Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Places to see in Hoi An

Hoi An is a charming little enclave of culture and history, nestled in Vietnam’s south central coast. Here you will encounter ample smiles, iconic history, and fun shopping for a delightful experience of Vietnamese culture. Hoi An accommodation options won’t leave you wanting for quality and visitors should sample a luxury Hoi An hotel in the region, one of which comes in the form of the Anantara Hoi An Resort. This elite riverfront property features luxury that expertly blends tradition with modernity for a world-class hospitality experience. Explore Hoi An’s world of eclectic attractions, which range from historically impressive to locally interesting. Hoi An’s old town is a UNESCO World heritage Site, as it is one of the best preserved examples of a Southeast Asian port of trading spanning the 15th-19 centuries. The site is best experienced via walking, and visitors will get the chance to witness the beautiful 18th century Japanese Covered Bridge, a splendid example of Japanese architecture, and the impressive Quan Kong temple, built in the early 17th century to honour a famous general of the Chin Dynasty. Shopaholics will be overwhelmed by the sheer choices of cheap shopping available in the city, especially concentrated in the areas of Hai Ba Trung, Phan Chu Trinh and Hoang Dieu.

But don’t be tempted to lavish all your spending money on one place; ignore the frantic pressure to buy and keep walking; you’ll find better alternatives elsewhere. Try and buy a unique item from each shop; a pair of pants from one, a skirt from another, for variety. You’ll also delight in the treasure houses filled with unique handmade pottery, jewellery, furniture, quilts, embroidered sheets, the list goes on. One intriguing option is Hoa Nhap Handicrafts, which employs local and disabled craftsmen and women who create some beautiful pieces. Hoi An is truly a unique locale home to an eclectic array of experiences that beg exploration.

Orana Wildlife Park

A mere 10 minutes drive from Christchurch Airport, the Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo that serves as an idyllic destination for locals and tourists to meet some of the country’s most fascinating and talked about species of wildlife. Founded in the year 1976 and managed by the Orana Wildlife Trust, ‘Orana’ which is the Maori word for ‘welcome’ covers an impressive 80 hectares of thick vegetation that affords its inhabitants an environment that resembles their natural habitat. Crowds are known to flock to its premises to catch a glimpse of the country’s national bird which is the kiwi along with other species of birds and reptiles.

Those on holiday in Christchurch would do well to schedule a trip to Orana Wildlife Park which is home to over 400 mammals from 70 varied species. A feature of the area is that it consists of banks, streams and moats that act as barriers for those wanting to see these animals in a natural way. The animals found here originate from New Zealand itself while the rest represent the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. Ideal for a day out with the family, the park will leave kids in awe while offering adults valuable information on some of the world’s most treasured and sought after animals.

For the ultimate wildlife adventure explore Orana’s behind the scene tours that will take you up close with a range of predators that roam separate sections of this enchanting landscape. Hop on board a special vehicle that will lead you to the premises of the ‘King of the Jungle’. Witness these majestic creatures feeding as part of the park’s ‘Lion Encounter’. Why stop there? Select the ‘Meet a Cheetah’ tour where you can marvel at the fastest land carnivore; the cheetah. You are also offered the luxury of feeding the park’s Sumatran tigers and journeying onto the Black & White Lemur Island where you can offer each playful little lemur their afternoon tea. In terms of an educational centre, the Zoo School provides students with interactive learning sessions administered by its on-site teachers.

Searching for the perfect place to stay? Then choose from a luxurious selection of New Zealand hotels of which Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ would be ideal. Pamper yourself in the warmth of these Dunedin hotels before heading over for a once in a lifetime adventure at New Zealand’s very own Orana Wildlife Park.

 

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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Ride on a Seabob Cayago Water Rocket

The Maldives has gained fame as one of the most sought-after honeymoon locations in the world; its crystal-clear waters and warm island ambiance affords new couples an intimate opportunity to commemorate a new chapter of their lives together. The Velassaru Maldives presents the ideal choice of a Maldives resort to cater to a honeymoon getaway or simply a welcome vacation. If you’re seeking a singular Maldives island hotel that pampers its guests with stellar service, and exquisite dining and entertainment options, the Velassaru Maldives is it. Amongst the many beach activities you can enjoy here, take an exciting ride on a Seabob Cayago Water Rocket. Presenting underwater adventurer with the ideal power tool for scouring the deep, the Seabob is the latest trend in underwater exploration. Although saddled with a hefty price tag of USD 14,000, the hotel will provide you with these fascinating gadgets that come with an impressive battery life of four hours for optimal deep-sea browsing times.

The Seabob can also be used to gain a dolphin’s eye view of the sea as you zip along the surface of the waves in this unique little invention. The impressive price tag is courtesy of the fact that this is a relatively new technology, primarily in use by the US Navy Seals on missions as well as tourists such as yourself who can experience all the fun without footing the bill. One of the most intriguing features of the Seabob is the fact that it’s completely silent, which means you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the vibrant and intriguing marine life without scaring all of them away. A truly unique mode of exploration, try out the Seabob to experience a new dimension of underwater viewing.

5 Best Islands in Thailand

The exotic tourist destination of Thailand boasts a collection of enchanting islands. One unique sightseeing experience can be enjoyed by taking part in a Bangkok cruise tour. A name almost synonymous with Bangkok cruises is Anantara Cruises Thailand. One may be spoilt for choice when considering what islands of Thailand to visit. Of course the unrivalled holiday destination, Phuket island tops the list, although off its Southern coast are the pristine Coral and Raya islands, ideal for scuba divers. However ardent nature lovers cannot afford to miss visiting Ko Adang featuring various hiking trails as well as secluded white sandy beaches. The list of best Thai islands also includes Koh Phi Phi, Ko Chang and Koh Mook.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Mask Museum, Ambalangoda

The emerald isle is blessed with an array of exotic escapes offering visitors a taste of local tradition. The Ambalangoda Mask Museum incorporated in 1987 is no different as it showcases valuable insights into the town’s popular trade of mask making. Discover the colours of this thriving town by choosing from a range of Sri Lanka boutique hotels to stay at. Spoil yourself in the finer things in life that Saman Villas Bentota, a luxury hotel Sri Lanka located in Aturuwella, Bentota has in store.

Unravel the mysteries of local dance and legend in the comfort of the museum which also houses a library and workshop from where guests can explore the many treats that adorn its fine walls. Depicting heroes, demons, gods and goddesses, each mask stands testament to an area that has etched its name in local arts and crafts. The ‘Sanni’ and ‘Raksha’ are amongst Ambalangoda’s exquisite collection.

 

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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Cycling in Kalpitiya

Cycling is the easiest way to get about discovering the numerous wonders that adorn the coastal regions of scenic Sri Lanka. The fishing village of Kalpitiya nestled on the western coastal belt north of Colombo is best viewed by bike. Move past rough terrain and into the many twists and turns that will offer you an adrenaline rush and add to the excitement. Amongst Sri Lanka resorts that one may find, Palagama Beach Resort is a beach resort in Sri Lanka that affords fantastic accommodation and is ideal for a cycling tour of the surrounding landscape.

Buckle up and cruise along the coast where you are sure to be accompanied by the singing birds of this exotic isle. Tour the ancient ruins of a Dutch Fort and learn of the country’s colonial influence. You can also visit the friendly fisher folk and learn of their daily routines.

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+

Piduruthalagala Mountain

When holidaying in Sri Lanka make sure to venture out into the wilds and be greeted by the mesmeric surroundings of this exotic landscape. Located north east from the town of Nuwara Eliya, the Piduruthalagala Mountain is a must visit for ardent nature lovers. Choose the perfect getaway and the most sought after of accommodation that Sri Lanka hotels are renowned for. Heritance Tea Factory which is one of the Nuwara Eliya hotels that scatter the area is where one can begin to explore the mystery of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain peak.

Standing at 2524 meters above sea level, the Piduruthalagala Mountain or Mount Pedro serves as a sanctuary for travellers on the lookout for an exciting trek. Numerous endemic species of flora and fauna reside at this mountain for it affords a cool climate while providing breathtaking panoramas of the countryside. Move past streams and through heavy mist as you approach Piduruthalagala.

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+

Minneriya National Park

Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1938 and then upgraded to a Wildlife Park in 1997, Minneriya National Park houses the historic Minneriya reservoir that dates from the 3rd century CE. During the area’s dry season, the park is a very special place as elephant herds from Matale, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa districts come to enjoy grazing and quenching their thirst here. Together with two other reservoirs close to the park, Minneriya forms one of Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka.

While the park’s diverse range of large and small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and butterflies is undoubtedly interesting to all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the most iconic attraction is the large number of elephants that congregate here, which is known as the ‘ elephant gathering’ and this is globally celebrated as one of the largest gatherings of mammals, specifically Asian Elephants, in the wild. The magnet that sets off this seasonal movement of elephants is the succulent grasses on the dry parts of the reservoir bed and the easy access to water. The ‘gathering’ takes place from mid-July and lasts until end-October, but peaks in August and September. The best time to view the elephants is in the evening when they emerge from the surrounding jungle in little groups that slowly forms a large herd that is sometimes said to number 300. Not only can visitors have a rare sighting of elephants in family groups, but they are also seen at their natural best, gamboling and cavorting in the water.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the park’s other attractions, endemic species such as the purple-faced langur and toque macaque, the Sri Lankan leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, the gray slender loris and many other endangered and endemic species that are the park’s other inhabitants are of interest as well. For fervent birders, the host of large water birds as well as migrants and many residents that are found in and around the Minneriya reservoir makes a visit here truly worthwhile. Flocks of cormorants, pelicans, grey herons and other water birds are busy foraging for food around the water while jungle fowl, parrots, babblers, bulbuls and other endemic varieties favour the forest and scrub areas around the reservoir. Crocodiles, pythons and water monitors are among the reptiles that prey on the animals coming to the reservoir for water. Combined with the natural beauty of the surroundings, viewing the wildlife in the park is truly an exceptional experience.

To discover these and more natural treasures on the island, take advantage of some well-tailored holiday packages Sri Lanka has to offer its visitors for a stimulating and pleasurable travel experience. Shanti Travel Sri Lanka is a renowned travel company, which offers some competitive Sri Lanka tour packages that enable visitors to explore the country’s culture, heritage and the beauty of its landscapes.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Sand Boarding

Sand boarding is almost exactly like snowboarding except that it is done in the desert instead of snow-topped mountains. Although not as popular as snowboarding, sand boarding is quickly catching on as a fun recreational activity. It is a highly thrilling sport and riders can reach speeds in excess of sixty miles per hour, all on a simple board made out of fibre glass and wood. Unlike snowboarding, one can go sand boarding at any time of the year and good locations are easier to find. After all, it can be carried out at any place with large dunes, be it a desert or a beach.

Those interested in trying out the sport should try the Middle East region. It is, aptly enough, one of the best places in the world to try out this adventure sport. Although popular in countries throughout the Middle East, sand boarding has found a special place in Oman. The most popular spots in the country are the Bousher Dunes in Muscat and the Wahiba Sands in Sifah. One need not be an expert to ride here as there are dunes of different sizes and inclines found here.

Other popular activities in Oman include quad biking, dune bashing, mountain climbing and desert trekking. Dune bashing is an activity where people drive around sand dunes in four wheel drive trucks – it is a little scarier than it sounds as some dunes can be quite steep. Tourists visiting Oman should also think of taking a safari on camel back and spending a night at a Bedouin camp. Staying at a Bedouin camp is the best way to experience the desert at night and enjoy the famous Arabian hospitality.

There are many places in Oman that provide facilities for adventure desert activities. However, one can minimise the hassles of finding a good one by staying at proper Oman hotels that already come with such facilities. The Desert Nights Camp is one such hotel in Oman that provides facilities for a variety of desert-related activities such as trekking and quad biking. The accommodation on offer is stellar and guests get to sleep in large Arabian-styled tents that come with air conditioning. It is truly an excellent place to stay.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

Seaplane Photo Flights

While parasailing may provide a thrilling view of Maldives from up high, those looking for a truly spectacular bird’s eye view of the islands should look to take seaplane photo flights. Travellers in search of luxury hotels Maldives has to offer that will help to organise such excursions can stay at Kurumba Maldives. One of the leading Maldives resorts it features luxurious accommodation and lets you enjoy unforgettable views by seaplane of the North Male Atoll.

Since seaplanes can take off and land on water, you have a great opportunity to view these islands from rather unique vantage points. On your journey of discovery you will get a chance to enjoy a whole new perspective of the dazzling blues that abound as far as the eyes can see. On this tour you can observe the rich tapestry of nature that is the Maldives; coral formations beneath the waves, scenic lagoons, idyllic stretches of beach drenched in the sun and if you are luck, even glimpse dolphins playfully frolicking in the waters.