Author: Caliope Sage

Sailing in Oman

Sailing has been a favourite pastime of the Omanis for centuries, a valued and treasured heritage that has been their pride and joy. Try an Oman Muscat hotel to get the most of this Omani experience. The most recommended would be a Muscat hotel such as the Millennium Resort Mussanah of which the reputation precedes it. As a means of rekindling the proud maritime heritage of the Omanis, their Ministry of Tourism has introduce Oman Sail, an initiative that aims to encourage the current Omani generations to indulge in this national pastime. Historically a seafaring nation, it is easy to see why the wide open ocean has so many allures for Oman. It is hard not to launch oneself across the waters picturesque coastline facing the Gulf of Oman and the glistening Arabian Sea as it lies beckoning the lovers of the sea to its bosom. Sailing is also a favourite pastime of visitors who visit Oman as it is easy to see that they too tap in well into the irresistible call of the sea.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Guangzhou Ocean World

Providing a valuable space for marine research and education, the Guangzhou Ocean World provides hours of education and fun for all those who visit it. Look for a Guangzhou serviced apartment which would render getting about the town easier and a recommended place of accommodation would be Ascott IFC Guangzhou offering luxurious serviced apartments Guangzhou is quite proud of. Covering 13,000 square meters, the Guangzhou Ocean World is a cheerful mishmash of stories of evolution of marine life coupled together with colourful displays of shoals of fish and other fascinating aquatic life forms. Occupying the latest technology, the Guangzhou Ocean World exhibits more than 200 species of fish and many other rare ocean creatures not to be witnessed anywhere else. It is truly a delight to witness these creatures playing amongst vibrant corals while one can also witness carnivorous marine creatures such as shark hunting for their next meal amongst the reefs.

Batticaloa Lighthouse

Also known as the Land of the singing fish, Batticaloa is a small town that harbours many wonders within it. The Batticaloa Lighthouse located near the estuary in Palameenmadu is one such gem that is a must-visit when in the region. Look for a Sri lanka Beach Resorts to lodge in during the stay and Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa is a recommended Sri Lanka resort located within the area ideal for a comfortable stay. Standing 28 metres high, this structure built in 1913 by the British makes a beautiful sight against the brilliant blue skies. Once on top, the visitors are treated to beautiful panoramic views of the scenic Batticoaloa district consisting of lush green hedges, whitest of sands and the bluest of oceans. Fondly referred to as the Muttuwaran lighthouse by the locals, a name that translates into “where the lagoon meets the sea”, it is located exactly where the lagoon meets the Indian ocean. Consisting of five windows and one observatory deck, the Batticaloa Lighthouse makes for a place not to be missed if one happens to be passing the region.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Fishing in Negombo

This charming coastal town located at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon is the ultimate place to go fishing in Sri Lanka. There are many Negombo Sri Lanka hotels in which the visitors can lodge in while in this town known to be a traditional fishing village which still preserves its charm. A recommended hotel in Negombo offering budget accommodation would be Hotel J which allows its guests the opportunity to discover the region at their own pace. Fishermen trying to make a living out of the bounty of the lagoon are a common sight dotted across the town during the first hours of the day. It’s a fascinating sight to watch these fishermen bring in their catch of the day to be auctioned off at the fish market, while the pulling of the ma-dela is also a common sight to be witnessed in the morning, a truly a cultural delight to be experienced in all its rawness. However, you can do your own fishing here as well as professional game fishing and deep sea fishing tours are offered in the wide open seas known for its profusion of game fish for the enthusiastic angler. Fishes commonly found a bit further off the coast would be jackfish, barracuda, Indian mackerel, barracuda, Spanish mackerel, seer and tuna while grouper, snapper and emperor can be found close to the coast.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Boat Ride in Dutch Canal

Once upon a time used as a transportation route for spices and other essential goods by the Dutch, the Dutch canals of Negombo still hold their age old charm and serves as an ideal means of exploring the city. Look for a comfortable hotel in Negombo such as Hotel J which is known to be the ideal budget option among Negombo Sri Lanka hotels located in the area. Running for more than 60 miles, one can still see the remnants of the glorious Dutch era on either sides of the canal in the forms of old Dutch houses, warehouses as well as administrative buildings. A boat ride down the Dutch canal also gives the travellers a different view of this fascinating coastal town, a perspective not seen by any other means. Constructed by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the canal starts from Hendala and runs up to Pamunugama and now provides as a fisherman’s means to get to the sea.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

The Fairy Stream

Aptly named as the Fairy Stream, visiting this whimsically flowing waterway making its way through the white and red sand dunes of Mui Ne is indeed a magical experience. One may need to seek accommodation in a comfortable resort in Mui Ne to fully capture the enchantment of this experience and  Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa is perhaps the ideal choice of a Vietnam hotel that would make this trip all the more special. It is quite pleasant to walk down the stream ankle deep in the delightfully tepid water, the soles of your feet gladly embracing the softest of the sands in the bottom of the stream. Surrounded by a lush verdure with the sunlight streaming through the foliage, it’s quite easy to see why it is called the Fairy Stream. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the stream will open up to blue skies and the colour of the stream would change from reddish hues to orange, depending on the colour of the sandy banks lining the stream. As you go on, remember to take some snaps of the curiously patterned limestone banks that you encounter along the way which seem to have a mind of their own.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Catamaran Sailing

A refreshing sport combined with the beautiful vistas of the Maldivian seas and the immense adrenaline rush it delivers, Catamaran sailing is a highly enjoyable sport indeed. However, one must choose a Maldives island resort which would offer reliable catamaran gear such as Kuramathi Island known to offer comfortable Maldives villas for discerning guest visiting this part of the world. Catamaran sailing is quite easy and even though considered as a sport, it is a calming activity that can be practiced in complete tranquillity. Imagine a soothing sail along the turquoise rippling waters under clear blue skies or during a syrupy sunset. Various sea birds, dolphins and marine life will be keeping you company. Whoever thought that a simple boat with a twin hull propelled by wind or steam could provide so much entertainment!

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

H2O Sportz Phuket

Phuket, located in the Andaman Sea, is an island which is a popular tourist destination frequented by honeymooners and other travellers alike. Known as Thailand’s largest island, it’s no wonder really as it’s the perfect get-away for a trip abroad. Phuket is an island that has no land boundaries and is approximately the size of Singapore! Interestingly the name Phuket was derived from ‘bukit’ which translates to ‘hill’ as the island mostly has a mountainous range and looks like a hill from a distance.

Phuket, surrounded by the sea has a range of diving activities on offer. Check out the H2O Sportz Phuket which specializes in giving a diving experience like no other. Their service covers a range of diving sites around the island, so you are sure not to get bored. Sites range from the Anemone Reef, Shark Point, Ko Dok Mai which is famous for a lime stone cliff island, Ko Racha and so much more. They are a ‘PADI 5 star Gold Palm Resort Dive Centre’ which guarantees that it is a safe place to dive at, with professional equipment. Do not miss the customized boat charters which will customize the destination to your exclusive preference, where you can schedule how you want to spend the rest of your day, whether it be diving, fishing, snorkelling or even sight-seeing. If you have the time, why not give the professional courses a go? Maybe you will end up being a better diver or you will learn to if you did not know how! Courses range from PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program, Scuba Diver program, Open Water Certification Program, Adventure Diver and Rescue Diver course. Apart from this they also offer day outings such as Diving boat tour, to the Phi Phi islands and so much more.

Phuket offers many resorts and hotels to stay at, therefore if you are looking for a Phuket resort that caters to your needs don’t look any further than the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket. This resort is ideally placed in the Jungceylon shopping area, which is known as Phuket’s shopping capital. While staying here you are never too far away from the wonderful beaches that the island has to offer. Relax, unwind and have a splendid vacation with all facilities right at your feet at this wonderful Patong resorts. Enjoy everything that Phuket has to offer you, and have a splendid vacation right here!

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Desert Safaris in Abu Dhabi

A visit to Abu Dhabi is not complete without an adventurous safari in the desert, considered to be the very soul of the country. A hotel in Abu Dhabi is quite easy to find especially since Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi offers quality accommodation Abu Dhabi is quite proud of. A desert safari would essentially consist of an action packed cruise through the immense desert which also may include some serious dune bashing to set your adrenaline levels high. Watch the golden hues of the silky desert sands stretch on to eternity right in front of your eyes bearing the marks of the strong and stubborn winds. It is easy to fall in love with the desert. Be engulfed in the aura of mystery that these barren lands offer. The mystic sands call out to you and it is quite hard to ignore these summons and you may find yourself going back to the desert over and over again.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Camel Safari in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi the second largest city and the capital of the UAE, is a land of many facets. Abu Dhabi’s rich history in the pearl business and its current oil trade made it the richest city in the world as of 2007. It is also home to the fastest F1 race track in the world and they host the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix every year, starting November/December. Abu Dhabi, a modern cosmopolitan, is the perfect place for visitors to enjoy, experience and assimilate the true Arabic culture.

Among the many attractions that the city has to offer, is also camel safaris. Rich in desert land, a camel safari is a must-do if you are in the city. Camels, in Abu Dhabi are considered to be the old ‘Rolls Royce’ which were used either for trading or for the transportation of goods. These ‘ships of the desert’ have the ability to endure harsh conditions and as thus for their value, they are strongly considered to be a part of the Arabic tradition. It is really no wonder then, that these majestic creatures would be such an attraction, and definitely one not to be missed out on. A camel safari is truly a unique way of exploring sites of interest. Sit back and relax as your sailing ship manoeuvres the sand dunes, allowing you to take in the beauty and enjoy your surroundings. Arrange to stay the night out in the Bedouin Camps and enjoy dinner by the camp fire. What’s more is that camel safaris are customizable to your own schedule, thereby not interfering with your other activities, and making it a journey to remember.

While on your journey to the land of the dunes for your camel safari check out the many comforts Abu Dhabi hotels have to offer. Experience unparalleled comfort and satisfaction while staying at these luxury hotels. Abu Dhabi has a host of wonderful accommodation options and among them is the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, located in the Liwa Desert. The resort offers a luxury oasis for its travellers with a notable feature being the exquisite plunge pool that is located outside your own luxury villa. Enjoy your stay and enjoy your very own camel safari as you dwell into the land of magic and mystery.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+