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Exciting water sports in Bali

Famous as the ‘Island of the Gods’, the exotic landscapes of Bali continue to attract thousands of travellers to its pristine shores, dense mountainous interior and ancient hillside temples, each year. The seas around Bali in particular are a favourite for avid water sport enthusiasts, with the majority of sporting action taking place around the Benoa peninsula. Surfing still remains the main attraction, with most of the best breaks located near large resorts in Kuta, like the Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa, for example, one of the many 5 star resort in Bali.

Board riding comes in several forms aside from surfing; there’s paddle boarding and body boarding, to other challenging forms like windsurfing and kite surfing. Most of the resorts and several tour operators provide day packages for adventure seekers looking for a thrill. A more recent addition to the lineup is parasailing around the shore. Parasailing successfully combines the exhilaration of speed with gorgeous panoramic views over the crystal blue waters and shoreline; and unlike other water sports, training is not necessary so anyone can do it.

If you would rather be under the water than on top, deep below, off Bali’s shores, are some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in the world. As one of a string of islands that makes up the Indonesian archipelago, Bali’s waters are home to majestic coral reefs and abundant marine life. Underwater diving sites also include drop-off walls and shipwrecks.

A new addition to line up of water sports in Benoa is water Jetpack rides. These amazing kits are designed to use the force of water to thrust you up to 10 meters high. After a quick briefing from your instructor, the jetpack is strapped on to you, and you can start ‘flying’ around the coast for the allotted time. The devices can push you up in a fixed position, or allow you to move in any direction you want. Other thrilling activities include walking on the seabed and white water rafting along Bali’s main rivers.

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

Windsurfing in Pasikuda

The rush of adrenaline as you zip along the ocean surface, the feel of a mighty wind propelling you onwards at greater speeds and the promise of adventure driving you towards the horizon; windsurfing offers all this and more! When in Sri Lanka, Pasikuda on the island’s East Coast is a great place to try this action packed water sport.

If you are an avid windsurfer or are keen to try this water sport for the first time, ideally look to find a Sri Lanka resort in Pasikuda right by the beach, offering easy access to the sea. Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa part of Theme Resorts & Spas is one option in the region worth considering.

A combination of both sailing and surfing, windsurfing features the use of a board measuring around two to three metres in length and which has a large sail affixed to it. No motor is used to power it, just the pure force of the ocean’s wind. Depending on your skill level and experience, you can be skimming along the surface of the Indian Ocean in no time, enjoying the breathtaking vistas of the East Coast. One of the great things about Pasikuda is that it is sheltered by a bay providing a relatively calm ocean playground for you to explore on your windsurfing adventures.

Water sports enthusiasts have much more to enjoy here as well. Snorkelling and diving provide amazing perspectives of the fascinating world that lies beneath the waves. Those looking for more adrenaline pumping thrills can try jet skiing, while kayaking is a great activity if you want to explore the seas at your own pace and get a good cardio workout at the same time!

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

Experience the wild side of Maldives under the crystal clear waters

Maldives is the unanimous choice if you are looking for an ultimate underwater experience. Its group of 1192 coral islands, which form 26 coral atolls and 80 islands, and which are home to many tourist resorts, have made the Maldives one of the most popular tourist destinations for water-based activities.

That said, tourism is a major source of income in the Maldives. You can easily find 5 star and 4-star resorts in Maldives. You will find more tourists than locals in these resorts. You have nothing to worry about regarding transportation, as speedboats will carry you across to your resort after you have touched down at Malé International Airport. It is simply a matter of choosing a hotel or a resort and planning your ‘underwater’ schedule.

Diving is the best option if you are looking to have an adventure under water. Most hotels and resorts offer diving equipment. If you are not so familiar with diving, you can take a diving course, which is abundantly available on the island. Note that you will most probably be required to pass a medical examination before you are allowed to dive. Most hotels such as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offer this medical examination on a complimentary basis.

Once under the water, you will spot creatures such as napoleon wrasses and eagle rays in addition to manta rays and whale sharks. You are also likely to meet the hammerhead shark, though they are a rare sight. In plain words, diving under the crystal clear waters of the Maldives will introduce you to a wide range of fish life amid magnificent coral gardens.

As the Maldivian water is crystal clear, you can see clearly up to around a good 40 metres away. And the Maldives is recognised as an ideal location for underwater photography as well. If you are interested in underwater photography, then the Maldivian waters offer not only rich wildlife but also other interesting sights such as shipwrecks. Wreck diving teaches you about how the marine system can gradually digest the remains of manmade products. It is interesting and ironic to see that coral reefs have grown over the hulls of shipwrecks, which were once the glorious man-made products. These coral reefs are now the home of many marine creatures.

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

Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi

Riding a camel through the seemingly endless desert landscape while navigating its myriad of sand dunes as star tingles beckon your romantic side to savour each moment, can be a truly memorable experience. There are many desert oases that a keen traveller can traverse and one of the best is Liwa. Desert resort options in the area can be found at places such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offering special tour packages to guests.

Camels are called ‘ships of the desert’ not simply because they are capable of enduring the harsh clime of the desert for days with minimal care, but also for the way they sway back and forth and side to side as they take careful steps on the sandy ground, as if they are sailing the rough seas like colossal ships. If you are the adventurous sort, catch the sunset ride with a small group. Riding a camel takes a bit of practice but the trick is to hold on tight and concentrate on enjoying the experience. Traversing the desert as the sun bids goodbye for the day is guaranteed to usher in an unforgettable experience as it is one of the best ways to view the startlingly beautiful desert landscape, from a height that is not too high or not too low.

Riding atop a camel is a chance to witness the vast desert from the perspective of an ancient trader who crossed the desert to make a living. If you’re lucky you may spot a gazelle, a lone desert owl or even a cunning desert fox. Once the camel starts ascending a dune, it becomes important to hold on to the saddle tight but the view is worth the while. Most camel ride organizers will be ready to welcome you to the top of the dune after your ride offering refreshing drinks.

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

Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey

When it concerns the United Arab Emirates, the metropolitan madness of Dubai takes centre stage, and is immediately recognised as being the major city within this Arab nation. The capital city, Abu Dhabi has retained a lot of the traditional roots of the Middle-East. The capital city contains many attractions that will enable you to discover the UAE’s amazing past. One such attraction is the Pearl Diving Adventure that is sure to be mentioned by any of the 5 star hotels, Abu Dhabi has to offer such as Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara.

The United Arab Emirates has a rich history of Pearl Diving, especially in regions such as Ras Al Khaimah, which was interestingly the original site of Abu Dhabi, before the population migrated to where Abu Dhabi is now.

When embarking on the Pearl Diving adventure, the travellers board a traditional boat known as a Jalboot, which is a very sleek vessel that is known to be one of the swiftest of her kind due to her sleekness and a particularly sharp front end.

Along the way you will pass many mangrove forests, which is an incredibly rich ecosystem that plays refuge to a variety of wild-life such as herons, egrets and flamingos.

During the journey, you will gain an extensive knowledge of pearl diving, through expert lectures and a practical demonstration. You will also learn survival techniques that were used by crews to live at sea for months on end. Towards the end, a session on the art of opening oysters will be conducted, and travellers will be given a pearl to keep as a souvenir of their adventure.

The next time you’re in the United Arab Emirates, think about embarking on an adventure like no other.

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

National Museum at Maldives

The island nation of the Maldives is hailed the world over for her natural splendour. The collection of islands that form the Maldives have stunningly pristine beaches, lush tropical landscapes and a diverse range of wild-life, mostly beneath her waters. Her God-given exuberance and many a Maldives resort such as the Kurumba Maldives, however can take people’s attention away from the incredible historical heritage that the country has to offer. There is one place where you can obtain a comprehensive insight into Maldivian history, and that is the National Museum of the Maldives.
Maldives’ National Museum, the first and only one of its kind, opened her doors coincidentally on the Maldivian National Day of 1952. The Prime Minister at the time, Mohamed Amin Didi led the opening ceremony. The purpose of the museum was to inspire a sense of patriotism within the Maldivian people while simultaneously preserving and showcasing the history of the Nation.
Presently, the museum is located at Sultan Park on the island of Male, the site of the Royal Palace ever since the 17th century, and has a distinctly traditional atmosphere with the interior bearing a strong Sultanate influence.
The museum initially had a vast collection of artefacts showcasing the country’s pre-Islamic history but following a recent attack almost all of the delicate artefacts from the pre-Islamic era were destroyed.
Within the museum you will find a tremendous assortment of traditional relics such as ceremonial dresses, creative embroidery and various items of past Maldivian nobility. Some of the currently contained relics date as far back as the 13th century.
If you’d like to take some time off from basking in the serene splendour of the island, be sure to visit the iconic National Museum on the island of Male, you never know what surprises lie within her walls.

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+

See a different side of Bangkok city by biking

Bangkok is a place that has made its mark in the hearts of many travel enthusiasts as a busy and well-commercialized city. However, the city actually holds a lot more than just the skyscrapers and the flourishing businesses. The greenery of this versatile place is just there, a reach away, if only you knew how to access it. For this purpose, a bike ride across the quaint roads of Bangkok that lead into greenery bordered lanes would be ideal. For those who wish to take up a bike rental during their holiday, many Bangkok resorts such as the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort to name one, are likely to provide bicycle rental services.

Riding through the unseen side of Bangkok will take you through to the lush foliage filled rural areas that resemble ‘hutongs’, a type of narrow street or alley. Tiny roads with hairpin bends will keep you guessing what beautiful scenery awaits you around the next corner. You could either do the exploration of the countryside by yourself, or you could also employ the assistance of a guide who will be able to take you along some of the most hidden parts of Bangkok.

Santi Chai Prakan Park is home to one of the most peaceful and breathtaking riversides of the city. In order to get through to the park, you could cycle through Ratchadamneon Klang road and Khao San road. Once you reach the park you will get the distinctive feeling of having left the bustle of the city behind. When you exit the park and carry on into the suburbs of Bangkok, the change is dramatic and instant. Skyscrapers and traffic give way to little houses, shops and rivers with lanes bordered on both sides by huge trees, and beautiful temples whose architecture stands out among the colourful activity of the rural markets. Strike up a conversation with some of the locals and explore the countryside of this unexpectedly diverse city as you cycle your way through some of the most heartwarming sceneries you will ever come across.

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

Snorkeling in Pigeon Island

The Pigeon Island is pretty much the most well known and visited marine national park among those in Sri Lanka. The reason for this is the fact that the park is overflowing with some of the most enchanting coral reefs as well as aquatic life forms. The name of the island is derived from the fact that there are hundreds upon hundreds of rock pigeons that come here during their mating season. The island is positioned about a kilometer away from the very popular Nilaveli beach in Trincomalee. With over 200 types of fish and many different coral reefs it is no brain teaser that the island has recently begun to draw the attraction of snorkeling enthusiasts from all around the world. The snorkeling tours almost always come with a skilled guide who will ensure your safety as you marvel at the blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill or green turtles that can be spotted commonly in the island.

The tour also consists of a boat ride to Pigeon Island which will take you about 15 minutes usually. The snorkeling expedition will last for about two hours during which you can freely study the staggering aquatic life of the Indian Ocean off the shores of Sri Lanka. Swim alongside schools of beautiful fish and feast your eyes on the beautiful coral reefs that thrive in abundance here. The best time to take on this recreational activity is cited as between nine in the morning and two in the evening as this is the time when the visibility in water is the best. There are many Trincomalee hotels such as Trinco Blu by Cinnamon along with many others that offer this activity, or are located in close proximity to the shores. All of the activities that take place underwater are fully monitored and done under the supervision of PADI licensed instructors so as to ensure your safety while you enjoy the aquatic scenery.

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

Camel Rides in Oman

Of the many attractions that Middle Eastern countries such as Oman offer, the most memorable may be a camel ride. In Oman, sightseeing opportunities are aplenty with a relaxed ride through the desert exposing you to a myriad of dunes and ancient places of interest. Holiday options such as Desert Nights Camp Oman offer travellers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sights and sounds of the desert, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Your adventure in the desert may comprise of camel rides, dune racing and much more. Camel rides are a favourite as it suits everyone, from those who have a knack for adventure to those who would enjoy a relaxed ride taking in the sights around. The “ships of the desert” as they are oft known, camels are built to handle the extreme, harsh conditions of the deserts. Yet, when opting for a camel ride, ensure you go through the right agents so that you know the camels belong to those who take good care of them. Imagine how you would feel when you get to know the very camel you rode in subject to severe cruelty by their owners!

Camels were domesticated thousands of years ago by traders to transfer them across deserts. Besides as a mode of transportation, camels also provided milk, meat, wool and leather, thus becoming an integral part of Arabians’ lives. Today, many locals use camels as a source of income by facilitating camel rides for tourists. At times, there have been reported instances of some camels being ill-treated and subject to harsh living conditions. Camels that are used in tourism are usually well looked after. They are fixed with a sturdy saddle that can carry two people at once.

Some of the key factors to look for when booking a camel ride are whether the camel allocated for you can carry your weight comfortably, does the camel look healthy, have they been fed adequately, is the riding equipment (i.e. saddles, mouth bits, harnesses etc) in pristine condition and the nature of the trek.

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

Wilderness Safaris in South Africa

Kruger National Park | Image Courtesy : Namaste South Africa

From mountains to the open savannah, deserts to tropical forests, South Africa is a treat for those who live on the wild side. If you are looking for a travel agency in Sri Lanka to help you book your next trip to explore South Africa and all that it inhabits, one of the many tour options that providers like Aitken Spence Holidays will be able to assist you. Keep in mind there is no particular season to visit this exotic place as all throughout the year each season has its own highlights. However, if birdwatching is your biggest interest, December to April is the best season for you!

Situated on the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa forming merely 1% of the planet’s total land surface is home to 10% of the planet’s known fish, plant and bird species and 5% of the planet’s mammal and reptile species, making this Earth’s third most biologically diverse country. This is a result of the country’s varying geology, climate and landscapes.
Numerous game reserves and national parks can be found across the country, its eastern edges boasting savannahs with some of Africa’s greatest conservation and wildlife, such as Kruger National Park and the ISimangaliso Wetland Park. There are so many things for visitors to look forward to when in South Africa, such as viewing the wildlife, meeting the people of various ethnic backgrounds, scuba diving in Maputaland and in Cape Town itself one can climb the majestic Table Mountain and opt to pay a visit to the historic Robben Island. In fact, Cape Town is located amidst one of the six Plant Kingdoms on Earth, the Cape Floral Kingdom consisting of over 20,300 species of flowering plants with approximately 8,000 plant species grown only in “the Fair Cape”.
Once you’ve booked your holiday, be sure to pack a good pair of sunglasses, sunblock, good walking shoes, a cap or hat, some mosquito repellent and of course a good camera preferably with a waterproof/dustproof cover to capture the wonder that is South Africa!

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.Google+