Fritzjames Stephen | The Adventure Travel Site

A Memorable Time at Colombo Dutch Hospital

In case you are wondering, this “hospital” has nothing to do with medical care, but rather retail therapy and foodie fulfilment. Intrigued? Read on to find out more!

A Bit of History
This hospital dates back to Dutch colonial rule in the 17th century; it was mainly established to take care of sick or ailing seafarers of the Dutch East India Company upon arrival at the nearby Colombo Port. In more modern times, it was a police headquarters though was later disused before its transformation in 2011.

Getting There
This site can be found near the popular Galle Face public park by the coast and is within a 15-minute drive from hotels such as Cinnamon Red Colombo. It is located along Hospital Street across from the World Trade Centre building; if you are looking for where to stay in Colombo, find a place close by!

Shopping Fun
Though not huge, theDutch Hospitaloffers some great shopping in Colombo. Stores such as Barefoot and Luv SL by Odel offer ethnic souvenirs from clothing to ornaments, while for traditional handicrafts there’s Shilpa National Crafts. Check out Colombo Jewellery Store for some bling orSpa Ceylon for a revitalising massage!

Dine and Drink
After all that shopping, you can enjoy the wonderful dining options here. There’s a charming open-air courtyard where you can have meals and listen to live music too. Popular dining venues include the Ministry of Crab, Colombo Fort Café and Heladiv Tea Club; also well-known is Tap House by RnR a happening pub to chill out with friends.

A Guide to Wildlife in Sri Lanka

If you are looking for a “wild” holiday which is more about wildlife encounters than nightlife fun, then Sri Lanka is an ideal destination! Here’s a glimpse into the many species you may come across.

Mammals
Sri Lanka has over 100 mammal species including the endemic leopard and elephant. Leopards can be spotted at the Yala National Park, while elephants can be seen at Minneriya National Park near Habarana; hotel options in the area such as Cinnamon Lodge Habarana offer excursions to see “The Gathering” of hundreds of elephants around July. The sloth bear, sambar deer, toque macaque and European otter are some of the other local mammals.

Birds
Over 500 species of birds have been recorded in Sri Lanka which encompasses endemic (like the Sri Lankanjunglefowl and Sri Lanka spurfowl) and migratory (like the Pacific golden plover and greater flamingo) species.The Sinharaja Forest Reserve andBundala National Park are two bird watching hotspots.

Reptiles
There are plenty of reptile species in the island which include a great many snakes such as the sand boa, green vine snake andIndian cobra. Also grouped amongst reptiles are the mugger and saltwater crocodiles as well as five sea turtle species like olive ridley, hawksbill and green turtles.

Marine Species
Out at sea, Sri Lanka is blessed with more diversity and one will find over 900 marine fish species; these include reef fish as well as larger varieties like marlin and sailfish. The country also offers one a chance to spot marine mammals from blue and sperm whales to spinner and bottlenose dolphins.\

Fishing in Yala with the local fisherman

In Yala, Sri Lanka, you can enjoy an interesting fishing experience with the local fishermen. It can be new to a foreigner because this is not the fishing technique that they are used to.

Fishing like a local
Foreigners get exposed to lake fishing in Yala. This means freshwater fishing! Their friends for the day become the local fishermen, and they are also the teachers for the day.

Why it’s so awesome?
Fishing nets and baits are all familiar terms even among the foreigners. But what makes the difference is the technique used to catch the fish. Local fishermen know some traditional ways, which are sometimes so strange.

Other experiences
With the local friends, foreigners can visit the birds’ island located within close vicinity, and then enjoy a fresh king coconut drink together. If they like, they can also enjoy a home-cooked local meal.

Staying in Yala
Foreigners can stay at any of the Tissamaharama hotels and say yes to this authentic experience. There are many great options like Kithala Resort that are ideal for tourists to spend their holidays.

Hiking the Dragon Crest Mountain Trail

Hiking enthusiasts heading to Krabi should not miss exploring the Dragon Crest Mountain Trail which is among the area’s best loved trekking hubs for travellers and locals alike.

Dragon Crest Mountain at a Glance

Known as Khao Ngon Nak in the local tongue, Dragon Crest Mountain is no ordinary hiking hub in Krabi. With a 3.7km long hiking trail that leads to some of the most spectacular viewing points in the area, it is a must explore highlight for all visitors. Accessible free of charge, the mountain is easy to navigate even for the least experienced hikers. The entire hike takes no more than 2 and a half hours or even an hour, depending on one’s own fitness and hiking prowess. The best reward of the hike awaits travellers who reach the top as it is said that all of Krabi lays open before one’s eyes.

Reaching Dragon Crest Mountain

The best way to reach the Dragon Crest Mountain is to hop on a motorbike taxi or a rented motorcycle and drive up to the location. It is important to carry bottles of water and snacks as there are few shops at the base of the mountain. Those based at Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort or any similar hotel in Ao Nang Krabi can get a picnic to go or a hamper full of snacks prepared in advance. The hiking trail also closes to visitors by 5pm so heading there early in the morning is recommended.

The Experience

Well marked with various points designated, the trail is easy to navigate. Hikers will also find picturesque areas and viewpoints on the way to the top so don’t forget to bring a camera.

Bangkok River Tours Set Sail Through the City

Sailing through the Chao Phraya River is one of the best ways to explore Bangkok. River cruises can take you to most attractions across the city.

Life-giving Chao Phraya River

The river snakes through several towns in the country, blessing it with nature’s bounty. When the Chao Phraya River makes its way to Bangkok, it meanders across the city. You can follow its path to experience different sides of the city.

Sailing along the river

There are many options available to sail the Chao Phraya River. But one of the best experiences you can savour is going on a cruise in Bangkok, especially one that offers comfort and indulgence. For example, Manohara Cruise company offers dining journeys. The river swirls through iconic landmarks, markets and urban landscapes.

Clay Gilliland, Bangkok along the Chao Phraya and Wat Arun (14881740197), CC BY-SA 2.0

Where you’ll go

You’ll be able to access a number of key attractions in the city from the river. The Grand Palace is perhaps the most iconic one while Khao San Road is (the party hub in Bangkok) is another favourite with travellers. You can also visit Wat Arun temple and the National Museum of Barges.

Mr.Peerapong Prasutr, Bangkok Royal Barge National Museum 4, CC BY-SA 4.0

Floating markets

Don’t skip out on checking a few floating markets along the river. You’ll find delectable food, local handicrafts and even toys amongst wares of the vendors on their boats.

Roberto Faccenda from Canale CN, Italy, Understanding the “floating market” (15801439261), CC BY-SA 2.0

Explore Many Options at the Phuket Night Markets

While Phuket is renowned for its natural beauty – most notably its famous white sand beaches – there is still more to this Thai island! In fact, one of its most fascinating attractions can be found inland, amidst the bustle of the cities – Phuket’s night markets!

Chillva Market

If you’re looking for the hippest night market in town, the Chillva Market is the place to be. Located by Yaowarat Road, you’ll find everything from snacks to souvenirs and high fashion here. If you do work up a real appetite while here, don’t worry – you won’t have trouble finding a great Thai restaurant in Phuket. For example, Dee Plee Restaurant is less than thirty minutes away!

The Weekend Market

Held – as the name suggests – on the weekend, this is the largest night market you’ll find in Phuket! The stalls are a chaotic yet charming blend of food trucks, pawn shops, curios, and antique vendors and a whole lot more. This market can get quite crowded, but you’re likely to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs or a dish that packs some inimitable flavours if you’re persistent.

Christophe95, Phuket Weekend Market, CC BY-SA 4.0

Indy Night Market

The Indy market is all about supporting small independent traders and giving them a platform to showcase and sell their wares. Compared to some of the larger markets, the Indy Night Market is generally quiet and very rarely attracts large crowds. Still, despite its small size, this market has plenty of unique goods to offer and is well worth a visit.

Walking Street

This perhaps the most scenic night market you’ll find in Phuket – so much so, that it is considered to be a cultural landmark! The Walking Street is lit up in the night by various lights that emit vibrant colours, inducing an ambience that is somewhat magical and mystical. Aside from your usual stalls, you’ll find various street performers and artists here – from mimes to fire-breathers!

Blue Whale Watching Ahungalla

The warm blue waters off the coast of Mirissa, Sri Lanka harbour some of the largest creatures on the planet – gigantic blue whales. If you’re planning a vacation to this tropical paradise, whale watching should definitely be near the top of your to-do list!

Best Time to Visit

From April to November – the time of the North-west monsoons – is the best time to go whale watching in Sri Lanka, as massive herds of blue and humpback whales pass through Sri Lankan waters in search of warm waters to the West and South.

How to Get There

Mirissa is a fishing village well known for its rather large fishing harbour. Still, it isn’t as developed as other beach destinations in the island, meaning it’s best to seek accommodation options in the surrounding areas. For example, there’s plenty of hotels in Ahungalla – which is around a couple of hours’ boat ride away – such as the Heritance Ahungalla.

About Blue Whales

The main characters of your whale watching trip will be majestic blue whales. Growing close to 30 metres in length and weighing over 150 tonnes, these are the largest living animals to have ever existed on the planet – that’s right, they even dwarf the largest dinosaurs! It’s ironic then that these behemoths feed on some of the smallest animals in the ocean – krill and plankton – with their specialised baleen mouth parts.

Whale Watching Practices

Unfortunately, like most large animals today, blue whales are under threat of extinction due to human activity – notably the (now mostly banned) practice of commercial whaling. As such, when whale watching, measures are taken to ensure that we don’t interfere with the whales’ natural behaviour. Notably, fewer passengers are allowed on board whale watching vessels, and these are always closely monitored by the Sri Lankan Coastguard.

Enjoy A Bumpy Yala Safari Ride to Satisfy Your Adventurous Thirst

Sri Lanka is often cited as one of the premier safari locations in Asia. The island has a number of national parks that harbour an array of fascinating wildlife – both big and small. Among these, Yala National Park is perhaps the most popular and with good reason too!

Where is Yala

Yala lies to the southeast of Sri Lanka and is bordered by the Indian Ocean. Specifically, it is around 300km away from Colombo, but the journey is relatively easy due to Sri Lanka’s highly-developed road network. There are several parks adjacent to Yala as well, all of these in tandem create a hotspot for some of the island’s wildest denizens.

Dan arndt, Wetland – Yala NP, CC BY-SA 4.0

When to Go on Safari

Most Yala hotels, such as the Cinnamon Wild Yala, always keep their guests informed that there are two peak times to go on safari – dawn and dusk. The cool air means that animals are more active during these times, so you’re more likely to spot Yala’s fascinating denizens.

Thilinakaluthotage, කැලේ අයුතිකාරයා, CC BY-SA 4.0

Interconnected Ecosystems

Yala National Park is made up of a number of unique ecosystems that all intertwine together. Habitats range from dense scrub forests, open grasslands, dense woods, and placid lagoons. Watering holes, in particular, are fascinating biomes that often attract a litany of different animals.

The Park’s Wildlife

By far, Yala’s most famous attraction is its leopards. In fact, the park has one of the highest densities of wild leopard in the world! Now, as you keep your eyes peeled for this elusive big cat, don’t miss out on all of Yala’s other iconic characters – there are the majestic Asian elephant, the ill-tempered buffalo, and skittish chital to name a few.

© Mahoora Tented Safari Camps (https://www.mahoora.com/) / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons, Leopard in Yala National Park, CC BY-SA 4.0

Backpacking Adelaide Travel Guide

Backpacking is a fun and exciting thing to do, especially as you learn a lot of skills and knowledge as time goes by. Here are some tips when you backpack in Adelaide!

Cost

Adelaide is known to be one of the easily affordable cities in Australia so you won’t have to fret too much! For the first few days, those who are looking for the best hotel in Adelaide can consider staying at places such as Avani Adelaide Residences before you start on your adventures.

Cooking

Once you get started on your backpacking, the best way to save money is to buy your own groceries and cook at home. You can even improve your cooking skills as you do this!

Bargain shopping

In need of something? Then you can always go bargain shopping. There’s always a sale in Adelaide, so you’re in luck.

Travellers travel photobook from Melbourne, Australia, Australia, Adelaide – SA (28182515789), CC BY 2.0

Free things to do

There are plenty of fun and free things to do in Adelaide. Do your research first so that you can experience these and save some money.

A Visit to the Hua Hin Train Station

In today’s world where train stations are mostly modernised, it’s great to find those that are full of old world charm; such an experience awaits at the Hua Hin Train Station!

Where It’s Located

This train station can be found in the seaside resort of Hua Hin, a popular coastal getaway. Within a 20-minute drive from Avani+ Hua Hin Resort, the station is easy to reach from the town centre and can be found along Damnernkasem Road. You can even opt to take the train here from Bangkok!

Helping the Town Grow

Dating back to the 1920s, the Hua Hin Train Station provided a valuable transport link at a time road access was not available. With the completion of the station, the town soon became a tourist hotspot; it’s little wonder when it comes to a resort or hotel, Hua Hin has such a range of options!

An Instagram Highlight

With a blend of Thai and Victorian design influences, the Hua Hin Train Station with its red and whitish exteriors is bound to get plenty of likes on your Insta page! The carved pillars of wood and fascinating roof are amongst the elements that have made it such a photographed site on a tour of the town.

The Royal Waiting Room

Also found here is the Phra Mongkut Klao Pavilion which served as a waiting room for when royalty used the station. Apart from this site, the station has an old steam train and two rail cars with a library that one can check out.