 star Abu Dhabi hotel. Belonging to the reputed Millennium group of hotels, this hotel offers tranquil accommodation in a range of luxury and plush rooms, suites and apartments which are designed to sooth and relax. The hotel also offers a range of dining, wellness, recreational ad business amenities, making it a highly recommendable hotel Abu Dhabi UAE.

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+

Emerald Pool in Krabi

Although Thailand may be well known for its numerous cultural and historical attractions, there are several lesser known attractions, more like well kept secrets that any traveller will be thrilled to explore and one such place is Emerald Pool in Krabi. Be sure to book a Trang resort close to regional attractions and Krabi resorts such as Anantara Si Kao Thailand are ideal in this regard. As an interesting Eco-tourism place, Emerald Pool in Krabi can be reached by taking a drive from Ao Nang in Krabi. With its beautiful green aquamarine waters, the pool and its surroundings are bound to be a treat for nature lovers and Bird Watchers.

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+

Hot Air Balloon Excursion in Emerald Isle Sri Lanka

Often regarded as one of the most breathtaking tours available in Sri Lanka hot air balloon rides are fast becoming popular among discerning travellers exploring the island nation. Offering visitors a bird’s eye view of one of Asia’s premier holiday destinations hot air balloon excursions allow travellers to uncover the natural beauty and culture of the island in a short period of time. Although hot air balloon operators are a novelty to the tourist Mecca their advent in to the tourism foray has been nothing short of revolutionary in terms of the wealth of tours and experiences on offer for the first time.

The Cultural Triangle hot air balloon experience is one of the most coveted tour packages offered by operators as the excursion explores the lower altitude heartland of the island’s proud historic sites. Littered with UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Sigiriya and the ancient Dambulla Temple the region is a landscape steeped in history, myth and legend. Visitors can expect to see the rock fortress and its surrounding areas surrounded by water buffaloes and meandering lakes. Monkeys jumping from tree tops and elephants making their way to a water hole are other common sights on this tour.

Ballooning Trips around the Uda Walawe National Park is another highlight that should not be missed by visitors as the verdant landscapes of this elephant infested wilderness is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Wildlife enthusiasts and naturalists alike will enjoy the panoramic views of the national park located on the eastern edge of the country while beach lovers must set off on a balloon tour of Galle and the southern coastal belt.

Although a typical balloon ride lasts a mere hour a tour incorporates a 3 to 4 hour process from picking up guests from their hotels and transportation to the launch site as well as other elements such as flight briefs, balloon inflation time, taking off , the tour, landing and transportation back to the hotel. Most tours also include a hearty breakfast with champagne as most rides take off in the wee hours of the morning, meaning two hours after sunrise. Afternoon balloon rides are also organized after sunset while curious visitors can also join in the processes of deflating and inflating the balloon to gauge firsthand experience in hot air ballooning with the aid of experts. Private and exclusive hot air ballooning experiences are also on offer for couples, wedding anniversaries and other occasions.

Hot air balloon season falls between November and May when the wind conditions are conducive to the activity while March and April boasts the finest weather conditions for ballooning. The Tourism Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka also organized the first ever Sri Lanka Balloon Festival in March, 2011. The annual event takes guests from Europe and Asia on week-long balloon rides around the island’s premier attractions.

Travellers in search of Sri Lanka tour packages this holiday season can choose Shanti Travel Sri Lanka for all their reservations. Organizing an array of exciting excursions to suit every budget this well-known name in the tourism industry provides the best holiday packages Sri Lanka has to offer.

 

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+

Excursions in Kuala Lumpur

A traveller to Kuala Lumpur will find numerous things to do and choosing a centrally located hotel in Bukit Bintang is essential to make the most of your holiday. A Kuala Lumpur hotel such as Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is an excellent choice in this regard. The city can be explored in many ways among which, taking an excursion is a must. You can choose among a day tour to Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, a historic tour of Malacca, a night tour including visits to the Central Market, KL Tower and more. Exciting boat rides and food tours are also available for those interested.

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+