Category: Activities

Matsu Cultural Village Macau

Visitors to Macau should avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the attractive Matsu Cultural Village which has attained the status of a popular tourist destination. Matsu, also known as Tian Hou or A-Ma, is a goddess who is said to be the benefactor of seafarers and sailors. Probably Macau’s most venerated deity, Matsu is revered by innumerable millions of worshippers across the globe, mainly in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

The splendid Matsu Cultural Village is a captivating creation which has been designed to replicate a palace complex of the Qing Dynasty. Visitors will encounter an imposing stone stairway, decorated with fine handcrafted engravings of auspicious features, which ascends to the magnificent gateway which opens into the inner courtyard of the complex. This expansive courtyard is flanked by two towers, the drum tower as well as the bell tower and a number of statues. Towards the rear of the courtyard you will see the elaborately decorated shrine which houses the principal figure of Matsu.

This entire building is filled with beautifully crafted statues, relief sculptures and other adornments which demonstrate the devotion of the builders of the shrine towards their beloved goddess.

Visitors will see that the location also features altars fashioned in marble, hallways, a museum and numerous attractive shops. You will also find several stalls within the compound selling souvenirs and folk handicraft items.

At the summit of the hill which rises above this cultural site you will see an immense statue of the deity which stands precisely 19.99 m, representing the year in which China received sovereignty over the territory of Macau. Visitors will be able to enjoy the delightful bird’s eye views available from this vantage point.

The Cultural Village is surrounded by a beautiful area of parkland. The visitor will also see that the lane leading to the site passes through a picturesque arboretum which features over a hundred species of unusual trees. These attractive surroundings add to the religious and cultural importance of the location.

Travellers to the area desiring a Macau hotel will find an outstanding rest in the Galaxy Macau Resort Hotel. One of the appealing Macau hotels this quality accommodation offers excellent rooms and service.

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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Cycling Tours in Bangkok

There’s simply no better way to unravel the secrets of Bangkok than by going on a cycling tour of the city and its pleasant surroundings. However before setting off it is always best to choose a Bangkok hotel to stay in. Anantara Bangkok Sathorn which is seen as one of the luxury hotels Bangkok has to offer would prove to be a good choice when contemplating as to where one should be based at.

From country villages, scenic mountains to the hustle and bustle of the city; all can be explored quite easily when decides to strap up and hop on board a cycle. The sights of traditional villages and locals working in rice fields are but a few of the thought provoking experiences that you are bound to come across when moving through the beautiful countryside of Bangkok. The temple of Phurt Udom Pol is well worth the visit. Cycling along the Chao Phraya River is yet another absorbing experience that must be had while a tour of Bangkok’s Chinatown will offer you valuable insights into the lives of Chinese who call the city their home. From ancient museums to imposing religious shrines, the sights are truly countless.

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+

Skydiving in Queenstown

Flying has always fascinated humankind. While aeroplanes offer fantastic aerial views for a truly spectacular experience which includes an adrenaline rush quite unlike any other, nothing beats jumping off a plane on a skydiving excursion in Queenstown. Make sure to find a Queenstown hotel that is within easy reach of the many adventure sports and activities this New Zealand city has to offer. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is one such option and is a luxury hotel Queenstown that features an array of modern comforts too.

Skydiving in Queenstown is well worth trying out for those looking for some action packed adventure that also provides awe-inspiring views of this picturesque part of the country. Tours include short pre-flight training and guidance and include tandem jumps. Reaching heights of up to 15,000 feet, skydiving offers a unique opportunity to see Queenstown from a whole new perspective. Drop zones vary from sites such as the Remarkables Mountain Range to Glenorchy which was used as a location for filming the Lord of The Rings, each offering something different to see and experience, while plummeting at speeds of around 200kph!

 

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+

Muara Angke Wildlife Reserve

If in search of luxury serviced accommodation Jakarta has to offer, an option is Ascott Jakarta, an exceptional Jakarta serviced apartment. A miniature conservation area of mangrove forests located on Jakarta’s north coast, the Muara Angke Wildlife Reserve is an oasis of calm, where the chirping of birds greets you as you enter. The dense growths of pedada trees and mangroves make for a refuge of lush greenery a world away from the bustling city atmosphere. Take a walk amidst the scenic atmosphere of the reserve, spotting colourful, singing birds and at times monkeys with long tails.

Elephant Trekking in Thailand

Home to some spectacular natural landscapes, Thailand provides plenty of adventure for those who love the outdoors. To make these excursions even more special one can choose an elephant trekking tour that provides a unique opportunity to get up close with these gentle creatures. Chiang Rai is one of the best areas in Thailand for such excursions and those in search of Chiang Rai hotels that also offer elephant treks can consider Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand. This luxurious hotel Chiang Rai has to offer also features a range of other activities that will help you experience the very best of the country.

Before setting off on elephant treks make sure you choose a reputable service that treats these gentle giants with care. These treks will take you off the beaten track and past some breathtaking vistas that one may otherwise not get a chance to see. As you traverse through bamboo jungles, along riversides and across lush fields of paddy, one has the opportunity to get a sense of the country’s old world charm and rich natural heritage. Some tours also include other activities such as river rafting and visiting traditional villages which add to the fun.

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+

Queenstown Rafting

Set amidst stunning mountain ranges and ancient canyons as old as time itself, white water rafting in Queensland offers an unforgettable journey full of thrills and spills. Before setting off on your adventure on the rapids, make sure to find a centrally located Queenstown hotel which to base yourself at. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is one such option and is a luxury hotel Queenstown has to offer.

Queenstown Rafting is one of the leading outfits that offer exciting rafting excursions in several key locations in the region. Beginners and those in search of milder thrills can head to Kawarau River which blends white water rafting with magnificent scenic vistas. One of the highlights here is the chance to paddle along the river that doubled as River Anduin in the film, Lord of the Rings. If it’s true adrenaline pumping action you are after, then Shotover River is the place for you; taking you past Skippers Canyon, this rating tour is a fast and furious ride that features such points as Pinball, Sharks Fin, After Shock and the Cascade Rapid which are sure to have your heart racing.

 

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+

Minneriya National Park

Located 182 km form Colombo in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province is the famed Minneriya National Park which ranks amongst the country’s leading natural reserves. This is why when staying at a Sigiriya hotel such as Aliya Resort & Spa, a journey to the park is almost inevitable. Considered by many as one of the most sought after ofresorts in Sri Lanka to head over to, one would be compelled to set out on a day’s trip to the Minneriya National Park.
Featuring wetlands, grasslands, scrublands and secondary forests that hold many a secret, the park is also known for its bird population which attracts nature lovers from far and beyond. Unveiled as a national park in 1997, the premises perhaps is best known for the ‘Gathering’ which takes place between the months of August and September and sees the largest group of Asian elephants arrive to feed, drink and frolic in and around the Minneriya Reservoir. Jeeps Safaris are the best ways in which to capture not jut elephants but sloth bears, sambar deer, saltwater crocodiles, Indian pythons and a host of bird species in their natural habitats. Since it is found in the dry zone of the country, plenty of refreshments must be taken before you embark on a trip to the wonderful Minneriya National Park.

Diving Season in Maldives

When in the Maldives one of the many things that one could enjoy is a quiet dive in its calm waters. Kurumba Maldives is amongst Maldives resorts that offer diving tours to the most discerning of adventurer. Featured amongst diving resorts Maldives has to offer, this resort will not only offer you good accommodation facilities but also provide you easy access to wonderful dive sites that are found in its waters.
The weather in this part of the world is seen as one of the deciding factors when preparing oneself for a diving adventure. Choosing the best time would give you plenty of opportunities to capture the alluring sights of the deep blue. The months spanning from December to January is considered as the Maldivian summer and is by far the most suitable time to dive down. Affording outstanding visibility, divers can take time to witness species such as the Whale Shark and the Manta Ray along with a host of other colourful specimens that frequent the Maldivian waters. Should you be in the mood for a more relaxed dive, then the month of March must be looked at. Here divers will enjoy low currents which would give them an easier time to explore and appreciate the abundance of life in the Maldives. December is the period where rough weather sets in making it an arduous task for divers to enjoy this absorbing water sport. The high winds and rain should be avoided at all costs when one ponders as to what time is the best time for an outstanding diving experience in the Maldivian isles.

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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Bali Eco Cycling

The busy streets of Bali can at times be overwhelming and claustrophobic. This is why it is always best to escape to the rural part of Bali where life tends to be lived in a more carefree and leisurely manner. Cycling in this part of the world has to be one of the more soothing of experiences you will ever have the privilege of enjoying when in Bali. Anantara Seminyak Bali which comes across as a good Bali resort to stay in will provide you access to the village lifestyle. Such a resort in Bali must be looked at should one be in the mood for a truly relaxing holiday.

With helmet in hand and a cycle that will make manoeuvring the pathways a thing of the past, one is all set to take on the myriad of sights and sounds that are part of this beautiful landscape. Cycle past bountiful rice fields as vistas of mountain and swaying trees complement that most sought after of outdoor adventure. The many back roads will be flanked by coconut tress which would inevitably lead you to the odd local village or two. Here you may pause a while to witness the womenfolk busily engaged in bamboo weaving. After sharing in a hearty feast, set out on trails that will bring you to an area which overlooks the active volcano of Mount Batur and its enchanting crater lake. Absorb the local culture in all its glory when you decide to go on a cycling tour of rural Bali and its magical landscapes.

 

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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Historical Sites in Ho Chi Minh City

Showcasing the influences of the French and the Chinese; two countries that once that governed Vietnam, the area of Ho Chi Minh City is filled with countless buildings that date back to the beginning of the 18th century. For those looking for a serviced residence in Ho Chi Minh City, perhaps Somerset Ho Chi Minh City can be considered. Select a serviced apartment Ho Chi Minh City and from where you could head out on a journey of discovery and excitement.

Thien Hau Temple which was built in the 19th century is a Chinese style shrine dedicated to Thien Hau; the Lady of the Sea. Visit the main alter of the temple and be awed by the three statuettes of the goddess that dominate the premises. A partly covered courtyard plays host to the interior of the temple and here if one stares at the roof one could encounter a myriad of features. Colourful figures ranging from demons, animals, actors and European traders and sailors adorn the roof of the temple and make for quite a mesmeric sight. Referred to as Gai Long Palace before the fall of Saigon, the museum of Ho Chi Minh City was once the residence of French colonial officers. From handicrafts, currency to artefacts that showcase the colonial rule of the country, this museum is a definite ‘must-do’. Get a more in-depth perspective of the local lifestyle by coming over to the Binh Tay Market. Have a chat with some of the elders who will tell you tales of its glorious past before making your way through the narrow lanes that makeup this colourful trading centre, set in Cho Lon.

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+