Land Extreme Sports | The Adventure Travel Site

Mangrove Kayaking

A mention of the Middle East brings to mind images of rolling sand dunes and endless desert. The cities are built up with gleaming steel and glass but only a short distance away from Abu Dhabi’s city center is Sir Bani Yas Island. A stark contrast to what you would expect, the island is occupied by the tranquil Arabian Wildlife Park. It is also home to several historical sites, world class purpose-built stables and Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort.

Among the many Sir Bani Yas Island activities are spa retreats, nature watching safaris and adventure activities that are available on the island. It has been named a ‘World’s Leading Tourism Destination’. A favourite activity on the island is mangrove kayaking. You will be guided through the impressive mangroves of Abu Dhabi by an expert who will also teach you about the role these unique plants play in the coastal system. The low tides are better for spotting birds, crabs and fish that call the area home but the high tide allows deeper exploration of the mangroves.

Kayaking through the mangroves is not a dangerous activity, it is easy to learn and one that is available all year round in Abu Dhabi. The experienced guides are on hand to help and instruct; they are also trained in emergency response and equipped with first aid kits. You will be provided with a sturdily build kayak of a reputed brand and a life jacket. Guests can expect to get wet, therefore clothes suitable for watersports are recommended along with sensible footwear. In sunny weather it is best to bring a hat and plenty of waterproof sunscreen. A towel and change of clothes may come in handy after your excursion. There are several great photo opportunities to be had on the water for those who have access to water resistant equipment.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Welcome to Dune Bashing in Abu Dhabi

A holiday to the world famous capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, isn’t complete until you hop in to a 4-wheel drive and steer your way through the enormous dunes that make up the desert expanse. With an abundance of high dunes and sand valleys, dune bashing is one of the Emirate’s most popular sporting activities.

For those who aren’t in the know, dune bashing is the practice of off-roading on large sand dunes. An experienced driver will drive a four-wheel vehicle straight up and over the dunes, sometimes letting the wheels leave the ground. Vehicles driven on dunes may come equipped with a roll cage in case of an overturn so don’t worry if you see one, it’s just for safety purposes. Adrenaline junkies are definitely going to enjoy the fast-paced action of these much-loved Abu Dhabi Excursions.

Due to the intense heat of the desert, dune bashing usually takes place in the early hours of the morning or late afternoon, to ensure the sand is hard enough to drive on. If you’re staying at a resort that is closely situated near the desert, like the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara for example, check if the resort can organise the dune-bashing excursion for you. It’ll be an easier, more reliable option that’ll take you straight from the comfort of your room to the dunes, minus the long drives out into the desert.

Alternatively, there are several licensed operators offering dune bashing packages that either come at a set rate or can be either tailor made to suit your needs, at a higher price of course. Most will combine dune bashing with a desert safari so once you’re done racing through over the dunes; you can sit back, relax and take in the stark beauty of the dunes and the indigenous plants that inhabit the desert.

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+

Snorkelling in the Western Coast Sri Lanka

The island of Sri Lanka, nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean is known by a number of epithets. Fondly called the ‘Resplendent Isle’, the ‘Small Miracle’, and ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ and so on, these epithets embody the essence of Sri Lanka. When in Sri Lanka, the diversity of experiences that can be had is immense and depending on whether you vacation on the coastal belt or the central highlands, everything from the climate to the sights and sceneries will change. Therefore, those who wish to engage in water sports or snorkelling in Sri Lanka should certainly endeavour to reside in the vicinity of the beach.
Whereas the Eastern coastal belt is considered by many to be pristine, untouched and home to immense natural beauty, those who wish to reside closer to the capital of the island should opt for accommodation on the Western coastal belt. While a Mount Lavinia hotel would certainly allow tourists to transit from the International Airport to their holiday accommodation in a fairly short period of time, a much better experience awaits those who opt to snorkel away from Colombo. This should not however discourage travellers from choosing to explore the wonders of the marine world on the Western coastal belt, for this area boasts a number of stunning diving sites. Some of these include Hikkaduwa, a coastal town with a thriving nightlife, Weligama and Kirinda as well.
However, the time of year during which one visits the island is an important factor to consider when going snorkelling in Sri Lanka. This is because of the monsoon seasons that affect the Eastern and Western belts differently. When visiting Sri Lanka from November to April, snorkelling on the West Coast is a splendid option for the waters are at their calmest during this time.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Camel Riding

What is an Arabian escape without a camel back ride? The camels of Arabia are considered as an important icon of these nations. The UAE which is a hot spot for tourists are not short them! The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi hosts thousands of tourists each year. Camels which have been a major part of the Arabian civilisation have now become part of recreational activities for tourists. Most resorts and private operators offer camel back rides. One of the renowned resorts that organise camel rides as a part of their Abu Dhabi Resort Tour is the renowned Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

The best time to embark on this journey would be the early hours of the day or close to sunset. Camelback rides are regarded as one of the best ways to explore the vast majority of the deserts of Abu Dhabi. The camels are often referred to as the ships of the desert, one will agree with the term once they hop on a camel back. It’s not made in reference to the speed of the motion but how the passengers sway back and forth and sideways while on a camel back. Most tourists who jump on a camel often think the lump on the camel back is the water stored, however, it is the mechanism of storing fat.

The rides can be exhausting due to the heat, hence, most stop for refreshments at camps that depict the ancient Emirati life. These rides are also an excellent way to experience the old and modern architecture of the Middle East. The packages can range from a few hours to an entire day. So if you plan on visiting Abu Dhabi make sure to include a camel back ride in your agenda.

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

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Jet Skiing at Tanjung Bali

Located between Java and Lombok is the beautiful Indonesian island of Bali. Considered to be one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations for tourists, Bali offers a great combination of a mild tropical climate, pristine sandy beaches, breath-taking natural beauty, and a unique culture. The numerous attractions and wide range of recreational and leisure options of Bali make staying on this island a truly memorable and fun experience. For a stay in a luxury Bali beach resort make a reservation at the Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa.

Located 15km away from the international airport of Bali is scenic beachside destination of Tanjung. Tanjung, being one of more popular destinations in Bali, is also a great place for water sports due to its pristine beachfront and excellent water conditions. While many water sports are enjoyed here, none are more exciting and thrilling as jet skiing. If you’ve ever wanted to zoom through the water at high speeds in one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in the world, then you simply must try out jet skiing in Tanjung.
Jet skiing has always been a sport that captured the imagination of speed freaks and adrenaline junkies. The reason for this is that jet skiing allows you to get on to a handy machine with a powerful 135 – 150HP engine capable of generating speeds easily over 50mph! With such speeds, it is no surprise why jet skiing is loved all over the world. However, jet skiing in Tanjung offers something a bit special, as the beauty of the surrounding area and the marvelous climate make the whole jet skiing experience all the more memorable. During the right time of the year, you can even Jet Ski the whole day as the weather permits all day outdoor activities. Do not worry if you don’t know how to handle a Jet Ski, as there are many instructors in Tanjung who will be more than willing to accompany you as you Jet Ski. So go on and have an adrenaline pumping Jet Ski experience in Tanjung!

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

Best Mountains to climb in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the technologically advanced countries in the East. However, the country is abundantly blessed with many natural resources as well as places. There is a world of activities away from the capital Kuala Lumpur. Sepang is an exciting place to check out if you are visiting Malaysia. There are plenty of things to do and explore here. Restaurants, cafes, shopping, circuits and if you want to pamper yourself- plenty of luxury Sepang Hotels. Malaysia has an interesting terrain too. Due to this, one of the activities that are becoming popular is mountain climbing. There is the Gunung Nuang in Selangor which is a tough climb but one that is worth. If you are super fit, a day would be sufficient to climb to the top and back, however, some others may take two days. There are campsites and shelters on the way. For those who seek a hint of luxury one of the options among the many available is AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort.

Apart from Gunung Nuang, there are plenty of other mountains around Malaysia to climb offering some of the best treks and views. The tallest mountain in Malaysia is Gunung Kinabalu. Located in Borneo the mountain and the rainforest area surrounding it are declared a UNESCO world heritage site.

Gunung Gagau’s climb is a great adventure as getting to the mountain’s base itself is a two-day journey along a river. One of the areas that cannot be forgotten when considering a good mountain trek is the Cameron Highlands. Gunung Beremdun is located in the highlands and offers cooler climates for climbing than the rest of South East Asia. Another mountain with incredible views is Gunung Jerai also known as “Kedah Peak”. Even though not a tall mountain its location among flat rice paddy fields offers incredible far out views.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Tandem Skydive Queenstown Skydiving

Queenstown is a small town in New Zealand with the heart and soul of a bustling miniature city. It sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu and is caressed by tall peaks on all sides. The natural beauty of the setting instantly captivates visitors. This much-loved destination is now gaining a reputation for its cosmopolitan restaurants and more than one luxury hotel. Queenstown is also building a vibrant arts scene, has top notch vineyards and five golf courses meeting international-standards. You will find the biggest crowds during the summer and winter months but there are things to see and do all year round.

Queenstown is known fondly as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. This is where you go if your idea of a vacation includes jumping out of a plane, off a bridge or both! To get the most out of your travels become a member of the Anantara Vacation Club; reviews describe it as a timeshare concept upgraded to include all the bells and whistles.

Sky diving is on the bucket list of every adrenalin junkie. You will be decked out in a jump suit and given a safety briefing after which a small plane will take you up and away. Tandem sky diving requires you to be strapped to a qualified instructor, who will carry a parachute to make the jump. After a short, exhilarating free fall the instructor will deploy the parachute and you will both shoot up several feet into the sky. Finally, you will float back down to earth while enjoying the scenery. New Zealand is one of the most picturesque countries in the world so what better way to enjoy the view, than from the skies above? A video and photos of your thrilling experience can be purchased for an additional fee.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
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Day ride with stylish quad bikes in Samui

Koh Samui in Thailand has long since been attracting holidaymakers. It has evolved with the times and remains a top pick among vacation destinations. Make a trip and you can expect to find in Koh Samui: 5 star resorts, long stretches of pristine beach, swanky restaurants, top of the line spas and ever popular beach bars. Despite adapting to meet the demands of the modern traveller, it has maintained much of its authenticity. Thailand’s largest island was once home to a quiet fishing community and was only visited by the odd backpacker. Today, it caters to budget travellers with simple beachside bungalows as well as luxury travellers who opt for accommodation at options such as Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort & Spa.

The island has recently discovered quad bikes. It is a fun and adventurous way to experience the sights and sounds. You will have the opportunity to power through the wilds of tropical jungles while birds call to you from the trees above and monkeys swing from branch to branch. You will also see magnificent waterfalls and magical places that are unspoiled and hidden away waiting to be discovered.

Quad bike tours are conducted for groups that enjoy the sport. You will be provided with a top of the range bike, which is sturdy and safer than a scooter or most other options available to tourists. Koh Samui has great weather ideal for outdoor activity and the varying terrain from flat beaches to hilly jungles offers up an invigorating challenge. The tours are led by experienced guides who are friendly and ready to assist new riders. There will be many amazing photo opportunities so remember to pack a camera and get set for the ride of your life!

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Snorkeling and Kayaking at Hoi Ha Marine Park

If navigating through calm waters amidst a backdrop of aesthetically pleasing rainforest landscapes suits your fancy, if diving into the depths of these pristine waters and embarking on an underwater adventure through a dreamscape consisting of a myriad of colours appeals to you, then there is a magical place where your dreams are awaiting to be discovered. This place is the Hoi Ha Wan national park, at the heart of Hong Kong, at the north of the Sai Kung peninsula. Hoi Ha Wan national park, also known as Jones Cove, is a sheltered that is famous for a handful of factors including her pristine unspoilt waters, breath-taking scenery, and most importantly, her highly rich biodiversity. The park contains Hong Kong’s largest coral colonies, and is one of the most treasured and protected places in the nation. Access however, is not at all restricted to this heavenly retreat, and a visitor can easily embark on one the most unforgettable adventures of their life by taking a kayaking and diving tour the park specializes in.

If you wish to embark on an international voyage to this incredible locale, there are many accommodation options to choose from ranging from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly options such as the Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong, which despite being considered a budget hotel in Hong Kong, provides all the necessary amenities of her five-star counterparts.

The Hoi Ha kayaking and diving adventure kicks off from the tiny village, also known as Hoi Ha, where a twenty minute kayak ride along the exquisitely forested shorelines of Hoi Ha Wan into the heart of the park, where the kayaks are abandoned at one of the mooring buoys. After the donning of the essential diving gear, you’ll be able to dive into a magical underwater realm populated by coral, crabs, sea-stars and many species of under-water fish.

So an underwater adventure is what you seek, look no further than Hoi Ha Wan Park, in Hong Kong.

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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Boat Rides at Bolgoda Lake

Sri Lanka is a tiny island that has much to surprise and delight visitors, in the way of natural beauty. Despite being famous for endless tropical beaches and turquoise seas, there are vast lakes, high peaks and thick forests if one is to venture inland.

Bolgoda Lake is believed to be the largest natural, fresh water lake in Sri Lanka. The body of water spans three hundred and forty seven square kilometres but only reaches a maximum depth of fifty feet. It is located on the outskirts of Colombo, the country’s capital. The Lake consists of North Lake, which is the larger portion, most of which is located in the Colombo District; South Lake is situated in the Kalutara District. The Bolgoda Ganga is the river which connects the two bodies of water. Bolgoda Lake connects up to the Weras Ganga Basin, the neighbouring coastal suburb of which is home to the ever popular Mount Lavinia Beach overlooked by the old colonial Mount Lavinia Hotel.

A fun way to experience the lake is to take a boat trip and discover all the natural wonders, which includes mangrove forests. Paddle boats and row boats are available for those looking to splash about in the water. This is especially fun for kids. A few hours out on the lake is also recommended for bird watchers as the lake is rich in biodiversity and attracts many species of the feathered kind. The lake has a small island that can be booked by private groups for a picnic or party. There are other small islands that were used by ferrymen in olden times. In fact the lake provided a hunting and recreational ground for British Officers who were stationed in Colombo, during British rule.

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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