Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Hot Air Balloon Experience

Ever wondered what the paradise island of Sri Lanka looks like from way up top? Well thanks to hot air balloon tours you need not wonder anymore! An ideal place to visit for those who love to travel Sri Lanka is full of enchanting landscapes, rich natural beauty and historical sites that make such hot air balloon rides that much more special. If you are looking to discover the very best of this island make use of the Sri Lanka tours offered by Elegant Travels which take you to some spectacular sites.

For a unique perspective of Sri Lanka, sign up for a hot air balloon tour that takes you to heights ranging from 500 to 2000 feet, set amidst some awe-inspiring views. While some excursions take place in the Cultural Triangle where one can see such sites as the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, others take place along the South Coast where one may see the stunning Galle Fort and the country’s famed beaches. A flight at sunrise is a perfect opportunity to catch the first rays of the sun gently spreading across the landscape bathing everything in an ethereal glow. It is an ideal activity for the entire family or even for those looking to enjoy a romantic experience with that special someone.

Wildlife of Bali Calling to Her Admirers in the Many Voices of the Wild

Hidden in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lies the beautiful island of Bali, wrapped in her charm of the sea, with a voice of the wild untamed. Although Bali is the smallest province of Indonesia, it is the largest tourist destination of the country, and has been so for many decades in the past.

This little island is indeed a treasure trove for those who love the four legged or winged creatures that call the forest their home. Some creatures that roam the deep green jungles are endemic, some are endangered, while the rest are beautiful too to behold in their comforting abundance. Almost 14% of Bali is sacred to these creatures to roam free, undisturbed by their common greatest enemy, the man. These initiatives have ensured that the wildlife of Bali, is a thriving one.

The many little balls with colorful feathers that chirp on leafy branches and pick up fallen twigs to build their crude nests, are all relatives of the family of around 280 species of birds in Bali. Out of these, the Bali Starling with her black tipped tail is one especial, as the bird is critically endangered and endemic. Sacred Kingfisher, Stork billed Kingfisher, Sea Eagle, Lesser Adjutant, Dollarbird, Black Racket-tailed Treepie, Black-naped Oriole, Java Sparrow, Crested serpent-eagle, Yellow- vented Bulbul and the Great Egret are some of the many wonderful feathered creatures that roam the Balinese skies.

Mammals including the wild Banteng, Javan Rusa deer, Wild Boar, Indian Muntjac, Leopard Cat, Sunda Pangolin and Black Giant Squirrel inhabit the forests of Bali. However its greatest treasure, the majestic creature called Bali Tiger that was endemic to the island, was driven to extinction by poaching and habitat reduction in the year 1930. It is however unforgotten by the Balinese, while the skins and bones of the last of the kind sprawl lifelessly in museums around the world.

Squirrels and Monkeys spread their witty cheer amid the trees in their numbers while snakes such as King Cobra, Reticulated Python and Water Monitor along with spiders govern with fear. Bats remain well represented and are worshipped too, at Goa Lawah (Temple of the Bats) by the locals.

The waters of Bali also provide a home for many marine species like Hawksbill Turtle, Giant Manta Ray, Bumphead Parrot Fish, Hammerhead Shark, sea snakes and Dolphins.

The beauty of Bali can be explored while indulging in the opulence of the many hotels of the island. Out of these Uma belonging to the luxury hotel group of COMO Hotels and Resorts is highly recommendable, being an award winning hotel as well.

Out of this World

Maldives, while being a favourite holiday destination for its relaxed and peaceful vibe and beautiful coastal scenery also plays host to thousands of visitors who come there to experience the fabulous underwater scenery. Excellent under water visibility, an incredible array of marine life and spectacular underwater landscapes add much to the diving experience.

Maldives is well geared to provide the best underwater adventures that anyone could have. Every resort island has a PADI certified diving school with UDI and PADI certified instructors and excellent quality, well maintained equipment for hire so that visitors may enjoy the underwater adventures in store beneath the waves. The natural coastal lagoons around resorts are perfect for diver training. The dive schools also teach courses in rescue diving, night diving and underwater photography that adds to the range of adventures to be had beneath the waves. While it is possible to dive in the coastal water off resorts, scuba diving off coastal crafts is one of the preferred ways to experience popular dive sites and to have that much vaunted underwater adventure at any time of day. Maldives is said to have more than 1001 dive sites and living aboard is the best way to get access to them. Night diving that is said to have a ‘completely different feel’ is another way of having a really great underwater adventure. Although visibility is reduced to only the beam of the torch, this is the best way to see some of the micro and mega fauna that are nocturnal, coming to life. Even the colours of the corals are said to be different. Some night diving tours offer special lamps and masks capable of detecting bio luminescence. Bumping into a shark in the dark while scary will definitely enhance the experience. Seasonal diving provides excellent opportunities for adventurers to view concentrations of specific marine species. These include large shoals of manta rays that gather to feed on plankton at Hanifaru Bay and sightings of Whale Sharks, mantas, hammerheads, eagle rays and schools of pelagic fish at Ari Atoll. Drift diving past some of the most spectacular underwater scenery of cliffs, channels, precipitous walls and caves is perhaps the greatest thrill of all.

Those who do not dive can also have their own underwater adventure. A whale submarine sets off from Male and non divers can enjoy great views of coral reefs and schools of colourful fish as it dives down to a depth of 100 meters.

Cocoa Island Maldives offers privacy, seclusion, gorgeous vistas and access to a range of water sports. But best of all, it offers beautifully designed and decorated spacious private overwater accommodation that many people rave about. As one of Maldives luxury resorts guests have access to a range of modern and exceptional services and facilities that make their stay here memorable. Experience an elegant yet laid back Maldives resort that offers a truly holistic holiday experience.

Kerala Kayaking

If you are wondering about where to go on your next vacation, why not take a fun Kerala Kayaking tour along the scenic back waters of the area? You will first want to book a quality Kerala resort such as the Poovar Island Resort to serve as a base, and the friendly staff here will be only too glad to make all the arrangements four your backwater adventure, which makes it a quality 3 star hotel in Kerala.

Local touring company Kerala Kayaking offers an excellent array of tours that will absolutely delight everyone who embarks on it. Paddle your way through charming canals that will bring you up close and personal with the villages dotting the banks. Have lunch with a local family. Encounter a floating supermarket where you can pick up a few bits and bobs as well as a few snacks. Ensure you bring your camera and capture the scenic vistas unfolding before you and preserve them for posterity. Enjoy all of these sights whilst seated in a shikkara boat, which is a boat featuring a roof and chairs that will whisk you along the waters whilst you sit back, relax and allow the backwaters to come alive before you.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

Experience Desert Safari

Desert Safari Dubai features some of the most exciting safaris you could embark on, that will transport you to the mythical and romantic landscape of the Arabian Desert, where the magic of the ages unfolds before your very eyes. The company will pick you up from your Dubai serviced apartments to spirit you away, and if you want to ensure quality Dubai apartment accommodation beforehand, Ascott Park Place Dubai is an excellent option. Desert Safari Dubai has a selection of four exciting desert safari option, three of which offer an exciting round of “dune bashing” that sees you travelling along the golden sand dunes of the desert in a rough and tumble excursion on a well-outfitted 4×4 off-roader.

Savour the splendid sunset and take a few memorable photographs to capture this amazing sight. Afterward, if you should so choose, you’ll be taken to an authentic desert camp where you can enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars. Be mesmerized by the enchanting performance of a belly-dancer afterward, whilst you sample some traditional Arabian coffee and fresh dates. You can also try out sand skiing, quad biking, a camel ride, and even stay overnight at the desert camp. With so much excitement to look forward to, book your desert safari in Dubai today!

Deep Sea Diving

Plunge into the aquamarine blue off the western coast of Sri Lanka in Beruwala, and explore a world of wonders lingering beneath the waves. Secure diving equipment and guides as part of an experience at any of the Sri Lanka boutique hotels dotting the coastline, and Saman Villas presents a quality choice of a luxury hotel Sri Lanka. Perhaps the best time of year to go diving off the south western coast is during the months of November through May. Be advised that the current is strong, so limit your dives to the morning and afternoon, before the pull gets any stronger. Strong currents also mean the area will be teeming with exotic marine life in voluminous shoals flitting and playing around you so bring your underwater camera to capture these moments! The best dive sites are located around an hour and a half away from the shore, and you can rent a boat to take you out there; inquire at your hotel front desk for more details. The water is crystal-clear, and the sun penetrates its depths up to 30 metres. And keep on the lookout for the magnificent whale shark as they swim in these waters during the season.

A Bird’s Eye View of Langkawi

Located northwest of the mainland of Malaysia is the beautiful Island of Langkawi. Known as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is a popular tourist destination and is a tax and duty-free island. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere, pristine beaches, bustling shopping districts, exciting nightlife and recreational and leisure activities. The natural beauty and secluded nature of the island also complement the overall Langkawi experience.

There is no doubt that Langkawi is one of the most beautiful islands of Malaysia with its marvelous and lush forests and stunning coastal features, and therefore is a great place to witness of great scenic beauty. One of the best ways of getting a bird’s eye view of the island and all its amazing attractions is on the Langkawi Cable Car. The Cable Car of Langkawi is one of the islands most popular and exciting attractions and is well worth a shot by all the visitors of the island.

Located on the upper northwest of the island in the Oriental Village, the Cable Car’s entrance is placed on Mount Mat Cincang, the second highest peak of Langkawi. Tourists can go here and thereafter embark on a cable car after paying a reasonable price. Once on the cable car, you will be treated to an opportunity to witness Langkawi like never before while being fanned by the cool tropical breeze. The ride gives you an aerial view of the many rainforests, quaint road networks, and the surrounding oceans and islands. The first stop on the cable track allows you to both disembark and embark on another cable car ride which travels at an even higher elevation than the first cable car, or to take a walk on the sky-bridge and observatory bridge and admire the marvelous scenery. There are times when the cable car occasionally gets a spurt of speed which definitely adds a bit of excitement to the cable car ride. All in all the Langkawi Cable Car is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

For a comforting and refreshing stay at a luxury Langkawi beach resort, make a reservation at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa. Located facing a beautiful white sandy beach, this resort offers accommodation in a range of tranquil, stylish and exquisite rooms, suites and villas. This 5 star hotel in Langkawi also offers a host of luxury facilities such as signature spa treatments, recreational and sports facilities, fine dining restaurants and many other amenities which are sure to cater to all your needs.

Bio Photo Adventure in Maldives

Dive into the deceptively calm waters of the Indian Ocean, off the coast of the Maldives, and experience a vibrant world of colour, excitement, and adventure lingering just beneath the waves. Your Maldives resort will be more than happy to help you plan your underwater excursion, and the Velassaru Maldives is renowned for offering the quintessential dive in Maldives to enhance any holiday in the region. Try out the sport of bio photography, where you will get the opportunity to dive the marine landscapes of the Maldives with a marine biologist in tow, who will infuse the landscape before you with fresh life, by putting names to the intriguing “faces” you will encounter in the deep. Preserve some beautiful captures of the corals and thriving marine life flitting and darting midst the reefs, courtesy of our high-powered underwater cameras and cherish these amazing memories at home. So dive in today and discover the marine wonders of the Maldives!

Kite Surfing in Mui Ne

The city of Mui Ne with its warm and tempting climatic conditions has been known over the years for its large expanses of rolling red sand dunes. Every year planeloads of tourists bask in the soothing beauty of these dunes and delve into the many adventurous activities lined up for those who have a taste to play in the sand. Just as exciting as the Mui Ne sands is the water. Being one of the windiest locations in the whole of South East Asia; Mui Ne happens to be a popularly sought out spot for wind surfing.

As the wind carries you pretty much anywhere your heart desires, wind surfing takes you to new heights in relaxation. It is an activity loaded with adrenaline yet has the soothing vibes of calm accentuated by the mighty waves that you will be cruising above. Wind Surfing has given rise to a whole new genre of madness; Kite Surfing. Kite Surfing is the beloved sister of wind surfing that come with attached kites. These kites adorn the ocean during the windy season in Mui Ne that falls between November and March. During this season, kite surfing is a wild trend in this part of the world. Thanks to the excellent winds, one can enjoy the full extent of this sport. Its popularity has given rise to several surf schools in and around Mui Ne, making it accessible to even the tempted beginner who would prefer trying it out. Most of the schools available in Mui Ne are certified by the International Kiting Organization, so if you are in Mui Ne and you want to try your shot soaring on the waves, rest assured you are in excellent hands. Some of the popular names in Kite Surfing Schools include Airwaves kite surfing school, Jibe’s and Wind chimes; all excellent schools that provide a range of different facilities and packages.

In addition to all the water sports you can enjoy, the beaches in Mui Ne are simply exquisite. While holidaying in this part of the world, stay at the Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa. This exotic Vietnam hotel is the finest beach resort in Mui Ne.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Things to do in Sanya

Visit the charming resort locale of Sanya, situated on China’s southern coast and is often billed as the country’s “Hawaii”. When seeking a Sanya hotel to accommodate you, consider the Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa, as its beachfront location makes it an ideal Sanya resort at which you could stay. When you are in the region, several must-do sites present themselves for further exploration. Interact with the playful and sweet Macaque monkeys over on Nanwan Monkey Island, who will jump on you if they sense food or drink, so if you are for a bit of frolic, then head over here! If you want to plunge into the aquamarine waters that frame this tropical paradise, then your best bet for diving, snorkelling and other water sports would be Wuzhizhou Island, although visitors are advised to choose times that are off-peak to visit, in order to maximize visibility. The Sanya Hanshan Temple is a local landmark, which features a stunning, gigantic statue of Quan Yin, the Goddess of infinite compassion and mercy in Chinese Buddhism. It is located around an hour outside of Sanya city, and should make for a fun day trip out. If you are craving a bite to eat, you will discover many restaurants serving up the area’s specialty: fresh seafood. A fun way to sample the latest catch of the day is to visit the Agricultural Products Market on Xinjian Street, where you can select your seafood and have it taken across the street to the restaurants, which will be happy to cook it for you, in whatever way you wish.