Hiking And Trekking - The Adventure Travel Site

A climb to remember

Are you an adrenaline junkie? If so, the Story Bridge Adventure climb is just the way for you to explore Brisbane. Here’s what you need to know to plan an exciting trip.

What this journey entails

Story Bridge Brisbane Night View | Image via flickr

This is a must-do if you’re in Brisbane because you’re in for a great thrill. This exhilarating climb is sure to leave you wanting more and mesmerized by the beauty of the city. You can take part in the climb at dawn, during the day or if you’re extra daring, you can climb the bridge at night under LED lights. The bridge is about 74m high; the total journey is about a kilometer with a viewing bay above the Brisbane River.

What’s included in a climb

Even if you’re a first-time climber with no experience, you will still get briefed about the safety guidelines and will be given the gear and equipment needed. You’re given a fully enclosed suit to wear over your clothes and your team lead will take pictures of you at the top, so you don’t have to risk losing your valuables. Since the bridge is in the heart of the city, you can easily find accommodation such as the Oaks Brisbane Mews Suites which is just a 7min drive.

Nervous? Don’t worry.

As this is a highly popular activity, there are ironclad safety measures in place, and you will always be accompanied by experienced guides. The only requirements are that you’re at least 10 years or older and 130cm tall. Although there are plenty of great bars and hotels in Bowen Hills, please avoid alcohol prior to the climb just to ensure your safety and others’.

Visiting Yala National Park in Sri Lanka

Yala National Park is renowned the world over for the incredible wildlife which lives within the confines of the park! Catch an exciting safari and witness the wild animals in their natural habitat. Here’s all you need to know before you go!
Best Time to Visit the Park
Whilst the park is open for the most part, it is considered to be “peak season” during the dry season. This runs from February to July, and it is during these months that the animals are drawn out the dense shrub to the watering holes in search of water.

Where is Yala?

This national park is located in the southeast of the island and spills over to provinces – Hambanthota and Monaragala. It’s one of the largest national parks and covers an extent of over 130,000 hectares. The park in itself is quite remote and it’s best to hire a private vehicle to reach it.

Where can I stay?

Despite being in a remote stretch, many hotels have sprung up to meet the demand in Yala. Hotels, resorts, villas, or guesthouses, there are varied accommodation options to suit your budget in the area! A Yala hotel such as the Cinnamon Wild Yala is an excellent choice for those who want to stay in the comforts of a lovely hotel whilst also being close to the park entrance.

What can I see?

What won’t you see in Yala, is a better question! From tuskers and elephants roaming the plains to plenty of Sri, Lankan sloth bears ambling about, you’ll have front row seats to plenty of exciting encounters with some wild critters. The most exciting spotting is always the Sri Lankan Leopard, as it is one of the shyest big cats in the world!

Hiking in Penang

Penang, Malaysia is always a good idea! And an especially great idea if you are a nature enthusiast or an avid hiker. Here are some fun trails to check out if ever you visit Penang!

Home Base

Where you base yourself when you’re on holiday is always a very important decision. Whether you’re travelling in a group or flying solo, serviced apartments in Bukit Mertajam, such as the Sky Residence Prai are a convenient and safe choice and are worth considering.

Penang National Park

This National Park, despite being the smallest in the country, has two very scenic and popular hiking trails. Both trails are challenging and rewarding, of which one is along the coast and the other takes you deeper and higher up into the jungle.

Youth Park

For families travelling with kids, the Youth Park is worth checking out, since it has plenty of trails, spaces and activities to keep the little ones entertained as well. The walking trail in this park takes you past the Botanic Gardens, the skate park to its summit which is at Penang Hill.

Teluk Bahang Eco Park

This 80-acre park in Penang is by far one of the best-maintained parks and is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. With over a dozen hiking trails and numerous footpaths, there are plenty of steps you can clock in at this Eco Park.

Spend an Adventurous Vacation in Sri Lanka

Regarded as an adventure traveller’s dream destination, Sri Lanka is an island full of possibilities for thrill-seekers. Here are some of the top adventures and excursions to enjoy on the island.

Safari Tours in National Parks

Wildlife fanatics and safari enthusiasts alike will find more than a handful of extensive national parks in Sri Lanka to get up-close and personal with creatures large and small. From the Yala National Park with its leopard and deer population to the elephant spotting hotspots known as the Udawalawe National Park and the Minneriya National Park, travellers can enjoy both daytime and night-time safari excursions into the wild.

White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

Those in search of frothy rapids and a rugged landscape in which to go white water rafting will find no finer alternative to Kitulgala’s gushing rivers. Countless local tour operators offer white water rafting packages for tourists and local day-trippers looking to get their feet wet in the heart of Sri Lanka’s rafting capital.

Kayaking in Dambulla

Tourists based at properties belonging to Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts or any other popular hotel chain should also take the opportunity to enjoy a kayaking excursion on Dambulla Lake. Allowing visitors to discover the flora and fauna of the area at their own pace, kayaking is a relaxing activity that lets one feel at one with nature.

Hiking in Ella or the Knuckles Mountain Range

Ranked among the best places to stay in Sri Lanka, Ella is also ideal for hiking and trekking activities. The naturally mountainous reaches of this hill station not only provides challenging hiking opportunities for nature lovers but also less arduous trails for beginners. The Knuckles Mountain Range is another fantastic playground for those who wish to enjoy a trekking excursion surrounded by waterfalls and other natural wonders.

Best Adventure Activities in the Maldives That Challenge the Daredevil in You

Adventurers heading to the Maldives may be surprised to find the sheer variety of thrilling activities on offer. Here’s a rundown of some of the country’s top activities for active visitors.

Catamaran Sailing

Although there are a great many sailing adventures accessible to visitors based at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives or any similar Maldives beach hotels, none are quite as exciting as catamaran sailing. Offering one the chance to sail across the azure blue waters of the archipelago on board a vessel that is not as easy to navigate as a modern-day yacht can prove to be the experience of a lifetime for those who dare.

Parasailing

Those who wish to take to the skies and catch a glimpse of paradise from a unique vantage point should sign up for a parasailing tour of the coast. Available through a plethora of local tour operators and resorts, the thrill of being suspended above the waves is a feeling that is difficult to describe and replicate outside a beach paradise such as the Maldives.

Scuba Diving

Often listed among the best scuba diving hubs on the planet, no trip to the Maldives would be complete without travelling through the underwater caves, channels and shipwrecks that litter the seafloor of the archipelago. From HP Reef to Banana Reef and Manta Point, the large number of excellent dive sites makes this water sports activity a true adventure. The best time to visit the Maldives for a diving holiday is from December to March.

Kitesurfing

The idyllic lagoons of the Maldives are perfect for kitesurfing excursions for both seasoned surfers and novices.

Hiking the Highest Mountains in Langkawi – How to Explore Langkawi’s Soaring Mountains

Made up of 104 stunning islands laden with sandy beaches, Langkawi is also a hiker’s paradise thanks to its towering mountains laden with trails. Here’s how to hike the tallest peaks in Langkawi.

Hiking in Langkawi 101

Hikers and trekkers heading to Langkawi should be aware that there are two big mountains with excellent hiking trails at their disposal. Named Gunung Raya and Gunung Machinchang or Mat Cincang, both mountains are best explored with a local guide. This is due to the fact that tourists based at Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa or any venue that ranks itself as the best resort in Langkawi should not miss out on learning about the local flora and fauna during the hiking experience.

What to Pay Attention To

Regardless of the nature of the hiking activities that one signs up for during a getaway in Langkawi, it is important to notice the wild monkeys that always seem to be popping up out of nowhere on the trail as well as the magnificent Great Hornbills that will sit atop treetops. Funny looking insects and bugs are also known to inhabit Langakwi’s hiking trails; they prove to be harmless but fascinating distractions.

What to Pack and Use on a Hiking Tour

The extreme humidity of Langkawi’s mountains should not be overestimated. This is why staying hydrated and bringing your own water is crucial. Apply plenty of mosquito repellent on your body to keep the pesky creatures away.

Gunung Raya

Those who wish to climb to the top of this 840-metre-high mountain must devote at least four hours to the endeavour as the total distance is no less than 8 kilometres.

Gunung Machinchang

Made up of a series of summits, the “sky trail” is the best way to hike up to this mountain where one also finds the Seven Wells Falls.

Victoria Nature Treks

Seek the bounty of treasures within these vistas of different shades of green by following the nature trails to delight your nature lover instincts.

Crown jewel of Mahaweli

Offering an amazing view, the Victoria Dam and reservoir are indeed precious to the island providing the largest hydropower generation to the nation, the environs of this beautiful water body is a nature lovers delight and a favourite site to visit from your hotel in Kandy Sri Lanka.

Inviting fauna and flora

The trekking spaces are home to a variety of wildlife inviting you to catch a glimpse of them. Three distinct species of deer, a plethora of mongooses, over a hundred different species of avifauna, the porcupines and the master anglers, the fishing cats to name a few.

Araliya Trail

Soak in the beauty of the environs of the Victoria Golf Course, not too far from Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy. Try this short trek of roughly two hours. Trek on the outer ring of the golf course into a smaller forest area, emerge to a clearing featuring a viewpoint named “Araliya Deck”. Gaze at the panoramic view.

Mahaweli Trail

A longer trail up to three hours along a river branch of the reservoir. Listen to the gurgling of water, the rustle of the leaves, birds chirping and to crown this tranquil atmosphere, a view of wildlife to feast your eyes.

Trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range

Known for its stunning natural beauty, the Knuckles Mountain Range is amongst the key places for trekking in Sri Lanka and here’s a guide on this scenic attraction.

Where is It?

Named for its resemblance to knuckles, this mountain range can be found in the Matale and Kandy districts; Kandy is a great place to stay and is around a 90-minute drive from this site; properties like Mountbatten Bungalow make an ideal base for your excursions and you can easily enjoy a day trip and back.

What to Expect

The Knuckles Mountain Range features thriving flora and fauna and amongst the best things to do in Kandy is to plan a trekking adventure here; you will come across enchanting cloud forests sometimes shrouded in mist, idyllic waterfalls, crystal clear streams, traditional villages and various wildlife and birdlife too.

Diverse Trails

There are over 30 trails for trekking in Knuckles Mountain Range, best explored with a guide. These include the Dothalugala nature trail to the summit of a mountain and the Mini World’s End trail, both offering spectacular views. There’s also the Duwili Ella trail to a waterfall in the forest and Nitro Caves trail to an intriguing cave.

Keep in Mind

Have a guide who can also help to get any needed permits. Wear light clothing and hiking boots; have a raincoat and bring swimwear if you plan to have a dip at a waterfall. Take enough water and remember you can fill bottles at streams. Also, have anti-leech socks and spray to deal with these pesky creatures!

Breath-taking Hikes in Ella

The Hill Country of Sri Lanka is known for its wide range of mountains, waterfalls, and other natural attractions. This very fact makes it a great hiking destination.

Image credit- Unsplash,Kirsty barnby,CC0

Little Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak is the mountain range that’s called ‘Sri Pada’. This is not about it. Little Adam’s Peak is in Ella, and of course, is much smaller than Sri Pada. For the entire hike, you’ll only need around one hour. The hike is easy but rewards you with some of the best views.

Ella Rock

Ella hiking adventures will be incomplete if you miss out on this one. Unlike the Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock is considered a difficult hike. On websites such as Travel to Ella, this hiking trail has been recognized as one of the most wonderful, thanks to the flora and fauna around.

Dambatenne to Lipton’s Seat

Dambatenne is a popular tea factory in Sri Lanka. From here, take the hiking trail to the Lipton’s Seat which is located 6,463 ft above sea level.

Idalgashinna to Haputale

The best way to do this hike is to take the train from Ella to Idalgashinna and then, taking the hiking trail back to Haputale. The views across will be memorable, for sure!

How to Spend a Wonderful Weekend in Port Stephens – Explorations to remember

If you have already made plans to spend your weekend in Port Stephens, Congratulations as you’ve made a wise choice. It’s going to be a scenic weekend.

Swim with the Dolphins

Who won’t fall in love with dolphins? So, why not take the chance and start your fun-filled weekend with a good swimming session with the dolphins. You’ll have to wake up a little early, but the experience is worth it.

Stockton Sand Dunes

These amazing landscapes are located with the Worimi National Park, and you can’t simply miss out on those! Hire 4WD for a greater experience.

Tomaree National Park

This is an epic experience. Take the 45-min walk to the summit and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the harbour. Do not forget, you’ll find many koalas waiting to say hi to you on your way.

Enjoy seafood

Port Stephens is a heaven for those who love seafood. Try out the local oysters when you are here as they are at their freshest forms.

Do not worry about accommodation

Did you know that there are many great accommodation options here such as Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort? Check out the Port Stephens hotel deals online before you make your reservations.