Living the island life in Fiji

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ65pPxlKl7/?taken-by=interconfiji

Fiji is a beautiful island in the South Pacific Ocean. The shallow blue green waters surrounding the coast, palm fringed beaches filled with warm, puffy sand, the rejuvenating island breeze together with the golden sun brimming mostly throughout the year, Fiji is simply paradise.

This is a major tourist destination in the world due to its pristine beauty and serene setting. You can catch the numerous holiday packages with significantly rewarding offers inclusive of flights, holiday accommodation in Fiji luxury resorts, meals, tour vouchers and spa vouchers in spa resorts in the area such as InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.

The natural splendor of Fiji tempts guests to stay longer and enjoy the island life. Who wouldn’t want to live in paradise and experience the simple beach bond way of life while on their summer holiday. The wonderful people of Fiji who are always known to wear a smile on their faces are guaranteed to make your stay here pleasant.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BK1kxEXDPbK/?taken-by=interconfiji

One of the key experiences that should never be missed when at Fiji is the ‘Cloud break, Mamanuca islands’; this is one of most challenging and exciting surfing waves around the world. This is a destination where it is surfable in all tides. The best winds blow from the south to southeast, between the months of march and October. And the tides are usually very high and should be accessed through a jet ski or a tow boat.

The great Astrolabe reef at Kadava is another vibrant marine wonder in the surrounding islands of Fiji. This is wonderful spot for scuba diving as the vibrant kingdom underwater stretches miles in the sea bed. Various rich marine life such as Billfish, Mahi Mahi and Tuna are available in the reef.

Other gorgeous destinations are must visit to complete the island adventure of Fiji are; the Sigatoka sand dunes national park, Viti Levu, Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple at Nadi, the Kula Eco park, the Navua river at Viti Levu and etc.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BO0ZZcPANSb/?taken-by=interconfiji

 

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Bird Watching Sites in Sri Lanka

Bird Watching
Image Credit:  Malkey Rent a Car

Sri Lanka is a Birdwatcher’s Paradise and bird watching sites are dotted all around the island. The country has more than 400 bird species comprising of endemic, resident and migrant birds. There are approximately 23 endemic and 200 migratory birds recorded within the island. The climate and environment of Sri Lanka is very conducive to the well-being of bird life. One of the best things to do in Sri Lanka is bird watching and when travelling around the island, if you are in need of a superbly conditioned vehicle, rental companies such as Malkey Rent a Car would be a good choice.

Kumana National Park (Yala East) 361 km from Colombo on the southeastern coast is the island’s most popular bird sanctuary and famed for its large migratory waterfowl and wading birds. An important feature here is a 200ha water body known as the Kumana Villu which is powered by the Kumbukkan Oya. It is here that many birds nest in May and June. It has been recorded that more than 225 species of birds have been found here, including the rare species of Lesser adjutant, Black necked stork and Eurasian spoonbill. Other birds here include pelicans, spoon bills and painted storks. Bundala National Park is in the Hambantota district of southern Sri Lanka and is the island’s Ramsar wetland site. It is said that each and every water bird in Sri Lanka visits Bundala. It is an internationally recognized wintering site for migrant birds especially the Greater Flamingo who migrate here in large numbers. Kalametiya in the south is the island’s oldest bird sanctuary and the best time to visit is from November to March. Birds here include the Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, the Sri Lanka Black Capped Purple Kingfisher, and the Indian Reef Heron.

Other great bird watching sites are Kithulgala, the Peak Wilderness, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Udawattekele Sanctuary in Kandy, Horton Plains National Park, Knuckles World Heritage Area, Kandalama Sanctuary, Wilpattu, Chilaw Sand Pits, Anavilundawa Sanctuary, Mannar and Vankalai Sanctuary. Closer to Colombo, the Talangama Tank and Marshes and the Bellanwila –Attidiya Sanctuary are good bird watching areas.

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+

Adventure Water Sports in Bentota

A Kayak on the Bentota river
A Kayak on the Bentota river | Hafiz Issadeen | Flickr | (CC BY 2.0)

If you are visiting Sri Lanka, Bentota is definitely a place to check out for water sports. However the town is very touristy and can get busy. If you are looking for a quieter escape then Kalutara may be ideal as it is only a short drive from Bentota. Though there are a number of things to do in Kalutara, water sports are a major activity here as well as in neighboring Bentota. This is a good place to base yourself to get to neighbouring towns. Hotels such as Anantara Kalutara Resort will be more than happy to organize water sports activities for their guests.

Some of the popular adrenaline pumping activities in the area include, Jet skiing. The Jet Ski is usually rented out on hourly basis. You could either take it out for a spin by yourself or there are members from aquatic centres who could help you. Other activities include banana boat rides which are great if you are in a group. An inflatable banana like boat is dragged on the water with the help of a motorised boat. The ripples from the boat and the speed make the ride a true adventure. A similar activity is the doughnut ride.

Water skiing is also a popular activity and some of the water sports centres have veterans of the sport training. There are various levels of courses carried out such as those for beginners where special adjustments are made to the boat with bars fixed onto them.

There are also facilities to pick up a new water sport such as wind surfing if you are in the area as the beginners’ course is around 8-10 hours.

Other than that another activity that is popular in the area is diving and snorkeling. A great activity for both adults and children alike and also it’s a great place to catch a glimpse of some of the tropical fish and turtles.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

Google+

Top snorkeling spots around Tioman

Snorkeling is one of the all-time favorites of water sports lovers and underwater explorers with a flair for enjoying marine life under the blue water surface of the sea. As you float through the sea passing beautiful coral reefs and watching schools of colorful reef fish, you will enter into a whole new world full of serenity and wonder. Mesmerized by the beauty of it, you almost forget that you are a creature of land.

There are many tour destinations that offer snorkeling practice, one such amazing place being the Tioman Island in Malaysia. The lower expense is one of the better factors about snorkeling in Tioman, while also having the opportunity of enjoying a comfortable stay at a best beach hotel. Pulau Tioman is home to several idyllic resorts that offer a complete tour package for relaxing, snorkeling or scuba diving and also sight-seeing, one such being the Berjaya Tioman Resort on the western shoreline.

Around the Tioman Island, there are many ideal spots to practice your snorkeling skills. If the best of them are listed down it will include Coral Island and Malang Rocks, Renggis Island, Marine Park and Salang Beach. Out of these, the Coral Island and Malang Rocks and the Renggis Island are more famous for their coral reefs and associated marine life while the other two places are better known for a spectacular view of many varieties of shallow water fish like clown fish.Another plus point for Tioman Islands when you are looking for a snorkeling spot is that there is no need to wear heavy and complicated snorkeling equipment. The natural surroundings of the Tioman Islands with some water currents create a suitable environment for snorkeling, even for beginners. It is widely accepted that your snorkeling experience will be at its best when you travel in small groups, sharing the joy and exchanging your moments.

snorkeling by Robert De Bock via StockSnap.io

 

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Devil’s Peak Hong Kong

File:Devil's Peak, Hong Kong.JPG
Mk2010, Devil’s Peak, Hong Kong, CC BY-SA 3.0

There is nothing better that working up those calves, feeling the burn in the gut, trekking miles up a mountain and reaching that vantage point just to feel as if you are on top of the world. If you are busy away in the East on business and just want to take a break or if you have become the kind of modern trekker who loves a bit of outdoor adventure, hiking up Devil’s Peak in Hong Kong is the ideal activity for you!

While adrenaline junkies will not find the hike that challenging since it takes only one to one and half hours, there is no putting a price on soaking up the sight of the Kowloon skyline and filling up your lungs with fresh air at an elevation of 222 metres.

If you are planning to enjoy the indulgences of hotels in Kowloon, Hong Kong, try lodging at properties that cater to all types of travellers and which are centred amidst all the action and entertainment such as Dorsett Mongkok, Hong Kong. Even though this metropolis is one of the busiest, if you are looking for that laidback yet active getaway, a hike up Devil’s Peak is worth considering.

Hiking up Devil’s Peak is not merely an active pursuit. Since the area was once garrisoned by the British Army during the late 1800s, you can still see the remnants of some age-old batteries during your walk. As you move further up the peak, you will be awed by the staggering views of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon harbour front. For complete immersion of Hong Kong’s natural beauty, you ought to experience that silver screen worthy perspective atop Devil’s Peak.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

Google+

Fun Activities to do in Kalutara

Image Credit: AVANI Kalutara Resort

While Sri Lanka’s south coast has many towns and cities along its shoreline that have become quite popular amongst locals and tourists alike, there is a quaint locale that one can tend to overlook while on your travels. The idyllic town of Kalutara with its iconic temple which towers above the townscape as you drive across the main bridge is a super spot for some fun in the sun, lazy days on the sand and frolic in the surf. There are plenty of fun things to do in Kalutara and since it is only around an hour and a half from Colombo, it makes a great place for a day trip as well.

As with most south coast locales, one of the highlights here is the golden, soft sandy stretch of beach. A perfect place for working on that holiday tan which will be the envy of all once you get back, the beach area here is ideal for everything from chilling out on the shore to building sandcastles with the kids. Ideally, look to find accommodation right along the beach itself and options such as AVANI Kalutara Resort are worth considering if you want to spend lots of time by the ocean.

If you are the active type, you can always try kayaking on the local river known as the “Kalu Ganga”. It’s a great way to get a feel of the area and get a workout at the same time! There are more water sports to be enjoyed in the lagoon area too. For more adventure look to head to the historic mansion called Richmond Castle. Constructed during the time of British colonial rule, this fascinating structure retains its old world charm even though it may have lost some of its grandeur over the many decades.

For a change of scenery, plan a visit to Thudugala Ella Falls. You will have to head a bit inland to the Thudugala Estate, located in the village of the same name, in order to get to this waterfall. In the heat that radiates throughout the country during certain months, Thudugala Ella Falls and its natural pool, in particular, is the ideal spot to cool off and enjoy time surrounded by nature.

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+

Why you should try snorkelling

Snorkelling | Image Courtesy: I.DeSouza , Great Barrier Reef , CC BY 3.0

Maldives islands are one of the best places you could visit for an exotic holiday. The pristine sand and the lush green palm trees surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean will definitely be a welcoming site. Maldives places to visit and things that you can do are not limited for anyone who visits the islands. The beautiful ocean itself provides an ample amount of activities that you can do while holidaying in the Maldives.

Water sports and activities around water are very famous in the Maldives. Even if you are not much into adventure, you should not miss the opportunity of exploring the beautiful waters around you. Snorkelling is one such safe and easy way to get a glimpse of the world underwater. Most hotels in Maldives, including Adaaran Prestige Water Villas provides their guests with an opportunity to go snorkelling.

Snorkelling is for everyone, you do not need to be good in swimming for this, the life jackets that you will be wearing will keep you afloat while you explore and experience the world beneath you. With a little equipment and a few minutes of practice, you will be able to witness a mind-blowing world. There will be beautiful corals that are home to many underwater species, bright coloured beautiful fish schools will be swimming past you and if you are lucky you might come across turtles that will be swimming along. Learn about marine life through the first-hand experience and enjoy every bit of it.

While you connect with nature in a different perspective rather than what you usually see in the land, you will get many more benefits out of snorkelling as well. Snorkelling has its health benefits both physically and mentally. Snorkelling in the pristine waters will calm your mind and relax you also while strengthening your muscles, improving your cardiovascular health and much more.

Capture some cool photos using an underwater camera and take home memories that would last a lifetime.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Beginners guide to windsurfing

windsurfing
Windsurfing | Photo via Pixabay | CC0 Public Domain

With its clear water, agreeable wind conditions, and lagoons which surround many of the coral islands, the Maldives has earned itself a name as a windsurfing hot spot. The sport has slowly grown over the years to become a much loved Maldives tourism attractions, with several resorts ideally situated, such as the Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, for instance, to provide ample conditions for guests interested in trying windsurfing. The best time to try windsurfing is during the wet season, between May to October, when the weather conditions are much windier.

Windsurfing is a combination of sailing and surfing – because of the ability to be pulled at high speeds across a great distance, unless experienced, the activity should never be attempted without an instructor nearby. When the sport first began, windsurfers reached modest speeds, and only close to the shore. Nowadays, with more developed sailboards, windsurfers can reach a speed of up to 40 knots and cover great distances over sea.
A basic sailboard has a board and a sail rig. Steering is done, much like a normal sail, by moving the sail to adjust with the wind. The practice is similar to sailing, in terms of technique. A beginner will start on a large board with a small sail. Once skill with activity increases, the board size can be reduced, while the sail size can vary based on weather conditions. Because windsurfing is more aligned with sailing than surfing, learning to windsurf takes longer than other water sports.
Once mastered, windsurfing has several sub-disciplines to choose from, these include freestyle, big wave and course racing, to name a few. One of the best things about this sport is that it can be enjoyed at any age. As long as you have an experienced instructor to guide you, accidents are rare.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Bangkok Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Bangkok river cruise
Bangkok River Cruise , Photo by eGuide Travel via Flickr, (CC BY 2.0)

In Bangkok and wondering what to do next? Well, instead of taking your family or significant other out for dinner on the town, why not take them out for a lovely meal out on the waters of Thailand’s main river, the Chao Praya! Tours along the river are operated both by independent operators as well as by tourist hotels and resorts. If the one you are staying at doesn’t organise ones of their own, ask them to help you find a trusty independent tour operator to take you.

These cruises along the river usually include stopovers at popular tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace complex and Wat Arun which look positively radiant at night, all lit up! The fare on offer is typically delicious local Thai cuisine which is offered buffet style to passengers. The great views of the illuminated capital against the back drop of a dark night sky can be observed as you cruise along the river. This creates a great ambiance befitting of a romantic date night or even a relaxing evening out with friends and family.

Most of the independently organised river cruise tours include some sort of a shuttle service between the embarking point and your accommodation, especially if your accommodation is somewhat of a well-known one. Even if you aren’t staying at a resort, and are instead residing at one of the service apartments in Bangkok, give the tour operator a ring to see if they can provide roundtrip transfers from your location to the vessel as part of your package. If, for example, you are lodging at a riverside apartment complex such as Chatrium Residence Riverside Bangkok, many independent tour operators are likely to have you on the list of places to which they offer pick up/drop off facilities. So make a booking for a little river cruise the next time you’re in Thailand’s capital and craving for some good food, great views and one hell of a time.


Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+