Kintamani and Volcano Tour, a scenic excursion

Amongst Indonesia’s tourist attractions Bali takes a prominent place with its lovely beaches, cultural attractions and hospitable residents. Despite its popular status it is still possible to find peace and serenity at this delightful location. No visit to the scenic and culturally rich island of Bali is complete without a Kintamani Volcano Tour. One of the most popular and renowned Bali tours, this exciting adventure takes participants on an unforgettable journey through the highlights of the area.

The Kintamani Volcano is still in active condition although major eruptions are not expected. A picturesque and tranquil site, the environs of the volcano are always a delightful location in which to unwind and relax. The nearby Lake Batur is the largest lake in Bali and has functioned as the major source of irrigation for the farmers of the locale.

The Kintamani Volcano Tour also presents performances of the traditional Keris and Barong dances which always inspire the imagination of the beholder. At Celuk Village you will also visit master gold and silversmiths, while at Kemenuh Village you will get the opportunity to observe a woodcarving artiste at work.

Another fascinating attraction on the tour is the 11th century Elephant Caves Temple which was formerly a meditation retreat for Hindu and Buddhist monks. Age-old stone idols and beautiful reliefs may be seen here. Not to be missed is the intriguing Holy Spring Water Temple which features a large extent of water at its centre. Locals believe the temple’s clear and clean water to be sacred, with the power to cure diseases.

The tour will also take you to Tampak Siring village where the visitor will be able to explore its appealing spice garden. On the journey back, the traveller will be fortunate enough to cross some picturesque rice fields and will also be able to take a stroll through the Ubud Monkey Forest with its playful residents. The final stop on the journey is a renowned painting gallery where visitors may admire and gain an understanding of traditional Balinese painting with its rich history.

When selecting Bali hotels an excellent choice would be the Anantara Bali Uluwatu, a fine Bali luxury hotel which offers fine accommodations and appealing comforts.
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Snorkelling

Snorkelling is a popular pastime that is indulged by many around the world and Cairns is no exception in this regard. A popular destination for this pastime, this city has a lot to offer through its clear waters. It also has the distinction of providing some of the most easily accessed reefs in the world.

Visitors can cruise just under the surface of the pristine water and relax as they take in the many sites that lie upon this new horizon. Various forms of marine life can be seen swimming to and fro while the spectacular coral reefs found here are also breathtaking.

Snorkelling is popular among many due to the fact that only the ability to swim and good fitness are essential. Beyond that no additional training is required unlike diving and it presents a perfect way to relax in the water. When talking of the water in Cairns, it’s extremely clear, and provides good vision of all the beauty that lies beneath the waves.


Travellers will find that various tours are on offer, each of which provides a different scope of activities. When travelling to Cairns, visitors have the option of booking various water activity related tours. These will vary from just snorkelling to a comprehensive range of activities including deep sea diving. Some of the operators will allow you to jump straight off the boat in to the waters while others start off by simply walking in to the waves from an island or cave. Another interesting offering provided by some operators is the option of snorkelling back and forth between two floaters allowing visitors to snorkel and rest whenever they choose.

Being one of the many luxury hotels Cairns, travellers choosing to stay at Shangri-La Hotel The Marina Cairns will experience an enhanced level of comfort. This Cairns hotel also features an ideal location that provides convenient access to major transport options.

Waterfalls


The scenic island of Koh Samui is home to many waterfalls that are both stunning and picturesque to behold. A visit to any one of Koh Samui’s waterfalls provides a relaxing and tranquil break away from the more crowded parts of the island. Many of the sites of the waterfalls are ideal for picnicking, whilst swimming is possible at a few places. Epitomizing the natural beauty and splendour of the island, the waterfalls are a must visit when holidaying in Koh Samui!
Koh Samui’s most visited waterfall is the Namuang Waterfall which actually has 2 separate falls.

Situated near Ban Thurian, this spectacular falls is popular for its convenient access path and refreshing swimming area. The first of the Namuang Waterfalls features a 20 meter drop and has steep staircase formed of natural rocky outcrops that take visitors down to the base of the falls where you can enjoy a swim in the waterfall’s crystal clear waters. Elephant paths run close to the site and if you are lucky, you just might spot one! The second of the Namuang Waterfalls is perhaps the island’s most beautiful one with its lush surroundings, scenic rock formations and cascading flow of water that gushes from a height of 80 meters. This falls is approximately a 10 minute hike away from the first falls.


The Wang Saotong Waterfall is a relatively tall waterfall in Koh Samui. This amazing site can be accessed by engaging in a leisurely trek that spans a distance of a kilometer. For seclusion and privacy, visit the Hin Lad and Samui Hin waterfalls on the island. The Hin Lad Waterfall has a 2 kilometer jungle trail that leads to it. This shady trail runs through verdant foliage and is an amazing site to explore. You can cool off with a relaxing dip in the waterfall pool upon reaching the falls. The Samui Hin Waterfall is located in the highlands of Koh Samui. This spot is ideal for a quiet picnic.

Book a room at the Anantara Bophut, Koh Samui for an unforgettable holiday in this tropical island. Nestled in Fishermen’s Cove along the breathtaking Bophut Beach, this luxurious hotel in Koh Samui is the perfect hideout for a relaxing holiday. The hotel’s warm hospitality and seductive charm has made this accommodation base one of the most popular Koh Samui hotels in the area.

Sandboarding

Dubai is a city that strives for attention. Of all the United Arab Emirate countries, this one is perhaps the most laid back one. They like to live in luxury, and have no qualms about entertaining all things that add glamour to its already imposing reputation. With an economy that lives on the oil industry, this rich nation is steeped in religious upbringings and all things beautiful. Their malls are posh and upscale, their local markets are charming, Dubai is a nation that appreciates the finer things in life. Dubai can actually be considered as the country that first every introduced the concept of having a ‘shopping festival’.



Of the many leisure activities to be experience in this dynamic city, sandboarding is one of the more popular few. If ever you tried your hand at skiing, then this sport is sure to delight you as well. Sandboarding is the simple act of skimming down a sand dune on what is known as a sand board. Sand boards are hardier than snowboards, and do require a special kind of wax to be applied to ensure that your ride is smooth.



There are several operators and companies that provide the equipment and guidance required to do sandboarding in Dubai. This sport has gained fast popularity and can be experienced by novices and experts alike. The highest sand dunes can be found with a 30 minute drive from the city. And the best time to do sandboarding in Dubai is in the morning, when the temperatures are cooler. If you are really looking for something special, then head over to what the locals refer to as ‘Big Red’, this sand dune ranges between 200 to 300 meters high, and can be quite the adrenaline rush.



Needless to say Dubai is destination worth visiting, from its gold souks to fine dining options; it would be a shame not to experience it. Dubai serves up a variety of accommodation options. One that welcomes a personalised stay in their tastefully furnished guest rooms is Grand Millennium Dubai. This reputed Dubai hotel is just minutes away from the Emirates Golf Club, Wild Wadi, Burj Al Arab, World Trade Centre and 35 minutes away from the airport. Of the many Dubai luxury hotels to be found, this one is truly worthwhile considering.

Splendid China in Shenzhen

Splendid China is an all inclusive miniature park located in Shenzhen. It is an ideal place to explore the history, architecture, art and traditions of the diverse nationalities in China.

Located at the Overseas Chinese Town, Splendid China Miniature Park offers the smaller and scaled down versions of the country’s great buildings, unique locations and well preserved customs. Exhibits at the park are placed to replicate their real environmental locations. Splendid China also holds a position among the world’s biggest scenery parks.

Managed by China Travel Services which is a leading travel and tourism corporation, the park is beautifully positioned by the Shenzhen Bay. It consist of more than 100 major tourist attractions in China, which are all scaled down and laid in line with the factual map of the country. Most tourist sites have been reduced to a scale of 1:15 and the entire park is separated in to two areas, namely the Comprehensive Service Area and Scenic Spot Area.

At the glamorous 30 hectare Splendid China scenery park, visitors will have the chance to explore the replicas of many of the major Chinese attractions all in one place. These miniatures are created to represent their original at its best. Many experts and architectural specialists perform extensive research at the actual sites in order to replicate the closest resemblance.

The exhibits are surrounded by beautiful gardens which makes exploring Splendid China a relaxing and pleasant. The miniature tourist sites are complete with more than 50,000 ceramic figures.

At Splendid China visitors will be able to view the miniature version of the 6,700 kilometres long Great Wall of China. The replica found in the park is made with the use of white stone, scree and green bricks. Scaled down versions of the Forbidden City also known as The Imperial Palace can also be viewed here. Other replicas include the Old Summer Palace, the Ancient Observatory of Beijing, Tibet’s Potala Palace, Mount Huangshan, Li River, Huangguoshu Waterfall, the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang, Stone Forest and much more.

Splendid China is located close to numerous Luxury accommodation in Shenzhen that makes it much easier for travellers to explore. Visitors can conveniently plan their stay at a nearby Shenzhen luxury hotel and experience the warm hospitality and relaxing ambience. To experience maximum comfort and luxury the best place to stay is Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen.

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is a well known mountain range that lies on the border between Malaysia and Borneo. Famed for being one of the easiest mountains to climb in the world requiring no special climbing skills, the mountain is also an extremely important source of biodiversity.

When arriving at Mount Kinabalu visitors will be presented with a rich array of plant life at the lower levels. Climbers can expect to find over 800 species of flora and 600 species of ferns. Even more interesting is the fact that most of the plant life that can be found here is actually endemic, meaning that it cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Of course this is just the beginning of the appeal of Mount Kinabalu. The real adventure lies in the climb to the top, a feat that is attempted by thousands every year. The entire ascent is approximately 8km’s in length and takes around 3 days and 2 nights for the round trip. Though for the most speed inclined it is possible to do it in 2 days and 1 night.

When ascending the mountain, climbers will notice the immense variations in temperature on the mountainside through changes in the plant life. The lower levels are dominated by tropical while as one gets closer to the summit this changes to almost alpine like near freezing conditions.

Those hoping to make this climb are advised to be relatively well prepared. For footwear, it is best to wear boots as they provide ankle support as a common injury is the twisting of the ankle on the way down. Sneakers are a common choice that results in this injury.

A water bottle is also advisable as the walk will certainly make you thirsty. One plastic bottle is enough per person as there are plenty of natural sources where the can be refilled. Torchlight is also essential as during the night climb visibility is very low. Raincoats are a must in the event of rain as getting soaked on the ascent is not good for your health. Snacks are also advisable though those with salt should be avoided. It should also be noted that for the night climb a separate warmer outfit should be worn as the temperature drops significantly.

For those wishing to undertake the climb to the top staying in a hotel in Kota Kinabalu is highly recommended. Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort Kota Kinabalu presents an option that features an array of facilities in addition to the benefit of being an acclaimed Kota Kinabalu resort.

Touring London by Bike

Cycling through the labyrinthine roads and paths of London is the most enjoyable manner to discover the many faceted wonders of the city. Bicycle paths are structured to cover the most renowned as well as comparatively unknown sites and attractions ensuring the visitors a comprehensive tour at their own pace. Thus, a cyclist is able to see the Buckingham Palace and The Houses of Parliament, enjoy the beauty of Hyde Park and hear the chimes of the Big Ben in as well as gaining an insight into the animated markets, law courts and docks to name a few.

Being an economical and “green” mode of transport discovering the city and its way of life on bicycle has become widely popular among both British and foreign tourists. An added advantage lies in the ability to avoid crowds and traffic. Therefore, many tour centres offer bicycles and other necessary equipment for hire as well as providing experienced guides. The multiplicity of the Capital’s attractions makes it impossible to see all of London completely by a day’s cycling. Hence, tours are often conducted by dividing the city into three sections; East, West and Central London, which can be visited on different days. The metropolis is a cycle friendly region with specified bicycle paths which can be deviated from if the cyclist wishes, ensuring optimum safety for both adults and children. All Travel Information Centres and many bicycle shops offer free color-coded maps portraying various cycle routes making it possible for visitors to select the paths they wish to take basing their preference on scenic or sightseeing value and expertise on riding.

The myriad attractions of the city make it important for visitors who wish to make optimum use of their stay to lodge at a central London hotel with easy access to the capital’s important districts. The centrally located Elysee Hotel offers guests the conveniences of modern comforts at an affordable price ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay in the exciting British capital.

Prepare Yourself for an Adrenaline Pumping Wadi Bashing Experience

If you are looking for some adrenaline pumping entertainment during your holiday in Abu Dhabi, also known as the richest emirate, then you are sure to be blown away by what is in store. With bountiful entertainment to keep you on your feet all day and night, what more can you ask for?

Among the many venues for entertainment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), an important activity worth mention is “Wadi bashing”. Wadi bashing is a unique pastime that defines Abu Dhabi’s desert surfing, where travellers can enjoy the many obstacle courses that include sand dunes and sand mines. These courses can be accessed by a four-wheel drive Sports Utility Vehicle.

Wadi bashing is a renowned desert sport and it is known to attract thousands of people from all parts of the world. Wadis are also known as dry riverbeds that follow a course of seasonal streams that flow through a rocky valley. You can find these Wadis in abundance when you explore the many deserts of the UAE. The excitement of this recreational activity comes to the forefront when you hop aboard your four-wheel drive and bash through the twisted routes and the zig-zag sand dune obstacles. It is stated that the best time for Wadi Bashing in the emirate is during October – April, so adventurous travellers should make sure to prepare themselves for some exhilarating challenges and new experiences.

While Wadi bashing in Abu Dhabi, travellers can also enjoy a variety of activities and some of these include a relaxing swim at a mountain pool or a sightseeing tour around the waterfalls in close proximity to the desert. Other activities could include a visit to the local tribes, where travellers can practice some of their daily rituals or even spend a night camping on the desert enjoying its beauty. A number of tours are also organized for the enthusiastic traveller; these tours include many forms of entertainment such as a desert safari, a desert Wadi bashing tour, a desert barbeque, camel rides and a traditional Arabic dance performed by belly dancers.

If you are looking for captivating Abu Dhabi resorts offering exciting entertainments such as Wadi bashing, a stay at the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara will prove a worthy choice. This luxury resort Abu Dhabi provides guests with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf waters and fine facilities for a memorable stay.

Desert Safari, a memorable excursion


In recent years Abu Dhabi has consolidated its position as a premier tourist destination. With its tropical year-round sunshine, scenic sand dunes, pristine beaches and traditional Arabian hospitality Abu Dhabi is a memorable holiday destination. Appealing to both leisure and corporate travellers with modern convention centres, spas, theatres and golf courses amongst other facilities the desert emirate never disappoints its guests.

A desert safari in the environs of Abu Dhabi is a delightful way to experience the magical aura of the Middle Eastern desert. Always a thrilling adventure, safaris take the visitor deep into the desert providing a genuine insight into the challenging conditions of the desert as well as its beauty and mystical allure.

Four wheel drive vehicles take the visitor on a rollercoaster ride over the picturesque high sand dunes which promise to be an invigorating experience for even the most jaded of travellers. The peaks of the lofty sand dunes provide a panoramic view over the desert landscape which stretches out as far as the eye can see. Especially memorable is the vista of the desert sunset, a once in a lifetime experience.

‘Wadi bashing’ is a popular activity for the thrill seeker. A ‘wadi’ is the term used for a dry rocky riverbed found in the desert carved out by flood waters over millennia; innumerable wadis are to be found in the deserts surrounding Abu Dhabi. A four wheel drive vehicle is used to drive through these riverbeds, a bone–shaking and tough adventure, but always memorable. Before engaging in wadi-bashing it is important to receive comprehensive instructions from an expert, so as to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Traditional falconry displays may also be observed in the desert environment, with expert falconers demonstrating this age-old craft. Visitors may also enjoy camel rides and receive henna decorations on their hands or feet.

Some safari excursions will take you to a Bedouin campsite where you will be entertained by a talented belly-dancer moving sinuously to local music for a truly distinctive Arabian experience. A sumptuous barbeque dinner will be served at the end of the evening.
For the traveller selecting amongst Abu Dhabi resorts, there is no better choice than the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. This fine luxury resort Abu Dhabi offers promises lavishly appointed rooms and courteous service assuring a memorable stay.

Travel in Boracay: A charming Pilipino island


Boracay is a charming Pilipino island positioned about 345 kilometres away from Manila. It is one of the most popular and attractive tourist destinations in the country. This spectacular island features the three barangays namely Manoc-Manoc, Yapak and Balabag. It is administered by the Philippine Tourism Authority and the Provincial Government of Aklan.


Boracay is an area of Aklan Province that became an independent territory in 1956. However it was only during the 1970s that Boracay became famous as a tourism destination. A once quiet and secluded paradise island soon became immensely popular among travellers and was eventually voted as the world’s best beach. Within a period of about ten years this breathtaking island came to be known by literally the entire world and the once peaceful and private Boracay turned out to be one of the most exciting leisure spots visited by many upmarket tourists.


The most prominent feature of this recreational haven is its magical blue sea and white sandy beaches ideal for relaxing as well as having endless fun. Many tourists head to Boracay just for sunbathing and to enjoy a peaceful stroll in order to get away from the everyday stress. Sailing is one of the most popular activities in Boracay Island. Boats are readily available for rent at various locations on White Beach. Other much loved activities here include Banana-Boat Riding, mountain biking and hiking, motor biking, wall climbing, snorkelling, windsurfing, kite boarding, beach volleyball, beach football, tennis, golf and even horse riding.


The main tourism based beaches in Boracay are Bulabog Beach and White Beach. The island is also home to the beautiful and world class Graham Marsh designed 18-hole golf course. There are also many different types of restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars and night clubs located throughout the island. It also plays host for many international events such as Boracay International Funboard Cup, Asian Windsurfing Tour and much more.

The island is easily accessible by air and sea and once arrived in the island tourists can rent motor-tricycles, mountain bicycles, motor bikes and quad bikes. Boracay Island is best explored by staying at a conveniently located hotel such as Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa. This Boracay luxury resort provides maximum comfort along with some of the most up to date amenities for a pleasant and memorable stay.