Category: Activities

Traveler’s Guide to Sepang, Malaysia

Until the KL International Airport was built in Sepang, and several other projects such as the Sepang F1 racing Track and Cyberjaya came up here, it was known to be a sleepy town that was earlier into rubber plantation.

Getting in Sepang

Since there is an International Airport located here, you can now enter this city by plane. For the journey from the Airport to your Sepang hotel, it’s always better to hire a car and travel, as it’s safer and faster too.

Things to see and do

Sepang International Circuit which is located close to properties such as Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort is one main attraction in the city, that is never missed by tourists generally. In addition, there are also other places such as Bagan Lalang Beach which you can visit during your days there.

Craig, Sepang international circuit qualifying 2, CC0 1.0

Events in Sepang

In addition to the world-famous Sepang International F1 & Moto GP Racing, there are also some other events happening in Sepang. Thaipusam and the Chinese New Year are just some of them.

Keeping in touch is easy here

In Sepang, dealing with the internet is always easy and fast. You find Wi-Fi hotspots in almost all shopping malls and food courts. Buy a local SIM card and make local calls at cheap rates too.

 

A Complete City Guide to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is relatively a small town, but for a small town like this in geographical terms, it has so much to see and do. French Colonial streets, temples and bustling night markets are just some of them.

When to go to Luang Prabang?

Between November to May falls the best time to visit Luang Prabang, and this is also the period during which every hotel in Luang Prabang gets fully booked with guest reservations. The weather is so pleasant at this time and is suitable for every sightseeing activity that you wish to undertake.

松岡明芳, Phou si Luang Prabang Laos プーシーの丘 ラオス・ルアンプラバーン DSCF6777, CC BY-SA 3.0

How to get around?

As mentioned, Luang Prabang is a small town and you can simply get anywhere on foot. But if you are visiting any places outside, you can use a hired bicycle, Tuk-tuk or a taxi for your convenience.

What to see and do?

If you are staying at properties such as Avani+ Luang Prabang there are several places nearby that you can visit such as the Night Market, Mount Phousi Viewpoint and the Mekong River. In addition to that, you may also take a Lao cooking class or witness the alms ceremony to the monks.

calflier001, LUANG PRABANG MARKET LAOS FEB 2012 (6992417213), CC BY-SA 2.0

How about the costs?

An average mid-range traveller will have to spend around $80 as his daily cost including food, transport, sightseeing and accommodation costs. If you are a backpacker, you can actually settle for less.

 

Pala-U Waterfall of Hua Hin

If you thought Hua Hin was all about lazing around on golden beaches with azure waters, well, you were right! But that’s not all there is to it, Hua Hin is a place the ignites the spirit of adventure and Pala-U waterfall is definitely a must-see.

Location

This beautiful waterfall is surrounded by vibrant green trees looking picturesque with an earthy background. It is located in none other than the largest national park of Thailand, Kaeng Krachan National Park. The park is just 63 kilometres away from the city and is an enjoyable journey as well.

User: (WT-shared) Onyo at wts wikivoyage, Ngerdmau Waterfall, CC BY-SA 4.0

Entering the sanctuary unobtrusive

Arrive at the park and you’ll have to pay a sum of 400 baht to enter. You are sure to find an expereince that was certainly worth the price! The vegetation here is thriving and hues of green decorate the woods here. Try to spot the unobtrusive wildlife here. When it comes to things to do in Hua Hin, hiking this trail is simply unmissable.

Listen to the call of nature

Pala-U forest reserve is home to a lively ecosystem. The waterfall here has about 15 tiers and goes under the same name as the park. Of these 15 tiers of waterfall, tourists are usually encouraged to visit just the first 3 as the rest might be dangerous.

How about a stay?

The only way to experience nature even better is a stay over at the reserve. Now you might have already booked into hotels like Avani+ Hua Hin Resort in the city, but a comfortable stay is possible here as well. You can either pitch a tent or book one of the small houses available here.

 

Beach Travel in Marawila

Located around 30km away from Negombo Beach, Marawila is a secluded stretch of coastline that is perfect for travelers who appreciate a bit of seclusion and privacy. Take in the picturesque sights of pristine beaches, lush tropical plantations, and tranquil lagoons all in quiet comfort.

Relax at the Beach

Undoubtedly, Marawila’s white sandy beaches are its star attractions. As mentioned, most of the beach areas are secluded, letting you relax and bask in the tropical sun in peace. That being said, the area isn’t completely deserted by any means, you will find a number of cafes and clubs dotted around if you’re looking for some company.

Photo by form PxHere

Go Exploring

Marawila is located in close proximity to a number of exciting travel destinations – particularly some of the island’s premier natural hotspots. Sri Lanka’s largest national park the Wilpattu is only a couple of hours’ drive away, and then, of course, there is Negombo town to the south. Any reputed Marawila beach hotel in Sri Lanka will include these destinations in their itineraries – like Amagi Beach for example – so be sure to consult with them too!

Take a Dive

The calm blue waters that lie beyond Marawila’s beaches are home to an impressive array of marine life, especially in the coral reefs found in the shallows. Jump in the water and go snorkeling to get up close and personal with a fantastic variety of fish and other sea creatures.

Photo by form PxHere

Try Some Toddy

Marawila has a thriving community of local toddy tappers, often spotted atop coconut trees going about their business. Toddy itself is a mildly alcoholic drink that bears a similar taste to cider. So then, after a long day spent at the beach or exploring, why not relax, unwind and sip some freshly brewed toddy?

 

Pidurangala Vihara

If you’re planning on hiking in Sri Lanka, chances are the Pidurangala rock is high up on your list. Now, while completing this hike will net you an amazing view with the Sigiriya rock in the distance, on the way up you’ll run into another impressive site – the Pidurangala Viharaya.

Ji-Elle, Sigiriya depuis Pidurangala (2), CC BY-SA 3.0

How to Get There

The best way to reach Pidurangala is to reach Sigiriya via Dambulla. If you take the bus from the Dambulla bus station you’ll arrive in about an hours’ time. A taxi or tuk-tuk is also an option, particularly if you want to start your hike up in time to catch either the sunrise or sunset.

Where to Stay

Due to Pidurangala’s proximity to Sigiriya – a UNESCO world heritage site – you should have no trouble finding all manners of accommodation options for your trip. If you’re specifically looking for a luxury Sigiriya hotel, in particular, consider the Water Garden Sigiriya Hotel.

The History of the Temple

Pidurangala was a Buddhist monastery as far back as the first century BC, but it rose to prominence during the reign of King Kashyapa, around 473-495 AD. The King, fearing an invasion from India, wanted to setup a fortress atop Sigirya – which was also a monastery at the time. As such, King Kashyapa requested the monks to relocate to Pidurangala, and he, in turn, renovated it to better accommodate the new residents.

Temple Architecture

Though much of it is in ruin nowadays, the temple was once said to have consisted of five main buildings – a prominent stupa, chapter house, image house, bodhigara, preaching hall and an area for the monks to rest and retire. An impressive 12m long reclining Buddha statue still remains and will make for a fantastic sight as you hike your way up the mountain.

 

 

Yala National Park Sri Lanka

If you’re planning to tour Sri Lanka, you should definitely make plans to view the island’s amazing wildlife. In recent times, Sri Lanka has been cited as a premier destination for safari-goers outside of Africa. This is in large part due to the numerous national parks doted around the island, and among these ones clearly stands out – Yala National Park.

The Location

Yala is situated in the South-Eastern edge of Sri Lanka, bordered by the waters of the Indian Ocean to the south. The park stretches for over 130,000 hectares and consists of a variety of biomes, from dense scrub forests to lagoons surrounded by fertile grassland. Due to Sri Lanka’s highly developed road network, reaching the park mis relatively easy by car – it’s a 300km drive from Colombo via the Southern Express Highway.

Leopard Watching at Yala

If there’s one thing Yala is known for above all else, it’s for its leopards. In fact, Yala boasts one of the highest concentrations of leopard anywhere in the world! Due to a large number of vehicles that pass through Yala near every day, these big cats have become habituated to safari jeeps and do not shy way from them. As such many safari operators – like Walkers Tours – make a point to seek out these elusive big cats, providing you with some excellent photo opportunities.

The Elephant Herds of Yala

Leopards aren’t the only stars of Yala, as the park is home to several herds of majestic Sri Lankan elephant. There exists a natural corridor that connects Yala to Uda Walwe National Park, and the elephants regularly use it to travel back and forth between the two protected areas. If you’re aching to get a good look at these gentle pachyderms, the dry season which lasts from May to August is the best time to visit.

The Other Denizens

While the big cats and elephants are the park’s main attractions, they are by no means its only residents. Yala is, in fact, a bird lover’s paradise – it is home to over 130 species of birds, including the rare black-necked stork and raptors like the crested serpent eagle. If you visit the banks of the park’s many lagoons and tanks, you’re bound to spot basking mugger crocodiles and the odd monitor lizard. Ungulates like chital and sambar – favourite prey of the leopard – are also a common site.

 

 

Beruwala Fish Market

With all there is to see in Beruwala, a noisy, smelly fishing harbour might not seem like your typical tourist destination. However, if you are looking for things to do in Wadduwa, you shouldn’t miss out on the inimitable charms of the Beruwala Fish Market.

The Location

Getting to the fish market is a relatively simple affair if you’re staying over at a nearby hotel – for example, The Blue Water Hotel and Spa. First, get yourself to Beruwala, then simply take a tuk-tuk or cab to the Beruwala Harbour which is only around 3km away.

When to Get There

The fish market begins to come alive in the early hours of the morning, and this perhaps the best time to go visit too. You’ll find fisherman loading up their gear, boats readying up for a day of seafaring and the crisp ocean sunrise sneak up over the horizon.

Choose Your Fish

There’s an abundance of fish varieties to choose from if you’re in the mood for buying. You’ll find piles of mackerel, sardine and seer piled up all around the market floor – careful not to step on them! There are also bigger catches, like sharks, rays and giant tuna.

Get it Prepared

Once you pick out your fish, you can hand it over to certain fishermen who’ll have it prepared for you – essentially gutting and filleting your purchase. Take this opportunity to get to know the locals, most of them are quite friendly and might show you a thing or two about how fishing works in Beruwala.

 

 

Discovering the Hidden Gems Heritage Trail in Woolloongabba

Once a place of humble beginnings has now turned into a thriving metropole, Woolloongabba is now home to one of the famous cricket stadiums called ‘The Gabba’. The history of this spot is worth learning about before you decide to visit.

Stanley Street
Ever since the 1860s, Stanley Street has been nicknamed as Clarence Corner. Clarence Hotel was opened here in 1863. This place still conserves its old-world charm with structures that belong to the 19th century commercial capital it used to be. Quite interesting to explore indeed!

Mater Misericordiae Hospital
Yet again in the 19th century, the Six Sisters of Mercy which was initiated by Mother Vincent Whitty in Ireland arrived in Australia on the request of the bishop. Upon learning about their great teaching skills, the Bishop turned to them for help to set up a school and thus All Hallow’s Convent and School was started. Later with their medical skills, Mater Misericordiae Hospital was also instigated.

Princess Theatre
This is one of the oldest theatre’s built in Brisbane by Philip Hardgrave who saw great potential for this kind of entertainment back in the 19th century. If you are lodged at a Woolloongabba hotel close by, such as Oaks Woolloongabba, do visit this wonderful place.

Phoenix Building
Since the economy of Woolloongabba was booming at the time, this building, a shopping complex is truly a work of art. Designed in Victorian Filigree style, it brings out the feel of the 19th century in the present.

 

Mekong River Cruises Guide

The Mekong is one of the largest rivers on the planet; flowing through several South East Asian countries, it has had a tremendous impact on the culture of these countries and their people. A cruise along this great river can be the adventure of a lifetime and we’ve put together a quick guide to help you plan the perfect river cruise.

Why Visit the Mekong River

A cruise along the Mekong will take you on a journey that spans countries and cultures. You’ll encounter everything from ancient ruins to traditional fishing villages. What’s more, the Mekong river basin boasts an astounding degree of biodiversity – second only to the Amazon.

Taking a Day Tour

If you’re strapped for time, a day cruise might be ideal for you. If you’re visiting the Mekong via Laos, Luang Prabang is where you want to go. There should be many Luang Prabang cruise tours to choose from. For instance, Mekong Kingdoms offers sunset cruises with dinner, as well as visits to Pak Ou cave and Kuang Si waterfall. Alternatively, you can experience Cambodian culture via a day tour through Kampong Cham.

Visiting the Delta

Located in Vietnam, the Mekong Delta region is ripe with natural beauty and exotic wildlife – a cruise along this stretch of the river is guaranteed to be filled with spectacular photo ops. This option also lets you experience Vietnamese culture first-hand, and the chance to try out authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

A Luxury River Cruise

Choosing a luxury cruise lets you enjoy all the sites and experiences the Mekong relaxed, pampered and in quiet comfort. Most luxury cruises travel between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh. Taking these routes means you’ll encounter everything from beautifully crafted pagodas and temples to endless rice fields and charming floating markets.

 

 

Dolphin and Whale Watching in Kalpitiya

Have you seen dolphins playfully swimming or perhaps a majestic whale coming up to the surface? If not, you have a very good chance of doing so when in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka!

Planning Your Visit
The island’s northwestern coast is where you will find Kalpitiya, around 170 km from the commercial capital, Colombo. This area has fast become a popular destination for both locals and tourists; with accommodation options, the likes of Dolphin Beach Resort also organising excursions out to sea, dolphin and whale watching has never been easier to do.

Spotting Dolphins
There is much to look forward to on your adventures in Kalpitiya; dolphin watching includes getting the chance to see huge pods of spinner dolphins as they swim, play and sometimes leap into the air! The great thing is, you may see other dolphin species too such as Risso’s, bottlenose, humpback, Fraser’s and spotted dolphins.

Giants of the Deep
Truly unforgettable is the chance to spot the largest animal to have ever lived on earth; the mighty blue whale. Whale watching in Kalpitiya even gives you opportunities to witness other kinds of such gentle giants as well; these include sperm, minke, dwarf sperm and melon-headed whales.

Picking the Season
While you are by no means guaranteed sightings (especially whales), there are seasons where your chances are greatly increased. For dolphin watching, the months ranging from October till March are best. When it comes to whale sightings, November to April is generally considered the best period in Kalpitiya.