Category: Activities

Whale Submarine

A cluster of islands home to a population that is just over three hundred thousand, the twenty six atolls that make up the Republic of Maldives is a beloved holiday destination. When staying in a Maldives resort hotel, it would truly be a shame not to explore the beautiful blue tinged world that exists beneath the calm azure ocean surface. While the adventurous and experienced dwellers choose to dive and explore pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life as well as abandoned wrecks, the more laid back opt to snorkel and experience the all that the ocean has to offer. Others choose to swim in the calm waters that surround the islands and enjoy the glowing plankton that often lights up the waters at night. Exploring the clean and clear Maldivian waters can therefore be done in a multitude of ways but the most recent and convenient option remains the Whale Submarine.

Quite contrary to its name, the Whale Submarine is not for those who simply wish to observe whales. It is a submarine that provides patrons with a forty five minute experience of seeing the beautifully diverse underwater world comfortably and without getting wet. While hotels such as Anantara Veli, Maldives will be happy to arrange the tour, once booked, patrons will be picked up from a rendezvous point and taken to the point of submergence.

Once aboard, be prepared to be stunned by the variety of colours, shapes and fish that reside quietly beneath the calm blue surface. The experience also includes beaching close to a cave which will allow patrons to witness the myriad of marine life that takes up residence there and, if one is really lucky, White Tip Reef Sharks! So far the Whale Submarine has dived over seven thousand times and has provided close to three thousand lucky tourists the experience of a lifetime.

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+

Drive Jebel Hafeet in Abu Dhabi

Enjoying the distinction of being the capital and one of the largest cities of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a city which has made leaps and bounds in the past century. Following its rapid development and the administration’s integration of numerous parks and landscaping endeavours, the city is now lush with greenery creating a pleasant contrast from its formerly desert like surroundings making it a wonderful place to visit. When visiting the United Arab Emirates, a number of places such as Sir Bani Yas Island, Jebel Hafeet and the springs of Al Ain merit a visit. For those who wish to reside close to a wildlife reserve, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi, is one of the best options available due to its location. This Sir Bani Yas Island Resort is sufficiently isolated but provides its guests the option of meandering to mainland and visiting attractions such as Jebel Hafeet which is located close to the city of Al Ain, on the border of the United Arab Emirates.

While being the most well known mountain in the UAE, it is not the highest. However, the access road named the Jabal Hafeet Mountain Road makes for a brilliant drive and is unsurprisingly the destination for road cycling competitions. From the peak of Jebel Hafeet the view is tremendously awe-inspiring as the desert extends miles and miles into every direction. However, an unlikely attraction has sprung up at the foot of the mountain named Green Mubazarrah which is a lake surrounded by a significant amount of lush greenery due to hot water springs.

Known as one of the best driving roads in the world, driving up the Hafeet Mountain Road is an experience many motor enthusiasts would cherish and enjoy and is definitely an activity that should be experienced when in Abu Dhabi.

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+

Sky Club Paramotor Hua Hin

With the term ‘Bucket list’ entering popular vernacular, many people have constructed a list of activities and experiences they wish to have and places they wish to visit. For those staying in hotels in Hua Hin Thailand, Sky Club offers patrons an opportunity to fulfil one such dreams and tick off a bucket list entry! Suitable for the adventurous few who seek an adrenaline filled experience, paragliding provides patrons with the opportunity to defy gravity and enjoy a unique vantage point akin to a bird’s eye view of the world. Many who seek out paragliding do so in iconic cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Heidelberg, Germany for it provides them with a beautiful view of the cities.

Sky Club Asia based in Hua Hin and Phuket seek to take this experience one step further. Providing a blend of aviation and leisure activity, Sky Club Asia offers patrons the opportunity to paraglide, not in a traditional sense but in a modern and convenient manner. For those residing in a hotel such as Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Sky Club based in Hua Hin can be contacted for an excursion. Patrons can choose from a variety of options depending on the time they wish to spend, their budget and the type of experience they wish to have.

To enjoy a paramotor flight, patrons need not have had previous experience in aviation or even in paragliding for Sky Club facilitates the flights with experienced and professional pilots. The experience itself is quite safe and all that you need to do is to sit back, relax and enjoys the bird’s eye views of the city and the vast oceans. For a truly spectacular experience, opt for a twenty or thirty minute flight during sunset and be enthralled as the dying golden rays illuminate Dolphin Bay, Sam Roi Yod National Park and witness Hua Hin in a whole new light.

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+

Wuzhizhou Island Tourism Zone

With the holiday season upon us, holidaying is one of the most persistent thoughts on one’s mind. With the frost bitten cold of winter, celebrating Christmas and heralding the new year in a tropical climate is something many are opting to do and what better place to bid adieu to the past year than in some of the best islands in the world. According to sources such as the National Geographic, islands such as Fair Isle in Scotland and the Isles of Scilly in England are some of the most beautiful and naturally diverse islands in the European continent but for a truly tropical vacation, Bali in Indonesia and the Wuzhizhou Island off the Chinese coast of Hainan are ideal.

Because the island is located close to the city of Sanya, visiting Wuzhizhou Island from resorts such as Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa is fairly convenient while the island itself is located a mere twenty five miles or so from the closest airport. While visiting Yalong Bay, believed to be the best bay in China, ranks high on the list of things to do in Sanya, making a trip to Wuzhizhou island is something many environmentalists and nature buffs are inclined to do. This desire can be attributed to the biodiversity that thrives on the island which is also home to rare species of threes such as the Dragon Tree. Given that the island is considered home to over two thousand species of plant and tree life, it is truly an environmentalist’s haven.

In addition to the diverse plant life, one of the highlights of the island is its beach front. Primarily attributable to sea visibility which allows tourists to dive and view up to twenty seven metres below the surface, tourists and locals alike consider the Wuzhizhou Island a treasure. Enjoy well preserved coral reefs teeming with sea cucumber, lobsters, tropical fish and a myriad of marine life when in Wuzhizhou.

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 travelers.

Google+

Baiyun Mountain The snowy white peaks in Guangzhou city

The Baiyun Mountain or White Cloud Mountain is one of Guangzhou city’s eight sights recommended to visit. Located on the north of the city it is a famous site that has inspired many artists, scholars and poets to create some great work.

When sunrises after the rains a wreath of airy clouds circles around the mountain and the name White Cloud Mountain derives from this. The complete area of the White Cloud Mountain is approximately 28 square kilometers and it consists of thirty peaks. The star scraping ridge which is known as the first peak under the southern sky is about three hundred and eighty meters high. When you stand on the summit you get a spectacular view of the beautiful Guangzhou and you can see the spellbinding Pearl River flowing through the city.

The Baiyun Mountain is a popular historic attraction in the city of Guangzhou. This is an area that is great to relax while you explore the city’s significant attractions. Since Baiyun is one of the eight must see sites in the city the other seven includes the Pearl Tower, Mo Xing Ling, Ming Chun Valley, San Tai Ling, Luhu Lake, Fei E Ling and He Yi ing.

There is much to discover within the city of Guangzhou and there’s no better way to do so but by finding accommodation within close vicinity. Guangzhou Apartment Hotel is a great choice for travellers from around the world. If you seek fully serviced luxury residence to stay during your visit to Beijing then try the Ascott Guangzhou. With easy access to the city’s business areas, shopping malls, dining spots as well as the main attraction sites this is the best in terms of location. You will be swept away by the fabulous services standards and facilities that await those who stay at the Ascott.

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+

Cultural Holiday Experience in Kandy

Kandy, is the last kingdom of our island, where once kings used to rule. Kandy is steeped in cultural heritage and natural beauty, historic monuments, enchanting forests, great rivers, breath taking vistas and picturesque mountains and valleys. Kandy is one of the most peaceful cities in the island, with its quaint city of old-world charm and ancient history. This city is mostly suited for rest and relaxation, and with its rich heritage, there is a lot of ancient and cultural places that one can visit. One of the best Kandy hotels to stay over, when visiting Kandy is the Cinnamon Citadel hotel. This hotel is one of the best of the luxury hotels in the hills of Sri Lanka, it is ideal for whose seek rest and relaxation and to those who come in search of the treasures of this ancient city. This hotel is one of the most unique hotels, designed with fused retro chic design with the rich heritage of this ancient kingdom.

The most important place that one should visit is the Temple of the Tooth, it is considered as the Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic- a tooth of the Buddha. The entire temple covers a large area as well as the main shrine and other temples and museums within the complex. Also, the World Buddhism Museum contains photographs, displays which illustrates Buddhism around the world. There are also Devales, four kandyan devales to the gods who are followers of the Buddha. The National Museum features royal regalia and reminders of Pre-European Sinhalese life. The museum also features the old Tusker the stuffed animal himself. It is a fascinating place, it is a well worth a look for the artefacts alone.
Walk over the main wall and admire the views of the gardens which are great photo opportunities. The Kandy Lake is also a beautiful and a peaceful setting that one can walk around and just relax by. There is also a very large shopping complex, called the Kandy shopping complex which has one of the most of the best brands in Sri Lanka.

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+

Eco adventures at Parrot Cay & Caicos

The Parrot Cay by COMO is a private island resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The island consists of thousand acres of land, a mile long beach and an exclusively luxurious beach resort with sixty one rooms.

The Turks Island itself is a biodiversity hotspot. When you are at the resort you find plenty of Eco adventures at Turks & Caicos that you can enjoy. During a stay at Parrot Cay, you can ‘go wild’ with private eco adventures that the resort has in store. Your adventure excursions can be scheduled according to you requirements.

For those who simply want to explore the island can go on a historical walk around the Wades Green cotton plantation but if you are looking for something more energizing then you can try kayaking, mountain biking, caving, swimming or cliff walking. Boat trips are also a popular activity here since there is crystal clear water’ surrounding the island.

All the eco adventure tours offered at the resort can be customized to suit individual requirements. The Kayak Eco-tour is an exciting excursion where the tour begins with a ride on the Parrot Cay ferry to Providenciales. Afterwards the guests go on a three to four hour eco tour to explore the beautiful Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve.

Apart from adventure activities Parrot Cay is recognized as one of the best holiday hideaways for celebrities around the world. The privacy and the seclusion of the resort has attracted many well-known stars including Paul McCartney, Justin Timberlake, Barbra Streisand and Penelope Cruz to spend their vacations here. The resort also hosted major wedding celebrations for well-known couples such as Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner in 2005 as well as and Bruce Willis and Emma Heming in 2009.

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+

Bali Bike Hire

The best way you could explore Bali with so much enjoyment and without any restrictions is to consider renting a cycle, a scooter or a motorcycle. If you are skilled at riding one of the aforementioned, hiring
charges are relatively cheap in Bali. The process of hiring a bike is quite straightforward and trouble free. You can easily hire a bike from almost any Resort in Bali such as Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort & Spa while you spend a holiday in perfect relaxation.

If you are the kind of adventurous traveler keen to explore and not interested in organized group tours the best choice for you is hiring a motorbike. The standard bike that is widely used in Indonesia and most tourists rent, is the Honda 100cc or 125cc four-gear, semi-automatic. You will be able to enjoy more of the island on your own pace, and see sights that most tourists never get to see.

Rental is by the day and the charges vary depending on the period of time you need the bike and the type and condition of the bike you hire. The rental includes a temporary insurance which also covers the charge for any damages. Helmets are compulsory for motorbike riders and speed driving is not encouraged in Bali. You do need a driving license and if you don’t have an international driving license a temporary local permit can be obtained from an office in Denpasar. A set of rules and guidelines will be issued when hiring a bike and it is recommended that all riders adhere to these guidelines as when it comes to paying in the event of an accident, foreigners are usually expected to pay. It is also essential to be aware of the relaxed road rules in Bali. It is the riders responsibility to give priority to safety while exploring the beauty of Bali.

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. Google+

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

The Island of Sri Lanka is blessed with many wonderful attractions, foremost is the elephant population. Recognising the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is a refuge and nursery for several adult and baby elephants. Located in Kegalle which is just over a 2 hour drive from the capital Colombo, a visit to the orphanage is one of the thrills to be enjoyed when you book one of the Sri Lanka Holiday Packages on offer. In terms of excellent service and comprehensive customer care you may want to consider Sunshine Travels & Tours.

This tour operator promises you a wide variety of travel adventures around the island paradise of Sri Lanka. Choose a tour package covering the verdant wildlife parks or set-off on a great adventure white water rafting, mountain climbing or trekking the beautiful rainforests of Sri Lanka. The possibilities are endless be it a honeymoon escapade, visit of the cultural triangle, stay around the up-country tea gardens or soaking up the sun around the magnificent coasts; this travel agency promises to deliver. Expect excellent service the assistance of expert tour guides when you book any tour.

Established in 1975 the Pinnawela Orphanage as of 2011 was home to 88 elephants some of which are the 3rd generation to be born here. Animal lovers will love the experience, make it in time for the animals daily bath and you are in for a treat; as the giants do put up quite an impressive show as they bathe, play and enjoy the cooling waters of the river.

Baby elephants are bottle fed at scheduled times, again check and get there in time for some hands on experience of feeding the lovable calf’s, you can walk around the vast sanctuary and watch the bull elephants at work or get up close and personal with the gentler cow elephants.

Remember to take along your cameras and leave time to browse the many souvenir shops displaying lovely mementos of the gentle mammals.

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.

Google+

Hin Ta and HinYai Rocks in Koh Samui

When one plans to embark on a truly indulgent vacation, Thailand is one of the best locations to enjoy a beautiful atmosphere, fun excursions, and rich culture. Also famous for luxurious accommodations at a hotel or a vacation club, Thailand boasts star class establishments such as Anantara vacation club.

Among the many fun excursions along the coast area, Hin Ta and HinYai, an odd and humors rock formation on the Lamai beach in KohSamui, Thailand, is considered a must-see destination by many vacationers. Also known as known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai) rocks, in a surprising twist, nature has imitated man giving these rock formationsa striking resemblance to human body parts, specifically the male and female genitalia. Therefore many tourist guides include this location mainly for this amusing sight which renders most the travelers in fits of laughter or embarrassed chuckles.

Behind the humors sights of the rock formation however, there lays a folklore tinged with sorrow about the appearance of Hin Ta/HinYairocks. The tales speaks of an old married couple by the name of Ta Kreng (Grandpa Kreng) and YaiRiem (Grandma Riem) who died at sea during a storm on their way to seek a suitable bride for their only son who had come of age. It is said that these rocks stand till today attesting to their true intentions.

The views from this location are truly exceptional and while the surrounding white sandy beaches does not offer a place to bathe, it allows travelers to relax and unwind as they sip on a delicious coconut drink easily available from the many vendors in the near vicinity. Travelers can also indulge in some holiday shopping along the road to the rocks where there are stalls on either sides selling a wide variety of products ranging from traditional souvenirs, locally handcrafted/handmade products, and unique sweets and candy made from coconut.While Thailand offers many other spectacular beaches and lush forests this unique attraction still manages to attract a steady stream of on lookers.

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+