Category: Land Extreme Sports

Verdant Scenes

Among Bali’s sublime scenery is its rice terraces formed along the natural contours of hills. They impart a distinct emerald green tint to the landscape especially when the paddy stalks are fully grown. While the paddy fields that are found in the valleys of the island are attractive in their own right it is the rice terraces cascading down hillsides that offer the best photo opportunities and capture the imagination of visitors.

Some of these rice terraces and fields have been cultivated for thousands of years as rice has always been the staple food of the Balinese. Traditional rice terraces together with the rural landscape in some districts have even been nominated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. The most attractive rice terraces popular with trekkers are the well tended green fields of Tegallalang village in Ubud central Bali, the rice fields of Pupuan, Jatiluwih, Tabanan and Tirtagangga that are set off by borders of lush green trees.

Treks among the rice fields and terraces are part of the many walking tours available in Bali. These tours not only take visitors through the rice fields they are also an excellent way to be introduced to the culture, ecology, food and even archaeology of Bali. It is inevitable that a rice paddy trek will go through the village that owns and cultivates the paddy fields and terraces. Depending on the season visitors may have the opportunity of seeing rural folk at work ploughing fields, planting rice by hand, harvesting and threshing in traditional ways.

This is also an excellent way to get acquainted with Balinese mythology and religious beliefs as every paddy field and irrigation system however small has a divine connection and shrines and temples are common features close to and in paddy fields and along irrigation systems. Many villages also have temples they patronise close by and each home as its own shrine. Meeting villagers going about the daily chores, visiting a rural Balinese family and eating a traditional Balinese meal is part of such adventures. Many visitors comment on the absence of the usual city noises during these treks. They come away having witnessed an ancient way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Remaining hydrated throughout the trek under humid weather conditions is something to keep in mind.

Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa cascading down a lime stone cliff offers a dramatic setting from which to enjoy the surroundings. Among the many facilities and services at one of prominent Uluwatu hotels are amazing accommodation options ranging from superb contemporary two and three bedroom oceanfront and garden villas and oceanfront condos to themed dining venues and spa cabanas that offer heavenly rejuvenating therapies. As one of exclusive Bali resorts guests also enjoy conveniences that are particular to this property alone.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Ride the Rapids of Bali

Located between Java and Lombok is the popular Indonesian island of Bali. Considered to be one of Indonesia’s most famous tourist destinations, Bali offers a great combination of a tropical climate, stunning scenic beauty and a unique culture. Visitors of the island can enjoy its beautiful beaches, breath-taking landscapes and its many cultural attractions; inclusive of traditional and modern dance and arts.
Bali, being an exotic and tropical island, also offers a wide range of recreational and leisure activities to choose from. Of these one of the most exciting and exhilarating activities is white water rafting. White water rafting involves rafting through raging rapids and waves of rivers and is considered to be a truly adrenaline pumping extreme sport. If you enjoy riding the cool raging waters of tropical rivers with stunning tropical scenery in the background, then head on down to Bali and ride the rapids!
The island has many service providers and operators who offer white water rafting facilities, making it rather easy to plan our a day with the rapids. Bali has many famous white water rafting routes that travel through various jungles and other attractions, which give the white water rafting experience an adventurous aspect too.
Three of the best sites to engage in white water rafting in Bali are the Ayung River, the Telaga Waja River and the Melanggit River. One can experience the thrills of this sport at these rivers, as they all contain rapids which range from level 2 to level 4! Of these rivers the Telega Waja River is the most challenging and is sure to test your physical and mental strength. The white water rafting operators of the island are certified institutions and will ensure your safety while you engage in this exciting and thrilling activity, so you can go ahead and enjoy yourself to the maximum. So, for a thrilling and exhilarating experience in the area, ride the rapids of the rivers of this paradise.
Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa is one of the most sought after of Bali resorts that one might consider staying at. The resort affords a variety of fine restaurants, spa therapies and recreational and leisure facilities making it one of the most ideal Uluwatu hotels for a tranquil and soothing vacation.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Off

Venture off the beaten track and plunge into the rolling, golden sands of the Arabian Desert when you go off-roading in Dubai. Your luxury Dubai hotel will help you make all the necessary travel arrangements, and a stylish Deira hotel Dubai such as the Copthorne Hotel Dubai is the perfect base from which to launch all your explorations. Dune Buggy Dubai is one excellent company with which to plan and plunge into all your off-roading adventures – UAE style. Get an early start with a fun morning safari within the dunes that will see you leaping headfirst into the undulating dunes all from which the comfort of a stylish dune buggy perfect for you. Or plan your excursion as twilight falls with an evening desert safari, and have fun roller-coasting through the golden waves of sand as the wind whips through your hair. You can even go sand boarding, quad biking, get your hands and face painted with Henna, and witness a mesmerizing belly-dance as part of the whole experience in the desert! Or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, a quad bike safari is perfect, where it’s just you and your bike taking on the twists and turns of the desert on your lonesome. Come back to camp by dark and enjoy a delicious BBQ under the stars. With adventures like these in the UAE, you will never want to leave!

 

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Kayaking at Khao Daeng

The green waters of the Khao Daeng trail are ripped apart by the speeding kayak, as the paddles beat down the helpless mass over and over again, as it pushes you forward to reveal her wonders, fringing on the shores. Kayaking at Khao Daeng is truly a great experience to have, as sweat begins to glow on arm and brow and wonders of nature are admired and beheld.

Khao Daeng is famous for the adrenaline rush that its kayaking experiences render to the bold ones who venture in to her deeps. The mangrove trails fringing the shores are wonderfully rich with wild life and habitats of the creatures who call it their home. This sight of the life of the wild is a bonus on offer to the ones who kayak at Khao Daeng and its memory will be cherished for years.

For many finned and winged creatures, this mangrove is a familiar place, as they sleep here, bring up their young here and feed here. Creatures in the form of Mud Skippers and Crabs lie safely submerged in her green water cover while Kingfishers and Egrets are spotted by man, spotting those lying low and making a feast of fine things in their own heartless way. Monitor Lizards lurking around gleefully will also be spotted by the lucky ones.

Finding accommodation in and around this place of absolute bliss is not too difficult as it is a famed tourist destination. Hua hin, owns a pristine stretch of beach while many reaching exciting spots such as the Khao Daeng route are easily reached from the city, hence it is a most frequently visited destination in the great country of Thailand.

Luxury and comforts also await those who choose to stay at the many five star Hua Hin hotels. Out of these, Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort is in the lead and is undoubtedly a recommendable hotel. Hua Hin beckons with its many experiences and enjoyments, complemented by the warmth and tradition of the great people of Thailand and can be explored to ones heart’s content, to take back home memories to cherish for a lifetime indeed.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Speed Boat Rides in Maldives

The Republic of Maldives is replete with a multitude of activities designed to thrill the eager tourist. While those who seek a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday will wish to sunbathe by the beach listening to the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean, the curious tourist will have opportunities to explore the neighbouring islands and experience new underwater ocean experiences. For the more adventurous, who seek to explore and live for the rush of adrenaline, diving with sharks and hammerheads would be an ideal encounter. When in Maldives, there is truly something for everyone, young or old.

However, when it comes to travelling around these islands in order to engage in such activities, tourists will have to choose from a variety of travel options. ‘Dhoni’ charters, for instance, can usually be chartered from the capital city of Male to any of the nearby islands. These ‘dhoni’s can be chartered for a simple ride from the airport to your resort island, or can be chartered for an entire day and used to explore the islands at leisure. However, if you need to charter a ‘dhoni’, the best option is to initially make your way to Male for a large number of ‘dhonis’ can found in the harbour of the island. Tourists also have the option of climbing aboard a ‘vedi’, a wooden boat-like structure that was originally used for trade. These ‘vedis’ tend to be quite basic in nature but will get you to where you need to go.

For those in a hurry, or wish to get their destination as soon as possible, speedboats are the best option. Speedboats can usually be hired for a range of prices and are usually the mode of transportation used by tourists to travel to their Maldives resort from the airport. For the convenience of tourists, most accommodation in Maldives offer to arrange a speedboat for airport transfers. Therefore, ensure that you make inquiries from your hotel prior to booking a speedboat privately. These rides offer an adrenaline filled journey where you can enjoy the wind in your hair, the sun on your back and the thrill of speeding along azure waters with an endless horizon ahead. For those who choose to reside at Anantara Dhigu Maldives, the hotel can arrange for guests to use the Naladhu Raanee, a swift speedboat, to travel from the hotel to the airport and vice versa.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Hiking in Maldives

The Maldives may not be a place one would associate with hiking, but in actual fact it does offer a rather unique form of outdoor activity that one may not get to try anywhere else; hiking in water! Before setting off to try this one of a kind adventure, look to find accommodation in Maldives that lets you truly enjoy the very best the country has to offer. Anantara Dhigu, Maldives is one such Maldives resort and lets you enjoy lots of fun in the sun, sand and surf.

If you are looking to go hiking in the Maldives an ideal choice would be to follow in the footsteps of the WalkMaldives event which took participants on a unique trek at GaafuDhaalu Atoll. What was so special about this area was the fact that many of the atoll’s islands are located in the same lagoon making it possible to wade through the water and visit each isle. Of course you should not try such excursions unaccompanied and one must make sure not to tread on live coral either. It is an ideal way to enjoy a fun filled hike, while soaking up the glorious coastal splendour of this tropical paradise.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Cycling in Abu Dhabi

Cycling is a great environmentally friendly and fun way to see any city. Not only does it present a city in a different perspective but it is quicker than walking and therefore more sightseeing can be accomplished in a shorter space of time. Cyclists will not be stuck in traffic jams either. Besides cycling tours are suitable for all ages. Guided tours will provide historic and other interesting pieces of information on the surroundings and landmarks. Where there are clearly demarcated cycling tracks cyclists will generally not get entangled with traffic and one of the biggest advantages is it will allow access to areas not normally seen from a car.

Bicycle tour operators in Abu Dhabi provide the bicycles, helmets and a tour guide to take cyclists on the 8 mile route from the eastern to the western end of the Corniche which is the beachfront in the centre of the city. The duration of the trip and the times vary according to the seasons. The dedicated cycle pathways make it easy for riders to enjoy the seafront road and the various prominent features of the city’s skyline. Riders can also opt to venture out on their own. Among the types of cycles available are those that can accommodate up to three people at the back and special bikes for women in abayas.

Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is another popular and fast developing area with plenty of attractions that can be explored on a bike. Cycling paths sporting maps and signage, water stations and rest areas make Yas Island a pleasure to explore by bike by yourself or in a group. Bikes can be rented along with safety gear. Yas Island offers cycling tours both day and night. A longer distance of about 9 km is covered during the day trip while the night trip that starts at 6.30 pm and ends an hour later covers a distance of 5 km. Bikers can enjoy views of the Yas Marina, Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and other attractions. Biking for exercise and pleasure is also offered by some city hotels and the Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club. Yas Night at Yas Marina F1 Circuit held on Tuesday and some Sunday evenings providing cyclists the thrilling opportunity of using the track as an area for training.

Desert Island Resort & Spa by Anantara on Sir Bani Yas Island is the perfect place to stay to enjoy its unique environment, the habitat of 15,000 animals. Located close to mangroves, beach and bay this Abu Dhabi resort offers the ideal getaway for nature and adventure lovers. As one of award winning Abu Dhabi beach hotels guests are offered spacious and stylish modern rooms, suites and villas featuring original Middle Eastern art works, culinary offerings ranging from snacks to sophisticated international cuisines and exquisite relaxing and invigorating spa treatments.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Extreme Water Sports in Maldives

The Maldives is known the world over for its wide array of water sports that provide plenty of fun in the sun and the surf. However, some water based activities are more thrilling than others and adrenaline junkies can choose from a variety of extreme water sports that will have their hearts racing in delight! Look to stay at Maldives resorts such as Anantara, Kihavah that lets you enjoy some of these action packed activities. It is one of the leading Maldives spa resorts and is where one can take on the exciting sport of windsurfing amongst a plethora of other water sports.

There are many extreme water sports that one can try when visiting this tropical paradise, each offering their own set of thrills on the ocean. Waterskiing, surfing and jet skiing are three popular options amongst those looking to rush along the waves, while knee boarding and wake boarding also provide an exhilarating experience on the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. The great wind conditions prevalent in the Maldives also make it an ideal destination in which to try activities such as kite surfing and parasailing which are bound to give you a true adrenaline rush.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

One of Maldives’ Best Dive Sites

Located just south of Sri Lanka is the archipelagic nation of Maldives. Considered to the one of the most popular tourist destinations is the world, the Maldives is home to some of the best beaches and coral reefs in the world. With a thriving hospitality and tourism industry, the Maldives is a great place to enjoy hours at the beach and engaging in aqua activities and indulging in exotic tropical comforts.
The waters of the Maldives are clear and turquoise. The waters are warm due to the tropical climate of the Maldives, and are home to a great number of underwater attractions such as coral reefs and marine life; making it a great place for diving. However divers are not only limited to seeing corals and fish in the waters of the Maldives, and can even explore some of the mysterious wrecks in the Maldives, one of which is the wreck of the Skipjack II.
Located just east of Felivaru Kandu, the wreck of the Skipjack II is one of the Maldives most popular wreck diving sights. This Japanese ship, which was used by the Felivaru tuna canning industry, was decided to be scuttled in 1985, and was to be towed out deeper for this purpose. However, before the ship could be towed out into the sea, a fire erupted on the ship due to scuttling process, and the ship was abandoned before it was towed in deep sea. Therefore the Skipjack sank, stern-first, is the shallow waters of the Maldives. The waters were so shallow that the ship’s stern hit the seabed and dug into the sand, making the wreck stand vertical with its bow end sticking out of the water. A dive to this wreck promises to be both exciting and thrilling and will let divers witness the well intact structure of this hulk of a wreck.
Nestled on one of the beautiful islands of the Maldives with white sandy beaches and overlooking clear turquoise water is the Anantara Naladhu Maldives. Belonging to the internationally reputed Anantara Resorts and Hotels, this Maldives hotel offers accommodation in a range of villas, pool houses and ocean houses, equipped with a range of luxury amenities. Guests can also enjoy a host of recreational and leisure facilities, spa treatment, and exquisite culinary delights, making it one of the most recommendable Maldives island resorts.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Snorkelling Beaches in Phuket

An ideal place to spend lazy days on the beach, Phuket is also where one can enjoy the exciting water sport of snorkelling which lets you embark on an altogether different sightseeing experience. Staying at a Phuket beach resort makes sense for those wishing to explore the coastal areas of this enchanting island. Anantara Phuket, Thailand is one such Phuket resort worth considering and provides a secluded retreat along Mai Khao Beach.

When it comes to snorkelling, there are quite a few areas on the island that are quite suited for this activity that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Well known snorkelling beaches in Phuket include Kata Noi which is bordered by waters rich in marine life, Ao Sane which features a deep area where one can enjoy sightings of clown fish and parrot fish and Laem Singh. The clear waters around Phuket make it ideal for snorkelling, while the colourful coral and range of marine species that inhabit these waters make such excursions truly memorable ones.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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