Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Enjoying Dolphin Watching in Sri Lanka

One of the pleasures of visiting the enchanting tropical island of Sri Lanka is the fact that there are so many adventures that can be enjoyed here; one of which is dolphin along the east coast. Those planning a trip to the region and looking for a Sri Lanka resort in the east coast can consider staying at Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa. Looking out across Passekudah bay, it is one of the best Sri Lanka honeymoon hotels in the east and makes an ideal base from which to set off on your excursions.

Make sure to make your way to Trincomalee from where you can set off on a dolphin watching tour. Such tours are conducted by the Sri Lankan navy and provide you with a fun filled morning. Home to such species as Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins, the waters around the island provide plenty of opportunities to spot these playful ocean mammals that can be seen frolicking in the sea. As an added bonus one may also get the chance of seeing such whale species as the Blue whale during the whale watching season which usually runs from May to October.

Exploring Piduruthalagala Mountain in Sri Lanka

The highest mountain in Sri Lanka, Piduruthalagala Mountain is set amidst stunning natural beauty and showcases a lush green escape far removed from the sun drenched beaches of the coast. Piduruthalagala is near Nuwara Eliya and those in search of Nuwara Eliya hotels from which to visit this site can stay at Jetwing St. Andrew’s. Surrounded by misty mountaintops, this idyllic hotel in Nuwara Eliya offers the perfect base from which to experience the very best of the hill country.

Also known as Mount Pedro, Piduruthalagala Mountain is home to a diverse array of local flora and fauna, most of which are endemic. Towering to a height of 2524 metres, the mountain is known for its cool climate and breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. A perfect place for a nature trek, Piduruthalagala offers an exciting outdoor adventure which takes you past thick jungles, meandering streams and mysterious mist which seems to cloak the area. Not to be missed is a chance to see Pidurutalagala Falls which adds to the charm of this truly enthralling natural getaway.

Karon View Point

The incredible island of Phuket is home to riveting culture, exciting nightlife, sumptuous dining and panoramic views. To experience all aspects of this vibrant Thai island, a fine selection of Patong resorts awaits the opportunity to thoroughly spoil their guests. The Millennium Resort Patong Phuket is one such offering of a quality Phuket resort that boasts stylish interiors and impressive amenities to allow guests to simply bask in some warm island hospitality. Phuket serves up picturesque views that will delight cameras and one of the island’s most famous spots is the Karon View Point, formerly known as Kata Viewpoint. This breathtaking locale opens up spectacular views of Kata Yai, Kata Noi and the Karon beaches. It is located between the Kata Noi and Nai Harn beaches and sees many scenery buffs visit the spot, as well as many tour outfits that list Karon Viewpoint as an itinerary staple. Karon Viewpoint is known locally as Khao Saam Haad, translated as “Three Beaches Hill”, and although it looks out directly onto the Andaman Sea, most visitors strategically point their cameras at the gorgeous views of the turquoise beaches majestically unfolding out onto the horizon. See if you can spot Mom Tri’s Villa Royale in the foreground, as well as the distant Hilton Arcadia in the background on Karon Beach. Karon Viewpoint’s highlight is its northern view, which features a sparkling sapphire sea, pristine white sands, the exotic island of Koh Pu, and the emerald hillsides of Phuket.

Mekong River Trips

Vietnam’s Golden Triangle region of Chiang Rai connects the country with Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, and it used to enjoy infamy as the world’s locus of opium production. However, the region has been mostly cleared up now and travellers have rebranded it as an intriguing tourist destination with a world of exotic sights to experience. Ample regional lodging is available via a fine selection of Chiang Rai hotels of which an excellent choice is the Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand. Its seamless blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and modern luxury make this property an ideal hotel Chiang Rai offers to all its visitors. Sail along the magical, mystifying Mekong River on a sumptuous cruise boat to experience Cambodian and Vietnamese river culture first hand, while luxuriating on a superbly outfitted vessel. An RV Mekong Prestige Cruise offers you an ideal cruise that starts from Cambodia’s bustling capital city of Phnom Phenh and heads towards Tan Chau, where you’ll cross the border into Vietnam with stops at the unique cities of Sa Dec and Cai Be before culminating in My Tho, Saigon. Witness the various attractions of the beautiful Mekong River Delta such as the Cambodia Flaoting Palace and the intriguing Cai Be floating market, where you can pick up some interesting knick-knacks for the folks back home. You’ll also get the chance to see an authentic floating fish market that will treat you to an on-water cooking demonstration. In addition, enjoy the quaint sights of Sa Dec and the beautiful gothic French cathedral in Sai Be on your way. The crew aboard the vessel will enrich your knowledge of Vietnam and Cambodia and will also serve you some fantastic fusion cuisine inspired by Asian and Western culinary traditions for a truly unforgettable experience on the Mekong River.

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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Feeding catfish at Thewet Pier

Bangkok is one of the major tourist destinations in Southeast Asian and boasts many exotic wonders to draw in tourists by the millions each year. It is home to the beautiful Chao Phraya River, which harbours an exciting array of attractions on the river banks that are a delight to explore, especially via a Bangkok cruise tour. Step aboard a century-old rice barge made from solid teak restored to a splendid river boat offered by Anantara Cruises Thailand and be transported back in time on the water as you discover the many enchanting sights courtesy of one of the finest Bangkok cruises available. Encounter the wonders of the Dusit district en route, and you can even interact with the wildlife as you step off and discover Tha Thewet Pier, which is a famous locale for feeding the numerous catfish that flourish in the area. Visitors can purchase bags of bread pieces or whole slices to treat the catfish, and this is an activity enjoyed by both locals and foreigners. If you’re in the Dusit district and want to explore the area further, there are a range of attractions that are a welcome breath of fresh air from the tourist traps located in the inner city. The Thewet Flower Market is the perfect place to pick up a set of unique flowers and plants as it offers an exciting collection of exotic blooms. Located close by on Khao San Road is the Wat Indraviharn temple,  which houses one of the tallest Buddha images in Thailand, standing 32 metres tall. The Wat is also a treat to experience and its detailed murals are exquisite to behold. The Dusit district is a unique little cultural enclave ideal for visitors not wanting to tread the beaten path, and who are looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

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 intends to visit them all someday.
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Moon of Pejeng

Bali is one of Indonesia’s most vibrant and culturally rich islands. It sees millions of visitors every year, all clamouring to participate in, partake of and appreciate all the festivals, shopping, beaches, entertainment and surroundings. A unique town for the adventure-seeker is Ubud, and lodging comes in the form of eclectic Ubud accommodation such as the Alila Ubud Bali whose elegant interiors and stylish amenities are a treat to experience. Of the many accommodation options, it is a superb Ubud hotel that pampers guests with warm island hospitality. Bali is home to many ancient and intriguing artefacts, of which one is the Moon of Pejeng, otherwise known as the world’s largest single cast bronze kettle drum in the world. It is the biggest surviving relic derived from Southeast Asia’s Bronze Age period, and is considered to be a highly sacred monument to the local people. It is believed that the drum was used in early rituals for rice cultivation. It is 186.6 metres in length and the dynamo of the tympano is 160 centimetres in diameter. It is housed at the Pura Penataran Asih Temple in the Petauan River Valley, which is where complex rice irrigation first started in the country, originating in South Bali. The drum is almost two thousand years old and was constructed by the Dong Son people. It is the largest and most complete example of the Pejeng drums found in Bali and Java and is a fine spectacle of the country’s illustrious past to behold.

 

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 intends to visit them all someday.

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Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Home to diverse cultures, diverse ethnicities and diverse religious beliefs, Indonesia has a rich heritage that is very much a part of the country’s identity. An ideal way to experience this culture in one location is by paying a visit to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah which showcases the range of customs and traditions followed by various communities. Located around 18kms from the city centre, this site can be found in East Jakarta and those in search of well placed Jakarta serviced apartments that can be used as a base can consider Ascott Jakarta. This modern serviced residence in Jakarta can be found in the lively shopping and business district and lets you enjoy the very best the city has to offer.

A miniature park with offers hours of fun exploration, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah showcases the way of life of people from the country’s 26 different provinces and features traditional architecture, dances, clothing and more. A miniature archipelago can be found in the middle of the site’s lake, while there are a number of sites of interest that can be seen here; the Pangeran Diponegoro Mosque, Arya Dwipa Arama Buddhist temple, Penataran Agung Kertabhumi Balinese Hindu temple, the Indonesia Museum and the Soldier Museum to name a few. The site’s Jasmine Garden and Bird Park are great places to unwind and the mini train that runs around the park, Imax theatre and the paddle boats on the lake also make this site an ideal place to visit with the entire family.

Kobar Island

Kuwait awakens a new vision of the Middle East. It is a budding blossom that is unearthing treasures from a land that is still a secret for many. For decades, it has only been known as a mere nation in the Middle East where families relocate for better fortunes, so much like many of the other Middle Eastern nations. Like the well established stretch of the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar not far behind, Kuwait too is stretching its wings and gaining momentum to soar in the sky. The two primary catalysts aiding its journey skyward are its diverse man power and the many bounties from nature.

Among nature’s finest spectacles is the renowned Kobar Island, a rather small island located in close proximity to Fahalel. It can easily be accessed from this point or from Adudhal Harbour by chalet. The Kobar Island is the quiet getaway that gives the nation of Kuwait its pride in scenic locations. The island is nothing short of spectacular and is unspoiled in every way. The grainy crystal sands and the sparkling blue waters make the beaches on the island oh so tempting. Once you delve in, coming out requires some strong will power!

The water has fantastic visibility, and snorkeling in this location is your ticket to a spectacular marine life show in the Middle East. The Arabian heat is a fact well known, but Kobar Island’s cool surrounding waters gives one the perfect setting to cool down in. Away from the city, the island has a quiet charm and an unconventional feel; so don’t feel shy, bring out your wildest spirit and enjoy a carefree day out at Kobar Island.

There are several charter stores where you can rent a yacht or a speed boat. This is the best way to get to the island and enjoy the array of relaxing opportunities in store. After an adventurous day out at the island, a popular Kuwait Resort to come home to is the Al-Jahra Copthorne Hotel & Resort. Known for its impeccable standards, it is one of the finest Kuwait hotels and is an ideal location for leisure and business travellers to the region.

Explore Horton Plains where nature is at its best!

Located in the lush green hills of the beautiful Nuwara Elita city is the Jetwing St.Andrew’s; one of the best Nuwara Eliya hotels that one would come across. This hotel in Nuwara Eliya would transport you back to hundreds of years; where you would still experience the old world charm and tradition in the service provided by them.

The Horton Plains is a magical place where you could visit during your stay at this beautiful city. This is a place where nature is at its best; as soon as you enter you would be able to see the land covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. Apart from the rich wild life in the area the main thing that captures the interest of this plain is the Worlds End. This is a steep cliff with a 870 m drop. Both locals and visitors flock in this area to witness this amazing piece created by nature. Make sure you come early morning when the fog is very less otherwise you would not be able to see anything through it. After this don’t miss the beautiful Baakers Fall. The silvery water falling down would be very soothing to watch. Take some time off from your busy life style and enjoy a few hours with nature!

Nature and Wildlife Drives in Abu Dhabi

For many Abu Dhabi would only bring to mind deserts and cities, but there is definitely more to this Middle Eastern land than just that. Among the numerous things that one can do in this diverse land, there are Nature and Wildlife Drives in Abu Dhabi.

There are countless organizations that offer amazing drives across the deserts and other arid lands. There are especially designed 4wheel drives which will take visitors across various landscapes and closer to nature and wildlife. It is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime in this part of the world. Though many might not be aware, deserts are teeming with wildlife of its own. What is more, amongst the least expected animals who can be found freely roaming around the region, there are also amazing geological formations, and remnants of archeological sites of a time gone by.

Usually these tours take about two hours and the best time to go it either early in the morning or in the evening. So it is an ideal way for a family or a group of tourists to explore this region. There are generally jeeps which can accommodate about seven people, making it an ideal option for a small group or even a family, for bigger crowds countless operators have their own buses. Amongst the most popular regions to go on a tour of this nature are Arabian Wildlife Park and also beyond the Sir Bani Yas Island.

Make sure that you wear light and comfortable clothing that are close to nature and avoid bright colours. Don’t forget to take your camera and video as there might be unexpected findings in the barren land. Mostly there will be both indigenous and also other flora and fauna. So for those travelers who are keen to see more than the cities and the shopping malls this is definitely one way to explore the Middle East.

If one wishes to have a luxurious holiday at one of the Villas in Abu Dhabi, and get pampered at a Spa Resort Abu Dhabi, while enjoying the scenes, sights and sounds of this exotic land, there is Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi which is in close proximity to all these attractions and more.