Tamborine Mountain

The Tamborine Mountain region has quite a rich history and is home to stunning national parks and rainforests. Read on to find out what you can do when you’re here!

High up in the skies!

If you’re up for a great start, you have the chance to witness the stunning sunrise from above the Tamborine mountain – Hot Air Balloon Scenic Rim takes you up into the sky, gifting you with awe-inspiring 360 – degree views of the landscape. After you’ve completed your things to do in Broadbeach, head over here, which is less than an hour away!

simone.brunozziTamborine Mountain 3CC BY-SA 2.0

On top of the world!

Don’t miss out on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk – which will give you the full idea as to how beautiful Mount Tamborine really is. You can wander among the treetops and follow the path that leads you to the cantilever that stands 30 metres above, offering sweeping views of the area!

Chase waterfalls

Make an early start from your hotel or apart-hotel such as Avani Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences and put on your walking shoes as you go exploring the waterfalls! There are several paths you can follow, so pick the one you feel like you’ll enjoy the most!

Korkut Tas, Curtis Falls Mt. Tamborine – panoramioCC BY-SA 3.0

 

A Hiker’s Guide to Sri Lanka’s Knuckles Mountain Range

The knuckles mountain range lies in central Sri Lanka and is a popular spot for hikers. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the ideal location for those interested in hiking. Here’s more information for you!

Image by: Free-Photos  via pixabay | CC0

Hiking the mountain range

Considered a rather tough hiking trail in the country, it’s best attempted by those who have a history of experience behind them. It’s best if you have a guide when exploring Knuckles Sri Lanka, hotels in the vicinity such as the unique Wild Glamping Knuckles as it’s easy to lose track of where you are!

Mini World’s End

Located south of the mountain range lies ‘Mini World’s End’, as the name suggests, is a 1,192-metre cliff offering the best views of the mountains. The trail begins at the Knuckles Conservation Centre and is roughly 1.5 kilometres in length.

Nitro Caves

Another popular trail is the nature trail leading to the Nitro Caves, a massive cave that hundreds of bats call home. This 11-kilometre trek begins at the Corbett’s Gap and takes roughly five hours to complete.

Tips

Although streams are aplenty, there is a high chance some of them may have dried up. Therefore, it is best to bring enough water bottles and re-fill them at every stream you pass!

A Hiker’s Guide to the Hills of Kandy

The Knuckles Mountain Range is a dense forest-covered mountain range that is among the most popular and one of the toughest hiking trails in Sri Lanka. There are smaller, easier hiking trails like the one situated in the vicinity of Hunas Falls, which is also as picturesque and breath-taking. Here are some of the most popular trails and adventures.

Dothalugala Nature Trail

This trail winds along the Dothalugala mountain and provides some of the most beautiful views of the south side of the mountain range. The whole trail extends 5.8 kilometres and once the circuit has been completed, you will have made it a full circle around the mountain.

Mini World’s End

Named Mini World’s End because it too is a sheer drop of 1,192 metres like the World’s End at Horton Plains, this trail snakes across two other trails. Since it begins in the Knuckles Conservation Centre, you will need a permit to enter the reserve. If you are staying in a hotel in Kandy, you can ask for more information.

Nitro Caves

An eleven-kilometre path which begins at Corbett’s Gap and extends for 5 hours leads to the Nitro Caves which is a massive cave full of bats.

Duwili Ella Trail

Duwili Ella| Img by: Gayan Rajapakshe via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The most spectacular hike, Duwili Ella trail ends in a 40-metre waterfall deep within the forest. There is also a cave behind the waterfall which is what makes this hike most spectacular.

 

 

 

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

Mystery Manila for brave hearts!

The commotion that never seems to end, the streets crammed to the last inch don’t paint a nice picture. But that’s where the secret to having a fun holiday lies.

Intramuros: the oldest part of the city

The contrast between the oldest part of the city and the region around it is profound. The way the houses line the streets give you the feeling that you are in a European city. You can journey the city on foot or by a horse-drawn carriage.

Visit Ayala Museum

Located in close proximity to Berjaya Makati Hotel, the museum encapsulates the city’s history. The museum was established in 1974 and displays a collection of valued items pertaining to the country’s maritime and colonial history.

Culinary Fare

For a bit of upscale dining, you can pop into one of the hotels in Makati. But other than that, if you want to grab something cheap, the streets of Manila are brimming with local specialities.

Bonifacio Global City

Other than what you see in museums, Manila is known for street art. If you go to Bonifacio Global City, you can see buildings painted with massive murals.

 

Explore the Highest Peak in Langkawi: Gunung Raya

Found in the northern coast of the country, Langkawi is home to the tallest peak in the area, the Gunung Raya.

Tu7uhGUNUNG RAYA PANORAMACC BY 3.0

About Langkawi

Once you are done chilling at one of the Langkawi resorts the likes of Berjaya Langkawi Resort and are ready for some adventure, you can keep aside a day and get yourself to the Gunung Raya. Being about 880 metres above the sea level, the highest point of this mountain will give you a mind-boggling view.

The hike

Many people tend to go on the hike by themselves, but if you want to know about the things you pass and the plants you see, you might want to get yourself a guide to walk with you. The hiking trails are marked pretty clearly and don’t need much help with.

During the climb

During the climb, you will spot many wild monkeys who will try to grab your stuff. Also, carry insect repellent since you will see insects here that you have not ever heard of or seen before in your life!

Once you get to the top

After you climb about 4200 stairs and more, you will reach the top and be rewarded with the greatest view of them all. Misty hills, the ocean and endless skies await.

 

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+

Hike to the Highest Mountain on Tioman: Gunung Kajang

A hike to the highest mountain on Tioman – Gunung Kajang is undoubtedly the next adventure for you if you are an adventure seeker in life. The journey is difficult and requires a lot of your energy, but the breath-taking views you get right at the top of the mountain are priceless, and the hard hike is worth it.

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay 

Mount Kajang

If you stay at a Tioman resort, the likes of Berjaya Tioman Resort, Mount Kajang cannot be too far away. The peak of the mountain is an extinct volcano that dwells in the clouds and this is the whole purpose of the hike too. The special fact about this is that this mountain which is covered by a dense rain forest has a volcanic past.

The trek up

There are not many set trails to the mountain. On your way to it, you may see a noticeable difference between the flora you get to find in the mainland and those you find here. Try to keep talking to a minimal and take in the beautiful surroundings on your trek up.

Up at the summit

The reason we recommend this difficult hike to you is the relaxation you get to feel when you go up the summit. There are also some mysterious caves that you can explore and then the beauty of Tioman island is all yours to feel and enjoy.

Things to keep in mind

It is always better if you have this climb with a crew and especially with the presence of an experienced guide. The general rules do apply for this hike too where you can’t leave anything other than footprints when you come out of the premises.

 

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 the Hills

You can experience a different side of the country that is a far cry from the sun and surf of its world-class beaches by going into the mountains. At 2,000 m above sea level, Ella Rock is 5 km from the town and one of the most picturesque stretches of rolling moorland in the hills.

Ella Rock
Ella Rock | Image Credit : A-wiki-guest-user, Ella Rock near waterfall, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Right Path

There are several trekking trails in Ella and not all of them are clearly marked so it would be beneficial to do some thorough research on which trails you plan to use on your hike. Hiring a tour specialist such as Nature Odyssey would ensure that you get to see all the hidden treasures and be guaranteed to make it safely up and down the slope.

Railway Stations Frozen in Time

An independent hike would take approximately 3 – 4 hours beginning and ending at the Ella Railway Station which, in itself is an image from a postcard, frozen in its colonial elegance. Trekking in Sri Lanka from such locales can take you through a myriad of beautiful locations, both man-made and natural, that are usually overlooked.

Through the Tall Grass

You can walk up the tracks to the next station, Kithal Ella and turn left at the 166 ½ marker. After a while, you will come to a footbridge crossing and a fork in the road. Take the path to the left. Traversing past a tea plantation and a narrow stretch of long grass will bring you to the interim viewing point.

Bird’s Eye View

After that, it’s a straight road to the top. The whole world spills away into the distance as far as your eye can see. A bird’s eye view of paradise awaits

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+

The Hill Country Tour to Sri Lanka

If you think that Sri Lanka is only a tropical beach destination and has nothing more to offer you are wrong! Located in the central part of the country there lies a misty and hilly region which will certainly leave you speechless.

Via- Pixabay,amanjahemal,CC0

Overview

The Hill Country of Sri Lanka is certainly mesmerising! The region mostly consists of magnificent mountain ranges that are blanketed by lush greenery. There are also a plethora of tea estates which are also well worth visiting.;

A paradise for nature lovers

The region offers a myriad of attractions most of them will be a treat for nature lovers. Horton Plains, Ella, The Royal Botanical Gardens, Udawalawa National Park, Pinnawala Elephant sanctuary are some of the places you could visit to witness the glorious aspects of Nature in the central highlands.

For a relaxing getaway

One could also enjoy a relaxing vacation experience just by planning your stay at any of the many exquisite accommodation options that are located in the midst of the most scenic places in the country. Destinations such as Nuwara Eliya offers cool and very appealing climate and could also find good accommodation options along with lucrative Holiday Packages in Sri Lanka.

Planning your tour

You could plan a tour to this amazing region witnessing all of the attractions the hill country has to offer by signing up with a tour organizer. You could even create your own itinerary. Tour organizers the likes of Holidays by Design offer carefully orchestrated tour packages during which you get to visit amazing places of interests and stay at exquisite accommodation options at the same time.

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A Guide to Hiking in Sri Lanka

The temperature in the hill country barely goes over 21 degrees normally, and the best way to start your hikes would be during the early morning hours.

World’s End in Horton Plains

If you ask anyone the most famous hill country hike in Sri Lanka, they would tell you about World’s End in Horton Plains featuring a stunning precipice. The trail here is approximately 4km, with an additional 2km if you visit Baker’s Falls. Early morning between 6-9am is the best time to visit so that you can see right to the bottom of the sheer drop; or else you will just be seeing a cloud of white swirls. You can easily plan a day excursion here from properties like Bandarawela Hotel.

Central Sri Lanka

Bandarawela, Ella and Haputale are some of the most famous areas for hiking in Central Sri Lanka; they are lined with beautiful green tea estates where you can see colourful tea pluckers in the wee hours hard at work. Best is to stay at a Bandarawela hotel that can help organise your hiking excursion.

The Knuckles Range

Image Credit- AstronomyinertiaKnuckles RangeCC BY-SA 3.0

If you explore Central Sri Lanka more, you will come across a broad mountain range called “Knuckles”. Like its name, the mountain is shaped like the knuckles on your hand. Located off Kandy, the Knuckles Mountain Range is approximately 18,512 hectares and is a hiker’s paradise, with rocky mountain tops and cascading waterfalls.

Lipton’s Seat

In Haputale, you can hike up to the point known as Lipton’s Seat where stunning views of the Dambetenne Tea Estate await. This enchanting spot was once used by Sir Thomas Lipton and this lofty vantage point can be reached via a 7km track.

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

Springbrook and Tambourine Rainforest Tour in Brisbane

 

Submerge into the lush greenery and to a multifarious fauna that is hidden on the outskirts of Brisbane. Visitors in Brisbane are often spoilt by the variety of outdoor activities available for them to enjoy.

Info

Springbrook is a world heritage listed, a national park located on a 23-million-year-old volcanic plateau whilst adjoining Tamborine is also a mountain plateau and rainforest with a 360 view of Queensland from the Surfer’s paradise to the Rim Mountain Range. With waterfalls, caves, brooks and even nature’s own bridges, these rainforests are an ecosystem of those.

File:Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park, Queensland - Cave Creek.JPG
BrizpomNatural Bridge, Springbrook National Park, Queensland – Cave CreekCC BY-SA 4.0

Winery

If you are joining one of the rainforest tours expect to stop at the winery for a hearty lunch. To enter the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery in Mount Tamborine you would have to go through the estate’s purpose-built glow worm cave.

File:Tamborine Mountain Town (A) Dec 2013.jpg
DonaldytongTamborine Mountain Town (A) Dec 2013CC BY-SA 3.0

Location

Located near the Queensland & NSW border, the rainforest is over an hour’s drive south from Brisbane CBD. Hotels in the business district also host a wide variety of long stay accommodations like the Oaks Lexicon Apartments which would be ideal for you if you are hoping to stay in CBD to explore Queensland.

spectacular view of Brisbane city skyline at night from Oaks Lexicon Apartments hotel balcony
Image Credit: Oaks Lexicon Apartments

Additional facilities

End the day in Tamborine by taking a gallery walk browsing the arts and craft stores. Grab an ice-cream on your way out or simply get a coffee at The Tree House café which on Long Road and sharpens your senses for your journey home.

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+