Author: pushpitha

Kicking up a Dust

Although Abu Dhabi at first glance seems all desert there are amazing natural destinations in the emirate that extend all the way to the Empty Quarter in the south and the mountains of Oman in the east where pristine waterfalls, cliffs lined with fossils and freshwater lakes are part of the environment.

Adventure travel in Abu Dhabi is all about getting to know the landscape and stretching the mind and in many cases the body to embrace exciting experiences. Late evening dune bashing trips or desert safaris to the Liwa desert is one of the best ways to experience the desert landscape in Abu Dhabi. Traveling in a convoy of 4x4s, travelers are offered a roller coaster ride over sand dunes and are taken to vantage points to see gorgeous desert sunsets. The trip include a visit to a camel farm, camel rides, dinner in a Bedouin style desert camp where guests get to sit around a campfire, smoke an aromatic shisha, partake of a traditional Middle Eastern meal and with no light pollution to detract from the experience, enjoy a sky thick with stars. Overnight camping experience in the desert can be added to dune bashing.

Wadi bashing, driving a 4×4 along rocky and dry river beds is another aspect of adventure travel in Abu Dhabi. This is one of the best ways to see naturally beautiful parts of a wadi such as waterfalls, animals in the wild and mountain pools among others. Another option would be to join one of the many 4×4 clubs and after a little training go dune and wadi bashing with family and friends. The massive dunes in the Empty Quarter offer awesome driving challenges and learning to navigate the dunes is one of the best adventure experiences around. Sand skiing on the 984 foot high sand slopes is another way to enjoy the desert landscape.

Camel racing is a popular local activity and adventure travelers can catch some of the action on race days in Shweihan and Liwa and see racing practices and camel paddocks at Al Wathba.

Traveling 140 km out of town to Al Ain is a must to enjoy the greenest parts of Abu Dhabi, the site of many oases, parks, tree lined avenues, museums, forts and an archaeological park. From here travelers can access Jebel Hafeet the highest point in the area and known for the mineral springs at its base and fantastic views of the sunset from the top. Wadi Adventure in Ain Al Fayda nearby has the regions first artificial white water rafting, surfing and kayaking facility. The 3.3 meter manmade surf wave here is the world’s most impressive. Its 1.7 km kayaking channel is the world’s longest.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara a calm and peaceful oasis is undoubtedly a lovely place to experience the desert landscape at its best. As one of exceptional luxury hotels Abu Dhabi, guests are offered a selection of spacious, well designed contemporary rooms, suites and villas added to which are services and facilities that complement the very special quality of the setting. Enjoy well selected traditional Middle Eastern, Oriental and International menus, relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatments and a host of desert based activities that will make a stay at one of prominent Abu Dhabi hotels a real pleasure.

Outdoor adventures in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is home to a plethora of fun activities for members of the whole family. One of the best locales from which to experience this vibrant emirate is one of many villas in Abu Dhabi that cater to comfort and convenience. Of the many options for a spa resort Abu Dhabi offers, an excellent choice are the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Al Yamm Villas which provide a home away from home in the midst of a scenic island set in the shimmering azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Outdoor adventures are found aplenty in Abu Dhabi…the only problem is choosing which one to plunge into headfirst! How about a 4×4 adventure across the Arabian sands from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, for an afternoon and evening desert safari? Catch a splendid desert sunset and enjoy a tasty barbeque dinner around a campfire under the stars. On the way, why not get a beautifully intricate henna tattoo, go on an exciting camel ride and taste the sand firsthand with a thrilling sandboarding experience? And safariers will not want to miss the mesmerizing movements of a belly dance for a truly immersive Arabian Nights encounter. Or for nature enthusiasts, how about an adrenaline-bursting camel right? Except the summer and early autumn months, any other time of year is the perfect time to go “camel back”. Or rip out that rugged 4×4 for an amazing thrill ride of “wadi-bashing”. A wadi is a desert fixture that has been scooped out by flood waters, and its sloping sides provide the perfect course for 4-wheel drives from October through April. Dune-bashing is another exciting off-road experience, which will be an electric experience on Abu Dhabi’s slopes expansive and steep slopes. Or, for those wanting a wet n’ wild experience, kayaking in the mangroves is a fantastic way to go, as the natural swamplands provide the perfect setting for this water sport. The desert is home to many unique adventures so take your pick and just do it!

Nature and Wildlife Drives in Abu Dhabi

For many Abu Dhabi would only bring to mind deserts and cities, but there is definitely more to this Middle Eastern land than just that. Among the numerous things that one can do in this diverse land, there are Nature and Wildlife Drives in Abu Dhabi.

There are countless organizations that offer amazing drives across the deserts and other arid lands. There are especially designed 4wheel drives which will take visitors across various landscapes and closer to nature and wildlife. It is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime in this part of the world. Though many might not be aware, deserts are teeming with wildlife of its own. What is more, amongst the least expected animals who can be found freely roaming around the region, there are also amazing geological formations, and remnants of archeological sites of a time gone by.

Usually these tours take about two hours and the best time to go it either early in the morning or in the evening. So it is an ideal way for a family or a group of tourists to explore this region. There are generally jeeps which can accommodate about seven people, making it an ideal option for a small group or even a family, for bigger crowds countless operators have their own buses. Amongst the most popular regions to go on a tour of this nature are Arabian Wildlife Park and also beyond the Sir Bani Yas Island.

Make sure that you wear light and comfortable clothing that are close to nature and avoid bright colours. Don’t forget to take your camera and video as there might be unexpected findings in the barren land. Mostly there will be both indigenous and also other flora and fauna. So for those travelers who are keen to see more than the cities and the shopping malls this is definitely one way to explore the Middle East.

If one wishes to have a luxurious holiday at one of the Villas in Abu Dhabi, and get pampered at a Spa Resort Abu Dhabi, while enjoying the scenes, sights and sounds of this exotic land, there is Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi which is in close proximity to all these attractions and more.

Unknown Places

Oman with its rugged desert landscape bordered by turquoise water is a much sought after holiday destination for those looking for out of the ordinary holiday experiences. The Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre (MDAC) specialises in putting together holiday packages not only to experience some of the best adventure and diving experiences around but also to introduce visitors to Oman’s many historic attractions and extraordinary natural landscapes and to get to know the country’s hospitable people.

The sea off Muscat offers a unique underwater environment. Hard and soft coral formations support a huge collection of colourful tropical reef fish around the coast while whale sharks, sunfish, barracudas, turtles, several species of dolphins and other marine life are found further out at sea round depths of 6 to 40 meters. Unpolluted waters, excellent visibility and several excellent dive sites with dramatic underwater landscapes attract divers from around the world. The cooler winter months are the best time for any sea based activity. Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre facilitates snorkeling trips to reefs teeming with fish, diving tours to well known diving destinations, night dives to view fluorescent sea creatures, boat rides at sunset to view dolphins, sports fishing expeditions and kayaking trips to discover hidden coves and beaches along the rugged Omani coast. The Centre runs scuba diving programs and provides PADI certification.

Other exciting programs of the Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre (MDAC) include caving near Al Hoota and Wadi Ta’ab involving abseiling 10 to 50 meters into caves to explore huge calcite formations and abseiling through waterfalls at Wadi Ta’ab and swimming through deep blue pools there before getting out via wire ladders. Wadi Tiwi is another popular abseiling, via ferrata and rock climbing destination. Adventurers walk down a steep path and abseil or use zip lines to go down 150 meter rugged cliff faces to blue water pools below that go through caves and palm groves. Training for these expeditions is provided at an indoor climbing wall prior to trips. A reasonable standard of fitness is required for these activities as long descents, scrambling over rock strewn landscapes and walking long distances is involved. All equipment needed for adventure tours can be hired or purchased at MDAC’s on site shop. Among the other adventure experiences offered by MDAC includes Wadi bashing on quad bikes, camel safaris, camping and trekking trips, historic and bird watching tours.

Guests for whom location is important, Ruwi hotel Muscat offers the best option being located in the proximity of the city’s banking, business and important government offices. As one of popular Oman hotels guests are offered a selection of well appointed contemporary guest rooms and suites that are comfortable and relaxing spaces while connoisseurs of Arabic food will find dining here a pleasure and fitness enthusiasts will certainly appreciate the modern leisure facilities. Stay at one of well known hotel in Muscat to experience a distinctly comfortable lifestyle.

White Cloud Mountain

Guangzhou is China’s third-largest city and visitors will find a diverse world of culture, comfort and great shopping in this 12-million-strong modern metropolis. Travellers looking for places to stay will not go wrong with a conveniently located Service Apartment in Guangzhou, an excellent base from which to explore and sample the city’s various delights. One excellent Guangzhou Serviced Apartment complex with modern amenities is the Ascott IFC Guangzhou. Located in the city’s central business district with a luxury shopping mall and international conference centre onsite, this well-appointed property is an ideal choice for business travellers and pleasure seekers alike.

White Cloud Mountain is Guangzhou’s most breathtaking natural landmark. Set in the midst of a quiet valley, it is a peaceful haven away from the chaos of one of China’s largest cities. The mountain boasts panoramic views of the nearby Pearl River and Guangzhou’s impressive sky line. It is one of the Guangdong province’s famous mountains for good reason, as it consists of more than 30 peaks and covers an area of 28 kilometres. There are three scenic spots that visitors should check out: Shanding, Shanbei, and Lihu. Lihu offers plenty of welcome shade and is the ideal spot to catch magnificent views of the lake. Shanbei presents the famous “Baiyun Songtao”, a breathtaking sight of Mount Baiyun’s pine waves caused by mountain wind. Take a cable car to Shanding, which opens up beautiful views of Shanding Park, Mingchun Valley, Nengren Temple and Jiulong Spring. A scenic oasis in the midst of China’s countryside, White Cloud Mountain offers soothing verdure when visitors seek a welcome break from the concrete jungle.

Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park

The Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park is a magical land of fun and excitement for the young and the young at heart. Filled with numerous rides and surprises for the whole family, a visit to the amusement park should not be missed if you are travelling to the western outskirts of Beijing, China.

The Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park which is built on a 35 million kilometer block of land includes six main areas that people can enjoy. These include the Eastern Area, Western Area, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Dream World and the Virtual area. Each of the six sections are unique with a wide range of fun rides and activities, you can enjoy 4D Cinema, whirl around on a rollercoaster, climb the adventure tower, splash around on water rides as well as enjoy a world of fantasy away from the bustling mundane of real life. The amusement park can be a great away to spend your holiday simply enjoying the fun, adventure and out of this world activities set out for the visitors who come from around the world.

The roller coaster rides are quite popular at the Beijing Shijingshan and it is constructed with high quality technology. Boasting of a number of heart pounding coaster rides some of the popular ones are the crazy mouse, feng shen coaster, Jurassic adventure, mine coaster and space trip. It is also the home of the longest suspension roller coaster in Asia the ‘Shenzhou’. Young children can also enjoy the usual rides such as merry go round and bumper cars. Street performers and costumed characters walk around the premises regularly taking photographs and entertaining visitors.

When you are travelling to the capital of China you will need to make sure to find appropriate Beijing accommodation that suits your purpose of travel. More and more people are deviating from staying in a standard hotel and prefer to find lodging that is more convenient and luxurious.

Finding a luxury apartment in Beijing will not be difficult but to find a place that offers exquisite accommodation, personalized services, top of the line facilities as well as, centrally located would be a difficult task. One of the best places to enjoy your stay would be the Ascott Beijing which offers different ranges of serviced apartments to suit your stay.

Countryside Cycling Tour

Visit the beautiful city of Haiphong, one of the Vietnam’s most vibrant, verdant cities, also known as the “City of the Red Flamboyants” on account of the numerous flamboyant trees scattered throughout the city. Visitors to this gorgeous township will discover many fine Haiphong hotels for a unique cultural experience laced with warm Vietnamese hospitality. Guests will find a well-appointed hotel in Haiphong in the Harbour View Hotel Haiphong Vietnam, and its offering of stylish comfort laced with modern conveniences provides a welcome space for both pleasure and business visits.

Visitors wanted a break from the bustle of the big city can soak in the gorgeous vedure of the Vietnamese countryside through a fun cycling tour. Heaven & Earth Tours offers experiences that are truly heavenly in name and nature. Visit a Vietnamese village and be treated to lunch at one of the local houses, to learn all about village culture and life. En route, discover how wooden river boats are made and learn the well-kept secret of weaving the special straw mats so rooted in Vietnamese rural life. Take a ride in one of the famous basket boats in the Song Thu river delta. Courtesy of Green Trail Tours, take a ten-day cycling tour up North from from Hanoi to Lu Phrang, and experience the mesmerising change from a bustling French colonial city to a quieter, world-heritage site along one of the most sparsely populated regions of the former IndoChina. Kayak down the Kam Ou river and visit one of the quaint northern villages. Whatever the location, cycling in Vietnam’s expansive and exciting countryside is an unforgettable experience!

London Dungeon

London – a melting pot of diversity, modernity and royalty. Visitors to this iconic city will find no shortage of luxurious accommodation, especially in London Serviced Apartments. One cannot go wrong with a Mayfair Serviced Apartment and one option nestled in one of London’s premier districts is the Ascott Mayfair London. Presenting stylish accommodation close to major attractions such as The British Museum, Bond Street and London’s Theatre Land, this well-appointed property is an ideal choice for vacation-makers in London.

In the London Dungeon, visitors are taken on a 90-minute journey through 1000 years of murky London history.  Culture buffs will trek through the dungeons, enjoying show after show, which are all based on real London legends such as Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd, the murderous barber of Fleet Street. The experience is fully immersive and completely themed, which means 360 degree sets that promise an authentic, compelling story-telling experience. Explore the White Chapel Labyrinth – Jack the Ripper’s bloody playground, see the horrors of plague-ridden houses, feel firsthand the explosive outcome of Guy Fawkes’s revolution, and remember not to lose your head when facing Henry VIII’s execution of Anne Boleyn. Offering a merry yet scary experience for the whole family ages 10 and up, no visit to London is complete without paying tribute to the London Dungeon.

Abu Dhabi Desert camping

Abu Dhabi is a city that is rapidly developing itself as a tourist hotspot in the world. New attractions are being created throughout the city to attract visitors from all around the globe. The shopping spree that you could enjoy here is limitless. The huge shopping malls that rise like giants would include all that you need for a very reasonable price, and the products will always have a high quality. Even though the city is changing and new attractions are coming up, the people in Abu Dhabi still priorities the desert which has been the major attraction for hundreds of years.

As a result exciting desert camping programs are offered to all those who are interested in spending a unique holiday in this Middle Eastern country. During the day visitors would get the option to take part in various activities. Sand boarding is one fun activity taken by all who prefer an adrenaline pumping experience. The visitor will have to sit on a special board prepared especially for this purpose and slide down a sandy slope in the desert at an impressive speed. Dune bashing is another popular activity among both young and adult visitors. Enjoy this exhilarating ride where your skilled driver will take you to the top of sand dunes and slide skilfully down without toppling the vehicle. There would be camels dressed in beautiful accessories to take you on a ride; even your kids would enjoy a ride on this amazing animal. Special parks for children have been created for the kids in these camps to keep them occupied and entertained.

In the night enjoy a luxurious buffet under the twinkling stars and experience the coolness of the surroundings which would be totally different from what you experienced throughout the day. Sit around the blazing fire of the campsite and try smoking a shisha pipe and experience a unique feeling.

Spend a truly Arabian day at these campsites and head along to one of the Middle East hotels available. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East would be a great choice if you are on the look for one of the UAE hotels which have comfort, elegance and modernity with an Arabian touch all in one.

Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden

The Philippines is home to the impressive Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, a 14-acre site that opened its doors to the general public in 1959. Visitors looking for accommodation close to the site should invest in a hotel in Manila to fully immerse themselves in the vibrancy of local and international wild life and horticulture. One such Manila hotel is the Heritage Hotel Manila, which boasts modern amenities coupled with a central location, making it easy to roam around the city while sightseeing.

The zoo currently houses over 800 animals including various species of reptiles, mammals, birds, among others as of the last count in 2007. Noteworthy of special mention is the Wildlife Rescue Centre, which functions as a halfway house for animals who are sick, injured or have been abandoned, performing the double duty of a humane society and a zoo. The zoo also boasts two magnificent aviaries, space for crocodiles to frolic and an India elephant donated as a calf from Sri Lanka, and who is the zoo’s most famous animal fixture. Additional, there is a goose section, a tiger enclave, an African Veldt enclosure and a domed area that houses storks, peafowl and herons. The complex also boasts the botanical garden, home to an extensive plant collection collected from the plant-rich Philippines islands and the South Pacific area, where visitors can learn more about the rich array of plants on display. In addition, boats can be rented in the nearby lagoon. Both educational and entertaining, the Manila zoo complex will be enjoyed by the whole family. If bringing the children, visitors can take advantage of all the rest stops and play areas scattered through the complex. In addition, souvenir shops and various eating places add more zing to the visit. The zoo is open from 7am to 6pm daily, and admission will cost visitors the nominal fee of PHP 10. So bring the entire family down for a fun, entertaining day of communing with nature in the city!