Adelaide City Guide

Gorgeous scenery, plenty of natural beauty and an abundance of things on offer, Adelaide is quite the enchanting stop. Here are a few spots you can stop by during your time there!

Rundle Mall

Adelaide’s main shopping mall, Rundle Mall was also Australia’s very first pedestrian-only mall. You’re bound to find a number of international and local retailers here, making it quite a well-rounded shopping experience.

Adam.J.W.C.Rundle mall, adelaideCC BY-SA 2.5

Adelaide Central Market

This spot gives you an insight into the local life on Adelaide, known as “Adelaide’s food hub”. You’ll find 80 different stalls, all under one roof, selling some of Australia’s freshest produce such as an excellent range of fruits and vegetables. You can also enjoy live music every Friday!

Scott W., Adelaide Central Market, CC BY-SA 3.0

Adelaide Botanic Garden

Having first opened in 1857, this botanic garden spans 51 hectares. Less than 10 minutes from Avani Adelaide Residences and many other Adelaide hotels, some of the structures you find in the garden date back to the 19th century. The largest single-span conservatory in the southern hemisphere is also housed here, the bicentennial conservatory – which safeguards endangered plants from several cities and countries.

Manon DCactus in Adelaide’s Botanical GardenCC BY-SA 4.0

 

Bottle Beach Koh Phangan

Bottle beach is revered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing and laid back time in Thailand – Bottle Beach in Koh Phangan is where you need to be!

Overview

The remoteness and tranquillity of Bottle Beach is one that plenty of visitors enjoy. Most of the visitors visit the beach just as a day trip, but to truly savour everything this location has to offer – a longer stay is recommended.

Christian Fernandez Gamio (Golfer70), Koh Phangan BottleBeach 22CC BY-SA 3.0

How to get to Koh Phangan

This beautiful island doesn’t have its own airport, which means that you’ll have to reach the island through a boat trip. Otherwise, you can try travelling to Surat Thani by bus or train and then get to the island through a boat. Lomprayah, Seatran, Raja Ferry are a few of the service providers you can opt for!

What to expect

Despite being quite difficult to reach, it’s the most rewarding beach in Koh Phangan! The beach is quite secluded, except for a handful of resorts as not many people make the journey to this spot. The sand is as soft as it gets and the water is extremely clear, even on gloomy days! With enough effort and help from your hotel in Koh Phangan, the likes of Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, this treasure isn’t too hard to find!

 

The celestial temple of Angkor

Phimeanakas is a small, laterite Hindu temple and it takes the shape of a three-stepped pyramid. In addition to the temple, there are several things to see such as the pools which have been used for different tasks back in the day.

Image credit- sam garzaBuddhist monks in front of the Angkor WatCC BY 2.0

Entrance gopura

It’s the main entrance to the temple which consists of a gopura building. The building has a central entrance door and a single tower on top.  Gorgeous indeed!

The 03 steep tiers

This pyramid temple is a popular attraction in the city, especially to the travellers staying in hotels in Siem Reap, Cambodia mainly because of its unique shape. There are three steep tiers of a diminishing size which have guardian elephant statues at each of their corners.

On top of the pyramid

You find a platform surrounded by small galleries on the top of this pyramid and at the centre of this platform, there are ruins of a small cruciform sanctuary.

The Phimeanakas stele

If you stay at hotels such as FCC Angkor Siem Reap during your holidays and are looking for some good options that will help you discover more about the history of the city, this attraction is ideal not only because the small temple takes an impressive shape; but also because you find treasures like the stele here, which reveals some wealthy information of a past king.

Mekong River Cruise Experience

The Mekong river is the main reason why so many powerful civilisations thrived in South East Asia. And a cruise down the river is the perfect way to really understand how much influence a river can have on mankind and their development.

Mekong River Cruise
Mekong River Cruise | Image Credit : Basile Morin, Mekong Sun river cruise ship in Luang Prabang, CC BY-SA 4.0

Asia’s Most Legendary River

luxury Mekong river cruise is one of the best ways to understand the influence the great river has had on civilisation. The river has enriched culture and traditions for more than 2000 years in the region which means a cruise with Mekong Kingdoms will take you on that same journey years later.

Cambodia

The cruise will take you through Cambodia following in the footsteps of royalty who sailed the same seas years before. Cambodia is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor Wat and other spectacular remnants of Khmer culture.

Vietnam

Vietnam is next on the Mekong River, the easternmost country on the Indochinese peninsula. It is a visual masterpiece of colour and wonders fast evolving into a prime tourist destination.

Mekong River

The Mekong River is the 12th longest in the world. It flows from the Tibetan plateau to the South China sea through China to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. It is the lower end of the river, the basin that spreads across Cambodia and Vietnam that is mostly traversed.

 

Tourism in Bali

Bali has now become one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world, simply because of the fact that it has something for everyone who visits it. Here is some information that you should know about the Bali Tourism sector if you are a potential visitor to this amazing island.

Image by: DECALB via pixabay | CC0

Reaching Bali

The city has the third busiest airport in Indonesia- the Ngurah Rai, which is also the 07th best in the world. Regular flights are available for countries such as America, Australia, Europe, and almost all Asian countries, so its always hassle-free to get into Bali.

Its People

People in Bali belong to diverse religions, and they include Balinese Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. Be it you know them, or don’t know them at all, Balinese people are really are some of the most pleasant people you will ever meet.

The amazing culture

Even when you dine at a popular resort such as Katamama Suites at Desa Potato Headyou’ll be amazed to see different kinds of arts and crafts positioned here and that grabs the attention of tourists quite noticeably. Bali is rich with diverse art forms such as painting, woodcarving and also performing arts.

The tourism industry in Bali

If you take any luxury hotel in Seminyak, Bali for example, you may be surprised to see how good their service quality is in every aspect. They play an extremely important role in strengthening the tourism arm of Bali, together with other players such as travel agents.

 

Bentota Beach

Located 64km south of Colombo, Bentota beach is one of the most beautiful beaches along the southern coastline. It has long been popular among tourists and locals alike. It is very easy to distinguish the beach by just mentioning its name.

Bentota
Bentota | Image Credit : Pavan Lulla, Bentota Dusk – panoramio, CC BY 3.0

Location

Two of the most popular beaches in the south are located along the same stretch of coastline. The Beruwala beach can be found just before the town of Aluthgama and the Bentota beach is accessed as soon as you pass over the Bentota Bridge.

Water Sports

Bentota Beach is not just very pretty, it is also a great place to get involved in water sports. If you are hoping to catch the best waves, head there around October to April when the waves are calmer and perfect for engaging in water sports.

Luxury Hotels

Bentota is home to some of the best luxury hotels in Sri Lanka. You can find 5-star service, delicious international menus and all the comfort you could ask for at places like Saman Villas.

Shopping

It is also quite possible to get your souvenir shopping done in the small boutiques and shops that come in all shapes and sizes. You can purchase traditional crafts, gems, batik-wear and other small ornaments that you can take home with you.

Tamborine Mountain

The Tamborine Mountain region has quite a rich history and is home to stunning national parks and rainforests. Read on to find out what you can do when you’re here!

High up in the skies!

If you’re up for a great start, you have the chance to witness the stunning sunrise from above the Tamborine mountain – Hot Air Balloon Scenic Rim takes you up into the sky, gifting you with awe-inspiring 360 – degree views of the landscape. After you’ve completed your things to do in Broadbeach, head over here, which is less than an hour away!

simone.brunozziTamborine Mountain 3CC BY-SA 2.0

On top of the world!

Don’t miss out on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk – which will give you the full idea as to how beautiful Mount Tamborine really is. You can wander among the treetops and follow the path that leads you to the cantilever that stands 30 metres above, offering sweeping views of the area!

Chase waterfalls

Make an early start from your hotel or apart-hotel such as Avani Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences and put on your walking shoes as you go exploring the waterfalls! There are several paths you can follow, so pick the one you feel like you’ll enjoy the most!

Korkut Tas, Curtis Falls Mt. Tamborine – panoramioCC BY-SA 3.0

 

Best Ways to Get Around Doha, Qatar

If you are travelling to Doha, Qatar, and wondering how to get around, this brief guide will come in handy! Here are some of the options available to you.

Doha Metro
Doha Metro | Image Credit : Asianchamp2, DohaMetroRedLine2019, CC BY-SA 4.0

Taxis & Ride-hailing Apps

Transport via taxi is one of the most convenient ways to get around especially when the heat tends to be overwhelming! Those arriving at the Hamad International Airport can use metered Karwa taxis to easily access properties the likes of Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli with are only around a 15-minute drive away. Additionally, ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber are also available.

Car Rental & Chauffeur-Driven Options

Alternatively, you can look to rent your own car at the airport which offers great flexibility, though it helps to plan ahead. Of course, you have the option of making use of chauffeur-driven services which are convenient when embarking from hotels in Doha on some extensive sightseeing.

Doha Metro

The newly developed and still expanding Doha Metro is a rapid transit system that came into operation in 2019. This service currently operates three lines (Green, Gold and Red) with the central interchange station located in Msheireb in the downtown area. Amongst the destinations served are the Corniche, Katara, Hamad International Airport and Souq Waqif.

Bus Services

Mowasalat Karwa operates state-owned buses which run along an extensive network that covers many parts of Doha. These air-conditioned buses generally run from five in the morning to midnight, while the main hub is the Al Ghanim Bus Station.

10 Adventures in Langkawi

An archipelago of 99 islands, Pulau Langkawi is situated off the western coast of Malaysia and is surrounded by the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea. It is a collection of adventurous wonder for every kind of traveller and here are some of the things you can do there.

1. Langkawi Skybridge
At 660 meters above sea level, this is the best place to get unhindered panoramas of Langkawi. It can be easily accessed from any of the Langkawi resorts so be sure to ask at your front desk.

2. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Langkawi and highly encouraged by resorts such as Berjaya Langkawi Resort, the Geopark is a unique mangrove forest which is also home to the most magical-looking limestone formations.

3. Payar Island Marine Park
Consisting of 4 uninhabited islands, the Marine park is surrounded by a lush coral reef and is great for snorkelling.

4. Hiking in Langkawi
Take a jungle walk through the rainforests of Langkawi and get up close and personal with the wildlife.
5. Island Hopping
There are 99 islands and if you’re not island hopping around at least 10 of them, you’re not doing it right.

5. Telaga Tujuh Waterfall
The Seven Wells waterfall is a sight to behold, with seven natural pools formed by the cascading water. It’s okay to bathe in too.

The History of Nuwara Eliya

There are only vestiges of it left in the town today, but Nuwara Eliya was once an uninhabited network of forests and meadows shaded by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Here’s the history you did not know.

The History
Though now you would be finding all kinds of accommodation in Nuwara Eliya, the city was born completely of British influence after it was discovered to have climates that were comfortable and agreeable to the colonial planters.

The City of Light
The area, which was afterwards named Nuwara Eliya, or “city of lights,” was first visited by John Davy in 1819.

The English Influence
The English were pleased to discover that the climate agreed with growing English vegetables and began to grow strawberries, lettuce and other produce that were consumed by the colonists.
This evolved into growing coffee which was later switched to tea. Both of these experiments were extremely successful. And resulted in the upcountry being dubbed “The Tea Capital of Sri Lanka.”

The Plantation Connection
Since the local populace refused to work on the plantations, the British brought labour over from India and settled them in slums on the estates. Today their descendants make up the demographics of upcountry Tamils who are different from the Tamil population in the North and East of Sri Lanka that was native to the country.
Today, Nuwara Eliya grows vegetables and tea but has evolved into a quaint and beautiful resort town. Resorts like Galway Heights are great places to spend a vacation.