Catalina Forbes | The Adventure Travel Site

A Visit to Yala National Park

Being one of the biggest national parks in Sri Lanka, a visit to Yala National Park is a must if you are ever on vacation on this charming island. Here are some of the highlights.

Yala National Park

Spanning a total area of 900 sq km, Yala National Park is easily one of the most enormous national parks in Sri Lanka. This exotic sanctuary was once a popular hunting ground for the British but now claims to have the highest leopard density in Asia whilst sheltering a host of other fauna the likes of sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and exotic bird species.

What to see and do

The Yala National Park tops as a hotspot for spotting leopards. Hop on board a 4 x 4 safari ride with binoculars in your hand during dawn or dusk to catch these inimitable animals in action. Whilst catching a glimpse of leopards has become a coveted attraction among travellers, there is a host of other wildlife to be seen amidst these exotic savannahs. During a ride along this wildlife sanctuary, you can easily spot some sloth bears, ample endemic birds emerging out of mangroves and elephants roaming across the land.

Hotspots for Accommodation

From small boutique hotels and eco-friendly villas to opulent hotels and retreats by the jungle, you are spoilt for accommodation choices when holidaying in Yala. Amongst the top-notch accommodation spots in the area, a Yala hotel the likes of Cinnamon Wild Yala is indeed a wise pick for the hotel is kin to camping in the wild except with luxurious amenities brought to your arms.

Best time to go on safari

The dry season from February to June is the idyllic time to go on a safari in this exotic wildlife paradise. With water levels decreasing, there is ample opportunity to witness wild animals emerging out of their habitats in search of water. The park also boasts a serene year-round temperature of 29°C and only experiences heavy showers during the months from September to December.

Top Experiences and Adventures in Indonesia You Should Definitely Try

Those with a passion for adventurous activities and thrilling excursions will find Indonesia meets their holiday needs. Let’s explore some of the most exciting experiences available in the country.

Mangrove Forest Tour

Ranked among the most rewarding things to do in Indonesia, exploring the mangrove forests occupying breathtaking Bintan is a must for those who wish to walk on the wild side with mangrove snakes staring back from branches above. There’s no better way to uncover the beauty of nature than embarking on this mangrove tour. Visitors based at The Residence Bintan and similar rests will find that it is one of the top things to do in Bintan.

Snorkelling in Kanawa

Tipped to be one of the top snorkelling destinations in Indonesia, Kanawa offers tourists a glimpse of the coral gardens and the marine life occupying the Indonesian sea bed. Often compared to the exquisite underwater landscapes of Koh Phi Phi, Kanawa is a less crowded locale to engage in your favourite activity.

Ayung River Rafting

Those who head down to Ubud for a beach holiday can also sign up for a river rafting excursion of a lifetime. Taking rafters through the dense jungles of this tropical paradise, the rapids of Ayung River offer experienced and newbie rafters a fantastic challenge.

ATV Ride

ATV rides are not only accessible on the beaches of Indonesia and its pastoral villages but also in the country’s lush jungles. Travellers hankering for an off-road adventure will find that there’s nothing more engaging than driving down the rocky surfaces of Indonesia’s untamed wildernesses.

What Draws Tourists to Khao Lak? – Your Checklist Essentials for the Perfect Holiday

Khao Lak, Thailand is widely known as an escape from the bustling streets of Phuket to palm-fringed beaches and vast landscapes covered in mighty greenery. Khao Lak is not only a beauty on the outside but one that holds enchantment and secrets in the very fabric of the villages and forests that behold the identity of the land.

The National Park

A 15-minute ride is all it takes to reach the Lam Ru National Park from resorts like Avani+ Khao Lak Resort and therefore is located within close proximity to most Khao Lak, Thailand resorts. Occupying an area of 150 square kilometres, the area was declared a national park in the year 1991. It is home to some of Thailand’s exquisite natural resources, birds, mammals and reptiles.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands surfaced into the notice of the common man following its declaration as a national park in the year 1982 as an archipelago of 11 islands in the Andaman Sea. The word Similan means nine, referring to the number of islands that were originally a part of the archipelago before two other remote islands were added in 1998. Similan Islands shelters some of the most vibrant marine life in Southeast Asia and is home to less than 120 bird species.

Turtle Sanctuary Visits

The Turtle Heaven of Khao Lak, also known as the Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre, is a turtle sanctuary that was founded in the year 1985. The sanctuary is a safe space for four endangered turtle species, the Ridley Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Leatherback Turtle and the Green Turtle, and is open to people of all ages to visit and learn about marine life, including turtles.

James Bond Island

The James Bond Island has its own ring to it, primarily due to the name that was made famous following a shot made for The Man with a Golden Gun, the ninth James Bond instalment starring Roger Moore. Since then, the island has become a crowd favourite as tourists flock to catch a glimpse of the infamous island that made it to a James Bond movie. The James Bond Island’s distinctive feature lies in the limestone cliffs that shoot out of the water in a vertical form.

Quy Nhon: The Seaside Gem You Should Know About – Explore in style!

Quy Nhon is truly a gem. With a lot of under-rated beaches and temples, this coastal city maintains a low-key atmosphere that is charming enough to attract travellers from across the globe.

The geographical location

It’s a laid-back city located in south-central Vietnam. If you have heard of the popular cities Hoi An and Nha Trang, Quy Nhon is located in the middle of these two cities.

Heading to Quy Nhon

You can take a bus to get here, but a better Quy Nhon travel method will always be trying out options such as The Vietage by Anantara. Enjoy luxurious seating, dining options, and even refreshments in their bar as you cruise through the Mekong River and make your journey a lot more memorable.

Quy Nhon beaches

You’ll notice instantly that the beaches here are not majorly developed. But, all beaches including Nhon Hai, Bai Xep, Ky Co, and Quy Nhon city beach are equally awesome with their unique, authentic features.

Other experiences

In addition to exploring the beaches, you may also explore the various Champa Towers while here. These were built by the Hindu rulers between the 13-17th Century BC, and all these historical remains possess a cultural value that tells a magical story of their own.

Offbeat Attractions in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka – Places to visit on your Sri Lankan tour

The amazing coastal town in Sri Lanka, Kalutara is one of the most visited destinations in the country. While the city is known for its popular tourist attractions, there are a few hidden gems that tourists need to visit.

South Bolagoda Lake

The largest freshwater lake in the country, Bolagoda Lake offers plenty of things to do. Kayaking and canoeing are two of the popular things to do. The lake also brings you a sense of peace and serenity. You can get to the lake from any Kalutara resort in about an hour.

Fa Hien Caves

Located a little more than an hour from Avani Kalutara Resort, Fa Hien Caves are another hidden gem of Kalutara. Evidence of an early human settlement going back 37,000 years was found here by archaeologists. The cave has four sections, spacious enough to fit 3,000 people. This is a popular picnic site, so the place is quite crowded on weekends and poya days.

Beruwala Lighthouse

Also called Barberyn Lighthouse, Beruwala Lighthouse is located on an island. Erected in 1889, the lighthouse is a sturdy structure that withstood many a disaster. You can get here by ferry, and the trip will cost you about Rs. 3,000. You cannot go inside the lighthouse, but you can explore its spectacular surroundings.

vivali, Островной маяк Бентоты – panoramio, CC BY 3.0

Nachchimale

This isn’t so much a tourist attraction but a meditation centre. While this is an excellent place to witness the natural beauty of Sri Lanka, you shouldn’t come here if you yourself don’t want to meditate. The monks residing here are quite serious about meditating, so they don’t like the disturbance caused by tourists.

Ao Nang Beach Guide Krabi – Top Beach Hubs to explore on Ao Nang

Tipped to be one of Krabi’s top beach capitals, Ao Nang town is where some of the province’s most captivating beaches are located. Here’s a rundown of the best beaches in the area.

Ao Nang Beach

As the main beach in Ao Nang town in its namesake beach is not only home to famed Ao Nang beach hotels the likes of the Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort but some of the best water sports hubs in the area. The 1km long stretch is picture-perfect at sunset and ideal for swimmers. Lined with hotels, bars and restaurants, the area is also the most developed resort hotspot in the town of Ao Nang.

Pai Plong Beach

Located to the east of Ao Nang Beach, Pai Plong Beach which is also called Centara Beach is another easy-to-reach beach Mecca for those who wish to hop on a longtail boat ferry from Ao Nang Beach. Offering access to the Monkey Trail, the area is another peaceful beach area with captivating views all around. The dramatic limestone cliffs surrounding the beach also make for great photo-ops.

Seligne, Pla Plong Beach AoNang, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tonsai Beach

As a small bay that has been considered a backpacker’s paradise for decades, Tonsai Beach is a rocky beach area that’s a little piece of paradise for those who are looking for a secluded seaside hamlet.

Railay Beach

Also known as Rai Leh, Railay Beach is just next to Tonsai Beach and is no less impressive, especially in terms of visually stunning seaside landscapes. Swimming and quiet strolls on the beach are some of the best things to do, particularly at Railay West.

The Sand Dunes of Mui Ne – An Arabic Level Experience in Vietnam

Sand dunes and deserts are words that go hand in hand with regions like the Middle East or Australia; but, have you heard of the sand dunes in Vietnam? While you were most certainly not the only one caught off guard at the discovery of this fact, Vietnam is known for the astonishing sand dunes in Mui Ne.

The Origins

Searching for things to do in Mui Ne during a vacation? Why not dive into the origin story of the sand dunes? These natural barriers are carried away by the power of the winds of the ocean. High winds carry fine sediment inwards to land and then gentle winds transport them and deposit them on the beach until the wind carries them away to form dunes that became steeper and larger over time.

Red Sand Dunes

The Red Sand Dunes are located only 16 minutes away from resorts such as Anantara Mui Ne Resort, making it an easy access point for guests who long to get a glimpse of this wonder of nature. While there are two sand dunes, namely red and white, the red ones are the smaller of the two. These red/brown coloured dunes will be located beside the main coastal road that reaches our of Mui Ne and is the ideal spot to watch the sunset.

White Sand Dunes

In contrary to the Red Sand Dunes, the White Sand Dunes cover a vast area and are ideal for exploration during sunrise. Hike and bike on the dunes if you wish, as the adventurer in you unleashes for some fun in the sand; a feeling of Arabian Nights consuming your soul. Hire your own dune buggy or simply soar up in a hot air balloon.

How to Reach the Dunes

Most hotels and resorts will be able to arrange visits to the Sand Dunes of Mui Ne at an affordable price, or simply set off on your own in a bus or a jeep. You will be in for a treat if you sign up for the sunset tour with a stopover at the fairy springs, allowing you to roam barefoot at the ankle-deep stream before reaching the Red Sand Dunes.

Thailand’s Aquatic Adventures – Your Doorway to Splashing Excursions

Thailand’s availability of a wide array of water sports is the ideal way to get that adrenaline rush running through your veins. Conquer your fears and embark on a vacation that counts. In Thailand, aquatic adventures are the way to reach island bliss, and here are some of the most popular water sports that you can attempt there.

A Fun Ride on a Banana Boat

A fun ride on a banana boat is a must during your luxury travel experiences. Banana boat rides are usually a family affair and can be experienced while holidaying at Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas in Thailand. This thrilling, wave-splashing adventure guarantees fun and frolic for you and your family as you ride on a long air-filled banana-shaped boat.

Scuba Diving for Deep-Sea Exploration

Famed as a diver’s haven, Thailand offers scuba diving for deep-sea exploration. Delve into the vibrant underwater kingdom as you explore the many species of marine life like fish and leopard sharks swimming freely, as the coral reefs that spread throughout the coastal line protect the grand blue ocean. If diving is at the top of your checklist for a Thai vacation, do make sure to schedule a holiday between the months of December and April.

Parasailing in the Sky

While you may be familiar with the term paragliding, parasailing introduces you to the heart-stopping aquatic version of this. Instead of free-flying on dry land, parasailing offers a spine-tingling, water splashing experience as you plunge into the ocean and lift into the air, alternatively. November to April winds is known to create the ideal atmosphere for this type of sport.

Speed Up while Jet Skiing

Jet Skiing is one of the most sought-after aquatic sports, due to its rising popularity, and all it takes is a little knowledge of riding a bike; yes, jet skiing does not require any expertise in swimming. While September to April creates the ideal space for jet skiing, this aquatic sport is a favourite of solo travellers that seek adventure in the waters.

Horseback Riding for Novices – A Guide to Get You Saddled Up

Horseback riding has been in our societies for longer than we can imagine. What does it take to saddle up and go hopping about on a fine sunny day? Be it the English style or Western style, riding a horse is an art that takes time to master, but a worthy investment as you may discover your lifelong partner in crime, in a horse.

Image via Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort

Set Up Safety Measures

Saddle up! Choosing a well-reputed and reliable stable that offers utmost safety to new riders is essential. Your checklist should include a certified instructor and a clean and legitimate establishment of good repair conditions. If you browse through the activities in Abu Dhabi for tourists, The Stables, which shelters over 30 horses is located within the premises of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, designed for tailormade safe horse-riding facilities.

Dress to Ride

While you must dress the part when setting off on your maiden horseback ride, it is important to keep in mind that each element of the attire serves a purpose. Do ensure that your stable provides a helmet for safety. Dress up in long pants so that your legs will be protected from chafing against the saddle. A simple shoe tip: close-toed shoes with a heel will work wonders to keep your foot from slipping out of the stirrups.

Timing

If you are a novice at horse riding, be sure to arrive at the stable well in advance to get to know your riding companion. This riding companion is none other than the horse that you will be assigned to. As horses are believed to have small brains, riders are advised to stand in front of the horse, towards the left side, during their first encounter.

Hop-On!

If you are a first-timer, the assistance of a mounting block will be required to climb onto the horse. Move with the horse as it walks, while relaxing in the saddle. The best way to begin is to get the horse walking, and not trotting or galloping. However, keep in mind that the horse is your friend, and therefore, be gentle with the reigns as you pull them to steer and stop it.

Bentota, A Heaven for Water Sport Enthusiasts

Bentota is one of the most mesmerising beaches in Sri Lanka for various reasons: As a holiday paradise for travellers, Bentota offers a spectacular beach with amazing palm trees and crystal-clear water for an array of water sports activities like wakeboarding, jet-skiing, snorkelling, surfing, banana boating, and many more. Apart from being the ideal location for a peaceful getaway, this coastal town is home to sacred Buddhist temples, a turtle hatchery, beautiful landscapes, and many more.

Jet Skiing

This is one of the most popular water-based activities in Bentota. Many visitors who travel to Bentota usually hire a jet ski and glide through waves. Jet Skiing is an exciting activity you can experience at properties like Cinnamon Bentota Beach, one of the luxury 5-star hotels in Bentota.

Windsurfing

Bentota is the perfect paradise for windsurfers to have a fantastic time with the ideal atmosphere to cruise through crystal clear waters next to a pristine sandy beach. You can either hire or bring your equipment such as the board, sail, and rig, and even take advantage of the windsurfing classes Bentota offers!

Banana Boating

This is ideal for families and friends who want to share a thrilling adventure in Bentota. As a super fun and easy activity, Banana Boating guarantees an exhilarating time as you sit astride the inflatable Banana-shaped boat that gets pulled along the water by a speed boat. Get ready to bounce along crashing waves!

Wakeboarding

If you are an adrenaline junkie, wakeboarding in Bentota is perfect for you. Prepare to ride a wakeboard towed behind a motorboat at the speed of 30-40 km/h and witness the marvellous Bentota sea while gliding above the water.