Activities

Snorkelling in Maldives

There’s plenty of reason to go snorkelling in the Maldives. Here the water is crystal clear and calm and harbours an incredible variety of marine life. With over 2000 reefs scattered across its waters; these islands are undoubtedly a snorkellers paradise.

When to Visit

Now, before you grab your snorkelling kit and fly out to the Maldives in a hurry, keep in mind that certain times are better for snorkelling than others. The Maldives may be a tropical island but it experiences heavy storms during the monsoon season, this makes the waters a little rough and the animals more skittish. So, if it is an option, try to visit between January and April when the weather tends to be immaculate.

Places to Stay

The Maldives is well known for its luxurious accommodation options. A Maldives beach resort such as the Faarafushi Maldives can be a great option if you want to properly relax and unwind between bouts of snorkelling. That being said, the islands have resorts for all kinds of budgets, so be sure to browse through and pick something that works for you.

Where to Snorkel

One of the most important decisions you’ll be making is deciding on where exactly you want to snorkel in. While there’s quite the list of locations to choose from, there are three spots you can always depend on. Firstly, there’s Banana Reef which is renowned for all the different types of reef fish that call it home. Then there’s Manta Point, named as such because of its resident manta ray populations. Finally, there’s HP Reef which is known for its diverse coral varieties and reef shark population.

A Few Tips

If this is the first time you’re going snorkelling in the Maldives, the following tips may prove invaluable. Most importantly, if you’re renting gear, only do so from reputed suppliers. Remember to have a trained guide accompany you at all times in the water. Finally, when you’re underwater please refrain from touching anything without the go-ahead from your guide.

A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Bintan Indonesia

Hidden among lush green foliage, and surrounded by idyllic beachscapes, Bintan Island is a paradisiacal escape for travelling enthusiasts from all walks of life. As a solo traveller, there are many things to know and prepare for before embarking on a solitary journey.

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Transportation

Once you arrive at the main town of Bintan, you can board a ferry that is coming all the way from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. From there, you can travel to Pekanbaru by boat and get down at a certain point between the islands Sumatra and Bintan. From that point onwards, you can ride a speed boat, which is also known as a water bus to reach your destination, that is, Bintan Island.

Accommodation

Hostels are hard to come by unless you’re in a big city. Various places offer accommodation, and after thorough research, one can find the best Bintan resort package. It is an excellent option to take lodgings closer to the island, in properties such as Bintan Lagoon Resort.

Clothing

Many parts of Indonesia are still traditional. Therefore, you might want to dress modestly. You don’t have to wear headscarves or long-sleeved clothing. A simple t-shirt and denim will do!

From a temple tucked into a banyan tree on the East coast to Gurun Pasir Busung, an ancient sand mining site that is quite picture-worthy, there is much to experience in this paradisiacal island. Hiring a diver cum guide upon the arrival of the island will make things easier as they know just where to take you.

Explore the Whistler Village

Whistle Village is perhaps Canada’s most famous ski resort destination. Nestled between the towering Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, Whistler Villages is simply paradise for anyone passionate about winter sports and thrill-seeking.

A Gondola Ride

Most Whistler hotel and resort establishments – for example, the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside – will include a host of activities in their itinerary list, and most of them will start off by mentioning the amazing peak-to-peak gondola ride! Take in stunning views of the mountain valleys as you travel from Whistleblower to Blackcomb from up on high!

Experience the Local Culture

IF you want to get a flavour of Whistler Village’s local culture and history, head on over to the First Nations Museum. Here you will find fascinating relics belonging to the local Squamish and Lil’wat people – from masks and attire to hunting utensils. You can even book a tour here and enjoy some traditional Squamish dishes to end the day!

Winter Sports

Of course, the main draw of Whistler Village is the winter sports, so be sure to try some out for yourself! In particular, consider an exciting bike ride through the mountains at Whistler Mountain Bike Park or try out bungee jumping to get the adrenaline flowing.

Hiking Opportunities

The areas surrounding Whistler Village are perfect for a great hiking or camping trip. Locations such as Lost Lake or Garibaldi National Park are prime for an outing – here you’ll find a stunning array of natural beauty, be it the distant mountains, lush vegetation, or unique wildlife.

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Whistler Village is a great destination for those interested in winter sports or for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors – try activities like mountain biking and camping!

The Lovers Leap

Trincomalee in Sri Lanka is already popular among tourists for being the destination housing the famous Hindu Temple ‘Koneswaram’. But that’s not the only attraction the city has, it also has the Lover’s Leap.

The location

The Lover’s Leap is located in the town of Trincomalee which is already a tourist destination in Sri Lanka. With many great resorts, the likes of Trinco Blu by Cinnamon this destination is winning hearts of many; and attractions like this make them fall in love with the name ‘Tinco’- over and over again.

The story behind it

One of the main stories about this cleft comes from Ramayanaya. According to it, this cleft is made by king Ravana and that’s why some people used to call it ‘Ravana’s cleft’ as well.

Another story about this place

Another popular story is that a lady named Francina Van Reed dropped herself into the sea from here after losing her loved one. There are, however, some arguments refusing this belief- but it is a story left untold and unconfirmed in the history of Sri Lanka.

General instructions for your visit

You may get to this place by taxi or a tuk-tuk from your resorts in Trincomalee. And as this cleft is just a few meters away from the Koneswaram Temple, so you may admire both of them at once.

Crazy Extreme Adventures

A tropical holiday in Thailand doesn’t always have to be about lounging on the beach, working on your tan, especially if you are the kind of person that wants to experience the open spaces and blue seas of Thailand with your whole being. Here are some adrenaline-inducing water sports and adventures you can do to go beyond your comfort zone.

1. White Water Rafting

Head further inland from the beach and try a little white-water rafting. Some rapids range on all levels in Pai, Chiang Mai and Chumpon to name a few.

2. Scuba Diving with Whale Sharks

If you are planning to try out some diving when you check into a hotel in Khon Kaen, consider signing up for scuba diving with whale sharks. The best time is during the season of February to April. If your preferred choice of hotel is one like Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, you can ask them to book ahead for you.

3. Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding requires a bit of navigation in your part and something you should be careful of if you’re a first timer. But it’s never too late to try.

4. Rock Climbing

If you want something to get the blood pumping that doesn’t involve you getting wet, try a little rock-climbing in the Krabi province.

5. Wakeboarding

There are wake parks all over Thailand thanks to wakeboarding’s recent popularity so why not get in on the rush?

Interesting facts about the Kalahari Desert

Exploring the Kalahari Desert is simply a magical experience. The main reason is that it’s unique in its features and travellers can’t feel the same enjoyment at any other desert in the world.

Ragnhild&Neil Crawford from Sweden, Otoptera burchellii-0792 – Flickr – Ragnhild & Neil Crawford, CC BY-SA 2.0

The Okavango River runs through here

Did you know that Papa Falls- one of the most favourite attractions among guests holidaying at Botswana resorts is a part of the Okavango River? This river is considered the 04th longest river in the world and it runs through the Kalahari Desert.

There is a higher rainfall

Bringing in good news for everyone hoping to visit the desert during their stays at hotels such as Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino, there is the hope of rain here! Yes, it’s strange, but this desert receives 5-10 inches of rainfall every year.

There is a rich plant life

Particularly in the Northern parts of the desert, the plant life is rich. This is because of the special feature in the desert soil as it can retain water much better than the other desert soils.

The dunes have a permanent landscape

If you have ever visited the Namib Desert, you must have noticed that its sand dunes are shifting with the wind. But, the Kalahari dunes do not change and their shapes are more or less static.

A Fun Day at Kurrawa Beach

Ask surfers on Australia’s Gold Coast for the best beaches for surfing, and chances are they will include Kurrawa Beach in Broadbeach. However, this idyllic stretch of shore offers more than just great waves!

A Day at the Beach

Located in Broadbeach, Kurrawa Beach with its golden sands is an ideal place to unwind and soak up the sun. Of course, one of the best things to do in Broadbeach is to go surfing on the fab swells found here; novices can head to the Gold Coast Surf Academy which provides board hire and surf lessons.

Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club

The beach is home to the well-known Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club which hosts the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. Around an 11-minute walk from Avani Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences, this club also features a popular bar and bistro where one can enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment.

Active Beach Pursuits

Those looking for more fun things to do while at the beach can head to its boardwalk; it offers an excellent spot to go rollerblading and cycling which makes for ideal family activities too. You can even enjoy a leisurely stroll here and take time to appreciate the stunning coastal vistas.

Playground & Picnics

Families visiting Kurrawa Beach in Broadbeach can also make use of the nearby playground area which has a duck pond that little ones are bound to love. Additionally, there are picnic grounds which are sheltered and provide opportunities for one to have a BBQ before heading back for more fun on the shore.

Desert driving tips in Qatar

Everyone loves a good old drive at some point, especially when you need a brief getaway from the monotony of your daily life. Be it a drive around the city or in the mountains, just go for it if it makes you feel any better. A drive in the desert too can be quite enjoyable as long as you know just what to do. Here are a few tips.

Drinkable liquid

Since the desert is dry and humid, you are bound to get dehydrated. Therefore, remember to take along plenty of water along with a few energy drinks and fresh juices to keep you at your optimum.

Fuel reserves

Being stuck in the middle of the desert with nothing but seas of sand in sight could be quite scary and less enjoyable than the experience was meant to be. So, it is important that you keep the gas tank full and have some spare as well.

Sandstorms

These storms are to be expected when driving in the desert, it can be inconvenient but, all you can do is be prepared! The safest thing to do if you do encounter one is to stay put inside your vehicle with the seatbelt on.

Tire checks

Before you head out, check your tires thoroughly and make sure they are in tip-top condition before heading into the desert. It would help to have a spare wheel as well if possible.

Other information

If you are on holiday at best hotels in Qatar and not sure how to get about planning a desert road trip, your local hotel such as Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli can always help you out. Do not hesitate to inquire about any desert activities they may have for you to enjoy.

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Despite its small size, Sri Lanka is one of the most richly biodiverse regions in South Asia. The island is home to all manner of fascinating wildlife, both big and small. This is in large part due to many national parks and forest reserves spread out through the island – these act as safe havens to some of the most unique and rare creatures on the planet!

The Big Game

The large national parks in Sri Lanka such as Yala and Wilpattu are great places to spot the stars of Sri Lanka’s wilds – namely the leopard and Sri Lankan elephant. In fact, areas like Yala National Park have some of the highest leopard concentrations in the world! The best way to catch a glimpse of these spectacular species is to choose one of the Sri Lanka wildlife tours that cover the large national parks, like the ones offered by Soultrek Sri Lanka.

Forest Dwellers

Sri Lanka’s forest reserves are perhaps the most biodiverse areas in the country; even though these verdant refugees aren’t usually home to the biggest game, the island’s forest denizens are by far the most unique and bizarre. Take for example the sloth bear – a small ursine species with shaggy black hair that specialises in eating insects. Then there’s the endemic red slender lorries, a peculiar primate that patrols the forest canopy at night.

Avifauna

Sri Lanka is without a doubt a bird lover’s paradise, and a bird-watching trip to any of the island’s avifauna hotspots can be extremely rewarding. Some of the notable species found here include the endemic Ceylon magpie – a strikingly colourful bird native to the central hills of Sri Lanka – and the very rare Sri Lankan whistling thrush.

Marine Life

Sri Lanka’s impressive biodiversity isn’t just contained to the forests and parks on land, the calm blue waters that surround the island are home to a menagerie of life that’s just as impressive. The coral reefs of Hikkaduwa, in particular, are home to many different types of reef fish and are regularly visited by various species of the endangered sea turtle. Further out at sea you’ll find the true giants of the ocean – baleen whales such as the blue and humpback whales regularly visit the warm waters of Sri Lanka!

Cruise Planning

The relief of settling onto the deck of a massive cruise ship sailing towards your desired destination as you sip on a pina colada is simply one of the most rewarding experiences, especially if you managed to plan the whole time to your precise needs.

Compare your options:

It easy to get swamped by the range of options and destinations available for you when you first begin your search. Take care to not get overwhelmed and always cross-check to ensure that you are making the best choice.

Trust a travel agent:

Once you know what cruise you want to take get the help of a travel agent to assist with the best possible itinerary for your trip!

Be early:

An element that is easy to overlook is the time factor, if you prepare well in advance it is much more likely that you will be able to secure for yourself the best experience out in the ocean or even on a Mekong river cruise if you are siged up with places like Mekong Kingdoms.

Think about a shorter trip:

Sometimes the 5-day long trip can be as satisfying and refreshing as the 3-week long journey on the high seas and could be more cost-effective as well!