maggie | The Adventure Travel Site

Visiting Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay, located in southern Thailand, is a stunning destination that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider visiting this breathtaking location.

The Limestone Cliffs

One of the most striking features of Phang Nga Bay is the towering limestone cliffs that rise from the water. These cliffs are a sight for sore eyes and offer some of the most beautiful views in the area. Reaching this beauty from Karon beach Phuket hotels is worthwhile, and therefore, do ensure to add a visit to Phang Nga Bay from your accommodation in Jono X Phuket Karon. The views alone are a treat for lovers who love exploring the seas.

The Caves and Grottoes

Hidden within the limestone cliffs are a series of caves and grottoes that can only be accessed by boat. Exploring these caves is a truly magical experience, as they are filled with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. This is the ideal getaway for two romantics who are beginning their journey of love.

The Mangrove Forests

The bay is also home to a variety of mangrove forests, which provide a habitat for a wide range of wildlife. These forests are a great place to explore, and you may even spot some monkeys or other exotic animals.

James Bond Island

Phang Nga Bay is also home to James Bond Island. This unique gift from nature was featured in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun.” This island is a popular tourist destination and offers some great photo opportunities.

The Culture

The local people of Phang Nga Bay have a rich culture that is heavily influenced by the ocean. Visitors can learn about their culture by visiting the local fishing villages, where they can explore traditional boats and learn about the local way of life.

Explore the Natural Beauty of Kandy

There are many reasons why Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka, is considered one of the best locations for trekking. Kandy is surrounded by beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and forests with diverse flora and fauna. The city is also home to cultural attractions and can be reached easily from other major cities in Sri Lanka. What’s more? Kandy is considered a safe destination for travellers; this makes it the perfect location for an unforgettable trekking adventure. Here are several tips to keep in mind when planning your trek in Kandy.

Wear Comfortable, Sturdy Shoes

Trekking in Kandy can involve walking over rough terrain, so it’s essential to have shoes that can protect your feet from rough areas and provide good support. If you want to be on the safe side, opt for hiking shoes; this will help you navigate various locations with ease.

Pack Light

Ensure to bring only the essentials and leave any unnecessary items at home; this will help you to travel to various locations in Kandy more comfortably and enjoy exciting things to do in Sri Lanka as you traverse the area. Bring a backpack with you with a few water bottles and some snacks.

Wear Protective Clothing

Kandy Town — Image via Wikimedia Commons – Charith Gunarathna, Kandy Sri Lanka (25818382171), CC BY 2.0

Depending on the weather and the type of trek you are doing, it may be wise to bring protective clothing such as a rain jacket or sunscreen. Kandy observes both the rainy season and the sunny season. So, make sure to prepare yourself in advance. If you want to travel to Kandy safely and quickly, use Cinnamon Air.

Protect the Environment

Remember to protect the natural environment and take steps to minimize your impact – this may include disposing of trash properly or avoiding disturbing wildlife. Be an environmentally conscious traveller and preserve the environment for younger generations.

Adventures to Explore in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, also known as Little England in Sri Lanka, is where you will spoil your eyes with the most dazzling sights of misty mountains, serene lakes, and charming cottages. If your adrenaline calls out for you during your visit to this alluring city, here are some actions to indulge in.

Biking

Bike through the serene tea plantations and lush greenery around you to get to the best places to see in Nuwara Eliya for an exhilarating feeling. The fresh breeze on your face and the scenic views will make you feel refreshed. You can even ride back and forth from our stay at Araliya Green City without having to find taxis or tuk-tuks.

Jet Skiing

The most stunning attraction in the heart of Nuwara Eliya is the gorgeous Gregory Lake, where you can go jet skiing to get the adrenaline pumping through your body. The lake water turning into vapor combined with the fresh and cold wind will make jet skiing the most refreshing experience for you.

Hiking and Trekking

Follow the hiking trails to witness the breathtaking sunrise enlightening the skies at Adam’s Peak and worship the sacred footprint of Lord Buddha. You can also go hiking in the mountains gracing the skyline and enjoy the lush greenery and the spectacular views.

A Day Trip to Ferrari World

Ferrari world has no shortage of thrilling rides, scrumptious dishes and sweeping driving experiences, here is a list of fun activities you can enjoy in this one-of-a-kind theme park.

Yas Island

The multi-purpose Yas Island is a haven for you to have the ultimate shopping, adventure, or leisure experience. Nestled within a 30-minute drive away from lavish Serviced apartments in Abu Dhabi the likes of Oaks Liwa Executive Suites, the Island offers an array of rip-roaring activities that will keep you on the edge of your seat. One of the biggest highlights of the island includes the Ferrari world, an indoor amusement park with an amass of Ferrari model cars, exhilarating rides, and exciting dining places.

Thrilling rides

Roller coaster ride in Ferrari World | Image via picryl

Whether you are on the lookout to race with your friends and have a fun Formula one experience or reach the skies in some of the most exhilarating roller coaster rides in the world, Ferrari world is the place to be. Interestingly, the place is also home to Flying Aces, the world’s highest rollercoaster loop and Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster ride. So, make sure you buckle up for the ride!

Dining

Dining in Ferrari world will be quite like you are in Italy munching on a juicy pizza. Whether you are looking for a hearty meal or an icy gelato to escape the heat, here you can find restaurants of every kind, each one having its own distinct feel.

Driving experience

Here is your chance to experience a joy ride around Yas island behind the wheels of your dream Ferrari. You can either be the driver or the passenger for the day as you buckle up to experience one of the most extravagant rides on a top-down Ferrari. The good news is that you get to be accompanied by a Ferrari-trained instructor who will guide you every step of the way.

Experiencing Yi Peng & Loy Krathong in Thailand

Two lantern festivals that are popular in Thailand, Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are truly spellbinding to witness and here’s more on what you need to know.

Loy Krathong

This is the name given to a water lantern festival in Thailand that falls on the full moon of the local lunar calendar’s 12th month, normally November. ‘Loy’ translates to ‘float’, while ‘krathong’ is in reference to a floating object or container. Thus, it’s no surprise that the key element of this event is the krathong which is traditionally made from the bark of a banana tree; on this small krathong, an incense stick or candle is placed, before being sent down a waterway, generally at night.

Making a Wish

Each person will launch one of these floating lanterns which can also contain food, flowers or garlands and at the same time make a wish in the hope it will be granted; some also consider it symbolic of sending their problems ‘floating’ away. As you would expect, the waterways throughout the country become places to see and join in the traditions of Loy Krathong. This not only includes cities like Bangkok, but destinations such as Koh Samui; 5-star hotels on the island including SAii Koh Samui Choengmon are within easy reach of sites such as Chaweng Lake, one of the places to experience this festival.

Yi Peng

An equally captivating and visually stunning festival, Yi Peng is more popular in Northern Thailand since it’s a traditional Lanna (ancient northern kingdom) festival. It takes place on the full moon of the second month according to the Lanna lunar calendar; ‘yi’ translates to ‘two’ and ‘peng’ means ‘full moon day’. Interestingly, it coincides with the date of Loy Krathong so both festivals are celebrated on the same day; however, the key difference is that for Yi Peng, the lanterns float not on the water but up in the air!

A Magical Sight

On this day, people will gather in one place to release what are called ‘khom loi’ which are special lanterns with a flame that makes them float into the night sky against the backdrop of a full moon. By releasing the lanterns, one symbolically releases the misfortunes of the year, while some may write a wish on them believing it will come true. Chiang Mai is one of the best places to witness the stunning spectacle of Yi Peng with the Three Kings Monument being a prime spot. It’s celebrated at other locations and visitors can join too as well as enjoy parades and other cultural events.

A Hike to Castle Hill

Looking for a bit of adventure in Queensland? Go on a little hiking tour to Castle hills, standing tall in the epicenter of Townsville. With panoramic vistas of the city’s landscape and nearby attractions, you will feel that getting to the top of this giant monolith is all worth the effort. Want to know more about the popular hiking trails, where to stay, what to eat, and what scenic views await once you reach the summit? Keep reading to find out!

Getting to the top

Hiking to the summit of the castle hills | Image by Samuel Mann via *flickr*

Whilst you can drive up to the top of these magnificent hills, I bet it will not be as fun making your way through an adventurous mountain trail. Out of the two main hiking trails that guide you to the summit, the Goat track remains a favorite among hikers. Offering a pleasantly challenging route, it will take a little over an hour for you to complete your journey across this popular mountain trail. Since the mountain track is enjoyed by hikers around the world, prepare to meet some like-minded explorers during your expedition as well.

Where to stay

Making your pick from the best Townsville Australia hotels depends much on your preference and budget. From budget hostels for backpackers to plush little abodes for family stays like Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites, within easy reach of the city and nearby attractions, finding accommodation in Townsville is indeed a piece of cake. Whilst planning your stay in this thriving metropolis, also remember to unlock the special offers and discounts curated by opulent hotels and resorts to make your stay more memorable!

Views from the summit

Once you reach the top of the hill, take a small stroll to reward yourself with some sweeping views of the city, the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island and many more! Paired with the changing hues of the glistening sun, there is no better way to see the best of what this beachfront city has to offer than from the top of Castle Hill.

Things to be mindful of

With the blazing sunrays and grasslands, the castle hill trail is an ideal terrain for slithery snakes to wind their way across the land. During your journey to the top, always keep an eye out for these slimy creatures to avoid any risk to your life. While the hill is also a great place to accompany your dog on a little adventure, watch out for those stray dogs wandering around the trail that you do not want to meet.

A Guide to Visit Yala National Park

Sri Lanka is home to many wildlife parks, and Yala is one such popular park that is also UNESCO recognised. If you want to travel deep into the forests and take a closer look at the wildlife, Yala is the ideal destination for you. Planning to visit Yala National Park for the first time? This guide is for you.

Lepord Yala — Leopard in the wild on the island of Sri Lanka image by Byrdyak via Wikimedia Common,CC BY-SA 4.0

How to Get There!

Yala National Park can only be accessed through Tissamaharama City. You can get to the city via a bus or your private vehicle. Before you visit the park, it is best to leave your belongings at one of the Yala hotels you choose for accommodation and travel light. Leopard Safaris Yala can be an ideal destination to save your travel time.

What to See!

This gigantic park stretches from the jungles to the beach and is divided into five blocks. You are only allowed to explore blocks 1 and 5, and the rest remains close to the public to leave the wildlife as undisturbed as possible. Elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and buffalos are some commonly sighted animals, while you can also see a range of birds.

When to Go!

The dry season for the area falls between February to June, and this is the best time to visit the park. You can easily spot animals as they frequently gather at ponds to drink water. If leopards are who you’re excited to see, February and March are the ideal months to visit Yala. The park is usually closed in September, but you can visit any day of the year for affordable rates.

Stay at a Niseko Ski Resort in Hokkaido

Ski holidays and adventures in the snow are always a great idea. Read on to find out more about Japan’s most popular ski resort and what you can expect when you make your way to chilly Niseko!

Where Can You Stay?

You can bet that there’s ample choice of Niseko accommodation given how popular this spot is the world over for its amazing slopes. Hotels such as Chatrium Niseko Japan offer a warm and cosy respite from the chilly breeze and the ample snow outside!

What Can You Do?

Whether or not you’ve ever skied before, Niseko is a great place to have at it! Learn how to manoeuvre the baby slopes under the care of a trained instructor or else just do some snowboarding to make the most of the snowy slopes.

Ski Terrain

As far as world-famous ski terrains and slopes, Niseko is rated up there by avid skiers. Widely acclaimed as the best place to ski in Japan, the slopes are perfect for those who want to put their skiing skills to the test!

What Else Can I Do?

Niseko has plenty of places to eat and drink! So, if you aren’t in the snow, you can warm yourself with a hot chocolate or a delicious meal at one of its many restaurants. Apart from local delights, there’s plenty of international cuisine on offer to accommodate the influx of skiers from the world over!

Top Reasons Why You Need to Visit Qatar

The nation of Qatar offers an array of alluring attractions for visitors. Seekers of sunny weather, shopping enthusiasts, and adventure lovers will all enjoy experiencing the attractions of this country.

The great weather

Qatar Sunny climate | Image via *unsplash*

If you seek a holiday destination with sunny weather, Qatar would be a great choice. You will find that the weather here would generally be pleasant. Winters in this country will be very mild, and the coldest month would be January. Meanwhile, summers will be warm and humid, with July being the hottest month, though there are plenty of air-conditioned comforts too!

The shopping opportunities

Qatar offers a splendid selection of shopping options. If you seek large modern malls you will not be disappointed here, with the Mall of Qatar being a highlight. On the other hand, for a traditional shopping experience, there is the historical Souq Waqif as well as Souq Al Wakra beside the coast; an accommodation choice to consider located next to the latter would be Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli which also offers a spa in Doha Qatar.

The blend of modernity and tradition

The nation of Qatar inherits a rich cultural heritage as suggested by its architecture, museums, marketplaces, and World Heritage Sites certified by UNESCO like the Al Zubarah Archaeological Site. However, this nation has also embraced modernity, as shown by its impressive skyscrapers, contemporary amenities, and modern infrastructure.

The outdoor adventures

Adventure seekers will be in their element in Qatar as this nation offers an array of exciting escapades. Outdoor adventurers will enjoy skydiving above the Arabian Gulf, ascending sand dunes, scuba diving off the coast and so on. You could also embark on an ATV desert safari, ride camels, go kayaking and more!

Water sports in Bentota

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an island nation with many tourist destinations inland. With rivers and lakes irrigating the fertile soil of the country, the country is known the world over as a water sports destination. Bentota, a town in the Southern Province, is loved by tourists visiting Sri Lanka. If you are planning to visit Bentota, here are some of the water sports you can enjoy.

Jet skiing

One of the most thrilling activities that there is, jet skiing is a popular water sport with tourists vising Bentota. Heading out into the ocean on a jet ski at unbelievable speeds and besting all the waves cannot be compared to anything else! If this is your first time trying to jet ski, get your hotel or a tour operator to find an instructor for you.

Diving

Diving is another activity you can enjoy during your time in Bentota. The best time to dive here is from November to May; this is when the visibility is at its best. Divers encounter a range of marine creatures on their excursions. Tourists can also find several diving schools all over the town.

Windsurfing

Visit Bentota from November to April for an unforgettable windsurfing experience. There are numerous academies where tourists can learn windsurfing. Those staying at 5-star hotels in Bentota can get their hotels to arrange lessons for them.

Snorkelling

Snorkeling | Image by PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay

You can find snorkelling sites minutes from Cinnamon Bentota Beach. This is one of the best ways to admire the beauty of Sri Lanka’s marine life. Don’t worry if you are new to snorkelling, a professional guide can help you get the trick of it.