Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Best Beaches in Sunshine Coast

In a country blessed with an unspoiled coastline and endless stretches of sandy beaches, picking some of the best beaches to visit can be more than difficult. Queensland is well-known for its tropical azure waters and sunny skies, and the sunshine coast is one of the best places to experience all the fun and beauty that Australia’s beaches have to offer. Whether you’re on the lookout for accommodation to hang with friends or comfortable family accommodation, Sunshine Coast has something for everyone.
The resort town of Mooloolaba has an outstanding beach that’s perfect for both kids and adults alike. A popular spot for locals complete with clear waters, golden sands and the myriad of accommodation on offer, like Oaks Seaforth Resort to smaller guest houses; you can find something to suit anyone’s budget. Mooloolaba beach is known as one of the safest beaches on the east coast; backed by a long promenade, the beach has a mild current, which is good news for those who aren’t strong swimmers.
Head further up north and you’ll find the Noosa main beach; a sheltered beach with waves that rarely go over a meter and are deemed safe for swimming year round. In addition, the beach is one of the few beaches along the sunshine coast that faces north and is patrolled, making it family friendly. A popular tourist spot, Noosa is more often than not, crowded, but definitely worth a visit.
If you’ve got surfing on your mind, Kings Beach is the place to be! This beach is safe from northern winds during the summer months, which is ideal for surfers. It’s also patrolled and offers enough wide open spaces to enjoy yourself without bumping into other people. These are just a few of beaches from a long list of memorable locations dotted along the sunshine coast. Wherever you choose to visit, just make sure to soak up the sun and enjoy the blue waters this great state has to offer.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Windsurfing in Pasikuda

The rush of adrenaline as you zip along the ocean surface, the feel of a mighty wind propelling you onwards at greater speeds and the promise of adventure driving you towards the horizon; windsurfing offers all this and more! When in Sri Lanka, Pasikuda on the island’s East Coast is a great place to try this action packed water sport.

If you are an avid windsurfer or are keen to try this water sport for the first time, ideally look to find a Sri Lanka resort in Pasikuda right by the beach, offering easy access to the sea. Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa part of Theme Resorts & Spas is one option in the region worth considering.

A combination of both sailing and surfing, windsurfing features the use of a board measuring around two to three metres in length and which has a large sail affixed to it. No motor is used to power it, just the pure force of the ocean’s wind. Depending on your skill level and experience, you can be skimming along the surface of the Indian Ocean in no time, enjoying the breathtaking vistas of the East Coast. One of the great things about Pasikuda is that it is sheltered by a bay providing a relatively calm ocean playground for you to explore on your windsurfing adventures.

Water sports enthusiasts have much more to enjoy here as well. Snorkelling and diving provide amazing perspectives of the fascinating world that lies beneath the waves. Those looking for more adrenaline pumping thrills can try jet skiing, while kayaking is a great activity if you want to explore the seas at your own pace and get a good cardio workout at the same time!

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

Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary

The tropical island of Sri Lanka holds many wonders in terms of natural beauty, ranging from rainforests to resorts such as Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes. Following a drawn-out civil war, the country is only now managing to truly discover the wonders that are contained in Sri Lanka’s Northern section. Of recent times, various sections have been converted into National Parks and Sanctuaries, and when it comes to the latter, one of the finest examples is the Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary.

The bird sanctuary should definitely one of the top places to visit in Trincomalee, since it’s close proximity to the immensely popular beach-bound port-city of Sri Lanka.
The Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary was developed by the administrative district in the province of Mullaitivu along with the United Nations Development Programme, and was recently extended to include the panoramic nearby Nai Aru Lagoon. The lagoon is a mangrove swamp that is teeming with bird-life such as ducks, gulls, and various shore-birds. The thick rainforest surroundings prove to be a perfect habitat and sanctuary for these exotic birds.
The Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary as a whole contains a diverse host of bird species, with some cameo-appearances from other animal species such as Elephants. One species found in abundance in the bird sanctuary is the Commorant, one of the most symbolic birds in the world. The Commorant has been used by famed author John Milton as a holy symbol due to their wing-drying pose resembling a crucifix, and the bird was also used as a guise by Satan as he spied over Adam and Eve.
Additionally, the park plays sanctuary to ducks, flamingos, herons, pelicans and much more. It is a true bird-watcher’s paradise so if you ever find yourself in Sri Lanka, be sure to visit this incredible locale.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey

When it concerns the United Arab Emirates, the metropolitan madness of Dubai takes centre stage, and is immediately recognised as being the major city within this Arab nation. The capital city, Abu Dhabi has retained a lot of the traditional roots of the Middle-East. The capital city contains many attractions that will enable you to discover the UAE’s amazing past. One such attraction is the Pearl Diving Adventure that is sure to be mentioned by any of the 5 star hotels, Abu Dhabi has to offer such as Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara.

The United Arab Emirates has a rich history of Pearl Diving, especially in regions such as Ras Al Khaimah, which was interestingly the original site of Abu Dhabi, before the population migrated to where Abu Dhabi is now.

When embarking on the Pearl Diving adventure, the travellers board a traditional boat known as a Jalboot, which is a very sleek vessel that is known to be one of the swiftest of her kind due to her sleekness and a particularly sharp front end.

Along the way you will pass many mangrove forests, which is an incredibly rich ecosystem that plays refuge to a variety of wild-life such as herons, egrets and flamingos.

During the journey, you will gain an extensive knowledge of pearl diving, through expert lectures and a practical demonstration. You will also learn survival techniques that were used by crews to live at sea for months on end. Towards the end, a session on the art of opening oysters will be conducted, and travellers will be given a pearl to keep as a souvenir of their adventure.

The next time you’re in the United Arab Emirates, think about embarking on an adventure like no other.

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

Yala Adventures

The 2nd largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala is located in the country’s southern province and covers over an expansive 979km of land. The park is renowned for its large assortment of wild animals such as sloth bears, monkeys, birds, reptiles, the Sri Lankan elephant and one of the largest concentration of leopards in the world. Eco-tourists and adventure seekers eager to visit this beautiful park can easily find good accommodation among the Yala hotels, such as Wild Trails Yala, which offers Eco-friendly spacious tents with modern amenities.
A safari in Yala is the ideal way to enjoy the wildlife. Set off early morning with a guide to stand the best chance of seeing the animals as they roam freely around the park before the sun rises. Elephants, wild buffaloes and boars can be found near watering holes whiles the morning cries of the regal peacock signals the start of another day. The wild animals here are used to the sounds of safari jeeps and don’t shy away from people. Bring lots of water with you and ask your hotel to arrange a packed breakfast for you trip.
The main attraction for most visitors to the park is the Sri Lankan leopard. The native leopard is one of the most celebrated animals in the country, second to elephants, with the highest concentration found at Yala National Park. Because it is the largest predator in the park, it’s extremely comfortable out in the open, usually found perched up the trees or relaxing in the thick foliage.
Yala is made up of various eco-systems, from open grasslands and dense forests, to marine and fresh water wetlands and coastal habitat. Exploring each area is an adventure on its own with over 215 bird species and 44 species of mammals that include sloth bears, the red slender loris and golden palm civet in addition to sea turtles and crocodiles are just a few that can be seen around the park. Be sure to spend a full day roaming through the wildness to really experience the best of Yala.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

National Museum at Maldives

The island nation of the Maldives is hailed the world over for her natural splendour. The collection of islands that form the Maldives have stunningly pristine beaches, lush tropical landscapes and a diverse range of wild-life, mostly beneath her waters. Her God-given exuberance and many a Maldives resort such as the Kurumba Maldives, however can take people’s attention away from the incredible historical heritage that the country has to offer. There is one place where you can obtain a comprehensive insight into Maldivian history, and that is the National Museum of the Maldives.
Maldives’ National Museum, the first and only one of its kind, opened her doors coincidentally on the Maldivian National Day of 1952. The Prime Minister at the time, Mohamed Amin Didi led the opening ceremony. The purpose of the museum was to inspire a sense of patriotism within the Maldivian people while simultaneously preserving and showcasing the history of the Nation.
Presently, the museum is located at Sultan Park on the island of Male, the site of the Royal Palace ever since the 17th century, and has a distinctly traditional atmosphere with the interior bearing a strong Sultanate influence.
The museum initially had a vast collection of artefacts showcasing the country’s pre-Islamic history but following a recent attack almost all of the delicate artefacts from the pre-Islamic era were destroyed.
Within the museum you will find a tremendous assortment of traditional relics such as ceremonial dresses, creative embroidery and various items of past Maldivian nobility. Some of the currently contained relics date as far back as the 13th century.
If you’d like to take some time off from basking in the serene splendour of the island, be sure to visit the iconic National Museum on the island of Male, you never know what surprises lie within her walls.

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+

Vacation at Cape Tribulation

A dream vacation in the tropics could be a hike through a lush rain forest or a snorkeling excursion amongst a vast coral reef, teeming with colourful fish; however, for those looking for the ultimate tropical vacation, try finding a location that would include both experiences. That’s exactly what you get at Cape Tribulation, a small village sandwiched between the combined beauty of not one, but two World Heritage Sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
To make the most of your trip, you can find lodgings at the nearby town of Port Douglas; holiday accommodation here ranges from a number of small inns and resorts to hotel apartments like the Oaks Lagoons. From there you can drive north to the only cable ferry in eastern Australia, the Daintree Ferry, which takes you straight to the Daintree Rainforest.
Located on the north side of the Daintree River is a sealed road that leads to Cape Tribulation. The road weaves through the thick Rainforest covered Alexandra Range, a spectacular area where the air is clean and scented with heady aromas wafting from the lush foliage around you. There are a few dramatic lookout points on the way and then finally, the greenery gives way to tropical beaches.
Cape Tribulation has plenty of excursions on offer such as bush walking, diving and snorkelling, kayaking, river cruises and even zip lining through the canopy. Explore the rugged landscape with 4WD safaris and then make your way to the pristine beaches and take in the beautiful reef just below the turquoise waters. There are several different tours for Cape Tribulation that leave Port Douglas on a daily basis, so you have your pick of fun activities to try. No holiday to Queensland is complete without paying a visit to the tropical paradise.

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+

See a different side of Bangkok city by biking

Bangkok is a place that has made its mark in the hearts of many travel enthusiasts as a busy and well-commercialized city. However, the city actually holds a lot more than just the skyscrapers and the flourishing businesses. The greenery of this versatile place is just there, a reach away, if only you knew how to access it. For this purpose, a bike ride across the quaint roads of Bangkok that lead into greenery bordered lanes would be ideal. For those who wish to take up a bike rental during their holiday, many Bangkok resorts such as the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort to name one, are likely to provide bicycle rental services.

Riding through the unseen side of Bangkok will take you through to the lush foliage filled rural areas that resemble ‘hutongs’, a type of narrow street or alley. Tiny roads with hairpin bends will keep you guessing what beautiful scenery awaits you around the next corner. You could either do the exploration of the countryside by yourself, or you could also employ the assistance of a guide who will be able to take you along some of the most hidden parts of Bangkok.

Santi Chai Prakan Park is home to one of the most peaceful and breathtaking riversides of the city. In order to get through to the park, you could cycle through Ratchadamneon Klang road and Khao San road. Once you reach the park you will get the distinctive feeling of having left the bustle of the city behind. When you exit the park and carry on into the suburbs of Bangkok, the change is dramatic and instant. Skyscrapers and traffic give way to little houses, shops and rivers with lanes bordered on both sides by huge trees, and beautiful temples whose architecture stands out among the colourful activity of the rural markets. Strike up a conversation with some of the locals and explore the countryside of this unexpectedly diverse city as you cycle your way through some of the most heartwarming sceneries you will ever come across.

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

Taling Chan Floating Market

Bangkok is one of the most prosperous cities in Asia, and since the recent boom in business began in the 1980s, what was once a small trading post has been transformed into a sprawling metropolis by the emergence of business activity. Although Bangkok is a popular tourist location for her unique culture carved out of a rich history laden with traditional arts and customs, the rise in tourism is causing this very culture and heritage to seemingly disappear. Fear not however, for there is one place where one can truly enjoy a descent into Thai history and culture, untouched by the hands of globalisation, a place called the Taling Chan Floating Market.

A visit to the Taling Chan Floating Market is very easy, since it is one of the fifty districts that make up Bangkok, and located only a short distance away from popular places of accommodation such as the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, a popular Luxury Hotel Bangkok has to offer.

The main reason the Taling Chan Floating Market is appreciated is for its sincerity to Thai culture that makes it stand apart from the bigger floating markets that adorn the cityscape. A foreign tourist can easily traverse the market without having to book a tour or becoming overwhelmed by legions of people.

The food in the Taling Chan Floating Market is iconic Thai seafood, ranging from massive Shrimp to Blue Crabs and large fish, typically prepared on small boats using smaller barbeques. If you’re uncomfortable eating on the floor, many restaurants have little plastic tables and chairs placed for the convenience of the guests, although these would tend to fill up fast when during the hours after 12pm.

So there you have it, the Taling Chan Floating Market, the go-to place should you choose to taste a sincere slice of Bangkok.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

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Tips for Jungle Trekking in Habarana

Habarana is a quiet village in the central part of Sri Lanka with a small population, some jungle and a number of Sri Lanka resorts. The Sri Lankan hoteliers have been ingenious in selecting Habarana as a popular base station for sightseeing and touring; roads lead from Habarana to the eastern coast of Trincomalee, Sigiriya and Dambulla two cultural landmarks are within proximity and even the former kingdom of Polonnaruwa is accessible within about an hour’s drive. As a standalone destination, Habarana’s two greatest attractions are the jungle landscape and the serenity of an unpolluted township. Even at a location such as Cinnamon Lodge Habarana which is by the main road that connects Habarana to the rest of the country, there is much tranquility and freedom from the world.
The jungle treks are fascinating affairs which are typically for one night and two days. The jungles are not modified by man, hence one can experience very primitive ways of living under the shades of the tall trees amidst some shrubs and camping by a lake. There are many lakes, rivers and other bodies of water in and around the area, some of which have played a pivotal role in irrigating the country. Kayaks are thrown into these flowing streams to give every expeditor a taste of water adventures. Bird watching, jungle trails and learning to make Sri Lankan dishes are a part of the tour.
Generally, a BBQ is held in the night and the freshest of fish would be available for grilling. Simple camps are set up with a few tents and a small fire. An early start each morning helps as the humidity is very high in the afternoon in spite of the dense jungle. Being comfortably and appropriately dressed makes it much easier for everyone to enjoy the outdoor experience with a spot of climbing, wading and scrambling through. Since the facilities available have been kept to a bare minimum such that the natural feel is not lost, if there is any specific medicine or type of pillow or protection you require, it is best that the guides are informed or that you provide them for yourself while being respectful to the others who are joining you.

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