maggie - The Adventure Travel Site

Air Ballooning in Dambulla

Get aboard a hot-air-balloon and fly over a magical land where great kingdoms flourished millennia ago and be awestruck by the immaculate vistas that comprise of ancient edifices, mountains and lush vegetation! Read on to know more about this enticing experience.

Ballooning over dambulla

Located at the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural triangle, Dambulla is an ancient city that is home to many historic attractions. Though visiting the region by foot is exciting, seeing them from above is certainly a unique experience. Seeing attractions such as Sigiriya, Pidurangala and surrounding forestland from a hot air balloon will create memories that will certainly tug at your heartstrings.

When can you partake in this experience

The experience entirely depends on the weather and due to monsoonal winds and rain conditions, you cannot partake in this experience during the rainy season. But the weather clears up during the months between November to April which is the ideal time for this experience.

How can you join a hot air balloon tour

Several tour operators offer this experience and you can get in touch with them easily if you are stationed at Sigiriya hotels the likes of Heritance Kandalama; all you have to do is reach out to the front desk and they will make the necessary arrangements.

Things to remember

Make sure that you wear light and comfortable clothing if you have the experience scheduled during day-time. Make sure that you bring your camera and also a pair of shades and a hat will come in handy. Listen and follow the instructions given by your pilot during your journey.

Kitesurf Trips in Kalpitiya

Located along the west coast of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya is a beach destination that offers a fascination landscape, unlike anywhere else on the island. In addition to kitesurfing, the area is in close proximity to Wilpattu National Park which offers whale watching, snorkelling and plenty more to see and do.

Where to Stay

Kitesurfing| Img via Dolphin Beach Resort

Kalpitiya has a range of accommodation to fit any budget. Depending on what kind of Kalpitiya windsurfing holiday you’re after, you’ll want to base yourself at established hotels or resorts, like Dolphin Beach Resort for example, that offer easy access and trained professionals that will guide you on a kitesurfing adventure.

Whales, Dolphins and Dives

The best time for whale and dolphin watching as well as diving is between December and April. Being a little more remote than the south coast, this means you’ll have far more private experiences in the deep blue.

Kitesurfing

Packages vary at each hotel or kitesurf school, but a reputed place will offer you certification on completing your lessons, allowing you to rent kiteboarding equipment anywhere in the world.

Beyond the Beach

Rent a bicycle and explore the countryside, join a yoga class or embark on a day’s outing to Wilpattu National Park further north, a stunning and less congested National Park teeming with sloth bear, leopard and other wildlife.

Sepang International Circuit

If you are a motorsport enthusiast, you must be surely knowing about Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia because it is the home to Malaysian Formula 1. Because of its impressive grandstand, this circuit is so popular even among international visitors.

Where is it?

This complex is located at Sepang, very much close to the KL International Airport. If you are residing at Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort, this international circuit is really close by you that it’ll really be in vain if you miss your visit.

Craig, Sepang international circuit qualifying1, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons

Main events it hosts

As it was mentioned, this circuit is where the Formula 1 rules. In addition to that, there are also several other major events that it hosts such as the MotoGP, Sepang Drag Battle, and the Malaysian Super Series.

Other fun things to do here

Many Sepang hotel guests do visit the circuit even if there are no major events scheduled because there are still some other fun things to do. Go Karting is one such the best things to try out because you find the best Go Kart circuit in Malaysia here.

General guidelines

The National Automobile Museum is also inside this complex, so you can visit it too without any entry fee. If you opt for Go Karting, note that kids below 13 years old will not be allowed to try this out due to safety concerns.

Planning your Auckland Itinerary

Boasting some of the country’s best museums and cultural institutions, New Zealand’s most populous city is an ideal spot to visit. Here are a few top places you should consider visiting.

Cornwall Park

Less than 15 minutes from Avani Metropolis Auckland Residences and several of the other best hotels in Auckland, this sprawling park offers an abundance of greenery and an atmosphere of complete relaxation. The family friend atmosphere and amenities, such as picnic areas, jogging and bike paths, a playground and so much more make this park an all in one location, catering to everyone!

Mount Eden

Mount Eden is a dormant volcano that is completely covered in grass, offering the best views of Downtown Auckland. Mount Eden is also the highest natural point in Auckland and the best time to visit would be either during sunrise or sunset.

Auckland Zoo

The Auckland zoo is a sprawling animal sanctuary, boasting a large number of exotic and native animals. Together with a number of people-friendly facilities, there is also plenty of roaming space for animals.

Phosi Market

Brimming with life, the Phosi Market is a scene where vendors have their fresh produce and other goods on display on mats on the floor or on small tables to capture the eye of potential customers. Now…some items may look appealing and some not, but then it’s all about the experience here.

The biggest market

Phosi Market is the largest market in Luang Prabang with three-quarters of it always full. There are over a hundred sellers offering customers a wide choice of various items. How about a visit to experience what the place has to offer for yourself?

Food and spices

The local spices are readily available here and freshness is guaranteed. The air here might seem a bit heavy with smells of food and spices wafting through the air as there is very less space for air circulation.

Grocery items

There is a large variety of fresh vegetable to buy here. The butchery section of the market is no place for the faint of heart, still, one may find all sorts of meat here. Pig blood curd is one of the most unusual foods to find here.

Getting here

If you are lodged at a centrally located hotel in Luang Prabang, getting here would be easy via a taxi. For those who fancy a stroll, the market is a 22-minute walk from Avani+ Luang Prabang and other city hotels.

Mount Phou Si

Ever heard of the sacred mountain in Luang Prabang with a challenging flight of 300 stairs with a magnificent panoramic view as a reward? Yes, this article speaks of none other than Mount Phousi which is a must-see attraction here. Here are a few things to know if you plan on visiting the mountain.

Gerd Eichmann, Luang Prabang-Phou Si-06-gje, CC BY-SA 4.0

Entrance fees and timing

The entrance fee for the mountain is about 20,000 kip. The fare will be collected once you are halfway uphill. Also, the mountain is open for sightseeing from 5:30 am to 6:30 pm.

A Sacred Mountain

Mount Phousi translates to “sacred mountain” or “sacred hill”. It bears great significance to the Buddhists in the local area. On the stairways, flower vendors and bird vendors sit, selling. their blessing offerings to visitors. Remember to dress appropriately and respect the peaceful atmosphere here.

Wat Chom Si

This is a temple with a golden stupa on the top of the mountain which was built in 1804. With the temple is a grotto that shelters a big statue of Buddha which is worshipped by the locals with offerings and prayers.

Best time to visit

Mount Phousi offers breath-taking views of both the sunrise and the sunset. However, if you want to avoid the mad rush of crowds, its better to be there before sunrise. This would be even more convenient if you are lodged at Avani+ Luang Prabang or another hotel in Luang Prabang a short distance away from the property.

Gerd Eichmann, Luang Prabang-Phou Si-14-Sonnenuntergang-gje, CC BY-SA 4.0

A 5 Day Itinerary to Busan

If you are planning to spend 5 days in Busan, then know you are in luck. Most people get only a couple of days and that is never enough for them to explore the second-largest city in South Korea. We have put together an itinerary so you can make the most of your 5 days and find all the places to visit in Busan.

Day 1

Visit Gamcheon culture village in the morning for a colourful walk and then take the afternoon for a bit more walking along the Busan coast. You can pick one of the three best stretches which are each about an hour’s drive from Avani Central Busan Hotel.

cezzie901, Gamcheon Culture Village View 5, CC BY 2.0

Day 2

On the second day go out to explore Nampo-dong and Gwangbokdong food street where you can get a stool and sit down for some street food. After a good meal get lost in Gukje Market which is a gigantic market that you will find hard to navigate, so make sure you get your bearings before you plunge in.

Ryan Bodenstein, Gwangbok-dong Street in Busan 4, CC BY 2.0

Day 3

Visit the picturesque Haedong Yonggungsa Temple early in the morning. It is the best time to explore the temple in the serenity of the sea at dawn. In the afternoon you can head to the beach.

midnight.here, Haedong Yonggungsa, Busan, CC BY-SA 2.0

Day 4

Spend the 4th day relaxing with some time at a hot spring and reconnect with your soul.

Day 5

The last day is the best day to take a day trip from Busan to South Korea’s largest and most important temple; Tongdosa temple.

Adelaide City Guide

Gorgeous scenery, plenty of natural beauty and an abundance of things on offer, Adelaide is quite the enchanting stop. Here are a few spots you can stop by during your time there!

Rundle Mall

Adelaide’s main shopping mall, Rundle Mall was also Australia’s very first pedestrian-only mall. You’re bound to find a number of international and local retailers here, making it quite a well-rounded shopping experience.

Adelaide Central Market

This spot gives you an insight into the local life on Adelaide, known as “Adelaide’s food hub”. You’ll find 80 different stalls, all under one roof, selling some of Australia’s freshest produce such as an excellent range of fruits and vegetables. You can also enjoy live music every Friday!

Adelaide Botanic Garden

Having first opened in 1857, this botanic garden spans 51 hectares. Less than 10 minutes from Avani Adelaide Residences and many other Adelaide hotels, some of the structures you find in the garden date back to the 19th century. The largest single-span conservatory in the southern hemisphere is also housed here, the bicentennial conservatory – which safeguards endangered plants from several cities and countries.

Manon D, Cactus in Adelaide’s Botanical Garden, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bottle Beach Koh Phangan

Bottle beach is revered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing and laid back time in Thailand – Bottle Beach in Koh Phangan is where you need to be!

Overview

The remoteness and tranquillity of Bottle Beach is one that plenty of visitors enjoy. Most of the visitors visit the beach just as a day trip, but to truly savour everything this location has to offer – a longer stay is recommended.

Christian Fernandez Gamio (Golfer70), Koh Phangan BottleBeach 22, CC BY-SA 3.0

How to get to Koh Phangan

This beautiful island doesn’t have its own airport, which means that you’ll have to reach the island through a boat trip. Otherwise, you can try travelling to Surat Thani by bus or train and then get to the island through a boat. Lomprayah, Seatran, Raja Ferry are a few of the service providers you can opt for!

What to expect

Despite being quite difficult to reach, it’s the most rewarding beach in Koh Phangan! The beach is quite secluded, except for a handful of resorts as not many people make the journey to this spot. The sand is as soft as it gets and the water is extremely clear, even on gloomy days! With enough effort and help from your hotel in Koh Phangan, the likes of Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, this treasure isn’t too hard to find!

Tips for first-time visitors to Seychelles

Seychelles is a beach destination that every one of us would love to travel to during our vacations. And if you get the chance to, make sure you take it- but know the basic guidelines first!

image via Max Pixel

Take a smartphone with you

Since most of the houses and shops at Seychelles do not have addresses, finding where you should need to go to can be a little difficult. So, you need Google Maps and to support Maps, you need a smartphone. A local sim card can be bought from shops, and you may arrange a data plan too.
But, since almost all Seychelles beach resort has wireless internet connections, you don’t really have to worry about internet usage when at the resorts.

You don’t need to worry about accommodation

Most of the places you can choose for accommodation are a stone’s throw from the beach and you’ll love it. There are plenty of good hotels and resorts such as Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort at which you can enjoy your vacations to the fullest.

You can always use busses

Taking a Bus will always be the cheapest and easiest method to get around in Seychelles. Yes, the roads can be jammed with traffic sometimes, but using public transportation saves you money – big time.

Know where you can shop at

Make sure you take home something as memories when you go back from Seychelles, ending your beautiful vacation. Victoria’s City Center is one option that you can try out for a perfect shopping experience.