Trekking | The Adventure Travel Site

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.

Tangkuban Perahu in Bandung

Located approximately 25 kilometres from the Bandung city centre is a volcano that’s dubbed the Overturned Boat by locals due to its strange shape. The active volcano is a fascinating geological site in the area.

Reaching the Volcano

Those who are based at FOX Harris Hotel City Center Bandung or any of the best hotels in Bandung will find that driving to Mount Tangkuban Perahu is the easiest way to reach the venue on weekdays. The entire journey will take no more than an hour and a half as the volcano is located approximately 25 kilometres away from the heart of the city.

Tour Options

Rental cars and organised tours to the volcano are available through local tour operators while those who wish to use public transport methods can head to the Bandung’s Minibus Terminal to find minibuses heading to the volcano.

At a Glance

Tangkuban Perahu holds the distinct honour of being the only crater in Indonesia where visitors can drive right up to the rim of the crater. The strange shape and structure of the volcano set it apart from other famous lava spewers in Indonesia and Southeast Asia as the mountain truly does resemble a boat that’s been overturned.

Geological Impact

Although the beauty of Tangkuban Perahu cannot be denied, the volcano has had both positive and negative impacts on the Parahyangan Highlands also known as the Land of God. The volcanic activity in the area is directly linked to the fertility of the soil in the hills, which has made the area rich in nutrients and ideal for crop cultivation.

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!

Sigiriya and Dambulla in one day

Sri Lanka is a country blessed with the best of cultural and historical aspects. Sigiriya and Dambulla are two main attractions located very close to each other that should be visited while you are there.

Sigiriya

This is an architectural marvel done by King Kasyapa over 1500 years ago. But, believe it or not, the irrigational networks and engineering skills still amaze the world! It’s a rock fortress that has everything including swimming pools, audience halls, and gardens.

Dambulla

Dambulla is one of the most ancient cave temples in Sri Lanka. Inside these caves, you find many historical paintings and Buddha Statues that date back several centuries. It’s a temple in the country that has a mind-relaxing vibe.

What else to be covered?

If you have some more time left, you can also try out the Pidurangala Cave Temple. Since all these attractions are located closer to each other, you have the chance to cover all of them in one go.

Holidaying in Sigiriya

Cover both Sigiriya and Dambulla in one day and choose to spend the night at one of the Sigiriya hotels. There are many great options including Aliya Resort.

Adventure Sports in Sri Lanka

With its sun-kissed beaches, tropical lagoons and pristine hill country, Sri Lanka is a bubbling pot of exhilarating activities. Discover some of the adventure sports offered by this tropical paradise.

Water skiing

Whether it be jet or water skiing, riding a banana boat or even windsurfing, Sri Lanka’s water activities are endless. Make the most out of your adventure by visiting travel websites like Truly Sri Lanka for information on the best destinations for water sports.

Ziplining

Ella is the epitome of adventure in Sri Lanka. Seek a different kind of sailing by heading to the Flying Ravana adventure park featuring activities such as quad biking, abseiling, and the ultimate highlight, ziplining. Sail through the air between two mountains, and amid the adrenaline rush, gaze at your picturesque surroundings.

Lagoon canoeing

A lesser-known water sport in Sri Lanka is lagoon canoeing. Paddle your troubles away at lagoons in Tangalle or Unawatuna and discover an array of fauna and flora.

Hiking

Experience first-hand the cool climes of Sri Lanka’s hillside by hiking through Horton Plains, Moon Plains or Knuckles Mountain range. As you do, be sure to take in the sights and spot a plethora of exotic flora and wildlife such as sambar deer, and if you are lucky, the stealthy leopard.

Surfing

With its challenging swells, the beaches in Sri Lanka are any surfer’s paradise. Arugam Bay features daring surfing feats, while Hiriketiya Beach and Hikkaduwa offer manageable waves ideal for beginners.

Travel Adventures in Sri Lanka

For many, Sri Lanka will always be a nation with stunning beaches, ancient kingdoms and lust wildlife. The memories made within this island are made for a lifetime of reminiscence.

Image credit- Unsplash,
Farhath Firows,CC0

The outdoor adventures

As a nation with diverse landscapes, Sri Lanka offers visitors a taste of adventure to match their penchant. From hot air balloon rides to rock climbing, there is something for everyone.

Beauteous beaches

The sandy shores of Sri Lanka are truly irresistible. All you need is a few beers and a good book, and you are set for an evening and sunset for the ages. Many hotels near Colombo, such as the Pegasus Reef, are great places for this.

Rich cultural heritage

From the ancient kings to the majestic ruins, they left behind, Sri Lanka is steeped in a thousand years of history. With various UNESCO World heritage sites such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, you can spend a month looking through Sri Lanka’s ruins.

Cuisines to delight

When visiting this island nation, the elegantly spiced and decadently prepared dishes that grace the lunch tables are a major highlight. Whether you are dining at a humble home or a fancy restaurant, you are in for a treat.

Visiting Jebel Akhdar – Exploring the Mountains

The Jebel Akhdar is a spectacular mountain range that rises high above the rugged landscape of Oman’s countryside. Full of hidden sights and quaint villages, a trip here can be quite rewarding for any adventurous explorer!

A Strange Name

The words Jebel Akhdar roughly translate to meaning “Green Mountain”. This is interesting as you’ll be hard-pressed to spot any greenery when you first arrive at the foot of the mountain range. Don’t worry though, the vast expanse before you has its own charm and you can even find lush orchards hidden all over the place.

Getting There

If you’re staying at a Salalah beach resort – say, for instance, the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara – you’re looking at a two-hour drive in order to reach the mountains. The rough terrain of the region means that it is quite remote and isolated – the perfect place for a quiet and relaxing trek.

Best Time to Visit

So, when exactly should you visit the mountains? Generally, you’ll want to target the months of March and April. Not only is the weather stable during this period, but it’s also when the damask roses of the region go into bloom!

Go for a Walk

The best thing to do here in the Jebel Akhdar is to slowly explore the villages, orchards, and gardens strewn across the mountain range. You can hire a driver to help navigate the narrow roads and to reach all the best spots.

Dambulla in One Day

Located in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, the town of Dambulla is an ideal destination to visit or be based at. If you have just one day here, these are some of the things you can do.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Get off to an early start by heading to the top of the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within easy reach of Aliya Resort & Spa. You will pass rock frescoes, the Mirror Wall and the remains of huge lion paws leading up to the summit where palace ruins and inspiring vistas await.

Golden Temple of Dambulla

With a history that dates to the 1st century BC, another key local attraction is the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Hotels that are close by are ideal since you can plan a visit to this site where you will find Buddha statues and historical paintings within a stunning cave temple complex.

Minneriya National Park

In the second half of the day, you can plan a wildlife safari to the Minneriya National Park home to diverse animal and bird life; if you visit between June to September you are in for a treat since you can witness “The Gathering” where hundreds of elephants can be seen.

Ayurvedic Spa Bliss

Look to stay at a hotel that has an Ayurveda spa so you can enjoy some relaxing and rejuvenating treatments after all your adventures. Such spas offer traditional and holistic rituals with everything from herbal oil body therapies to herbal steam baths and more.

Botswana Wildlife Highlights

When it comes to experiencing African wildlife, few places in the continent can beat the fantastic opportunities Botswana offers. From sprawling deserts to lush swamplands, there’s an astounding degree of biodiversity to go around here.

The Okavango Delta

Most Botswana resorts – for example, the Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino – will make mention of how you can see amazing varieties of wildlife in the region. The absolute best location for this is undoubtedly the Okavango Delta. Surrounded by the dry expanse of the Kalahari Desert, the delta serves as an oasis for all manner of species – from wading birds to colossal hippos.

The Kalahari

The desert that surrounds the Okavango is by no means devoid of life either – quite the opposite in fact. The Kalahari contains some of the world’s most recognizable animal species. This included the African elephant and the iconic African lin.

Hp.Baumeler, Säbelantilope Namibia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Ngami

Lake Ngami is full of spectacular wildlife and some breath-taking views. The lake is formed by the overflowing waters of the Okavango and provides a haven for many species. Notable sighting includes wading birds like marabou storks and predators like the Nile crocodile.

Tsodilo Hills

The Tsodilo Hills is an old geological formation that’s over 800 million years old! There are caves here that are full of ancient paintings that depict the region’s wildlife – from scavenging hyenas to roving herds of buffalo.

Enthral yourself with an Exciting Trek to Explore the Forbidden Beauties of Udawattakele

Udawattakele is a forest haven found on the outskirts of Kandy and is a refuge for all manner of unique and fascinating wildlife. This wilderness also contains the ruins of a bygone era, making this refuge quite the treat to explore!

Z thomas, Udawattakele kandy 2017-10-20 (5), CC BY-SA 4.0

The Wildlife

Most Kandy hotels found close to Udawattakele – for example, the Cinnamon Citadel Kandy– will make mention of all the wonderful wildlife you’re likely to see when visiting the forest. Some of the notable species found here include the elusive fishing cat – one of only four species of wild cat found in Sri Lanka – and the rowdy toque macaque.

A Bird Lover’s Paradise

Now, when it comes to wildlife, the avifauna is without a doubt Udawattakele’s main attraction. If you’re at all into birdwatching, a trip here is a no-brainer. Many exotic bird varieties are found in this forest haven, including the rare Layard’s parakeet and the nocturnal brown fishing owl.

Ancient Kandyan Ruins

Deep in the forest, you’ll find the remnants of the fallen Kingdom of Kandy – a call-back to the glory days of proud kings and Sri Lankan royalty. Some of the more important ruins include the Royal Pond and Lady Horton’s Road.

Exploring Buddhist Hermitages

Dotted around the forest are a series of ancient caves that were once used by Buddhist monks as a refuge to rest and meditate in. The most notable of these is the Senkada Cave, which is thought to have been used by a lone hermit once – now you’ll find that it has been reclaimed by the forest’s denizens!