Category: Land Extreme Sports

Rock Climbing in Tioman

Often regarded as a beach paradise for the masses Malaysia’s Tioman Island is also an activity hub that is not just reserved for water sports lovers. Rock climbers in particular will find the rugged rock faces of the island an enticing opportunity to engage in their favorite activity while vacationing in a Tioman island resort. Rock climbers heading to Tioman Island know that the principle mountainous area in the island is Gunung Nenek Semukut which is accessible for those based in the Berjaya Tioman Resort and other hospitality hubs in the area.

Famously dubbed the Dragon Horns engaging in rock climbing activities in Gunung Nenek Semukut is an awe inspiring experience but visitors should be aware that scaling this mammoth rock face is strictly for professional or seasoned rock climbers with experience in making such a challenging climb. The first attempt at climbing the seemingly insurmountable mountain saw Scotty Nelson and Nick Tomlin brave the challenge back in the year 2000. The mountain which is also known as the “Twin Peaks” or the “Twin Towers” the Dragon Horns are reputed to be the lengthiest rock climbing surface in Southeast Asia and the Malaysian Peninsula’s only big climbing wall. Those who wish to experience more accessible rock climbing encounters while in Tioman can head to Kg. Nipah which offers bouldering and slab wall climbing opportunities aplenty. Located near a beach the area is easy to navigate for fans of sports climbing and sandstone climbing challenges. The 30m climb can be achieved with nearly a dozen bolts. The area boasts 20 routes for sports climbers while throwing in a few 2-3 pitches trails as well.
Climbing instructors are available in villages and other areas of the island and those who wish to scale limestone cliffs will be spoiled for choice when it comes to the variety of rock climbing surfaces littering Tioman Island.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Catch the Waves at Surfers Paradise

Gold Coast, a city in Queensland, Australia, considered to be one of the most metropolitan cities in the region, is a top tourist destination. With its unique culture, stunning skyline, thriving nightlife and amazing sights and scenes, Gold Coast offers its visitors many opportunities to have unforgettable experiences. The city is also home to attractions such as the Dreamworld Theme Park, David Fleay Wildlife Park, the Q1 Tower, Main Beach, and Nerang River. With many hotels in Gold Coast, such as the Oaks Calypso Plaza, it’s not so hard to find business or family accommodation in Gold Coast as the city has developed its tourism industry to meet rising demands.
Although Gold Coast has numerous attractions, the most famous attraction in the city is the iconic Surfer’s Paradise. When a suburb is called “Surfer’s Beach” it is obvious that it is among the best places in Australia for surfing, which is why surfing enthusiasts and beach lovers from all corners of the globe visit this stunning coastal destination. With so much activity going on at Surfer’s Paradise, it is a destination that simply should not miss out on!
For decades, Surfer’s Beach has been the most popular attractions in Gold Coast. This stretch of beach at Surfer’s Paradise is excellent for catching the waves and spending countless hours surfing. The beach itself stretches undisturbed for a considerable distance and there is ample room for you to have fun and frolic at this amazing beach. In the summer time, the beach is a hot spot for surfers and anyone with any amount of surfing experience can go on and have a great time at the Surfer’s Paradise beach. While surfing is one of the more popular activities in Surfer’s Paradise, this suburb actually has its own lifestyle and culture. The countless restaurants, night clubs, bars, skateboarding parks and the exciting events make Surfer’s Coast one of the most fascinating places to visit.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Surf the Crystal Clear Waves of the Island Paradise Kandooma

Interested in chasing waves across the Maldivian archipelago? Start and end your tour at beautiful Kandooma. Home to excellent break points and irresistible waves, the resort is every surfer’s dream.

Visit South Male Atoll – The Breaks are Fabulous
Located within the South Male Atoll, Kandooma offers you less crowded beaches and the opportunity to surf almost alone. Head over to the island and slip into the laid back way of life predominant in sunny Maldives. There are plenty of Maldives surfing resorts to choose from and on Kandooma you get to enjoy a stay at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

Choose from Excellent Surf Points
Some of the best surf points of the South Male Atoll are located around Kandooma; best of all these top waves are almost forgotten by the masses of tourists heading out to the more popular North Male Atoll. However, to let you in on a little secret – the waves here are just as amazing and rewarding.

“Kandooma Right” a Swell to be Reckoned With
This is a fast-breaking right wave offering two take off points; one offers a basic start while the other provides a more precarious one for all adrenaline junkies. Offering a number of barrel prospects to enjoy, the waves break over a shallow reef to a distance of 100 metres. Best times to handle the waves are mid tide and at heights of 3 to 6 feet, it’s considered one of the best swells in Maldives.

Experience Tuckey Joes and Boatyards
On a fine day, this break can outdo any in the archipelago. The take-off is quite sudden with speed gathering up quite quickly. You have a number of barrels to experience on the long almost 200-metre run.

Natives and Foxys for Quick Reactions
This is a fast breaking wave that spills over shallow coral. Surfers skilled on backhand will love the fast paced action this waves offers. The break is 100 to 150 metres incorporating many barrels.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Pasta Point

An archipelago of over a thousand islands should definitely offer some surfing opportunities; when you stay at one of the best Maldives resorts these can be described as unparalleled opportunities. The pristine blue waters that bless the shores of Maldives have been the main crowd puller to the country for dozens of years. The locals have brushed up on their hospitality and cuisine to make a mark beyond their natural gifts. However, the vistas that unfold along every coast, the cruises between atolls and the fine marine adventures that are promised to every tourist are difficult to compete with.

In order to make every marine aficionado’s surf dreams come true, the waves and waters that surround Maldives work overtime. The wave machines around the country help create more adventurous waves for surfers and include reef breakers, point breakers as well as beach breakers. The North Malѐ atoll has its own wave machine known as Pasta Point which is not too far from the iconic Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and is more or less used exclusively by the dwellers at the hotel.

As obscure as the name may be Pasta Point is an amazing reef break which dishes out lefthanders which are unmatchable. The ideal time of the year to benefit from these four to six metre high waves is between May and August each year. The number of surfers who are given access to Pasta Point is regulated and capped at thirty; this makes it safer and more convenient for those who ride the waves. There are several other breaks within proximity of Pasta Point and can be accessed by boat, so once you have your fair share of the fun on the Pasta breaks, be sure to arrange a short boat trip to jailbreak or Honky’s which are right-handers and lefthanders respectively.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Hiking in Al Hajar Mountains

Trekking to North-eastern Oman will bring you to the wonderful Al Hajar mountain range which provides a wealth of tales to learn of. Having served as a barrier which prevented foreign invasions from overpowering Oman, this mountain range is by far the most stunning of its kind in order for adventure enthusiasts to set about for some hiking. Easily reachable from most Oman resort properties such as Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, some of the more frequented hiking trails can be found in regions such as Jabal Shams and Jabal Akhdar where warm, searing temperatures would greet hikers by day before more freezing climes would tend to take over the minute the sun begins to go into hiding.

While hiking in this region would be better with the aid of a guide, journeying to these parts from wherever you maybe based would have to be done in a robust 4×4 which could easily navigate this terrain with no fuss at all. First up is the Balcony Hike which can be enjoyed in Jabal Shams and takes approximately 4 hours to complete though the views of Oman that will be at your disposal would quite simply leave you breathless. Though moderate in nature, this hiking experience will lead you past abandoned villages while guiding you across a well-marked out trail along the rim of a canyon. If you do keep your eyes peeled for sudden surprises then you will be treated to the odd sight of hidden waterfalls that only add to the charm of the journey. Next up would be the region demarcated as the Western portion of the Al Hajar Mountains that hold its own secrets and fascinations. Walking on top of cliffs and savouring the cool mountain air may seem like the best feeling in the world right now but do make it a point to venture deeper, into parts that have been lost to the modern world. Moving into the wadis in this part will lead you into a collection of old villages where no trace of life can be found but the stillness and eerie silence of these once thriving communities will welcome you to a side of Oman which has now been forgotten though in terms of a hiking experience, is “just up one’s street,” so to speak. However though carrying your camera would be a pre-requisite, so too would be your trusty canister of water as you must not be placed in a position where you would be caught out by the weather in these regions.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Snorkelling Tips

Snorkelling Tips
Snorkelling Tips

 

 

 

The Maldives is an island paradise situated in the Indian Ocean, a sweet escape from your nine-to-five life. Its tropical nature, white sands and clear blue waters provide for the perfect atmosphere for some relaxation and rejuvenation.
In the midst of the calm and serene setting, fun and adventure is not far-fetched if you’re staying at a water bungalow in Maldives. Island resorts and hotels, such as Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, offer a variety of activities to engage in the beautiful surroundings.
One of the many outdoor resort activities available is snorkelling. Without the burden of having to lug around heavy scuba equipment, one can explore the turquoise lagoons in a safer and easier manner through snorkelling, engaging with the vast underwater world amongst the extraordinary marine life it has to offer.
As always, practice makes perfect even when it comes to snorkelling and the most vital pointer to keep in mind is to stay relaxed and to avoid over analysis. Your mask should at all times fit your face perfectly and the best way to figure this out is to hold the mask against your face and inhale through the nose. If the mask fits and stays in place without having to hold it, you are good to go because if air seeps through always remember the water will too.
Pick a pair of fins that give you a snug fit but make sure they aren’t too tight for this may lead to cramps. Another important pointer is the art of defogging as snorkelling is not fun if you don’t get to see anything clearly. Some prefer gel products for their lenses whilst others use a drop of baby shampoo washed with some ocean water. Crushed leaves have also been used to do the trick, so really it’s what works best for you.
Lastly, always practice your breathing before you dip into the water. Wear your mask on and inhale through the tube and remember not to bite it, keeping your teeth and jaws rested at all times.

Maggie Tulliver is a passionate travel writer. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.  Google+

Mountain Biking in Abu Dhabi

Mountain Biking in Sir Bani Yas Island
Mountain Biking in Sir Bani Yas Island – Abu Dhabi

Sir Bani Yas Island, located on the Arabian Gulf is one of the largest natural islands of the United Arab Emirates. The Island, located off the shores of Abu Dhabi is home to around 36 archaeological sites, including a 4000-year-old circular tomb, a watch tower, a mosque amongst others. Sir Bani Yas Island forms one of eight other islands which form the Desert Islands. Owing to be an ideal retreat, the island provides adventurous activities catered to by Sir Bani Yas Island hotels, where visitors can choose from archery, land sailing and mountain biking. Most hotels, like Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, would provide a designated riding route which will be categorized into a non- strenuous path or a path that is more suitable for advanced riders.

Mountain biking through the rugged Arabian wilderness has become a popular past time of visitors to the island, as they are treated to spectacular sceneries of towering mountains and wild animals. Sir Bani Yas Island has been developed as part of Sheikh Zayed’s ‘Greening of the Desert’ programme, which was designed to provide a safe habitat for the country’s endangered wildlife species, where thousands of trees were planted and animal species like Gazelles, Oryx, Llamas and Ostriches were introduced to the island’s wildlife preserve. Therefore, bike riders are sure to see some of these wonderful beasts in their habitat.

Mountain biking is, therefore, the best way to explore the island as riders can cycle through wadis or access some of the lesser travelled paths, while simultaneously working out. Most bikes are complete with a carriage which allows for children under five to partake in this activity as well, ensuring that the entire family has a great time.

Be sure to always wear the helmet provided, and carry sunscreen as the Arabian sun can be harsh and is no friend to unprotected skin.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Explore the Great Barrier Reef; the 25 million year old gentle giant

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Img.Credit:[Szopen]
The Great Barrier Reef is the known largest living reef habitat in the world. It is made up more than 2900 separate reefs and well above 900 islands. These islands span for more than 2600 kilometres or 1600 miles in size. The area that the reef covers can be estimated as above roughly 344,400 square kilometres. This beautiful aquatic landscape is without a doubt the most exquisitely diversified ecosystem on the planet. The Great Barrier Reef that is aged at over 25 million of years is a beautiful home to more than 600 different species of aquatic organisms. In this there has been estimated to be, more than 1500 different varieties of fish, over 4000 types of molluscs and more than 360 different varieties of corals.
Once you go underwater you will be stunned by the brilliance of the colour differentiation that exists as well as the various textures and shapes. The hundreds upon hundreds of fish that live in the eco-system create complicated yet incredibly simple patterns with their graceful movements as they swim around the place that they call home. The many silent dwellers of the Great Barrier Reef include sea cucumbers, turtles, giant clams, starfish, snails, shells, anemones, eels, sponges, rays and much more.
Port Douglas is the nearest city and the leaving point to the reef and each day over 12 tours leave the port. It is a complete diving and snorkeling haven and the nature of the area is such that even a beginner could enjoy a fun and safe snorkeling session. There are many Port Douglas hotels such as the Oaks Lagoons among multiple others that cater to the accommodation requirements of the many travellers that travel to the area from across the globe in seek of a glimpse of this age old gentle giant.

The Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef, Img. Credit:[Melanie Rogers]
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Desert Safari Driving Tips -Guidelines on How to Make Rough Ride Go Smooth

Desert Safari Driving Tips
Desert Safari Driving Tips_ Image Credit: travcoa

What is a trip to the Middle East without a trip to the desert? Also, what better place for tourists to enjoy the desert than Doha, the capital of Qatar? There are a countless number of tourists coming to Qatar and most expect pretty much straight forward things from this Middle Eastern holiday spot- luxury , deserts , sand dunes and camel rides gaining top priority. Most choose tourists who come to this part of the world come with the expectation of splurging some cash. Some choose to spend their entire holiday in a luxury hotel in Doha and pay a visit to the deserts or some prefer to be closer to these mystical sand heavens. Either way most hotels like the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara; make it a point to organise desert safaris and tours in their activities for the guest. The desert tours are categorised into various packages to suit individual requirements. Packages are often uniform across various operators.
There are options to be driven around the desert or you could self-drive in the presence of a guide. Most desert safaris are categorised as morning –half day tours where one can see the sun coming up to light up the golden sands , full day tours that allow you to explore the desert throughout the whole day and enjoy sundown refreshments and entertainment , thirdly an overnight desert safari which allows visitors to spend the night in the desert. Regardless of the safari, it is important to keep in mind that driving around the desert takes special skills compared to the day to day driving that one may engage in. Hence it is worth it to check with the tour operator to see what prior off road experience is needed. It is best to be within the recommended trails at all times and obey the guidance of the experts.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.Google+