Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Why You Will Fall In Love with Wellington

It isn’t a surprise that many people consider New Zealand to be a magical utopia and the Lord of the Rings movies have everything to do with that. But in most cases, the reality is far from how a country is depicted in movies. But can we say that about Wellington?

1. The Bays and the Beaches

The prettiest part of Wellington that you will see is the bay and the beautiful sapphire beaches. The best hotels in Wellington will take you straight from your room right into the breath-taking seaside.

No machine-readable author provided. Donaldytong assumed (based on copyright claims)., Wellington Oriental Bay, CC BY-SA 3.0

2. Hill City

The city is also built around many mountains, with huge hills that slope into the waterfront bringing you a view worth it all every time you look out of your room in Oaks Wellington Hotel or any other local resort you may be staying at. You get the best of both worlds.

3. Brunch & Coffee

Coffee in New Zealand is as delicious as coffee in Australia so make sure that you head out to a hearty brunch at any of the local cafés and ask for plenty of coffee.

4. Mt. Victoria

Everyone who visits Wellington must climb Mt. Victoria. If you want to see what the city looks like from the heavens and want to see plenty of greenery this is where you should go.

The Ultimate Weekend Trip to Port Stephens

Port Stephens is a fantastic pit stop on the way to the Pacific Coast or Sydney and is a place you should spend the day and make the most of it. Here’s how.

1. Set Your Alarm to See Dolphins

Set your alarm for the morning and leave your Port Stephens accommodation and head out to sea to catch a glimpse of the dolphins. If you can take a kayaking tour you can get even closer to the dolphins in the harbour.

2. Grab some Breakfast

Head back into Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort for a hearty breakfast. You can look over fantastic views of the beach in the morning light from your restaurant while you enjoy a delicious meal and some Australian coffee.

3. Hit the Road

Hire a car drive off into the desert at Worimi National Park to see the spectacular dunes. You can try some quad biking or sandboarding if you’re feeling adventurous.

4. Try Some Walking

In the afternoon, once you’ve had lunch and a little nap, head out to Tomaree National Park for some trekking with spectacular views of the dramatic Australian landscape as your reward.

5. Sunset Dinner

Finish off your day at Port Stephens with a sunset dinner of freshly caught seafood and a nice draft of cool beer.

Explore the National Parks in Khon Kaen

Those who love nature or outdoor adventures have much to look forward to on a visit to Khon Kaen; national parks in the province rich in flora and fauna offer unforgettable journeys of discovery.

Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park

The Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park features forest landscapes and a couple of sandstone mountains. Those visiting here from a hotel Khon Kaen has to offer can look forward to camping in certain areas while highlights include the Tat Fa Waterfall and the Ubonr at Reservoir for fishing and boating.

Nam Phong National Park

More exploration awaits at the Nam Phong National Park, ideal for an excursion from properties such as Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre. Set amidst mountains and views of the local dam, the site’s main attractions include the Hin Chang Si viewpoint and Famue Daeng Cliffs with its prehistoric paintings.

Phu Wiang National Park

If you love dinosaurs you are bound to love Phu Wiang National Park where you can see excavation sites showcasing findings of dinosaur bones! The Dinosaur Museum provides more insights into the prehistoric findings, while you can also enjoy hiking and visiting sites such as the Thap Phaya Suea Waterfall.

Phu Pha Man National Park

More nature expeditions await at the Phu Pha Man National Park known for its idyllic waterfalls and caves. The parkhas some key places of interest like the Phaya Nakarat Cave featuring intriguing stalactites and stalagmites, Lai Thaeng Cave with paintings depicting pre-historic life and the scenic Tad Fah Waterfall.

Explore Whistler Blackcomb

If you are planning to head to Whistler this summer and think that there is nothing much else to do there but ski and go snowboarding, you couldn’t be more wrong. There are plenty of other things to do so let’s find out what.

How to Get There
You can get up to Blackcomb through the Whistler Gondola or the Blackcomb Gondola, they’re both located at the foot of the mountain in Whistler village or Upper village. If you are staying in Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, you can go up on the Whistler Gondola.

Sightseeing Tickets
The Peak 2 Peak 360 experience comes in passes that can be either purchased ahead of time or at the ticket window. The tickets will cost $69 for adults and $62 for youth and seniors while small children aged 7-12 are charged $35.

Peak 2 Peak Facts
The gondola is considered the pride and joy of Whistler. The Gondola was opened to the public in 2008 and it costs 51 million Canadian dollars. It is the longest unsupported span for a lift of this kind and is also the highest lift in the world.

Alpine Hiking on Blackcomb
If you are staying at a Whistler hotel and plan to hike up the mountain instead, you can be guaranteed some beautiful views on the way. There are three trails of different difficulty levels.

Minneriya National Park

If you are a nature lover and are hoping to catch some elephants on your trip to Sri Lanka, then one of the best places to visit would be the Minneriya National Park.

How to get to Minneriya National Park

Located in the North Central part of Sri Lanka the Minneriya National Park has been pronounced an untamed animal haven since 1938. It is about 180km from Colombo and takes about 5 hours if you are driving.

shankar s. from Dubai, united arab emirates, Minneriya National Park (7568194474), CC BY 2.0

Best time to visit

The best time to visit would be from May to October as this is the time that you will be able to see herds of Asian Elephants gathering and making their way towards the water. The dry season beckons these gentle giants out into the open and the best times to start your jeep and go on the safari would the early morning hours from 5am – 8am.

What you can see

The safari ride in the park will have you seeing many animal species and birds. But the park is most famous for the herds of Asian elephants that gather at the watering hole during the hot seasons in Sri Lanka. Other animals you may come across on your safari are the spotted deer, sambar, and the purple-faced langur monkeys.

Where you can stay

If you are wondering where to stay during your trip, there are many hotels and resorts in the area that will put you up. You can even consider staying at a luxury hotel in Sigiriya Dambulla such as the Heritance Kandalama which is a mere 1 hour away from the National Park.

A Boat Ride in Hamilton Canal

The Hamilton Canal – commonly referred to as the Dutch Canal – connect Colombo with Puttalam. A boat ride along it will let you see some of the best sights in the region and it can be an enthralling experience overall.

The Canal’s History

The Hamilton Canal is said to have been constructed during colonial times – specifically when the Dutch were ruling Sri Lanka’s maritime provinces. Named after then governor, Gavin Hamilton, the canal was an important supply route for the Europeans.

Sahan177, Sunsets at negombo lagoon, CC BY-SA 4.0

Natural Sights

Tourists and travellers can take a tour along the canal either via bicycle or by boat. Taking the boat is preferable as you’ll be able to travel a lot further and see a myriad of stunning natural sights. These include a quaint lagoon that leads to the sea as well as the verdant expanses of the Muthurajawela Marsh.

Keep an Eye on the Wildlife

You might be perusing the hotel offers Sri Lanka has available – such as the ones offered by Heritance Negombo – in order to find a tour that will let you see the island’s wildlife. This isn’t always necessary, however, as you can plenty of endemic species via a boat ride along the canal alone. As you reach the marshlands, keep your eyes peeled for mugger crocodiles, rock pythons and a host of water birds.

The Cityscape

Nature and the wildlife aren’t the only things you’ll be saying as you cruise along the canals. You’ll also be witnessing the inner workings of Colombo and Puttalam. From tireless vendors promoting their stock to labourers taking a break and sipping some beer – it’s a wonderful way to experience the local culture.

Into Sri Lanka’s Hill country

Touring the hill country of Sri Lanka and wondering what to do first? Here is a list of must-do activities while in the central highlands of the island.

Visit Tea Plantations

Known as the 3rd largest tea exporter in the world, the majority of Sri Lanka’s tea is produced in the hill country of the island. Some hotels in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka such as the famous Heritance Tea Factory are even built on these tea plantations. Ensure you visit one of them to find out the process of how tea is produced and packaged for export. Also, enjoy a hot cuppa while here.

Climb the Adam’s Peak

Sacred to all those in Sri Lanka, the Adam’s Peak climb is one that must be done at least once in your lifetime. Although a little tiresome, once at the top you will definitely not regret it. Begin your climb at night and witness one of the most magical sunrises in Asia once you reach the summit. The hike is approximately 3.5 hours to the top.

Hike the Knuckles Mountain Range

For those who love a bit of adventure in the wild, then hiking the Knuckles mountain range in the hill country of Sri Lanka is well worth it. The rugged mountain range is a land of mystical appeals and offers breath-taking views to those who seek it. A half-day trek is about 8km and a full day trek is around 18km.

Go, Waterfall Hopping

The hill country of Sri Lanka is no short of waterfalls. In fact, it is here that you will come across some of the most gorgeous waterfalls on the island. With over 100 waterfalls to choose from in the central highlands, the top three worth mentioning are Bambarakanda Falls (the highest falls in Sri Lanka), Ravana Falls, and Diyaluma Falls.

Endless Shopping in Malaysia

The shopping scene in Malaysia is quite a comprehensive one, there’s an array of amazing locations to visit and peruse through. From expansive malls to charming street markets, here’s a guide on where to shop in Malaysia.

Pavilion KL

The Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur is where you want to be if you’re looking for fine fabrics, designer clothing or ornate jewellery. The location has over 450 retail shops for you to check out, and there’s plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area in case you work up an appetite.

Berjaya Times Square

If you want to have a truly Malaysian shopping experience, be sure to visit the Berjaya Times Square. This bustling section of Kuala Lumpur has over 1000 different shops for you to explore and experience. What’s more, some of the best hotels in Malaysia – such as the Berjaya Hotels and Resorts – are also found here. This means that visiting the location is trivial if you’re staying at one of them.

Low Yat

Low Yat Plaza is your go-to if you’re looking to get your hands on some electronics. This includes everything from heavy-duty PC parts to mobile phones and micro-gadgets. There are plenty of great deals for these items as well, so you should at least have a gander here.

Little India

If you want to be treated to the sights and sounds of India during your tour through Malaysia, be sure to stop by the Indian quarter – or little India as it’s called. You’ll find lots of fascinating items here for bargain prices as well as plenty of delicious street food.

Pidurangala Rock Hike in Sigiriya

It is deemed that the Pidurangala hike offers a far more memorable experience than climbing Sigiriya as the former lets you engulf in the warmth of nature.

The Hike

The hike begins with a long flight of stairs that doesn’t take much time to climb. Halfway through the journey, you’d be greeted by Pidurangala Temple, which has a rich history of its own. You can reach the summit of Pidurangala within 20 minutes despite some off the beaten tracks you’d come across during the hike.

Pidurangala Temple

At present, one can only see the remnants of this temple in which a reclining Buddha can be observed. The foundation of the rock temple remains intact although it has been restructured with bricks.

Reaching the Summit

Once you pass the temple, you can expect to reach the summit within 5 to 10 minutes. However, one might have to cross large boulders along the way, which would prove relatively easy to experienced hikers. Fret not! Even the less experienced can boulder with the help of others.

The View

While you’re enjoying a fabulous vacation at some of the Sigiriya hotels the likes of Aliya Resort and Spa, head over to the Pidurangala trail to access the most stunningly beautiful sunrise you’d ever witness in a lifetime.

Best hiking trails in Sri Lanka

Hiking in Sri Lanka is a wonderful activity to do to help relax your mind and get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolitan city! Here are some of the best hiking trails on the island that one must consider before going on a hike!

Little Adams Peak

A hiking trail in the mountainous town of Ella, the view from Little Adam’s Peak is of luscious tea plantations covered in fluffy white mist. The hike is not too hard and should take you approximately 2-3 hours in total. If you are looking to take up accommodation close by, many hotel offers in Sri Lanka can be taken advantage of including those offered by properties belonging to the famous Heritance Hotels and Resorts.

Rahubaddhah, Wondering while wandering, in Paradise, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ella Rock

About 1000 metres above sea-level, the Ella Rock is a day hike for those who are visiting the town and want to go on an adventure. They say it is best to leave your hotel in the early morning hours as afternoons bring in the rain on this part of the island. Once you are at the top its all about amazing views of the Badulla green valleys.

Horton Plains

A UNESCO national park in Sri Lanka, Horton Plains is a must-do hike if you are ever in Nuwara Eliya. Consisting of a rich plateau of thick forests and grasslands, the Horton Plains hike is a breeze even for beginners! Another important thing to see here is the World’s End which is a steep 800 metre fall overlooking the countryside.

Knuckles Mountain Range

Also located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, between Kandy and Matale, the Knuckles Mountain range is a camper’s haven! There are many options for hikers who wish to trek the Knuckles Mountain range. There is a day hike (done on one of the lowest mountain peaks) or the three-day, 2-night hike that includes overnight camping and nights under the stars. The choice is yours!