Category: Activities

Amazing Mountain Biking Tour in Thailand: To get up close and personal with the land

When visiting the land of endless summers, the things to do and things to see will indeed be immense that it certainly will take your very breath away. The opportunities to find allurement and excitement are truly endless here in Thailand, with beaches to explore, sights to see and friendly, warm locals to meet. While staying at a centrally located hotel Hua Hin has such as Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa take time to explore the land of sheer beauty, and discover all her hidden secrets as you take on a mountain biking tour.

The plethora of transportation methods and modes that are available in Thailand will help you explore various facets of the place that will fill your heart with blissful delight. However nothing will beat a cycling tour on the least trodden and secret pathways of the land that lead straight to choicest adventures. Discoveries are to be made here and adventures are to be had here, and the best way to enjoy an adventure and discover things that you knew not of is to take a mountain biking tour in Thailand.

As you travel on your two wheels you will see sights that the rest of the tourist world will never see. You will meet people and make connections that your friends back home will never enjoy. The lip smacking Thai cuisine will be savoured to your heart’s content, as you visit the secret places of the land that are forever hidden from the eyes of the common tourist.

Once you contact a local service provider, you will have a choice of selecting from a wide variety of packages, each catering to unique needs. If you choose to travel with a party, you can easily do so, and explore the wonderland with friendly strangers who will be equally enthralled as you, as each fascinating discovery is made. Alternatively you can travel by yourself if you wish, and enjoy an adventure that no one will ever know of. Opportunities are limitless and options are immense here in the blissful land of Thailand that invitingly lies, waiting to be discovered and loved.

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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Touring an Arabian Wildlife Park

The Sir Bani Yas Island is the largest island that belongs to the Emirate Abu Dhabi. It is a treasure-trove of wonders that boasts entertainment at its finest along with an array of natural attractions. In addition to the blissful white sanded beaches that border this island, the Sir Bani Yas is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, the largest park of its kind in the country.

Occupying over half of the Sir Bani Yas Island, the wild life park is a must do for all those visiting the island. Authentic Arabia complete with the wild life is brought to life at the Sir Bani Yas Wildlife Park as it is home to a number of animals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. The endangered Arabian Oryx, the Sand Gazelle and Mountain Gazelle are among the Arabian treats available at the park. As the park boasts an authentic wild life setting the many inhabitants of the sanctuary are free to roam about here and even successfully multiply in numbers. If you are staying at the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi, you can get the hotel to organize a perfect wildlife excursion just for you. These resorts Abu Dhabi has goes one step further in ensuring guests have a holistic tour in their holiday destination.

Over 10,000 animals call the Arabian Wild Park their home and these include a number of hyenas and cheetahs as well adding a touch of excitement to your wildlife excursion. Apart from the wildlife, the park offers a series of fun and adventures activities such as, nature trails, mountain biking and exclusive outdoor dining experiences that enable visitors to maximally enjoy the wild side of Sir Bani Yas. Although the Arabian Wildlife Park is all fun and entertainment on the outside, it is in its essence created to conserve the true treasures of Arabia.

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.

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Sunset Hand Line Fishing; experience a traditional Maldivian way of life

For centuries the people of the Maldives have survived off the sea and fishing has been a way of life that has been handed down from generation to generation. The fertile reef system surrounding a number of Maldivian islands makes it a hotspot for avid fishermen looking to catch exotic fish such as sail fish or red snappers. As most forms of commercial fishing is deemed illegal in the Maldives, hand line fishing has proven to be a life line of the Maldivian people, for whom fish is a dietary staple. Resorts such as the Anantara Veli, Maldives or a number of Maldives bungalows offer visitors a chance to try their hand at this time honored tradition.

The most common form of fishing in the Maldives is hand line fishing, or more popularly known as the hook and bait system. This is where the baited hook is dropped to about a foot above the reef, perfect for catching reef fish which are abundant in the Maldives. A number of resorts will even offer to cook up your catch for dinner that day so you can fully enjoy the spoils of your expedition.

It is tradition for hand line fishing to be carried out either on the resort itself, or visitors can rent traditional Bokkuraas that seat up to 3 people. This vessel is the traditional boat of choice used by the Maldivians when hand line fishing and can be rented for a few hours. Hand line fishing is usually carried out in the evening however if the boat departs from the resort early enough, visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of the majestic Maldivian sunset in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Such a breathtaking view is sure to be classified as 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.

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Moon Stone Mine

The south of Sri Lanka is so much more than its pristine coastlines and rich colonial history for even the Ceylon gems are part of this remarkable stretch of land. Precious and semi precious, the gems of Sri Lanka has received worldwide acclamation ever since it landed on the engagement ring of the late Princess Diana. Throughout the island there are several mines with a variety of famous gemstones. The mines in Sri Lanka make an interesting attraction since it provides an opportunity to explore the process of gemming from extracting the rock to polishing it to the sparkling stone that it eventually becomes.

Many tourists visiting Sri Lanka choose the south thanks to its fine collection of Sri Lanka beach hotels. If you are staying in one of the Ahungalle hotels a visit to the moonstone mine is an absolute must do. Moonstones are semi precious gems that feel cool and smooth and glows like a moon when polished. The highest concentrations of moonstones are found in the south of Sri Lanka, somewhere between the towns of Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa. A little moonstone factory has been setup in this location where you can learn everything you need to know about a moonstone. You can even visit a moonstone mine here which is about 6 or 7 m long and watch the entire process from filtering out the stones, cutting them up to polishing them making them all shiny and ready to be sold. Moonstone mining is still performed in a traditional manner. Although machines suck out the water most of the digging is done by hand. Nearly 50 to 100 rough moonstones are mined each day but not all of them are of a saleable quality.

By the side of the factory is a small visitor center where you can learn about the gems in Sri Lanka. If you have taken a liking towards these stones there is even a gift shop where you can purchase anything from jewelry to souvenirs all with your favorite gemstones embedded in them.

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+

Whale Submarine Adventure

Submerged 120 feet below sea level, the view of the Maldives from this angle is truly epic. Maldives is one of those holiday destinations that boast some of the most exotic underwater scenery. A holiday in this paradise on earth can never be complete without basking in its aquatic Eden. To absorb this picturesque perfection many opt to snorkel and dive but today’s fad is to enjoy underwater Maldives while staying completely dry; if you are wondering how, step into a Whale Submarine and prepare to have the time of your life.

There are several fascinating Maldives excursions ever available to satisfy the throngs of tourists who holiday in this destination every year and nearly every adventure has something to do with the sparkling blue. The Maldivian ocean is a treasure-trove of wonders. If you are staying at the Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, you will have a range of opportunities to indulge in the many epic wonders that the waters behold but among all its attractions, the Whale Submarine adventure tops the list.

Since Maldives is a renowned destination for sighting rare aquatic animals, it also happens to be one of the top five destinations for whale watching. As you plunge deep into the Maldivian paradise in a passenger submarine that boasts all the state of the art comforts, the sight of a mighty whale passing by you would be that cherry on the top that seals your holiday experience. It is not only whales that will get you shrieking in excitement; for your submarine will cruise past ferocious sharks and massive manta rays ensuring you are at the edge of your seat at all times. Painting a picture with vivacious colors, the many exquisitely shaped corals and fish are truly a sight not only for the aqua lover but for those who enjoy basking in blissful scenery as well. Your ride under the Maldivian ocean will be the most unique experience you can ever enjoy in the Maldives.

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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Mountain Biking in Abu Dhabi

The raw masculinity emulated by the rugged terrains of Abu Dhabi makes this the perfect spot for the real rush of adventure. The endless desert vistas adorned with an occasional camel or sheep farm is among all activities perfect for mountain biking. As you ride through rough conditions you can experience not just an authentic dose of unspoiled adventure but you also have an opportunity to enjoy a glimpse of the nomadic version of the Emirati lifestyle. So get yourself a hardy mountain bike and soar through the endless jagged plains of the capital city of the UAE.

Mountain Biking in the UAE is so popular that it is one of the many activities offered in Abu Dhabi’s annual adventure challenge. Despite being a must do activity in the city, packages are not readily available and even maps for this purpose is scarce. If you want to mountain bike for a personal rush of adventure, hire or purchase a bike and all the necessary accessories to go with it. Here there are no maps so you will have to learn to make use of the GPS to find your way around. The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is one of the many luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has that provides ample information with this regard. It really helps to have information readily at hand to plan your perfect mountain biking adventure.

Although many head over to the Al Hajar Mountain Range for off road adventure, it is not necessarily the best spot for Mountain biking. Nirvana for the mountain biker is the terrain that lies between the desert sand and the high mountains as it provides the perfect fast flowing single track with infrequent rocky steps and the real challenging climbs, all with a firm base which provides the much needed grip for those knobbly tires. The way down from the hills offers the euphoric experience that makes you want to stick your legs to the side and ‘wheee’ in delight.; the whole package is real adventure packed with plenty of fun.

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.

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Liwa Tour, a Desert Experience

The golden dunes of the desert are one of the most renowned treasures of Abu Dhabi. In fact, a holiday to the Middle east is never really complete without basking in the beautiful desert vista that opens doors to authentic Arabia; a landscape largely replaced by towering skyscrapers and modern infrastructure. In Abu Dhabi however, a large portion of its desert is well preserved for its many ardent explorers. In here you find massive rolling dunes, plenty of camels and all the fun and adventure that come with them both. Indulge in a Liwa tour and enjoy the most unparalleled desert experience ever.

On the vast expanses of the Liwa Desert located on the largest chunk of empty land in all of Arabia, tours are provided with all the exciting components of a desert experience. Beginning with wild adrenaline pumping adventures such as Dune bashing and Dune rolling you will get to unravel all the unimaginable fun tucked in this huge pile of sand. The tour then lets you to thoroughly experience the treasures of Arabia; the camel. You will get to ride atop its back, drink its milk and spend some time in their unique Company. Then you shall explore; the Saddle rocks, ancient fossil rocks and the camel rocks are all exciting places to discover. As night dawns upon the desert enjoy the company of countless twinkling starts as you relish Arabian delicacies with a smoke of Sheesha while belly dancing beauties provide plentiful entertainment. After a long thoroughly entertaining day in the desert the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara will be waiting for you to come home to. Being one of the finest luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has, you are sure to be pampered here in the perfect Emirati style.

The best part about the Liwa tour is that it can be tailor made according to the time you have in hand. Some packages are for day lovers and others for the night lovers and if you are keen on spending the night camping in the desert, that too can be arranged as well.

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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Great Night Spots in Colombo

Like big cities around the world Colombo offers a selection of clubs, pubs, lounges, bars and casinos spread throughout the city with a concentration in the Fort area and down Galle Road and Duplication Road. The bars and clubs in the Fort area are usually part of big hotels. However exciting new venues appear to be changing the city’s night time scene. Cinnamon Red Colombo one of the newest business hotels Colombo in the heart of Colpetty is located close to where the action is.

Although many night spots are still the traditional dim indoor venues crowded with people, the culture is changing somewhat with many night owls preferring to sit out in the open on rooftops of the latest lounges that offer gorgeous city views, informal seating and innovative cocktail mixes. Some venues also offer open cobblestoned areas where pub crawlers can sit on wooden chairs and enjoy drinks, listen to live music, dance if they want to and have their pick of food from the restaurants around. The high point of many city clubs are the special events held throughout the year featuring music for dancing, good food and drink. Ladies nights and other promotions draw the crowds. The city pubs are not to be out done. Some of them have promotions during the weekends that attract a full house and some have always been more popular than others. Some pubs have created an interesting ambience, offer specially designed cocktails and are popular with people who enjoy a quiet drink and chat with friends. Pub crawlers can also head down to the Mt Lavinia beach to enjoy food, drinks and dancing on the beach. Colombo also has a series of restaurants cum bars that are frequented by local tipsters although no live music and dancing is available here and they are not the usual ‘night spot’. Some of these are now classified as dodgy bars and are part of a popular nighttime city tour. Night spots routinely start at around 10 pm and continue into the wee hours of the morning.

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.

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River Cruising in Bentota; explore the exotic mangroves of Bentota

Bentota, a coastal town in the South of Sri Lanka, is situated on the mouth of the Bentota River. Its unique location makes it an attractive tourist destination because not only are you able to enjoy the immaculate beaches of Bentota, more adventurous visitors may enjoy exploring the mangroves along the Bentota river. Bentota is home to a number of other attractions such as the famous Turtle Hatchery, the Kande Vihare Buddhist Temple, and the Brief Gardens. When in Sri Lanka do not pass up a chance to visit this unique location while staying at a luxury hotel. Sri Lanka may be known for its beautiful beaches but the natural beauty of the mangroves are breathtaking. The mangroves are widely believed to be one of the last pristine wetlands in Sri Lanka.

A number of hotels offer packages for travellers; whether you require a boat to go deep sea fishing, or cruise along the Bentota River, hotels such as Saman Villas Bentota will accommodate you. These tours can be for a few hours or can span the course of a day, including a traditional Sri Lankan lunch in a secluded village along the banks of the Bentota River. The guides are well versed with the wildlife of the area and will be ready to answer any questions you have.

During the river cruise, expect to see an abundance of exotic flora and fauna, monitor lizards, a wide variety of river birds and possibly even crocodiles. Not only is the Bentota River ideal for river cruises, a number of hotels and companies offer water sporting activities such as jet skiing, sailing and banana boating. These are ideal for the thrill-seeker looking to spice up their holiday however those who seek a more relaxed holiday can relax on one of the many tranquil beaches in Bentota.

 

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.

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Fishing in Muscat, a fisherman’s dream in the desert

When one thinks of the Middle East, and its many deserts, fishing may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However Muscat boasts a fruitful marine habitat, making it one of the best fishing locations in the world, ideal for both beginners and big game fishing expeditions all year-round. While you may visit Muscat for the fishing, it is also in close proximity to a number of other must-see tourist destinations in Oman such as Sur, and the port town of Sohar. Accommodation in Sohar can be found easily as a number of hotels have updated websites; one such hotel is the Al Wadi Hotel, Sohar.

The best period to visit Muscat is between October and April as the day is warm but not uncomfortable, and the evenings are quite cool. However a large number of fish do frequent the waters around Muscat during the summer months when the water is warmer however be warned as the temperature on land can reach up to 40°C on land. The waters surrounding Muscat are home to a number of species of fish, such as the Yellowfin tuna, the Striped Bonito, the Dorado and the Barracuda.

In addition, the waters are home to dolphins, turtles and a number of species of whales such as the sperm whale and the killer whale. Arrange whale or dolphin watching expeditions with a tour guide as such a vibrancy of species is hard to come by anywhere else in the world. There are a number of charter companies which rent boats out to tourists looking to spend time on the open sea. Some boats can hold up to as many as 10 passengers, and can be booked for either a few hours or even entire days. All boats are accompanied by a captain, and come equipped with life vests, safety gear, fish tackle and even bait to make your fishing trip run smoothly.

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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