Category: Activities

Koh Tao Diving

The Thai islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao are undoubtedly amazing attractions for the visitor. If you are interested in accommodation choices like a luxury villa Koh Samui offers make sure to consider the informative Anantara Vacation Club Bophut Koh Samui reviews. This would be a discerning accommodation choice with many advantages offering a satisfying stay.

The beautifully picturesque island of Koh Tao is greatly recognized for its abundant diving opportunities. Offering engrossing attractions for experienced divers as well as guidance and instruction for novices, Koh Tao will appeal to diving aficionados of all experience levels and preferences. Divers from across Southeast Asia and beyond congregate at this alluring island to indulge in this popular pursuit.

As you might expect, divers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a dive site in Koh Tao. One of the most popular and well-reputed sites is the Southwest Pinnacle, which offers fine visibility and a host of intriguing marine creatures. You will have the opportunity to observe resting leopard sharks as well as fantail rays, groupers, scorpion fish, pink anemone fish, snappers and barracuda.

Another well esteemed dive site is Sail Rock, a prominent pinnacle that is located in the seas off Koh Tao. This remarkable diving location is renowned for its aquatic denizens, including various morays, king mackerel, tuna, octopus and different kinds of colourful corals. On the other hand for experienced divers desiring a genuinely challenging dive, the site of choice will be the Chumporn Pinnacle. This alluring location is considered to be the best site in the area to see the enormous whale sharks, as well as a myriad of pelagic fish.

Another fascinating diving spot would be Green Rock, which is an intriguing maze of caves and canyons that divers can swim across. This locality is home to marine creatures such as reef sharks, whiptail rays, cobia fish and triggerfish as well as sea snakes, moray eels, squid and different kinds of sea turtles. With so much to see and experience, diving at Koh Tao will always be memorable.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Things to know about Doha

Qatar is the land of the wealthy. It has shown steady and steep economic growth in the past few years and its citizens have more purchasing power than those of the United States or the United Kingdom. The country has investments all over the world, it owns Harrods and the Olympic village site in London along with the largest number of shares in Sainsbury’s and it even co-owns Miramax films!
Doha, the capital itself is on the move, climbing its way to the very top. Heavily invested in construction and development, this city is set to become one of the leading cities in the Persian Gulf region. Doha International Airport, home base of Qatar Airways, is becoming a major transit hub as the national carrier grows its network and connects Qatar with the world. Visitors to the city come for a taste of the affluent lifestyle and the luxury hotels in Doha do not disappoint. The epitome of such an experience would be an island getaway with access provided exclusively by yacht or private helicopter, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara promises precisely this and much more if you choose to stay with them.
Furthermore, the destination of extremes awaits! Head to the giant dunes for some adrenaline pumping action sports; learn about the country’s art and culture by touring the many museums and historic sites, like eighteen century Fort Zubara; or shop to your heart’s content at swankiest of malls, one of which is designed to look like Venice, complete with a long canal offering gondola rides! Food of every kind and cuisine imaginable is readily available but alcohol is restricted in many restaurants and can only be found in hotels which are linked to the international chains.

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Things to Do in Doha

The bustling city of Doha is an engrossing metropolis to explore, offering a host of attractions for the visitor. When it comes to selecting Doha hotels an alluring choice would be the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. This appealing resort offers many attractions for the modern traveller.

Doha is a vibrant city that provides an array of interesting things to do for the visitor. Shopping is a major local highlight, with both modern and traditional shopping opportunities on offer. You will find a selection of splendid modern malls, including such attractions as the vast Doha City Centre Mall and the Villaggio Mall with its classy Italian theme. On the other hand the traditional marketplaces offer a very different experience featuring bargains in the form of gold, jewellery, textiles, spices and more.

Naturally no visit to this city would be complete without taking the time to appreciate its distinctive culture and heritage. You will find numerous sightseeing attractions such as towers and forts in the environs of the city. Visitors will have the opportunity to view many traditional handicraft creations at the impressive Doha Fort. Another highlight is the Al Zubara Fort and Museum where you will find a host of interesting artefacts and antiques showcasing the history of the city. Not to be missed are the various museums where you will find an array of exquisite Islamic art.

Visitors should also undoubtedly take the opportunity to take a cruise on a traditional dhow sailing vessel. As you sail to the city’s Corniche you will be able to enjoy a sensational view of the splendid high-rise skyline. Another not-to-be-missed experience is the chance to go on a desert safari in the vast sandy expanses bordering the city. You will be able to undertake dune bashing in four wheel drive vehicles and obtain an understanding of the lifestyle of the nomadic Bedouins. With so much to see and experience a visit to Doha will always be memorable.

 

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Knuckles Mountain Range

Home to seven states, the region of South Asia boasts of a number of iconic mountain ranges with the most important one being the Himalayans. This mountain range along with the Karakorum and Hindu Kush range separate the subcontinent from the rest of Asia. The Himalayan mountain range, whilst being the highest in the world, is also home to the tallest mountain in the world: the Everest, while Hindu Kush mountain range enjoys the distinction of being the second highest. For those visiting the South Asian state of Sri Lanka, the highest mountain range is the Knuckles and can be visited from Kandy. While varying accommodation options are available in the hill country, for those seeking luxury in the Central Highlands, Earls Regent Kandy certainly delivers.

While the mountain range covers a couple of districts, it derives its name from the manner in which the peaks and valleys appear to resemble a closed fist. As the Knuckles range forms part of the Kandy district, it can be easily access by staying at a hotel Kandy. It is a location that is immensely rich in bio diversity in Sri Lanka and, in recent times, has become well known for eco tourism. As a result, many tourists and locals seek to trek across the range and camp in the valleys.

Also known as the ‘Dumbara Kanduwetiya’ meaning the Misty Hills, the mountain range has featured in Sri Lankan history from prehistoric times. Certain archaeologists claim the existence of remains of a Yaksha settlement, and the area was also called the ‘Gini Divaina’ during such a time.

At present, a number of hiking trails have been cleared by officials and tourists can visit Mini World’s End which provides an excellent and panoramic view of the misty mountains and plummeting valleys surrounding Knuckles, while other trails such as Pitawala Pathena Trail, the Nitre Cave and Ash Cave Trails and many others traverse through tea plantations, farms, villages and even rubber estates.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world. Google+

Koh Samui Canopy Adventures

Canopy Adventures locations is on the island of Koh Samui, which is a small but exquisitely beautiful island made up of white sand beaches and rain forests inland. This location is a hidden beauty with breathtaking waterfall views from 21 platforms high up in the trees, via 15 thrilling cable rides over 2000 meters. You will be flying over some of the most amazingly beautiful and enchanting views you’ve ever witnessed from this bird’s-eye-view vantage point. You’ll see gorgeous waterfalls, exotic jungle vegetation, and coast lines of beautiful white sand and palm trees. The Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas is a Luxury Hotel, which provides a haven of comfort and tranquility for those who want to relax and unwind. This sophisticated hotel emanates style, elegance and class. Guests will be treated to fabulous and tantalizing culinary delights by the expert team of professionals.

Canopy Adventures will pick the guests up from the hotel, and shuttle them off to their base camp for a safari ride in their 4×4 vehicle, which is an adventure all its own. As you pull up to Canopy Adventures, you’ll be greeted by the friendly and highly trained staff, and given delicious refreshments that only the fresh fruit of the rainforest can provide. During and after refreshments you’ll find out exactly what you’ll be doing, you’ll receive your safety equipment which includes your safety harness, your gloves, you’re your helmet and then you’re on your way for the thrill of your life. But first comes the thorough training so that you can soon begin your flight, from platform to platform, through our amazing rain forest. Enjoy the cable ride, where you will be taking in the amazing views like few people ever get to experience. There are practice areas, and you will receive thorough training that day for about 20 minute, along with your safety equipment with expert staff. The professionals will teach you exactly what to do on the practice lifts, and then they’ll help you at each and every cable to zip through and over trees and beautiful scenery.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Ousteri Wetland and National Park

The popular Ousteri Wetland and national park is situated at the north side of the town Pondicherry. This lake is only 10 km away from the city. The 390 hectares of wetland is covers parts of both Tamilnadu and Pondicherry. The Park is home to several aquatic species and also houses a bird sanctuary. The park also possesses migratory avifauna and native birds. Ousteri lake and boat house are also a part of the wetland and park. The lake is the biggest in the town and takes care of drinking water requirements of the area. There are many Pondicherry hotels that are good, however Hotel Atithi is a 3 star luxury hotel that stands out from the rest of the hotels in town. Hotel Atithi is located at the center of the city, and therefore it is of great convenience for those who are on business or on vacation. Multi-cuisine is offered at the hotel, to suit the international traveler. The 60 rooms and suites are elegant, stylish and modern.

The Ousteri wetland and National Park invites tourists all year round especially those who enjoy watching rare species of birds .Ousteri wetland and national park has managed to generate revenue due to Tourist visits. Ousteri Wetland not only entertains its tourists but also takes care of the basic requirements of the surrounding residents both human and the wild population. People around the wetland manage to meet their livelihood with agricultural produce, fishing, fodder, and other activities. Mussels and crabs are found in abundance at the park and the Ousteri wetland offers a mesmerizing view of the migratory birds for bird watcher especially during the migratory season.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Explore Mount Batukaru

Pura Batukaru is a haven for the soul not only for Balinese but also for everyone. Superb scenery along the road of the Penebel village and the mystical jungle where the temple is nestled gives the soulful experience to whoever visits this ancient site. Batukau, is Bali’s second-highest mountain at 2,276 m. It is the highest peak in the Bedugul volcanic area, but is dormant. Batukaru is worshipped by the Balinese, and has a temple, Pura Luhur Batukaru, devoted to it. Batukaru has a large crater, the largest on Bali, but this crater is open at the southern end, allowing the river Mawa to escape. It is this that gives it the name “Batukaru”, which means “coconut shell” in Balinese. There are many hotels and villas in Bali, however the Alila Villas Soori is one of the most Luxury villas in Bali. The area of Kerambitan, where Alila Villas Soori situated was at one time the seat of one Bali’s most important Royal families. This unique hotel is a haven for those who want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Bali. Enjoy the refreshing and revitalizing mountain air, clean spring fed water and panoramic views to the coast of Bali from this elegant hotel.

Batukaru Mountain is the highest peak in the Bedugul area, located in Tabanan regency. It has to be mentioned that it is recommended to professional climbers only. Also the complete Trekking Tour takes a little bit longer than other Trekking Tours as the last part of the tour, close to the summit, becomes really challenging. Regular Tours start around 7.30 in the morning and you will be back at 4.30. This is enough time to explore the rain forest life such as wonderful butterflies, wildlife monkeys and amazing plants.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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Explore Kintamani

Kintamani is considered as one of the most scenic regions of Bali. Located in the north east of Bali , the highlands breath taking. It is believed that a volcanic eruption around 30000 years ago created a caldera that is 3 Km long. Half of the caldera is taken up by the Batur lake with the remaining half being an active volcano. There are six ancient villages around the caldera of Batur. This area is considered as the Bali age villages , which have people who practice unique culture, lifestyle and live in unique houses. The kintamani region consists of the following villages such as Kedisan village, Trunyan , South Batur and middle Batur among others.

For those visiting the Kintamani region , perfect accommodation option could be the Ubud resorts. Not too far from Kintamani ,Ubud is itself a beautiful town set among rice paddy fields. The town was an important source of medicinal herbs , and hence derived the name Ubud , which int he local dialect means medicine. A much sought after place to stay amongst the tourist has been Alila Ubud. A perfect hill top get away Alila Villas sits between lush greenery and in the valley of Ayung River. The villa is designed with a fusion of the trade mark Balinese architecture as well as a hint of modern touch.

Visiting the Kintamani region from Ubud is not too time consuming. The Kintamani region’s Batur lake is the largest lake in Bali and provides the island with most of its irrigational needs. The day time is the perfect time to visit kintamani as the views are clear and the entire region is visible. A perfect time would be anytime between 10 am till 3 pm. The weather in the region tends to get a bit chilly and there may be drizzles and showers later during the day.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Yas Marina Circuit

Home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix , Yas Marina circuit is located in Yas Marina island approximately a half an hour drive from the city , the circuit was declared a Formula One Track and opened its doors in 2009. The twenty one corner tracks winds through the island.

Having a world famous circuit , the accommodation options around the area are quite impressive. Villas in Abu Dhabi are a popular option among holiday makers. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort , has managed to be a popular option among tourist. The villas have been specially designed to go hand in hand with the delicate ecosystem of the island. The villas are perfect place to bask in the sun and enjoy the views at the comfort of these beautifully designed villas.

Having a capacity of 50000 the circuit has five grand stands , the circuit is the second formula one circuit in the middle east with the major events held at the tracks being the FIA formula One , Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, GT1 world, Gulf 12 hours. The circuit is complete with a media centre a team building and most of all the highlight is the Ferari world theme park.

Having a Grand Prix track of 5.5 km the fastest on this track has been Sebastian Vettel in 2009.

There are many activities for visitors to engage in around the tracks. The Yas beach is a perfect place to unwind and relax on its sandy shores. Also the Yas water world is perfect for the entire family to engage in fun activities and a visit to Ferrari world is a must visit as it is the home to the world’s fastest roller coaster. Another architectural marvel in the area is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+

Lipton’s Seat –Most Famous Viewpoint of Badulla and a very popular visiting Place

Lipton’s Seat is a most famous view point of Badulla district and popular visiting place close to Haputale Sri Lanka. Lipton Seat is an observation point and at least 7 districts can be seen in this location. On the way to Lipton Seat there is a popular tea factory called Dambethanna Tea Factory which is the largest tea factory of Badulla district. The air is crisp, fresh and unpolluted. The Bandarawela hotel is an Aiken Spence Hotel, and is known world –wide for their level of quality and international standards. This beautiful hotel is located amidst the beautiful natural world of the Hills, which is mystic and serene. The rooms at the hotel emanates old-world charm and is cozy and warm, offering incredible views of the breathtaking mountains and the scenery. There is also a wide variety of exquisite cuisine offered at the hotel, including wide spread buffets.

The view from here rivals that of Worlds End and on a clear day it is possible to see all the way to the coast. The most reliable time to get the view is in the early morning, the outlook is majestic and inspiring. The surroundings are utterly glorious. A small cafe that is perched on the cliff edge here, serves the best Samosa available in Sri Lanka. Lipton Seat has great views of the tea plantations north of Haputale. You still can visit this factory and buy the most authentic Sri Lankan tea you can ever imagine. Lipton’s seat is a panoramic overlooking destination in Sri lanka, Handapanagala lake, Chandrika lake, Uda walwe lake, Wedi hiti Kanda mountains, and also the hambanthota harbor located in the in the southern coastal area can be seen remarkably well. On the way to the Lipton’s Seat, you will also meet St. Catherines seat and Lemasthota Waterfall. St. Catherines seat is also a overlooking point in the Nayabedda estate which will provide a unprecedented and a stunning view of Bandarwela, Diyatalawa and the Uva valley to the Namunukula mountain range. March and August are the best months to enjoy and visit Lipton’s seat.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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