Category: Land Extreme Sports

Diving with Whale Sharks in Samui

The Samui Archipelago is located off the southern side of Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. It provides some of the best diving options as it is sheltered from the open ocean. Due to this the waters here are also calmer and warmer, providing excellent conditions for exploring what lies beneath. With the range of spots on offer it is the perfect destination for novices as well as advanced and more experience divers.

The other excellent condition the Samui Archipelago offers in terms of underwater explorations is its clear and consistent visibility. Due to this it is a popular destination amongst those keen on underwater photography and video filming the colourful and vibrant sea landscape.

The beauty of the Samui Islands extends from deep under the ocean up to the glorious skies. Above the surface, kissing the great tropical sun filled air is a paradise awaiting exploration: beaches, coves, mountains covered with greenery, all what you’d want to experience during a vacation. Under the surface there are more treasures to be explored. The waters are packed with ocean life: reef sharks, barracudas and other colourful tropical life swims about in abundance. The vibrant coral reefs and fascinating rock formation adds a wonderful backdrop. But most importantly you will have a chance of meeting one of the largest fish in the ocean: the whale shark.

The Samui Archipelago is an ideal spot for viewing these imposing creatures of the deep. On average, a whale shark grows to around 12 metres, though larger specimens have been spotted. While they are passive by nature, watching them glide beneath the ocean is sure to have your heart racing and provide a truly thrilling holiday experience that will last a life time. From March to October is generally considered the best period to view whale sharks.

Koh Samui features a range of PADI certified establishments providing dive equipment as well as guidance. If you are looking for accommodation, most offer their own dive facilities. Koh Samui resort, guest houses and budget accommodation can be booked through the Internet. If you are looking for a Chaweng hotel with luxurious comforts and a wonderful setting, Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui is an excellent option.

 

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+

Kite Boarding and Wind Surfing

In Melbourne, those who love water sports are really at an advantage. The many beaches found in this city have just the right amount of waves to make activities like kite boarding and wind surfing ever so tasteful and popular.

Kite boarding and wind surfing are two activities that fall in the ‘high thrill’ category of water sports. Despite requiring quite a bit of skill it can be undertaken by anyone after a little bit of brushing up with professionals. The best part of Melbourne is that you can also get plenty of centers which provide a quick training which enables one to indulge in these sports.

A day out at the beach is a fantastic way to relax in Melbourne. Beaches here are clean, fun and perfectly safe to go for a swim or indulge in the array of water sports available. There are different spots known for different thrill levels. Whether you are an amateur or pro you can get a fun and fulfilling dosage of both kite boarding and wind surfing in Melbourne.

The city of Melbourne has so many other outdoor fun activities and water based activities to indulge in. Diving and snorkeling are also on the list and so is jet skiing and cruising. The beaches serve perfectly for a dip or a splash and make a sought out hang out spot that comes particularly alive during the weekends. The kids are busy building sand castles while the parents feel the kiss of the sun; a really perfect way to cleanse oneself from the week long stress of work.

When visiting Melbourne choose a comfortable and classy to hotel to fully enjoy your stay here. There are many beautiful places to see and things to do in the city and having a good Melbourne accommodation to come home to is of pivotal importance. Of all the places, the Melbourne hotels are the best as they ensure a luxurious and comfortable stay. And even in hotel names if you are picky for the finest, choose The Langham Melbourne. This 5 star hotel has all the royal amenities that would make you want to stay longer and longer in this hotel.

 

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

Google+

Ultimate Adventure in Paradise with Spidermonkey Climbing

The broad spectrum of activities available for tourists in Thailand is the main reason it is one of the hottest vacation destinations in the world. Visitors can navigate its crowded cities, enjoy South East Asian cuisine, see age old traditions in action, and escape to the beaches or tropical forests. The island of Ko Phi Phi Don gives tourists the opportunity to engage in most of these activities – including climbing the rock faces of its numerous cliffs.

Rock climbing in these regions is an emerging trend, and it looks like there is plenty of room to grow. The southern islands of Phi Phi, which is already a popular destination due to its beaches and tropical settings, have been attracting climbers for the past few years. The non-volcanic island of Ko Phi Phi Don is largely made of limestone and sports cliffs that are ideal for climbers. Even the bay of Nui is dotted with rocks that rise above the blue sea. There are around 50 routes over 5 interesting crags, and these have been developed over the years. As the cliffs overlook the coast of the tiny island, the views are amazing. Access to this island is only available by boat through Phuket or Krabi.

Safety is the most important factor in this activity where a small slip can have disastrous consequences. So it is vital that visitors who are not experts or are not carrying their own gear get the best help that the island has to offer. Spidermonkey Climbing, found in the main village, is a favourite due to the locals’ professional knowledge and friendliness, and caters for beginners and experts alike.

Half a day’s climbing at the end of Tonsai beach will give beginners a chance to learn basic techniques, take in the view and take a relaxing walk back from the 12- 40 metre climbs available. If you are looking to polish up your climbing skills and learn new techniques, the three day course is suitable. This course introduces customer belay, leading a climb, and if possible, multiple – pitch as well. For a more formidable climber, the multiple pitch course offers two experiences. Either climb the 100 foot Tonsai Tower in 4 pitches, or practice and improve your skill on various other double pitch routes. Renting your own gear is only advisable for experts who know the art of climbing. Whichever way you choose you are sure to end up gazing at the clear blue waters of Tonsai, with a spectacular view over the island.

After you have exhausted yourself in scaling these vertical overhangs, enjoy the rest of Thailand in a Bangkok Cruise Tour. Float down the river Chao Phraya on a 100 year old rice barge that is refurbished for luxury with Anantara Cruises Thailand. Take in the scenery of Thai temples and Buddha statues along the river as the personal crew attends to all your needs. These Bangkok cruises are the perfect way to relax in style after an exhilarating tour of rock climbing.

 

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
Google+

Scuba Diving in Negombo

Negombo is an idyllic coastal town located in the western coast of the tropical island of Sri Lanka. A massive city, it is located roughly forty kilometres from Colombo, the country’s capital. Negombo is known for its bustling fish markets, gorgeous beaches, and active night scene. It is also the place to try out a variety of water sports such as surfing, jet skiing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Negombo has twelve major scuba diving spots and all of them are suitable for novices except for two. Adams Peak does not have an extensive coral network but is rich in aquatic fauna. Home to Lion Fish, Bullseye, Glass Fish, Cardinal Fish and Snappers it presents a terrific opportunity for taking photographs underwater. Barracuda Point is named after the fierce ocean predators that are found there. This gorgeous diving spot is also home to Sting Rays and Scorpion Fish. Bandara Rocks is known for its excellent visibility and a profusion of lobsters and cuttlefish. Ahas Yatra Gala is another terrific diving spot. Although one can find a plethora of aquatic life here, the main draw of Ahas Yatra Gala is the wrecks of fighter planes from World War II.

Thanthiri Gala is a somewhat shallow diving spot which nevertheless has a large network of coral. Standard Reef, with a maximum depth of around fifteen metres, offers good visibility. Route 66, also called the Oceanic Highway, is an underwater coral lined path that trails north. Lobster Reef is named after the creatures found here in large numbers and is another terrific diving spot. The other two diving spots suitable for novices are Muttiyan Gala and Hanova, where one can also try diving at night. Both Diyamba Gala and Derana Gala are more suited for divers with some experience.

Since Negombo is located so close to the airport it is convenient to stop here for a few days either on the way from or to the airport. Tourists looking for a good Negombo hotel can try the Jetwing Blue. Situated by the sea it is one of the best Sri Lanka hotels around and is sure to make one’s stay memorable.

Hiking and Trekking in Bhutan: An Exhilarating and Breathtaking Climb

A secluded yet beautiful state tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a truly extraordinary country brimming with a never ending trail of monasteries and breathtaking beauty while preserving the rich heritage of the nation. The valleys alone are of such indescribable beauty as small springs and rivulets trickle merrily down the steep yet lush green mountains to meet the plateau below making trekking in Bhutan is a beautiful experience.

Bhutan’s natural terrain and picturesque landscape make trekking in the country a truly wonderful experience and it is no one wonder that some of the world’s best trekking trails are found in the country. The best times to trek are in April and October for the weather is clear and there is little snow fall though one can trek around the year in a number of low-altitude trails as well. Trekking in high altitude is quite a difficult task which makes physical fitness and endurance quite important. However, these treks are particularly rewarding for the natural landscape is breathtakingly mesmerizing and are memories one is not likely to forget.

Depending on what you wish to see and your physical health, one can select from a number of trekking or hiking options ranging from day hikes to multi-day treks. The Jhomolhari – Laya – Gasa trek is a well known route that takes a little more than two weeks to complete and exposes trekkers to the Gasa hot springs as well. On the other hand, the Snowman Trek is an excursion that allows trekkers to explore the outer reaches of the Himalayas and has the distinction of being the most difficult trekking route in Bhutan. Not only should one be prepared to trek for around 24 days but as the route takes you to very high attitudes, altitude sickness is rampant and if you fall sick in the interim, it is a very long way to get back to safety.

Subsequent to successfully completing these treks, travellers can opt for the luxury of staying a Bhutan hotel complete with all the modern amenities and little luxuries. Opting to stay at Uma Bhutan, a resort featuring private villas overlooking the Paro valley will provide you with the opportunity to soak up the culture of the Bhutanese people as this Paro hotel is located within close proximity of the Tiger’s Nest monastery and a number of museums and monasteries.

Diving In The Maldives

There is no doubt that Maldives contains some of the finest diving spots in the world and scuba diving is a highly popular activity on the island. The warm waters off the island’s coast are home to an amazing variety of aquatic life and provide a rich and rewarding experience. While one is guaranteed to come across numerous colourful creatures while diving, different diving spots host different marine fauna. So when choosing one’s diving spot it is always best to keep in mind the types of fish one wishes to see.

Although small colourful fish are fascinating in their own way most people wish to see the large fish such as the whale shark. The Ari Atoll is a terrific place to not only spot whale sharks but also other shark species such as the hammerhead shark, the grey reef shark and the white tip shark. It is also home to a sizeable manta ray population. It is also possible to see sharks at the Vaavu Atoll but they are not as common a sight as they are in the Ari Atoll. However, Fotteyo Kandu, considered by many to be the country’s best diving spot, is a part of this atoll. It contains quick currents, a variety of fish such as barracuda and tuna, and a series of exciting underwater caves that can be explored.

Some of the first diving scuba diving spots were discovered in the North Male Atoll and they remain popular to this day. Known for their awe inspiring underwater topography, the most popular spots are Kuda Haa and Banana Reef. While there is no particular diving season, the active period runs from November to May. The period between April and June maybe the warmest in the calendar, but they are also best time to observe whale sharks and manta rays.

To enjoy a variety of facilities with a minimum of hassle, tourists can try a Maldives resort such as the Cocoa Island Maldives which contains the infrastructure for a number of water related activities such as scuba diving and surfing. The Maldives luxury hotel is situated on a private island and is ideal for tourists who want to escape the crowds.

Enjoying the scenery

Being a string of islands sailing and fishing has been an important part of the lives of the Maldivian people for a very long time. Sailing is also one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands and fishing is still an important economic activity in the Maldives.

Maldivians still use the traditional dhonis for fishing, quite a few of which are motorized now. The boat carries a crew of about eight. At the start of day the fishermen will first catch their live bait of small scad, silverside and sardine. The bait is put in the bait hold and kept alive until a school of tuna is sighted. The bait is then thrown overboard getting the shoal to move closer after which the fishermen will throw in their lines. Once the bait runs out or the fish stop biting, they will move on to the next shoal.

Night fishing expeditions are popular with visitors. Boats takes off before nightfall and anchor on a reef. Lines tethered with hooks and sinkers are dropped overboard and everyone waits for the fish to bite. If anything is caught it can be barbequed over an open flame and if not, everyone can enjoy the peace and beauty of a starry night.

Big game fishing takes place in the mornings. It involves trolling outside the atoll along the reef. Yellow fin tuna, Barracuda, Wahoo, Sail fish and Dorado are some of the fish caught this way. Specially equipped boat charters are available for fishing enthusiasts who are after a fishing adventure. Secluded rarely fished areas can be reached by chartered boats where the whole family can enjoy the experience.

Cruising on traditional boats or luxuriously outfitted modern boats is the best way to experience the beauty of the Maldives. Island hopping to see traditional Maldivian fishing villages, sailing past desert islands, snorkeling on reefs teeming with fish and sunsets picnics on a deserted beach are all popular and sometimes romantic ways to experience the Maldives.

Cocoa Island Maldives, with just 33 over water bungalows offers privacy and complete relaxation. Slip into the water from your own extraordinary dhoni suite or villa at this extraordinary Maldives resort and enjoy snorkeling or swimming in the clear water or the teeming reef or take it easy on the powder white beach. Thereafter enjoy a delicious South Indian, Asian or Mediterranean inspired meal made with fresh ingredients and herbs and experience the specially formulated spa treatments. Stay at this award winning, much appreciated Maldives luxury hotel to have a beautiful holiday experience.