03 Day Itinerary to Seminyak

Sometimes even the backpackers and hardcore explorers simply need a break. Seminyak is the best place to rest and simply take a breather from all the adventuring you’ve been up to in the past few weeks. Here is how to both unwind and have a little fun for a full three days on this amazing holiday in Bali.

Hiker, Hiking, Nature, Hipster, Solo, Female, Girl
Image by: Free-Photos  via pixabay | CC0

 

Getting there

Getting to Seminyak from Ngurah Rai International Airport takes just 15 minutes with a fixed taxi rate for better convenience. So, hop on one and get over! There are plenty of lovely places to stay, one of them being Katamama in the area.

 

Spend day one on relax mode!

After arriving at your hotel in Seminyak Bali, it’s time to just get out by the pool and probably laze about in the sun for a nice tan. A bit of surfing wouldn’t do you any harm either! Don’t forget to explore the cuisine available here for some refuelling. A session at the local spa is not a bad idea for some further relaxation.

 

A little more energetic on day two?

Rested enough and found some renewed energy for the day? That’s great if you are all up and ready to go exploring just a little bit. How about a horse ride to through the rice field? This is indeed a unique experience offering lovely views while on horseback. Later on, why not immerse yourself at one of the dive spots in Seminyak to explore the world underwater.

 

Visit the surrounding area on day three

If the wanderlust inside of you is just too much to keep you cooped up in your room for too long, then you might as well do some exploring. Visit the surrounding areas and maybe do a little shopping too. Another visit to a spa-like Bodyworks just because you deserve some pampering is totally fine! Head to a mellow bar for the evening to top it all.

 

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google +

SCUBA Diving in the Maldives

On land , the Maldives is everything; the perfect island paradise. It is all that and much more, underwater, with spectacular marine life and colourful coral structures. As such it has become a must-visit location for snorkelling and

Tchami, Maldives (32684393662), CC BY-SA 2.0

SCUBA diving enthusiasts.
Coral structures are abundant in the Maldives and a conscious effort is being made by hotels and resorts situated on the islands to preserve the corals and provide them with a rich habitat to thrive in.

Diving in the Maldives
Maldives diving is mostly done from liveaboards with the current acting as the anchor that drives you forward. It makes one great ride as the currents ebb and flow through the atolls and bring you in close quarters to all the wide varieties of fish. Diving facilities are often provided by resorts like Kandolhu Maldives.

Features of the Sites
There are two features at dive sites that scuba divers will encounter, and they are the pinnacles and current swept channels. If you are exploring the channels you will come across caves and caverns and are lush in soft coral.

The pinnacles are often found in atoll lagoons and shoot straight up almost breaking the surface. They are home to sessile life forms that act as a great base for sponges and soft corals. This, in turn, makes it the perfect habitat for crustaceans and schools of fish.
Swimming out from the reefs will bring you in close quarters of the pelagics which include eagle rays, manta rays and a great many species of shark.

 

A Family Trip to Doha, Qatar

Doha, Qatar is constantly developing, and even the tourism sector in it. People say the political situations can have changed the country’s overall aspect, but, no- it has done so little to halt the tourism sector for it’s ever blooming.

StellarD, Corniche Doha Qatar, CC BY-SA 4.0

Is it worth to have a family trip to Doha?
There are several 5 Star Hotels in Doha that offer family packages when you seek for your accommodation facilities. If you select Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli for your stays, remember the Superior Room has a king bed, twin beds and all that it takes to make your family happy.

Desert trips with family
A desert trip is a must to take if you go on a family trip to Doha. You can try some fun with dune bashing first and then go on a couple of camel rides during your desert trips with the family. This will be a good experience for the kids too.

What do kids have to do?
With kids, visiting the MIA playground is a fantastic idea. Also, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art to which entrance is free to anyone. Wander around Souq Waqif with your family and enjoy some good shopping with all!

Getting around in Doha
Walking with kids is always the best option, but if it’s too far, you may also get a cab to get to the place where you want. Taxis in Doha are reasonable too so that either way will be fine!

 

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Doha

If you are planning to visit the stunning city of Doha, you really should include the sites which are described in the article below into your travel itinerary.

Image result for doha
Doha skyline | Francisco Anzola | Flickr

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif is one of the most remarkable attractions in Doha. You will be able to take in the incredible sights of the region as you take a casual stroll along its winding pathways. The culture of the land is aptly displayed in every corner of this stunning destination. You will be able to reach it with immense ease as you stay at centrally located hotels in Doha Qatar. You can consider staying at hotels like Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli to make the most of your travel experience.

Al-Corniche

Al-Corniche is yet another fascinating attraction that really should not be missed when travelling in Doha. This magnificent seaside promenade stretches alluringly for several kilometres, offering breathtaking views of Doha Bay. It is a perfect place to spend a casual evening with your loved ones.

Falcon Souq

Falconry in Doha is incredibly popular. You can enjoy a delightful cultural experience as you visit the famous Falcon Souq in Doha. There is also a falcon hospital located in close proximity to the market which provides information about these beautiful birds.

Fanar
You will be able to learn interesting details about Islamic Arts at the famous Fanar, which is a beautiful spiral mosque.

 

 

Explore Koneswaram Kovil

The temple is known as Thirukonamalai Konesar and is what gave the city its name “Trincomalee.” It’s one of the most sacred medieval temples for the Hindu devotees. It sits atop Swami Rock, also known as Konamalai and has been referred to in the Mahabharata and Ramayana. During its golden age, it was known as the Rome of the Gentiles.

File:Spiritual 16.jpg
Shamli071, Spiritual 16, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Ravana Connection

The Ramayana tells of the temple being patronised by Ravana the legendary king of Lanka and his mother who was a pious devotee of Shiva. Legend has it that Ravana was attempting to lift the temple and take it to his mother after she fell ill and could no longer visit the temple, but the god in anger made Ravana trip and he dropped his sword where it created the cut on the cliff face which is known to this day Ravana’s Cleft.

The Temple of a Thousand Pillars

The temple was said to consist of a thousand golden pillars and richly decorated thanks to the generosity of the Chola dynasties and after them the Pandayan kings. The temple contains carvings that date back as far as the 5th century.

The Colonial Desolation

The temple can be visited today with a short drive through Fort Frederick from any of the resorts in Trincomalee. However, the present temple was reconstructed recently after the old temple was shoved off the cliff into the sea by Portuguese invaders. Arranging a tour with a resort like Trinco Blu by Cinnamon will give visitors some background to what they will be seeing.

The Ancient City of Sigiriya

One of the most popular historic sites in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya was named a UNESCO Heritage Site and is a brief capital of a tragic king who ruled during the 5th century.

Image result for sigiriya
Sevenryder, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

A Brief History

The fortress and city surrounding the rock was built around the 5th century by Kashyapa who became king after murdering his father as he had no legitimate claim for the throne being the son of a concubine even though he was the eldest.

He left the capital Anuradhapura behind for fear that his half-brother would seek revenge. He made sure the fortress was impenetrable with fortified walls, moats and a network of waterways that would flood the city and make it impassable.

When his half-brother did come, Kashyapa met him outside of the fortress in battle and died by falling on his sword. How it got to that is shrouded in mystery.

Sigiriya was lost to history after that and was only discovered in the early 1800s. Kashyapa’s rule though it lasted no more than 11 years made the city the spectacle it is today, even in ruins.

Tips to Remember

Sigiriya can be accessed from two small cities nearby; Dambulla and Habarana; each with a drive less than 30 minutes. The site belongs to the Cultural Triangle and is a celebrated area by both tourists and locals in Sri Lanka. Resort hotels have come up in the area to cater to the many tourists. One of the closer resorts is Habarana Village by Cinnamon.

Traveling the Maldives on a Budget: It’s Possible!

You may have always pictured the Maldives as an expensive tourist destination, but as per the current state, it is really not. Although Maldivian islands are the homes for many of the super-luxury resorts and private apartments, there are also inexpensive options for you to follow during your tour.

Image credit- Pixabay,josepons28 ,CC0

Go for good accommodation options

If you are searching for the very best resorts in the Maldives, you will have to forget the affordability factor. But, since Maldivian islands have been attracting budget travelers in bulk for the past couple of years, now there are good places to stay for reasonable prices, which you can try out.

Use local transportation modes

You may have to forget seaplanes if you are budget concerned. Always use local ferries that are available or even the boat services that are offered by local fishermen in islands. You have the option of speedboats, but they are expensive.

Find inexpensive excursions

Many resort properties belonging to chains the likes of Adaaran Maldives provide their visitors the excursion experiences. There is a saving you can make when you book an excursion through the hotel, rather than direct booking with a third-party service provider.

Take good food-at affordable rates

The best thing is that there are many Maldivian resorts that provide free breakfast options. For other meals, you may try restaurants on your island, but make sure you check their rates before you order your food.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

See the Best of Colombo in a Day

For starters, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, Colombo, has so much to see, you should ideally spend more than a day here! But, if you only have one day, here’s what to add to your itinerary.

File:Colombo sunset skyline Jul 2016.jpg
dronepicr, Colombo sunset skyline Jul 2016, CC BY 2.0

Colombo Fort

A bustling area which offers some bargaining shopping too, Colombo Fort is easy to reach be you staying at a budget or luxury hotel Colombo has to offer. Within its maze of streets, you will find all manner of shops and pavement vendors selling everything from clothes and mobile phones to fresh fruits and sweets.

Gangaramaya Temple

To soak up some culture, head to the Gangaramaya Temple located near Beira Lake and around a five minute drive from Cinnamon Grand Colombo. This sacred Buddhist site features a mix of architectural styles and also has a fascinating museum with an eclectic array of statues and items given as gifts.

Independence Square

One of Colombo’s most popular spots for recreation and relaxation, Independence Square is also home to the Independence Memorial Hall which is worth a visit. You can spend time exploring the area, enjoying bike rides or indulging in some retail therapy at the adjoining Arcade Independence Square mall.

Galle Face Green

The ideal place to end the day, Galle Face Green is a public space beside the ocean where one can just unwind, fly kites or even have a family picnic. There’s a small stretch of shore if you want to get your feet wet in the waves, while you can also try some of Colombo’s famous street food here including “kottu roti”.

 

 

Best Attractions in Yangon

Yangon was once the capital of Myanmar, known as Rangoon when the country was Burma. It is a very interesting city which was in the background as a tourist spot compared to giant tourist pullers like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Today it is slowly coming into the spotlight and is an experience unlike any other. Here are some must-see sites in Yangon.

Shwedagon Pagoda
Shwedagon Pagoda | Image Credit : Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, Shwedagon Pagoda 2017, CC BY-SA 4.0

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most important temple in Myanmar and is such a spectacular sight that can be seen from many angles of the city. The main pagoda is 325 ft tall and the entire temple takes over two hours to explore. The Burmese believe that the temples are over 2,600 years old.

Maha Bandula Road Night Market

The Maha Bandula Road Night Market is a bizarre and loud market that is always crowded and is a complete kaleidoscope of smells. You can try the local beer which is also called Myanmar and maybe try a fried insect if you feel like it. It is about 10 minutes by car from PARKROYAL Yangon.

Kandawgyi Lake

Kandawgyi Lake and Nature Park is a great place for a little quiet in a loud and boisterous city. If you’ve come out to explore the city from a hotel in Yangon Myanmar and you want to explore the Great Royal Lake you can spend some time in Kandawgyi. It is also a great place for a lunch or dinner stop.

China Town

Maha Bandula Road and other street food stalls are all situated in China Town making it the best place to grab a bite.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

The Maldives Travel Guide

A Maldives vacation does not always have to be an expensive holiday that empties your wallet. To know how you can plan a great holiday, read on.

Image result for Maldives
Priyaflorenceshah, Gangway at Medhufushi Island Resort in the Maldives, CC BY-SA 4.0

Places to Explore

Once you land in the Maldives, you will probably go right to your resort island unless you choose to stay in Male. Many a beach resort in Maldives the likes of Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives have their own island spaces and private beaches for your joy. At the end of your holiday, you could look around Male before you board your flight back home.

Things to do

Known for its wide range of water sports offered, Maldives is not short of activities for you to partake in while on a holiday there. From scuba diving to jet skiing, kayaking and dolphin watching, there are things to do for all kinds of vacationers.

Costs

The Maldives is quite an expensive place to holiday at, and you must keep in mind that food and drinks on the islands are imported and are, therefore, costlier too. To get the full benefit of a cheaper Maldivian vacation, try to visit during the offseason, as you will find more deals then.

Ways to Save

When booking accommodation, go for the full board packages including food as easting out when in the Maldives can be quite a costly adventure. You will likely get the same yummy Maldivian food right at your hotel buffet every morning.