Miscellaneous Adventures - The Adventure Travel Site

Swim In Bimah Sinkhole

Regarded as one of the world’s most stunning naturally formed sinkholes the Bimah Sinkhole is an Omani national treasure in its own right. Occupying pride of place within Hawiyat Najm Park (which literally translates to Meteor Fall Park in the native language) the Bimah Sinkhole is a picture perfect tourist attraction one is likely to find on a postcard rather than the heart of a desert. Easily accessible to travellers driving from Qurayat to the city of Sur the locale is situated just off the main highway, with Tiwi a few kilometres away. Tourists vacationing in the country’s capital Muscat need only drive 1.5 hours to reach the famed natural wonder situated near the Al Sharqiyah region.

Travellers on the lookout for a luxury resort in Oman to base themselves at will be more than pleased with the resplendent accommodation at Alila Jabal Akdhar. Ideally situated in a strategic location this elegant rest provides contemporary amenities for both business travellers as well as holidaymakers. Once settled in, make sure to plan a trip to Bimah Sinkhole.

Formed due to the natural erosion of a limestone cavern the sink hole was created when the rocks dissolved due to extended contact with water to reveal the crevice that is known as a “sinkhole”. Locals however prefer the legend of a meteorite falling on the rock’s surface to create the curious geographical anomaly. Connected with the ocean through a submerged tunnel the turquoise and emerald hued waters within the sinkhole is in fact sea water although the venue resembles a fresh water lake in appearance. A mere 550m from the ocean the turquoise pool inside the Bimah Sinkhole is nearly 20m deep and 40m wide. A miniscule fish species is also believed to occupy the pool and harmlessly nibble the toes of swimmers when in contact.

Accessible through a series of concrete steps that lead visitors from the top of the highway to the base of the crevice known as the Bimah Sinkhole the venue is a popular stopover point for shutterbugs hoping to capture the staggering beauty of the locale. Surrounded by limestone cliff faces, taking a dip in the sinkhole is a magical experience for travellers as the sheer majesty of the towering cavern and its crystal clear waters is breathtaking to say the least.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Discover Singapore’s Latest Wildlife Reserve on a Tour of River Safari

Quietly nestled in between the Lion City’s foremost wildlife reserves, the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari enclosure lies the country’s latest addition to an already illustrious list of attractions for nature lovers. Built at a cost of $160 million, River Safari is home to the globe’s most expansive freshwater aquarium as well as the largest panda showcase in Southeast Asia. Boasting one of the world’s most extensive collections of freshwater fauna, River Safari houses more than 6000 creatures which include 40 endangered species of wildlife. As the famed home of Singapore’s famed resident Pandas Jia Jia and Kai Kai a tour of the River Safari is a must-have experience for all holidaymakers visiting the Lion City. Based on the world’s iconic rivers the state-of-the-art wildlife sanctuary occupies a vast expanse with the Upper Seletar Reservoir serving as the backdrop.

Having opened its doors to the public in early 2014 the 12 hectare space is also the home of the Amazon Flooded Forest and the Squirrel Monkey Forest although its chief attraction is the famed Giant Panda Forest where Singapore’s only resident Giant Pandas reside. As ten year loans from China the magnificent creatures named Jia Jia and Kai Kai occupy a specially built climate-controlled area of River Safari while a special variety of bamboo is also grown by the zoo’s own 86,000 square foot cultivation region to feed the furry inhabitants.
The Mississippi River at River Safari explores the world of beavers and endangered Mississippi paddlefish and alligators while the Congo is home to the world’s biggest freshwater puffer fish. Tiger fish and finned birchirs occupy the River Nile while the Ganges is littered with goonch catfish, crocodilian Indian gharial and soft-shell turtles. The Murray River in contrast boasts inhabitants the likes of barramundi, crab fish and the nearly 2m long Murray Cod.
The Mekong River is home to giant freshwater stingrays and Mekong catfish while giant salamanders occupy the Yangtze River. In Wild Amazonia visitors can hop on board the Amazon River Quest where spider monkeys, Brazilian Tapirs and jaguars await while the Amazon Flooded Forest ecological showcase is equally engaging.
Refreshments are available at the River Safari Tea House and the Mama Panda Kitchen while memorabilia and souvenirs can be purchased at the River Safari Shop or House of Kai Kai & Jia Jia.

Travellers in search of trendy hotels in Singapore should look no further than the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore group. Providing guests with the best in contemporary amenities the stylish Singapore hotels under this flagship hospitality conglomerate offer unforgettable vacations in the Lion City.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.Google+

Potters of Koh Kret

The history of pottery can be traced back centuries and the oldest evidence of its existence was found at the Xianrendong Cave in the Republic of China. Archaeologists continue to discover such evidence across the globe indicating its popularity worldwide. However, due to the use of fire and also considering the lengthy period of time necessary for shaping the clay, archaeological evidence indicates that pottery came into existence subsequent to humankind achieving a sedentary life. This, in combination with the discovery of fire lead to the development of pottery with potters creating vessels using a variety of techniques such as hand shaping, firing, glazing and later on, kilns. Through such methods, different varieties of pottery such as earthenware, stoneware and porcelain were created.

The island of Ko Kret located in the vicinity of Bangkok Thailand is well known for pottery. Located on the Chao Phraya River, tourists and travellers can enjoy examining the various styles and different types of pottery at the Museum of Kwan Aman Pottery. This museum is home to a collection of Mon design ceramics, which are ancient and considered quite valuable as the Mon people were considered to be talented potters. The museum itself is open from 9am to 5pm daily and is definitely worth a visit for it provides an intriguing insight into an integral component of the lifestyle of the locals. For those who choose to visit the Assembly of Pottery Craft a demonstration of how these creations are made awaits them and tourists will also have the convenient opportunity to purchase such vessels as souvenirs or to give as gifts once they return.

Those who wish to visit the village can opt for a Bangkok cruise tour, namely the Chao Phraya Express on Sundays for the price of just three hundred baht. Such Bangkok cruises allow tourists to visit villages such as Ko Kret with minimum hassle and conveniently. Given the cultural diversity and rich heritage the Thai are privy to, the country is filled to the brim with exciting and intriguing landmarks and places of interest. Ensure that you soak in the local culture by opting for Anantara Cruises that provides tourists with the opportunity to mingle with the locals and see the sights both conveniently and comfortably.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Lal Bagh

The well-known Lal Bagh, which translates as ‘Red Garden’ is a popular botanical garden located in the southern section of Bangalore. This attractive park was constructed under the decree of the monarch of Mysore, Hyder Ali and was completed during the rule of his son and successor Tipu Sultan. Interestingly Lal Bagh is thought to have been modelled on the Mughal Garden which at one time stood proudly in Sira, a location which was once part of the Mughal Empire.

Lal Bagh is considered noteworthy for featuring an excellent glass house where a yearly flower exhibition is held. The garden is also renowned for containing the most extensive selection of tropical plants in India. It also features a lake as well as an aquarium, and is recognized as one of Bangalore’s foremost visitor attractions.

Lal Bagh extends over a vast extent of no less than 240 acres, making it without question one of the major botanical attractions in the subcontinent. Its most significant flower show is conducted on January 26^th, or Republic Day; a number of other floral exhibitions are also held at this venue.

In total the visitor will find more than 1,000 varieties of flora here, including some trees which are more than a century old. One of the garden’s most esteemed exhibits is some unusual varieties of plants which were brought over from Afghanistan, Persia and France. The garden displays aesthetic beauty, having been landscaped with elements such as flowerbeds, lawns, fountains and lotus pools. Many of the exhibits are labelled for convenient identification. The visitor will see that a tower constructed by the founder of the city, Kempe Gowda is located within the garden. Another significant attraction at this site is the fascinating Lal Bagh Rock, which is an ancient rock formation considered to be amongst the oldest on the globe.

Another noteworthy attraction which will draw the interest of the visitor is the folk fair which is conducted at the gardens on the second as well as the fourth weekend of each month. At this event you will be able to see local folk music, dance and plays.

The selective visitor considering 5 star Bangalore hotels will find an appealing choice in the Alila Bangalore. One of the outstanding Bangalore luxury hotels this fine rest offers attractive accommodations and courteous hospitality.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Xishuangbanna Nationality Culture Park

Tipped to be one of the must-visit highlights on a tour of southern Yunnan, the Xishuangbanna Nationality Culture Park is a cultural icon of sorts on the shores of Liusha River. Ideally located within 1km of Jinghong City, this sprawling enclave occupies a whopping 165 acres of the area’s most pristine landscapes. Frequented by tourists and locals alike, the park serves as a miniaturized representation of Xishuangbanna with its natural environment, folk customs and culture replicated in the heart of southern Yunnan.

Divided according to direction, the southern corner of the Xishuangbanna Nationality Culture Park houses three designated tourist hubs. This includes a tropical fruit enclosure, a plant and vegetation zone as well as a swimming and sunbathing area. Rare plant species such as varieties of amomum, arecas and palms are found within the plant enclosure which houses 10 species of endangered plants. The tropical fruit garden in the park on the other hand houses a 99 acre orchard and a 9 acre coffee plantation within its confines. Fruit trees the likes of jackfruit, mango, coconut, grapefruit, carambola and lichee are found in the venue which also allows visitors to pick the fruits in season. A wildlife compound with elephants and various bird species is also found on the northern fringes of the orchard.

The northern section of the culture park however is dedicated to the ethnic minorities of Xishuangbanna as well as their traditional residences and customs. Exploring the cultural identity of the Lahu, Hani, Bland, Dai, Yao and Jinuo communities, visitors can witness local festivals such as dragon boat races, water dousing festivals as well as wedding rituals of the Dai populace in this area of the park. Bamboo firework displays and bamboo raft races are also conducted at the locale which also showcases traditional dance performances by Yunnan’s ethnic minorities. The four dance auditoriums at the park stage outdoor performances such as the Jinuo Tom Tom Dance, the Dai Peacock Dance and the Lahu Trichord Dance which involves 4 to 400 performers on specific days of the week.

Travellers on the lookout for a luxurious hotel in Yunnan should look no further than the stylish Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa. Providing guests with the crème de la crème in contemporary amenities this is one hotel Yunnan counts among its finest spa resorts.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Asian Dragon Bay Sanya

The Asian Dragon Bay, which is also known as Yalong Bay is one of the most picturesque locations in Hainan Province, China, that many visit from all over the world. The stretch of pristine golden beach covers an area of 18.6 square kilometres which is about 7.2 square miles, with a total length spanning 7.5-kilometers, which makes this stretch of supreme loveliness three times longer than the mesmerizing and famed beaches found in Hawaii.

The waters of the ocean here are crystal clear, allowing one to gaze into depths of more than 10 metres below the surface. The vibrant marine life, rich with the many colourful shoals of fish and the wonderful formations of coral can be thus seen quite easily by anyone regardless of whether or not they wish to snorkel and dive.

The Asian Dragon Bay is complete with all the facets of blue waters of the sea, white gold pristine sands, the emerald sheen of the rich vegetation of the surrounding area as well as the freshest air, that make up the perfect holiday experience to anyone finding solace in her embrace. Given this sublime beauty and priceless perfection, the Asian Dragon Bay was authorized by the State Council in the year 1992.

The Totem Pole of 27 metres that stands boldly at the centre of the bay is yet another interesting attraction that heightens the significance of this place of beauty yet some more and has intricate engravings of the god of the sun, gods of winds, rain and thunder along with the legendary animals of the dragon, kylin, phoenix and fish. The Butterfly Valley that can be found on the northern end of the Asian Dragon Bay also adds to the allure of this place with its five halls representing the butterfly species of China and the world.

A Sanya hotel such as Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa makes an ideal base from which to set off to sites such as the Asian Dragon Bay. The resort experience at such hotels will only add to the pleasure of your holiday with the riches of luxury and comforts that are to be found in abundance here.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Snorkeling Tips in Maldives

The irresistible urge to witness the hidden world down under, with all its mystic charm and quiet, endless beauty, is surely strongly felt while on the magical land of the Maldives. The blue green ocean beauty, spreading as far as the eye can behold, glimmering and glistening under the golden influence of the noon day sun safely hides away its treasures of absolute perfection from the mortal world, saved from the eyes of the adventurer who boldly chooses to delve in to her glorious depths. Maldives luxury resorts such as Baros Maldives are excellent to enjoy the glory of luxurious accommodation as well as the thrill of diving in Maldives to your heart’s content.

Snorkeling is a popular water sport enjoyed by many tourists around the year in Maldives. The calm and clear water of the land is indeed providing much more than the absolute necessities to enjoy a perfect time of relaxation upon its surface. The beginner is however best advised to bring along his own snorkeling gear as loose fitting equipment can certainly affect the quality of the experience. Snorkeling masks that do not fit well can let the water come seeping in, making your vision blurred which can also strike terror and fear in to the inexperienced heart. Reef shoes are also an important part of the gear that must be given prominence to, as they prevent your feet from being bruised by the jutting edges of the coral reefs that abide in the shallow waters.

It is indeed important to take heed of the advice and tips that are given by the experts upon your arrival on the islands. The information given on the best snorkeling spots as well as the entrance points to the reef will help you to stay on course and enjoy hours of floating on these mesmerizing waters.

Planning your holiday well in advance will also help you to get the best of snorkeling experiences in Maldives. Certain islands possess a house reef that many swarms of colorful marine life find refuge in, which can be found within easy swimming distance, while resorts that do not have a house reef arrange trips to locations where coral reefs can be found on deep waters. Needless to say the beginner is best advised to choose a resort with a house reef that he may snorkel safely, without being threatened by high currents and the daunting sights of the endless depths.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Canoeing on Yodakandiya Lake in Yala/Tissamaharama

Imagine making your way past grass banks where crocodiles can be seen sunning themselves in the warmth of the sun’s rays. Imagine embarking on a canoeing adventure along the scenic waters of the Yodakandiya River which is easily accessible to those staying at nearby Yala national park hotels. Of all the hotels Yala Sri Lanka has to offer, Jetwing Yala would be a wonderful abode to consider coming home to after indulging in the pleasures of canoeing.

When in your canoe you would do well to explore the tiny islands that scatter the lake. From these isles the one would be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Yala and Tissamaharama all at once. Should you be heading out in the morning then you are bound to come across the local fishermen who patiently await their day’s catch. While you’re at it, why not savour the rich aromas of a cup of Ceylon Tea served with your favourite selection of traditional sweetmeats and snacks. The best way to truly appreciate the lake and all it has to offer is to go with a guide who will offer valuable insights and keep your canoe from drifting off.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Camping in Galle Fort

The port city of Galle found in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka is home to many a wonderful sight. Those making their way to Galle should consider camping out and what better place than to enjoy the ambience of the city than by heading over to the iconic Galle Fort. Selecting from among the hotels in Galle would be a great way to kick start your holiday in this part of the world. Jetwing Lighthouse which is one of the Galle hotels in the area can be looked at should you require pleasing accommodation.

The ramparts of the old fort serve as ideal surroundings where one may camp out and enjoy all that the fort has to offer. Set up your camp by evening and thereafter savour the cool breeze and panoramic vistas of the city below and the ocean. Wake up to the sounds of crashing waves and thereafter prepare to be awed by the secrets of the fort. From museums to cosy restaurants, campers are sure to have their hands full when holidaying in the imposing Galle Fort. One might also want to enjoy an early morning jog before settling into a hearty breakfast. All in all, a camping holiday in the Galle Fort will offer you the essence of what life was back in the days of the colonists. So next time you plan on going camping, think no further than the Galle Fort.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Campuhan Ridge Walk

If you love heading off the beaten track and want to do some exploring when in Bali, then taking a hike along the Campuhan Ridge Walk is well worth your time. This scenic trek can be enjoyed near the town of Ubud and those in search of a Bali spa resort in the region can consider COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. This Bali luxury spa resort offers the very best in modern comforts and features a range of wellness treatments that offer rest and relaxation after a day of hiking.

Begin your adventure at Ubud from where you can set off on a tour of the area before heading to the Campuhan Ridge Walk. One can take the road near the Ubud Clinic that leads to the river, which you will have to cross before making your way up to the Campuan Ridge. Set amidst lush greenery, this path offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes with vistas of the Campuan River Gorge on one side and Tukad Wos River on the other. Your hike will bring you to a village and a place known as Karsa Kafe where you can enjoy a relaxed meal and drink. Continue on your journey which will lead you back to Ubud, making for a truly memorable day out.