Category: Activities

Mangrove Kayaking

Areas of rich biodiversity, mangroves are the perfect places to embark on exciting kayaking tours. When in the UAE the best place for such excursions would be Sir Bani Yas Island and those in search of Abu Dhabi beach hotels here can consider Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. This Abu Dhabi resort organises kayaking tours which let you truly explore these preserved areas.

An activity that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, mangrove kayaking lets you investigate areas one would not otherwise be able to reach. These spots of rich biodiversity are where one can see such range of wildlife too. When it comes to kayaking in Abu Dhabi and around the mangroves of Sir Bani Yas Island one can look forward to seeing flying fish, flamingos and of course stunning natural landscapes. For an unforgettable excursion head out in the early hours of the morning, during sunrise when you can witness the beauty of these mangroves at first light.

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+

Sail a Dinghy in Veitnam

Learning to sail a simple Dhingy is often the first lesson of sailing one has. Vietnam with its variability of weather and sea has perfect weather conditions to learn this exhilarating sport. Dinghy sailing is also known as the ideal sport to promote team work and physical, mental health hence is used as team building activity by many corporates.

There are several places close to Mui Ne Village that have Dinghy training centers and a range of internationally and regionally raced classes and certified instructors. This sport also promotes team skills, survival skills while also letting riders relax with friends and family at leisure. There are individually tailor-made courses offered in Mui Ne in line with National sailing requirements and most of these courses offer hands on instructions. These programs are enjoyable and emphasize safety and good seamanship. From how to balance the boat to steering, upwind tacking downwind and Jibing, everything is taught during the course.

Head over to the coastal town of Mui Ne and try your hand at this amazing sport , or if you are a veteran at it ,Mui Ne offers the best weather conditions and readily available gear to enjoy the sunny skies and gorgeous waves while you sail away at leisure. Ride the waves with all your might as you enjoy the exotic country of Vietnam, and its inherent natural beauty.

There are many a Vietnam hotel located close to the Dinghy sailing venues. These offer the ease and conveniences of indulging in this exciting sport a stone’s throw away from luxurious comforts. These hotels also have navigators who are able to advice you on how to get started if you are new to the sport and provide you with a wealth of information on sailing.

Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa is a luxury resort in Mui Ne that offers star class luxuries within an authentic ambience. With well-appointed rooms that look over the beautiful southern coast of Vietnam, Anantara offers an unforgettable experience within its tropical retreat. Watch Mui Ne’s beautiful sun set with the wind in your hair while you go Dhingy Sailing in Beautiful Vietnam and retire by evening to the Legendary Anantara services.

An Exhilarating Experience

The tropical climate in Maldives makes it the perfect destination for sea swimming, diving and soaking up the sun. Not many are aware that apart from these activities Maldives is one the best locations to see whales. It has been recognised as one of the top five places for viewing such marvels of nature. There are several species of whales that roam around in the ocean surrounding the Maldivian islands. Short fin pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, Cuvier beaked whales, False killer whales, Melon-headed whales, Blue whales and even species such as the Sperm whale and Killer whale can be found in Maldivian waters. From what has been recorded there are around 23 species of these creatures and dolphins surrounding the islands. It is difficult to see some of the larger species such as the blue whale because it shies away from humans.

Maldives has a group of these species that are hard to find in any other region. The Dwarf sperm whale, Tropical bottlenose whale and the Melon-headed whale have been spotted in the ocean surrounding Maldives. The best way to see these creatures is to pay for a cruise or a safari boat. The boats get quite close to these animals and you could see them dive and then rise above the sea level. It is fascinating to watch them as most of the animals travel in enormous schools and you can watch them swim right in front of you. The most commonly seen species during a trip is the pilot whale. If you are not familiar with the different species don’t worry yourself too much about it. There are expert guides on board in each of the trips and they are sure to inform you about the varieties that you see.
The trips are guaranteed to entertain you with some amazing views of these gentle giants, but you may not see much of the bigger species as they are harder to find and most often swim in deep waters. If whale watching is part of the Maldives itinerary then one should stay in a Maldives resort. The types of hotels that one should look into are Maldives bungalows that have some great offers on these tours. For luxurious accommodation, amenities and value-for-money deals book a room at Anantara Veli Maldives.

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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Snorkelling in Bentota- Explore the spectacular coral reefs

As an island nation, Sri Lanka can boast of more than quite a few beaches all around the isle that are ideal for many types of coastal vacations and water based adventures. However certain areas of this wonderful pristine sandy shores and the adjoining deep blue seas are known for their specialties that has resulted from fabulous combinations of wave length and heights, depth of sea and the cascading waves and mighty winds that seem as they have plotted up the perfect schemes to seduce the unsuspecting traveller to their midst to enjoy some of the finest water adventures in the region.


When it comes to Bentota, which is found along the lovely western coast of Sri Lanka, the attractions are more than one, with plenty of coastal adventures to tempt the locals and foreigners alike. Bentota which is just one hours ride from Colombo also has the Bentota River merging with the Indian Ocean and in this vicinity there are many hotels and resorts that provide the gear and equipment needed for another fine water adventure – that is snorkelling. With warm waters and calm seas that doesn’t get in the way, the best time for snorkelling would be between November and April.
It is well worth snorkelling into the waters of this region as one is well rewarded with clusters of a variety of fish that haunt the spectacular coral reefs. Just to contrast with this pretty picture of colour and charisma, a diver can even find a few dark gloomy and intriguing scattered items of ship wrecks strewn here and there. Canoe Rock is claimed to be the best location for snorkelling and the area and snorkelers gets to explore the underwater via a trip to the sea from a boat or getting there from the shore itself.
With such an inviting back drop for the tourists, it is not surprising that the area has got a staggering variety of residential options including Sri Lanka boutique hotels. With tastefully appointed interiors with the traditional Sri Lankan touch and splendid oceanic views over the verandas, and private sun beds and infinity pools Saman Villas Bentota covers a range of alluring attractions for the foreign visitor with its superb location and excellent services. As luxury hotel Sri Lanka it has what it takes to covert a traveller’s experience of a beach vacation in Sri Lanka to an enchanting stay filled with heavenly moments and cherished memories.

 

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Exciting Off Road Driving on the Wahiba Sands

With mile upon mile of sand covered desert stretching as far as the eye can see, the Wahiba Sands of Oman offer thrilling escapades on off road vehicles. Those in search of Oman hotels from which to set off on such expeditions can consider the luxurious Desert Nights Camp. This hotel in Oman is uniquely located amidst awe-inspiring desert landscapes and also offers a variety of outdoor activities including desert treks and quad bike excursions.

Four-wheel drive vehicles provide the perfect mode of transport when it comes to exploring the Wahiba Sands. These off road vehicles will take you on an unforgettable ride over imposing dunes and across landscapes that are hauntingly beautiful in their desolation. Such excursions can be combined with other activities such as quad biking, sand boarding and even visits to traditional Bedouin camps. Dune bashing is a popular activity that can be enjoyed when off road driving here, while those heading out in the evenings can also enjoy the spectacular sight of the setting sun.

 

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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Mount Li Xi’an –a panoramic wonder

Nature lovers should heed the clarion call sounded by Mount Li, which forms part of the scenic Qinling Mountains in Xi’an, which boasts a proud and impressive history that is worth exploring when you’re in the region. Secure some quality Xian accommodation while you’re at it, in the form of the Citadines Central  X’ian which features a stellar array of service apartments Xian has to offer its leisure and business visitors. The Mount Li National Park is perfect when you have a day free for a spot of hiking and scenic sightseeing in the great outdoors of the Xi’an province. Mount Li is a superb option, as it towers 1,256 metres in height and spans over 20km across. Assuming the stance of a stallion poised to take off at a gallop, it is unsurprising that the mountain is a steady feature of many postcards and other scenic captures of Xi’an’s landscape. A hike through the area will reveal an intriguing array of ancient buildings, foremost amongst them is the Laojun Palace as well as the remains of the Huaqing Palace Court, which was the primary place of worship for Lao Zi, who founded the Taoist school of thought. You will also come across Bingjian Pavilion, famous for the “Xi’an Incident” of December 12, 1936, when General Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng had the president arrested by the army in order to convince him to unite the country to fend off the Japanese invasion. Once you reach the summit of Mount Li, you will be treated to a majestic panorama of the Xi’an landscape unfolding before you that makes it one of the eight scenic spots in the region popularly believed to “shine like a beacon in the evening sunlight.”

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 intends to visit them all someday.

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The Sanya Sailing Race

China is truly a cultural destination, offering something for both the young and the old. They have a very diverse culture and have many events to promote them. The most interesting part of visiting this enchanting country is participating in their festivals such as the dragon festival and so much more. One of the most compelling factors that draws visitors there in thousands every year is the world wonder, the Great Wall of China. So when you do get the opportunity to travel to this wonderful land do not forget to experience everything that the country has to offer. Yet, there is another interesting facet of China that is still to be explored. This is the Sanya Sailing Race. Hainan is a famous place for its excellent service industry and of course for their great cuisine.

After having been held in February 2012, the race will once again return to Sanya, which is the tourist capital in the province of Hainan. The area is considered to be the best venue for the race as the racers can sail up close to the shore and even on to the bay. This is a great time to visit China because the excitement is quite overwhelming and you can see international competitors right here at the event. Due to the excellent weather conditions, you are bound to have yourself a great time and it is something that the entire family can enjoy. This is an event that is visited by over thousands of spectators who come there for their share of the fun. This two day event provides a lot of fun and entertainment that you are bound not to forget any time soon.

Staying in the area is quite an experience. Stay in a Sanya hotel or even a Sanya resort such as the Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa. Sanya has so much to offer you, so do not miss out on this splendid opportunity and explore everything that this place is renowned for. Visit the Sanya bay and also the Nanwan Monkey Island. This is a trip that you are sure to remember and you and your whole family can enjoy because as said before, there is something for everyone in the wonderful place.

 

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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White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

Colombo, Sri Lanka is a wonderful place and with a vibrancy like no other. Being an island you can travel to the ‘interior’ and down south area in a short time and get back. One such place that should be a priority for you is Kitulgala. Located just about 80 kilometres from the city of Colombo, this beautiful area runs into the world famous town of Nuwara Eliya. A famous thing to do in Kitulgala is to check out the palm trees from whose sap a local sweet known as ‘jaggery’ is produced.

Yet, the town of Kitulgala is famous for something even more exiting; there is more to the town that just ‘Kitul trees’ since it is also the island’s white-water rafting haven. The entire experience takes place on the Kelani River in Kitulgala. You can white-water raft for over five kilometres and tours are generally arranged for one hour to half a day, depending on your preference.

The best three months of the year for white water rafting are at the beginning, with February being a favourite. There are also different types of white-water rafting such as black rafting too. This is where you would go in the night time, adding that much more excitement to your journey. Equipped with head lights and all the necessary safety gear, this is a must try for the more experienced rafters out there.

Kitulgala is also a nice place to relax and enjoy some bird watching too. There are some species here that cannot be found anywhere on the island. You can catch a glimpse of the spot-winged Thrush and many other types of birds as well.

While in the town of Kitulgala, visit the locations where the Academy award winning film, ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ was filmed. The foundations of the bridge remain to this day. When planning a trip to this wonderful town, check out the many tours to Sri Lanka and make sure you get good Holiday in Sri Lanka tour packages such as those offered by Sri Lankan Dreams. It provides truly fascinating sightseeing tours that take you to some of the country’s most well known landmarks and attractions.

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+

Batu Bolong Temple

For those holidaying in the west of Tanah Lot, a trip to the enchanting Batu Bolong Temple would go a long way in completing an unforgettable escape in Bali. Perched on a volcanic rock that leads out to sea, this Hindu temple is easily accessible from any of the luxury villas in Bali. From all of the luxury villas Bali has to offer, Alila Villas Soori will captivate you and put you in the mood for a trip to this popular destination.

Be enthralled by the stunning sunset by evening or the beautiful turquoise waters by day when visiting the temple. A feature of the temple is that the rock on which it is situated on possesses a giant cavity which adds to the ambience. Batu Bolong Temple comprises of a small yard and faces Bali’s most scared mountain; Gunung Agung.

Deep Water Diving in Kathu

One of the premier destinations for deep water diving, Kathu in Phuket provides an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves. Look to combine diving excursions with health retreats Phuket has to offer, letting you find peace for mind, body and spirit. Thanyapura is one such option and features holistic wellness that combines perfectly with the active lifestyle Asia is known for.

Diving enthusiasts can head to Kathu where one can find colourful coral reefs and vibrant marine life amidst the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Pa Tong town is an ideal base from which to set off on your diving adventures and lets you truly explore Phuket’s fascinating marine world. Plan a trip to the Similan and Surin National Marine Parks which offer plenty of diving fun, while not to be missed is a chance to head underwater and visit Richelieu Rock. The Koh Racha Islands are also known for dive sites worth exploring. On your excursions you may come across such marine life as blacktip reef sharks, lionfish and fusiliers to name but a few of the species that inhabit these waters.

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+