A bit of Desert Life

Oman hotels of the Aitken Spence Group spread out in strategic locations offer a choice of city, historic sites and desert experiences to its guests. These Oman hotels are considered some of the top hotels in Oman as they offer a selection of contemporary accommodation, services and facilities to suit business and leisure clients.

Eighty two percent of Oman’s land area is covered by large swathes of desert. Bedouins still live in some parts of the desert farming camels and goats and many visitors to the country look forward to experiencing the traditional lifestyles and hospitality of these people whose ancestry goes back hundreds of years. Wahiba Sands is where About 3,000 Bedouin families are found living on the edge of the desert.

Camel Safaris are the closest experience that visitors to Oman can have of actual desert living. These safaris can be tailor made to suit individual and group requirements without detracting from experiencing authentic Bedouin culture and the desert itself. As a safari can take two or three days packing light is an important condition. Mastering sitting atop a camel without falling off and making it move forward is the next hurdle. Advice for comfortable travel atop a camel includes wearing long pants, as the swaying motion of the camel is likely to make clothing ride up. Socks need to be worn to stop itchiness from coming into contact with the camel’s coat. Wearing sunscreen is a must as travelers will be totally exposed to the sun. Due to the swaying motion of the camel’s gait, rides longer than 25 minutes are liable to give body aches therefore suitable analgesics need to be packed. Getting a leg across the camel to achieve a sitting position may need some practice. It is important to sit and hold the reins confidently to show the camel who is the boss. Get on and off a camel when it is in a sitting position. Two people can sit atop a camel. Camel Safaris usually comprise of a convoy of several camels.

At the Bedouin campsite the accommodation is basic, a selection of tents and wooden huts scattered on the sand. All accommodation is decorated with Bedouin carpets, a Bedouin chest and the usual bedroom furniture. There is generally no air conditioning as electricity is available only for a limited time. A camel ride can be taken to the top of dunes nearby to see the sunset which is always spectacular. After dark guest retire to a Majlis tent to drink coffee or tea, eat dates and have dinner which is a .traditional Omani meal eaten at low tables sitting on cushions spread out on carpets. After dinner going out to look at the star filled sky is an incredible experience. The best times for camel safaris has been identified as between November and March as it can be unbearably hot at other times.

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. Google+

Thrilling & Invigorating Jungle Safari in Koh Samui

The attractive Thai island of Koh Samui has acquired a well-earned reputation as a recognized tourist destination. Many tourists from all around the world arrive at this tropical island to experience and enjoy its natural assets and laidback ambience. Travellers who intend to visit the locality will be pleased by choosing a hotel in Samui that will provide convenient accommodations, particularly a Lawana Koh Samui Resort & Spa which will meet your expectations.

To truly appreciate the natural splendour of this enchanting island however, you should undoubtedly undertake an invigorating jungle safari. Participants will have the opportunity to experience many kinds of interesting sights on this kind of leisure tour. As you might expect, this kind of tour will take you trekking in the lush local jungles, but visitors will have the opportunity to explore this pristine environment from the lofty vantage point of the back of an elephant. This is certainly a spectacular way to take in the sights of the forest, and you will see the verdant expanses and jungle creatures from an amazing elevated position. You will also have the chance to trek through the jungle on foot, and may also observe beautiful features of nature such as waterfalls and natural pools.

However the safari may include much more than a sedate trek through the local forest. In addition to this experience many safaris will include many other local highlights on their programme. You will be able to witness unusual aspects of the local culture, such as elephant shows. In these shows trained elephants, including appealing baby elephants show off their performances to the admiration of the audience. Another interesting sight is the spectacle of trained monkeys picking coconuts, which is not readily seen in other regions of the world.

Visitors will also be able to view the sights of the Thai countryside including a number of fascinating temples. One of these features a monk which has been mummified, who remains in the position in which he breathed his last.

No visit to Thailand would be complete without sampling the delectable local cuisine, and many safari providers offer a delicious Thai meal as part of the package.

 

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.

Google+

Swim In Bimah Sinkhole

Regarded as one of the world’s most stunning naturally formed sinkholes the Bimah Sinkhole is an Omani national treasure in its own right. Occupying pride of place within Hawiyat Najm Park (which literally translates to Meteor Fall Park in the native language) the Bimah Sinkhole is a picture perfect tourist attraction one is likely to find on a postcard rather than the heart of a desert. Easily accessible to travellers driving from Qurayat to the city of Sur the locale is situated just off the main highway, with Tiwi a few kilometres away. Tourists vacationing in the country’s capital Muscat need only drive 1.5 hours to reach the famed natural wonder situated near the Al Sharqiyah region.

Travellers on the lookout for a luxury resort in Oman to base themselves at will be more than pleased with the resplendent accommodation at Alila Jabal Akdhar. Ideally situated in a strategic location this elegant rest provides contemporary amenities for both business travellers as well as holidaymakers. Once settled in, make sure to plan a trip to Bimah Sinkhole.

Formed due to the natural erosion of a limestone cavern the sink hole was created when the rocks dissolved due to extended contact with water to reveal the crevice that is known as a “sinkhole”. Locals however prefer the legend of a meteorite falling on the rock’s surface to create the curious geographical anomaly. Connected with the ocean through a submerged tunnel the turquoise and emerald hued waters within the sinkhole is in fact sea water although the venue resembles a fresh water lake in appearance. A mere 550m from the ocean the turquoise pool inside the Bimah Sinkhole is nearly 20m deep and 40m wide. A miniscule fish species is also believed to occupy the pool and harmlessly nibble the toes of swimmers when in contact.

Accessible through a series of concrete steps that lead visitors from the top of the highway to the base of the crevice known as the Bimah Sinkhole the venue is a popular stopover point for shutterbugs hoping to capture the staggering beauty of the locale. Surrounded by limestone cliff faces, taking a dip in the sinkhole is a magical experience for travellers as the sheer majesty of the towering cavern and its crystal clear waters is breathtaking to say the least.

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. Google+

Jungle Bungy Jump in Phuket

Imagine plunging down the sky of Phuket; plunging into a pool of water while being caressed by the lush scenery on your way down; imagine the thrill, imagine the sheer rush. All your imaginations can become one giant reality as you plunge down into nothingness in the amazing exciting and thrilling activity of Bungee Jumping. For those of you crave this adrenaline, this sheer maddening thrill then Bungee Jumping will make you feel like you are on the top of the world. In fact you literally plunge from the top of the world and the drop is remarkable. Hundreds of visitors from around the globe visit Phuket for Bungee Jumping because in Phuket you get the scenic appeal and the fantastic tropical climate, all this combined makes Bungee jumping in the jungles of Phuket an unmatched experience.

For some of you the idea of Bungee Jumping might be completely new for it is not a common activity that is offered in every city in the world. As the name has it Bungee Jumping is a jump or a fall. You are strapped to a chair on a crane and risen 50 meters from the ground. At this point you will be given a moment to absorb the breathtaking bird’s eye view of beautiful Phuket adorned with dense forests and sparkling beaches. Once you have taken all this bliss in just jump. As you fall, enjoy the sheer kick of adrenaline shroud you and scream away to glory. As gravity pulls you down with remarkable force you are sure to experience the adventure of a lifetime. The feeling is certainly unmatched and absolutely euphoric. You need guts to try out Bungee Jumping and you need to love your adrenaline. Even the slightest fear or faint heartedness cannot be tolerated in this sport. If you prefer ascending rather than descending try the Superman. Just as thrilling, here you are strapped on the ground and shot 60 meters into the air. Talk about Exciting!

After overdosing on the adrenaline, wind down in Anantara Phuket Villas. This Phuket Resorts are the finest Phuket Beach Resort there is.

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.

Google+

Xishuangbanna Nationality Culture Park

Tipped to be one of the must-visit highlights on a tour of southern Yunnan, the Xishuangbanna Nationality Culture Park is a cultural icon of sorts on the shores of Liusha River. Ideally located within 1km of Jinghong City, this sprawling enclave occupies a whopping 165 acres of the area’s most pristine landscapes. Frequented by tourists and locals alike, the park serves as a miniaturized representation of Xishuangbanna with its natural environment, folk customs and culture replicated in the heart of southern Yunnan.

Divided according to direction, the southern corner of the Xishuangbanna Nationality Culture Park houses three designated tourist hubs. This includes a tropical fruit enclosure, a plant and vegetation zone as well as a swimming and sunbathing area. Rare plant species such as varieties of amomum, arecas and palms are found within the plant enclosure which houses 10 species of endangered plants. The tropical fruit garden in the park on the other hand houses a 99 acre orchard and a 9 acre coffee plantation within its confines. Fruit trees the likes of jackfruit, mango, coconut, grapefruit, carambola and lichee are found in the venue which also allows visitors to pick the fruits in season. A wildlife compound with elephants and various bird species is also found on the northern fringes of the orchard.

The northern section of the culture park however is dedicated to the ethnic minorities of Xishuangbanna as well as their traditional residences and customs. Exploring the cultural identity of the Lahu, Hani, Bland, Dai, Yao and Jinuo communities, visitors can witness local festivals such as dragon boat races, water dousing festivals as well as wedding rituals of the Dai populace in this area of the park. Bamboo firework displays and bamboo raft races are also conducted at the locale which also showcases traditional dance performances by Yunnan’s ethnic minorities. The four dance auditoriums at the park stage outdoor performances such as the Jinuo Tom Tom Dance, the Dai Peacock Dance and the Lahu Trichord Dance which involves 4 to 400 performers on specific days of the week.

Travellers on the lookout for a luxurious hotel in Yunnan should look no further than the stylish Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa. Providing guests with the crème de la crème in contemporary amenities this is one hotel Yunnan counts among its finest spa resorts.

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.

Google+

Asian Dragon Bay Sanya

The Asian Dragon Bay, which is also known as Yalong Bay is one of the most picturesque locations in Hainan Province, China, that many visit from all over the world. The stretch of pristine golden beach covers an area of 18.6 square kilometres which is about 7.2 square miles, with a total length spanning 7.5-kilometers, which makes this stretch of supreme loveliness three times longer than the mesmerizing and famed beaches found in Hawaii.

The waters of the ocean here are crystal clear, allowing one to gaze into depths of more than 10 metres below the surface. The vibrant marine life, rich with the many colourful shoals of fish and the wonderful formations of coral can be thus seen quite easily by anyone regardless of whether or not they wish to snorkel and dive.

The Asian Dragon Bay is complete with all the facets of blue waters of the sea, white gold pristine sands, the emerald sheen of the rich vegetation of the surrounding area as well as the freshest air, that make up the perfect holiday experience to anyone finding solace in her embrace. Given this sublime beauty and priceless perfection, the Asian Dragon Bay was authorized by the State Council in the year 1992.

The Totem Pole of 27 metres that stands boldly at the centre of the bay is yet another interesting attraction that heightens the significance of this place of beauty yet some more and has intricate engravings of the god of the sun, gods of winds, rain and thunder along with the legendary animals of the dragon, kylin, phoenix and fish. The Butterfly Valley that can be found on the northern end of the Asian Dragon Bay also adds to the allure of this place with its five halls representing the butterfly species of China and the world.

A Sanya hotel such as Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa makes an ideal base from which to set off to sites such as the Asian Dragon Bay. The resort experience at such hotels will only add to the pleasure of your holiday with the riches of luxury and comforts that are to be found in abundance here.

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.

Google+

Campuhan Ridge Walk

If you love heading off the beaten track and want to do some exploring when in Bali, then taking a hike along the Campuhan Ridge Walk is well worth your time. This scenic trek can be enjoyed near the town of Ubud and those in search of a Bali spa resort in the region can consider COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. This Bali luxury spa resort offers the very best in modern comforts and features a range of wellness treatments that offer rest and relaxation after a day of hiking.

Begin your adventure at Ubud from where you can set off on a tour of the area before heading to the Campuhan Ridge Walk. One can take the road near the Ubud Clinic that leads to the river, which you will have to cross before making your way up to the Campuan Ridge. Set amidst lush greenery, this path offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes with vistas of the Campuan River Gorge on one side and Tukad Wos River on the other. Your hike will bring you to a village and a place known as Karsa Kafe where you can enjoy a relaxed meal and drink. Continue on your journey which will lead you back to Ubud, making for a truly memorable day out.

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. Google+

Snorkelling at Biorock Pemuteran Bay

Bali is indeed one of the most wonderful destinations on earth. With lush green paddy fields, blue ocean waters and friendly people, it is a great place to spend a holiday. One of the most popular activities here is snorkelling.

Biorock Pemuteran Bay is one of the most popular areas in the region to go snorkelling. It was a community driven reef restoration programme which commenced at the turn of the century in the year 2000 and over the past decade or so it has been a phenomenal success that has changed the lives of the people in the region as well as providing a one of a kind experience to those who come to this place. Pemuteran Bay is known to have some of the largest shallow reef areas in Bali. With less or almost nonexistent waves, the water is crystal clear and easy to see through making it an ideal setting to not only go snorkelling but diving as well.

Amongst the best snorkelling areas are Temple Garden, Temple Wall or Pura Tembok, Canyon Wreck, Kuburan Kapal and Chris’ Garden also known as Kebun Chris. Other sites where one can explore the world that lies beneath the waves include Pemuteran House Reef also known as Bio Rock, Close Encounters, Napoleon Reef, Deep Reef, Pulaki Reef and Gondol Reef amongst others. In these diverse sites one can be sure to spot snapper, batfish, frogfish, humphead parrotfish, lobster, shrimp, crab, pipefish, angelfish, crocodile fish, trevally, blue spotted rays, squid, sweet lips and fusiliers. There are also many nudibranches octopuses, reef scorpions, leaf scorpions and much more to be spotted in this diverse setting.

Occasionally it is also possible to spot a shark or two and also big rays. It has been reported that tiger sharks have been spotted in some areas during the rainy seasons. However, it is also safe and is and provides an unmatched variety of sea life for those who are interested to see the world under water.

For travellers looking for a Bali spa resort where to enjoy a time of personal pampering and rejuvenation, COMO Shambhala Estate Bali makes an ideal choice. This Bali luxury spa resort provides a range of wellness treatments that one can enjoy after a long day of snorkelling at Biorock Pemuteran Bay.

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. Google+

Sri Lanka Wildlife

A quintessential part of a Sri Lanka travel adventure is to explore the island’s National Parks and tropical rainforests where one can find some truly exotic wildlife. An easy way to head to such sites is by taking the Sri Lanka tours offered by Jetwing Travels which features special packages that brings one closer to the island’s wildlife.

The local National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are ideal spots when it comes to seeing the fascinating fauna that call Sri Lanka home. The Yala National Park is well known for being a premier location in which to spot the Sri Lankan Leopard along with a whole host of other animals including deer varieties and sloth bears. The iconic Sri Lankan Elephant can also be seen here as well as such sites as Uda Walawe and the Minneriya National Park where one can see the famous ‘Gathering’ of elephants. The country is also home to a wide range of primates, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles and birds, while the waters surrounding the island play host to dolphins and whales too, making Sri Lanka a true biodiversity hotspot.

 

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.

Google+

Remarkable Ski Field

Set amidst snow capped mountain vistas and fresh air, the Remarkable Ski Field near Queenstown offers a fun filled day out for the entire family. Those in search of Queenstown hotel accommodation within easy reach of the site can stay at Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront. Situated around 28 kms from the Remarkables Ski Field, this Queenstown resort makes an ideal base for travellers on a skiing holiday in New Zealand.

Set at an altitude of 1,943 metres, the Remarkable Mountain Range offers an ideal place for skiing. The 220 hectares of skiable area here provides plenty of thrills for beginners, families and even those looking for some serious challenges on the slopes. Shadow Basin, Shadow Bowl and Alta Chair are among the sites where one can have a fun day out on the snow, while lift and chair access is available as well. There is a Skiwiland Early Learning Centre here where kids can learn more about this fun activity as well as the Ozone Snow Tubing Park which offers plenty of laidback excitement in the snow.

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. Google+