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Highest Point of Hong Kong, Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak Tower, Image Credit: Expedia

Gazing at the beautiful cityscape from the vantage point that is Victoria Peak would be the ideal ending to a Hong Kong shopping & sightseeing tour. At an altitude of 1811 feet, Victoria Peak is the highest peak in Hong Kong and affords a spectacular view of the Victoria Harbour and the multitude of skyscrapers including the 72 storey high Bank of China Tower teeming with the pulsating energy that is the signature flavour of Hong Kong.

This energy is even more pronounced if you watch the city from the peak after sundown. A good way to enjoy the night time view would be to take the shuttle service to the city centre offered by Cosmopolitan Hotel Wan Chai Hong Kong (soon to be rebranded as Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong), indulge in retail therapy and fine dining during the day and catch the peak tram after sunset to capture the city’s beauty at night. The flickering light of hundreds of buildings and the inimitable night life aura of Hong Kong can capture the imagination and make poets out of even the most pragmatic individuals. The most enjoyable and scenic way to travel to the peak is to catch the peak tram which departs every 10 to 15 minutes. Rising approximately 1300 feet above sea level and sloping 4 to 27 degrees, the tram ride in itself is an amazing experience.

There is more to Victoria Peak other than the view; the mountainous landscape is packed with lush foliage and bird life while the peak garden presents a beautiful grassy scope. The peak tower is home to a myriad of shops and restaurants to indulge ones taste buds as well as the love for souvenirs of your Hong Kong visit. For a glimpse of history one can visit the site of the old governor’s summer lodge along the Mt Austin Road which was burned down by Japanese soldiers during WWII. The beautiful garden has been refurbished with sundials, gazebos and stone pillars.

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

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Camel Trekking in the Desert

The Rub’Al Khali desert remains relatively untouched and is adjudged one of the most peaceful deserts in the world. In the UAE it receives much attention by streams of tourists who enjoy the remarkable landscape and endless sand dunes. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is located in the ‘Empty Quarter’ of this gigantic desert. It is a Liwa Desert resort that will allow you to gaze upon a desert that is filled with mystery. You can also explore the desert on the backs of the dearly-loved camels.

Travel expert Samantha Brown and Chris Grundy — Travel experts Samantha Brown and Chris Grundy | Source

Camels hold a sense of secrecy and magic in their eyes. Well, you would say its gait deceives, and shows no sign of adventure and excitement. But it’s acknowledged that the desert is best explored on the ‘humpy-bumpy’ backs of camels. Nature reveals its beauties and history comes alive only when this sea of sand is explored in a ‘slow & steady’ manner.

Camel Trekking Qasr Al Sarab — Camel Trekking – Guests are enjoying the ride at Qasr Al Sarab Resort

Sunsets are twice as beautiful when experienced in the desert. Choose the ‘sunset trek’ and be mesmerized as the red sands take on a golden hue as the sun sets. Be armed with a camera and be sure to ‘click’ away. The trek will last around one hour and forty five minutes and this includes a short stop for refreshments. Be refreshed by the sights and sounds of the desert.

If you are in a hurry to rush around, you can also opt for a short camel trek that will last forty five minutes. Life on the desert is slow-motioned but exotic and mystical, and there is no better way to experience it all than on the back of a camel.

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

Fishing at Lake Awoonga; “sweetwater fishing”

The Awoonga Dam is built beautifully across the Boyne River which is positioned in the southwestern region of Gladstone. The rock-fill construction consists of a concrete slab while the edge of the dam was said to have been built from a rock that was dug up from a quarry. The bank of the dam is a massive expanse which is more than 650 meters long and over 54 meters tall. The volume of the embankment could be well over two million cubic meters of rock according to records. The construction of the dam and its original design permits room for further building.
The Gladstone water board and the port authority of the city have started a program for breeding the species of mullet and the mangrove jack for various stocking requirements. It is recorded that around 300,000 fish are let into the Lake Awoonga on an annual basis and that the fish are then bred at a hatchery of sorts. This hatchery is said to be the biggest breeding program in the area. The board maintains a “fishery monitoring program” that uses various surveys to keep track of the restocking progress in the lake. Most visitors travel to the dam and Lake Awoonga to catch a glimpse of the beautiful water body while admiring the fish that thrive there in abundance. There are many apartments at Oaks Grand Gladstone such as Oaks Grand Gladstone that cater to the lodging requirements of many visitors to the area.
It has been estimated that since the year of 1996 more than 2 million barramundi and 340,000 mullets have been let into the Lake Awoonga and that about 10 to 25 kilograms are fished from the lake at regular intervals. There are many species of fish in the lake such as the eastern rainbow fish, bony bream, sea mullet, mangrove jack, silver perch, Saratoga, sleepy cod and sooty grunter.

Lake Awoonga Guided Barra Fishing, Img. Src:[fishingcharterbase]

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

Top Water Sports in Thailand

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Camel Trekking in the Desert

The duration of your trek can vary depending on your travel buddies and favorite time of the day. If you have kids on board, you can choose the ‘family trek’. As long as your kids are above four years of age, you can choose this trek that will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Your kids are sure to be thrilled by this unique mode of transport.
Sunsets are twice as beautiful when experienced in the desert. Choose the ‘sunset trek’ and be mesmerized as the red sands take on a golden hue as the sun sets. Be armed with a camera and be sure to ‘click’ away. The trek will last around one hour and forty five minutes and this includes a short stop for refreshments. Be refreshed by the sights and sounds of the desert.

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

A Night-out in the Desert

An ocean of sand and an expansive sky stretch above and before you in Abu Dhabi’s Rub al Khali or ‘The Empty Quarter’. The proportions of this desert are simply astounding and provide innumerable opportunities to have fun. You wouldn’t be in a conundrum when choosing between a day or night safari in the desert. Night-time in the desert will activate your imagination and allow for relaxation and adventure. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is perfectly located and is a Liwa Desert resort that will give you multiple opportunities to traverse the desert. A night-out in this desert is beyond unforgettable.

Choose to explore the desert in a Hummer. It will be both a smooth and bumpy ride on the seemingly insurmountable sand dunes.

Evening approaches, and your constant companion, the gleaming disk of gold would quietly retire. Watching its quiet retreat is a treat to the eyes and soul. It’s a perfect sunset. As you prepare to gobble a hearty meal, you will be taken aback by the lithe bodies and glittering outfits of the belly dancers. Experiment with hookah shisha pipes while also listening to soothing music.

Later on in the evening, dinner is served. It is certainly a lavish spread with succulent meats grilled to perfection, salads and rice. Happily stuffed, you can now retire onto your humble mattress. From within your tent a sparkling sky is revealed. Identify the constellations, name the planets and drop off to a comfortable sleep while counting the stars.
Once again, the golden disk peeps through the sand dunes and you will witness a breathtaking sunrise. This is the beauty of a night-out in the desert of Abu Dhabi, where you can enjoy the beauties of dawn and dusk.

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

Sri Lankan Elephant Safaris

One of the activities that Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and several Sri Lanka resorts offer is elephant safaris. For all of you who love elephants, elephant safaris are sure to be a treat. A safari through the mysterious jungles and beautiful open spaces of Sri Lanka is exciting enough, and the experience only gets better when you are on a safari in search of the majestic elephant.

The Heritage of Elephant and Man in Sri Lanka

Since the ancient times, the elephant was closely linked to the day-to-day life of Sri Lanka. So much so that the elephant is a symbol of great value and is featured prominently in Sri Lankan art and literature. Thus, the elephant is a creature that inspires wonder and amazement in Sri Lankans, and the same is true of the many tourists that visit Sri Lanka with the intention of witnessing elephants.

Elephant Safaris

Elephant safaris are always exciting as it is not always easy to spot the large herds of elephants, which is rather strange given the size of the animal and its herd. But with the help of a guide you will be, more often than not, be able to witness the herds of wild elephants as they feed or gather near the watering hole to bathe, drink water, or just escape the heat. Witnessing these amazing herds is truly a wonderful experience as you will see the close bonds the elephants have with each other, and their fascinating mannerisms.

The Best Places for Elephant Safaris

Habarana is the undisputed location for elephant safari’s in Sri Lanka, as the unique terrain which is perfect for elephants makes it a great place for elephant safaris. Plus, with resorts such as Cinnamon Lodge Habarana in the area, accommodation is also not an issue. The Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks are also great for elephant safaris.

Mangrove Kayaking

A mention of the Middle East brings to mind images of rolling sand dunes and endless desert. The cities are built up with gleaming steel and glass but only a short distance away from Abu Dhabi’s city center is Sir Bani Yas Island. A stark contrast to what you would expect, the island is occupied by the tranquil Arabian Wildlife Park. It is also home to several historical sites, world class purpose-built stables and Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort.

Among the many Sir Bani Yas Island activities are spa retreats, nature watching safaris and adventure activities that are available on the island. It has been named a ‘World’s Leading Tourism Destination’. A favourite activity on the island is mangrove kayaking. You will be guided through the impressive mangroves of Abu Dhabi by an expert who will also teach you about the role these unique plants play in the coastal system. The low tides are better for spotting birds, crabs and fish that call the area home but the high tide allows deeper exploration of the mangroves.

Kayaking through the mangroves is not a dangerous activity, it is easy to learn and one that is available all year round in Abu Dhabi. The experienced guides are on hand to help and instruct; they are also trained in emergency response and equipped with first aid kits. You will be provided with a sturdily build kayak of a reputed brand and a life jacket. Guests can expect to get wet, therefore clothes suitable for watersports are recommended along with sensible footwear. In sunny weather it is best to bring a hat and plenty of waterproof sunscreen. A towel and change of clothes may come in handy after your excursion. There are several great photo opportunities to be had on the water for those who have access to water resistant equipment.

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

How to plan a visit to Lunuganga

Lunuganga is an estate owned by late Geoffrey Bawa. He was a world-famous architect who made an illustrious career in Sri Lanka. Lunuganga estate is what inspired him to come up with most breakthrough architectural designs. If there is any Sri Lankan building that has an allure for you that should probably have been designed by Bawa. Lunuganga estate today stands as an exotic garden with its house grandly overlooking the Bentota River. This garden without doubt would remind you of a countryside estate in England. This is a must visit if you have an eye for inimitable architectural designs.

What to see in Lunuganga
In fact Lunuganga has countless things to see and experience. Apart from that architecturally marvellous house built by Bawa and the lakeside garden, Lunuganga has a lot more on its 15 acres. As you walk on, you will take comfort on the properly maintained lawns. Its awesome spread of frangipani flowers adds much flavour to the estate ambience.
Just like Geoffrey Bawa retired into this idyllic paradise after his illustrious career of designing Sri Lankan Parliament and other significant buildings, you can also retire into this paradise. Just take some time to be still and take ample time to explore what the Lunuganga offers you.
The estate has a plantation house that can accommodate about nine guests in one go. This is an ideal place if you are travelling with family. But you need to make an advance booking, before you reach the place.
As you walk along the suites, you will be greeted by an assortment of art and antiques. The gallery room is especially interesting.
Plus, there are boat trips available. The boat trip comes with the bonus of bird-watching tours. You can choose to watch birds or simply chill out. Or simply relish that moment with your favourite book.

Handling the weather
Lunuganga is located in Bentota. It means that you are travelling to a wet tropical zone. The zone is usually warm throughout the year. The temperature will be slightly higher around November. So it is good to have some cotton clothing ready for the journey. Since the weather is humid and hot, have a few bottles of water ready. As for water, it is always wise to buy bottled water before you reach Bentota. If you travel between June and July, that is the south west monsoon period. You will experience an even more dry and sunny atmosphere.

Accommodation
Before reaching Lunuganga, you can book one of the hotels in Wadduwa. There are enough of them providing you ample facilities. Finding a hotel in Wadduwa or in the vicinity won’t be a hard task, as there are plenty of them. Taprobana Wadduwa, for one, would offer you a comfortable stay before you begin the journey to Bentota. When you settle down in Wadduwa, you are within close proximity to Lunuganga, Bentota.

Travel
There are several transport options: bus, rented car, taxi and threewheeler. It takes some time to reach Bentota if you travel straight from the airport. If you have already settled in a Hotel in Wadduwa, you can get them to arrange hotel transport. It will be a little pricey project depending on its complimentary benefits. A little less expensive as well as more convenient option could be to hire a taxi to reach Lunuganga. If you are a little familiar with the local environment, you can opt for public transport. Reach Bentota, then you need to take a trishaw to get to the estate. That is a less expensive option, but you need to be familiar with the local setting. If you are not familiar enough, then that’s a risky game.

The Victoria and Albert Museum

Steeped in history, The Victoria and Albert Museum was first founded in 1852. This imposing landmark in London is situated on thirteen acres of land. The halls and passages that constitute the museum have a gamut of history to offer its visitors. It is impossible to take in such a lot of history in one visit. You might have to visit the museum more than twice to absorb every little bit of art and history. Multiple visits to the museum would not be cumbersome when temporarily residing at The Halkin by COMO, London. You can gain the complete London-experience when staying at this London boutique hotel.

The curators of the museum have a great vision! This is made apparent in the sections into which the museum is divided. Let’s take a sneak peek into this grand, unforgettable museum.

Displaying an astounding amount of arts and crafts from Britain’s rich history are The British Galleries. Be drawn into art from Tudor and Stuart Britain, Georgian Britain and Victorian Britain. Undoubtedly, the styles differ and reflect the politics and concerns of the times.

Changing trends and flashy jewellery are displayed in the sections dedicated to Fashion and Textiles and The Jewellery Gallery. Power and Royalty glare in the faces of visitors, while more artistic clothing and jewellery are also on display. The sections function as a runway in Britain’s fashion history.

The Ceramics and Glass Collection is also expansive. It showcases 80,000 objects from every continent. It is an implication of Britain’s imperial prowess and the manner in which influences from around the world continue to impact the ex-Colonial power.

Inspired by Britain’s good old days as an Imperial power, is the section dedicated to Asia, India and Islam. This collection is incredibly impressive and is one of the largest collections of its kind.

There is much more to discover at The Victoria and Albert Museum. It’s best to unravel the other secrets on multiple visits!

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